All About Logitech Z-2300

Logitech continues to be doing superior work recently, expanding from the computer parts company widely known for mice and keyboard products into a reliable multimedia audio brand. While their designs do not provide audiophile-quality performance, or characteristics of such, they do provide reliable, easy-to-use solutions for the set-it-and then-forget-it users that occupy a substantial part of the computer and gaming industry.

The ability of the Z-2300 at a hundred and ninety-nine dollars (MSRP), includes two hundred watts of RMS Power, eighty watts RMS into eight ohms, at 1 kilohertz, with a ten percent Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for the satellites along with a hundred twenty watts RMS unto eight ohms at 100 hertz and then ten percent THD for the subwoofer. According to Logitech, there's a 100dB signal-noise ratio at 1 Kilohertz in addition to a frequency response of approximately 35- 20 Hertz; although without +/- dB specs, the unit may play up to 20 Kilohertz, though if you fail to hear it, then its not good. Consumers must remember that these audio specs don't often relate with actual conditions; they simply give a short preview of a product's capacity during stable conditions. If you push "Play" and the material begins to make demands on the product, the real specs normally contradict.

Without having to pay to Lucasfilm, the Z-2300 actually provides a THX certificate, which goes to show that it has been able to pass a broad specs set that many other designs could pass as well. However, the badge means a lot for marketing purposes, especially in the small-speaker realm of desktop audio.

The satellites, which are 6.75 inches in height, 3.5 inches in width, and six inches in depth, employ 2.5 inches of refined lightweight aluminum phase plug driver that also comes with a top port. Ahead of the woofer taking over, the phase plug driver ought to raise and multiply the mid and high frequencies, being the sole driver on the satellites. It appears to be tougher compared to the dual driver designs. The subwoofer, which is 11-inch tall, 11-inch wide, and 15-inch deep, employs an 8-inch long-throw woofer, ported also.

Setup and Operation

Just like the other products of Logitech, the setup procedure is straightforward. The remote control of Z-2300 is outboard wired and includes a System Volume knob. If your source outputs using a single stereo mini-plug (as do most computers and MP3 players), simply plug the remote's 3.5mm cable straight into your source's audio output. If your source outputs with a pair of stereo RCA plugs, Logitech offers an adapter to convert both of these plugs into a mini-plug for link with the remote. Next thing to do is to plug the D-SUB connector of the remote behind the subwoofer but make it sure that you align the pins appropriately before pushing the plug because they can easily break. Enjoin the 2 satellite speakers to the subwoofer's behind after placing them. Finally, plug the subwoofer into the wall.

Turn on the subwoofer's power switch right after ensuring that the source is switched of. The remote control's Power LED should blink. Push "Play" on your source and that's it. The remote control's volume knob can be used to make alterations on the master volume and the easy-to-use subwoofer knob for bass output alterations. Should you want to turn the unit on and off over and over via the subwoofer's rear switch, then you can also choose to use the Power/ Standby button of the remote. The headphone jack of the remote is excellent for convenient headphone hook-up, as it mutes the main sytem automatically as it continues to present volume control via master volume knob. Z-2300's short hardwired cables, on its satellites and remote, could be difficult in the setup process and might give you few placement choices.

Sound

The Z-2300 is capable of playing loudly that is good for movies and games. The subwoofer packs a nice punch, although the forward-firing woofer means you may have to find a location where a leg doesn't block it or even the side-firing port. The subwoofer can manage boosts in the subwoofer volume knob, but in extreme situations, it clips a little and also distorts. Overall, the subwoofer provided good performance, considering the price. Your remote's volume controls might be improved in general, but taking into consideration the prices, it is hard to debate.

The satellites give a mixed bag option. The single driver could not reproduce the whole range of frequencies completely, creating somewhat rolled-off highs plus a barely acceptable midrange. An obvious sonic gap existed between the satellites as well as the subwoofer, indicating a lower crossover point that the satellites just could not handle. The satellites additionally exhibited fairly directional features, meaning that as they pointed away from the hearing position, the sound degraded considerably. Keep this in mind when drawing the balance between overall quality of sound, imaging and soundstaging.

High Points

- The Z-2300 is the best for movies and games as it can play quite loudly. You may need some good speakers for your computer if you want watching movies and playing games by downloading from online sites for example Apple's iTunes or Hulu.

- The subwoofer is remarkably great, thinking about its size and low cost.

- The Logitech Z-2300's fit and finish is quite respectable when you consider the expense of buying the system. The speakers look quite appealing.

- The remote device provides an easy touch; with top quality headphone jack.

- It is possible to fit the gaming consoles conveniently while using the RCA connection adapter.

Low Points

- The Z-2300 tends to leave audiophiles searching for more with regards to musicality upon comparison of the device to ordinary bookshelf speakers. Bookshelf speakers never exactly fit nicely on your desk with a huge old 24-inch LCD monitor, but when you've got audiophile needs, stay with audiophile gear and pay the audiophile prices.

- The short, hardwired cables of the remote device and particularly the satellites reduce placement options.

- The subwoofer's output may not totally turn off, even if the volume setting is defined at the lowest, which will make it harder during the setup process.

- The unit will not provide a 2nd input, which would be greatly convenient.

Conclusion

At a low price, the Z-2300 offers several advantages. The Logitech system offers great sound quality for games and also movies, along with a package of convenient features. Nowadays, you need to have a good set of speakers for your computer understanding that online downloads already are extremely popular among myriad of users, and Logitech Z-2300 may be the best deal for you. logitech z-2300