Logitech Z-4 2.1 Channel Speaker System

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and pieces to musical scores that you may have missed in the past.

- Convenience. A control box is included with the z-4; as opposed to having audio controls on one of the speakers, a seperate box is utilized. Contains one large volume knob, one small "bass" knob (more on this later,) an ON/OFF button, a 3.5mm input jack (for your iPod, for example,) and a headphone out jack. Your computer does not need to be running to utilize the input jack, which provides a universality sure to be appreciated by those who go to the extent of using it regularly (personally, I use it in conjuction with a RCA -> 3.5mm "Y" converter to support my PlayStation2.) This feature is only as worthwhile as the sum of its parts, however; as it is virtually no more than a line-in jack which is found on almost any modern PC's sound card.

The middle:

- Quality. Except for the satellites themselves, the pieces in this package feel somewhat cheap. My first set had to be exchanged as the left satellite's metal base was warped right out of the package, and didn't balance well at all on my desk. Also, the aforementioned control box isn't weighted at all, and thanks to its cable (which weighs more than the box itself,) slides around my desk at will. Two 3.5mm jacks are housed in a plastic case and feel rather fragile, making me weary of constant use. The "bass" knob controls just that, as opposed to the subwoofer, which I would've much preferred. Turning the knob below it's 50% notch not only silences the subwoofer, but it also renders all music to sound "tinny" and no one likes tinny. At least I don't think.

The bad:

- Performance. I'm entitled to hold no punches as a regular Logitech consumer -- the deliverance of this system, in my personal opinion, doesn't deserve to bear the (countless) Logitech logo(s.) The subwoofer is fully enclosed and has virtually no throughput whatsoever, which can be a blessing or a curse. If it is your wish to "feel" your movies, video games, music, what have you, then you will more than likely be disappointed, and I'd have to recommend a more powerful set. Secondly, try as they might, the satellites do not do the best job of covering all bases. This is an argument you'll read in just about any audio-related review; Music Genre A sounds great, but Music Genre B sounds muddled and Music Genre C sounds just flat out bad. To my ears, the z-4 handles the quieter end of the genre spectrum with more finesse than that of, say, Japanese-brand speedcore (don't ask.) The highs come through exceptionally well, yet blending in too many midrange to low tones in conjuction will often result in a distortion that comes through ever-so-slightly enough to offset that "immersion" thing that people like when listening to music.

- Price tag. Not worth it. Sorry Logitech. Or maybe they are...? After all, The z-4 satellites immediately become the most attractive things on your desk the moment you set them down for the first time. Perhaps this system was designed for the fashion-savvy, and I'm hypothetically slapping myself in the face for my now unrefundable purchase. If you recall yourself being caught up in the "iPod craze" some years ago, only to get home and realize (in a sheer twist of irony) that you don't spend much time listening to music -- then you can probably relate with me on this one. Don't get me wrong, though. I'm listening to music ALL THE TIME. Literally.

Overall, while they provide a somewhat solid desktop solution to your everyday audio needs, do not be fooled into thinking that these speakers are something they are not, especially by the price. Considering how much I paid for these, I was expecting a hell of a 2.1 experience, as this package will run you more than some of Logitech's entry-level surround systems. This isn't your convenient bite-sized home theater solution... these are computer speakers, and expensive ones. It's as simple as that.

Logitech Z-4 2.1 Channel Speaker System

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balance with the remaining sound, not overwhelm it (or steal power away from the mid-range, resulting in, surprise, muffled sound). In most listening environments, to add punch to the bass, the middle bass should be equal to the very lowest bass setting. If the bass is set correctly, the mid-range usually requires no adjustment. However, many listening environments also benefit from a tiny amount of additional treble (again, not too much - balance). All that should get you in the ballpark. From there, you can adjust for your preference, environment, computer's sound card, and connection (speaker or laptop headphone outputs). None of this should require anything more than gentle tweaking, not huge adjustments.

Are these speakers perfect? Of course not. I have over two thousand dollars invested in the speakers for my home entertainment system, with two 250-watt amplifiers driving those speakers. Now that is a system I expect near perfect sound from (but even it is tweaked with an equalizer). These $70 computer speakers, on the other hand, sound just fine for $70 computer speakers. Indeed, they sound better than anything else tried in this price range. My local store has speakers hooked up to allow for comparison testing. Nothing in this price range sounded better than the Logitech Z4. In fact, the only speakers with better sound were one costing about $160 and another costing just over $250. Obviously, neither of those sounded as good as the multi-thousand dollar surround system either.

One reviewer mentioned (in the subject line) that the speaker is not that loud. Again, I can't possibly imagine what was expected. These speakers are so loud, one would have to scream in the loudest voice to be heard anywhere in the vicinity of these speakers. These speakers are obviously not disco speakers, but, again, are very fine computer speakers.

The Logitech Z4 speakers are very easy to hook up. The only connection to the computer is the audio output - the speaker output of a desktop or earphone/speaker output of a laptop. Everything else plugs into the back of the sub-woofer (floor placement under a desk recommended). The satellite speakers sit on either side of the computer display, with the wired remote control located for convenience. The only controls, overall volume and bass volume, are on the remote. The entire system is powered directly by a wall outlet (no adapters). There does not appear to be a multi-voltage version available for international use.

The sub-woofer housing is made of particle-board wood (painted black with plastic silver trim) with a black metal screen on the front. The satellite speakers (black with silver speakers, trim, and base) are plastic balanced on a sturdy metal base. There is no cover over the satellite speakers. There is a single blue light on the power button (no flashing light gimmicks here). Finally, there is a headphone jack and audio-in jack (for MP3 players or whatever) on the front of the remote control.

All in all, I'm very satisfied with these speakers. Clearly some have different sound preferences, but I suspect most will enjoy these speakers as much as I do.

Logitech Z-4 2.1 Channel Speaker System

...

balance with the remaining sound, not overwhelm it (or steal power away from the mid-range, resulting in, surprise, muffled sound). In most listening environments, to add punch to the bass, the middle bass should be equal to the very lowest bass setting. If the bass is set correctly, the mid-range usually requires no adjustment. However, many listening environments also benefit from a tiny amount of additional treble (again, not too much - balance). All that should get you in the ballpark. From there, you can adjust for your preference, environment, computer's sound card, and connection (speaker or laptop headphone outputs). None of this should require anything more than gentle tweaking, not huge adjustments.



Are these speakers perfect? Of course not. I have over two thousand dollars invested in the speakers for my home entertainment system, with two 250-watt amplifiers driving those speakers. Now that is a system I expect near perfect sound from (but even it is tweaked with an equalizer). These $70 computer speakers, on the other hand, sound just fine for $70 computer speakers. Indeed, they sound better than anything else tried in this price range. My local store has speakers hooked up to allow for comparison testing. Nothing in this price range sounded better than the Logitech Z4. In fact, the only speakers with better sound were one costing about $160 and another costing just over $250. Obviously, neither of those sounded as good as the multi-thousand dollar surround system either.



One reviewer mentioned (in the subject line) that the speaker is not that loud. Again, I can't possibly imagine what was expected. These speakers are so loud, one would have to scream in the loudest voice to be heard anywhere in the vicinity of these speakers. These speakers are obviously not disco speakers, but, again, are very fine computer speakers.



The Logitech Z4 speakers are very easy to hook up. The only connection to the computer is the audio output - the speaker output of a desktop or earphone/speaker output of a laptop. Everything else plugs into the back of the sub-woofer (floor placement under a desk recommended). The satellite speakers sit on either side of the computer display, with the wired remote control located for convenience. The only controls, overall volume and bass volume, are on the remote. The entire system is powered directly by a wall outlet (no adapters). There does not appear to be a multi-voltage version available for international use.



The sub-woofer housing is made of particle-board wood (painted black with plastic silver trim) with a black metal screen on the front. The satellite speakers (black with silver speakers, trim, and base) are plastic balanced on a sturdy metal base. There is no cover over the satellite speakers. There is a single blue light on the power button (no flashing light gimmicks here). Finally, there is a headphone jack and audio-in jack (for MP3 players or whatever) on the front of the remote control.



All in all, I'm very satisfied with these speakers. Clearly some have different sound preferences, but I suspect most will enjoy these speakers as much as I do.