THE BEST 4.1 speakers on the market. period.
Written: Jul 27 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Extremely loud, wide range, superior clarity at high volumes, versatility, build quality.
Cons: The lack of a potentiometer, the supplied wires were of poor grade.
The Bottom Line: With the street price of under $150, these speakers give you a whole lot more for your money than the competition. BUY IT!
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| krnjas0n's Full Review: Logitech Z-560 4 Speakers |
Intro
Logitech has been famous for its gaming pads/joysticks, mouse/keyboard, and webcams, until now. After acquiring Labtec, they started to develop more audio-based equipment, ditching the soundman series and stepping up to the Z series.
The Z-560 speakers surprised everyone when they first hit the market. Not only was it a 4.1 desktop speaker system coupled with a control pod (SoundTouch Control Center), but it also packed 400 watts RMS. Soon after it hit the market, reviewers tried to scrutinize the Z-560 and compare it to the Klipsch Promedia 4.1s. With Klipsch being at the top of computer speakers, it was hard for the Logitech team to beat through klipsch and other companies. With the Z-560s, Logitech totally outdid themselves, especially with it's MSRP being only $200. (you can find it for under 150 in most etailers)
First impressions
When I looked out my window and saw the FedEX guy struggle with a monstrous box, I knew at once that my speakers have arrived. Weighed at 50lbs, it was quite a workout to carry it all the way to the 3rd floor. I opened the box at once to meet a very well packaged speaker system. All the parts felt very sturdy in my hand and I liked the fact that they were all HEAVY. The satellites employ a BIG magnet to handle the wattage. I was slightly disapponted at the speaker wires they supplied, but thankfully, I had purchased 50 feet of 16 gauge wires at Radioshack for 9 dollars, so I was good to go. The sub was huge, and the aluminum heat sink in the back told me that it was ready for anything i threw at it.
Setting up
Setting up the speakers was a no-hassle job, thanks to the REAL connectors they provided (unlike most computer speaker systems). 10 minutes and everything was all in place.
The satellites
The 4 satellites were identical, and they had removable grilles. I prefer the grill off because the highs sound sharper and it gives a more pro-audio look.
The satellite itself seemed very well built, with a sturdy stand which could be reversed for wall mounting, rubber surrounding the drivers as opposed to the cheap foam most companies use, and the aluminum phase plug which acts as a heat dissipater as well has holding the driver in place when you are moving the satelites. The satellites, while lacking true tweeters, provide a very realistic sound. They are also VERY LOUD, which I had previously experienced in the store.
These satellites are ported on top. You can actually feel the warm air shoot out when you're playing music at mid-high level volumes. Overall, I'd say these are very well built speakers, even more so then the Klipsch Promedia 4.1 speakers.
The SoundTouch Control Center
Most reviewers say that the SoundTouch Control Center (henceforth mentioned as the STCC) did not do justice to the package. In my opinion, however, the STCC does perfectly fine what it's supposed to do. Although it lacks a potentiometer to control the treble, that can be easily adjusted with the sound card. The ability to position it horizontally or vertically (with the supplied stand) is also a plus, if you lack desktop space. The colors fit in easily with the rest of the system, and the blue and green rings surrounding the volume and M3D buttons respectably add a nice touch to the overall appearance.
Speaking of the M3D, it is like the Pro Logic system. It simulates 4 channel sound from a 2 channel source. This can be helpful for those of you that don't have a 4 channel sound card. M3D also helps 2 channel sources such as MP3s, giving them a more arena type feel. Note that when M3D is enabled, the rear 2 channels are completely disabled, so it is not advised to use it while listening to a 4 channel source, such as DVDs.
The STCC has a powered plug for headphones, and when headphones are plugged in, the speakers are automatically muted. The plug is also powerful and drives the most demanding headphones. At least Logitech provides a separate compartment for the controls, instead of putting them on one of the satellites.
The subwoofer
Ah... The massive subwoofer. Outfitted with a HUGE aluminum heat sink and a solid wood enclosed, front firing, ported 8" driver, the sub screams BASS before you even fire it up.
Once you do fire it up, the tight, loud, and well defined bass fills up the room. When turned up, the sub really shakes the walls and floors. My cat must hate the sub now.
You won't understand the power of these subs until you feel them for yourselves. It is extremely loud, and the aluminum heat sink really gets HOT when the volume is cranked up. The Klipsch Promedia woofers don't stand a chance against this sub. Heck, this sub even outdoes my home theater sub. People say the bass is overpowering the subs, but i strongly disagree. The sub is very well coordinated with the satellites, creating a very warm and accord sound.
Conclusion
You can obviosly tell that I like these speakers. www.3dsoundsurge.com reported that these are the LOUDEST 4.1 speakers tested to date. It outguns all the competition, even its THX certified competitors.
At the price of $200, it is way below the price of the Klipsch Promedia 4.1, its direct competitor. With the extra bucks you save, you have the option of changing the grade of the wires (which Klipsch doesn't even provide). I highly recommend purchasing some 16-gauge wires. They really do make a lot of difference, especially at high volumes.
Most of all, Logitech is proud to report that the 400watt rating is a true RMS, unlike the Cambridge Megaworks and the Klipsch Promedias. What this means is that the speakers provide 400 watts of CONSTANT volume, unlike the others which measure the PEAK volume. If one was to measure the Logitech Z-560s they way they measured the Megaworks or the Klipsch, one would easily obtain numbers which double the competitors' outputs.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
krnjas0n
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Reviews written: 2
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