Logitech Z-2300  Editors' choice

By Tim Gideon, CNET.com on 25/11/2004

More Logitech reviews , RRP: AU$300.00

The good:

  • Outstanding audio quality
  • Streamlined
  • Efficient design
  • Adapter for game consoles

The bad:

  • Upward-firing satellites not adjustable
  • Hardwired cables

The bottomline:

If you're looking for a set of 2.1 speakers, buy these. It's as simple as that.

Users' rating:

9.2/10
Although they weren't perfect, we liked Logitech's old Z-2200 speakers an awful lot. We were a bit annoyed by their use of hardwired speaker cables instead of quick-connect jacks (a feature that has not changed), but the overall performance of the set was spectacular. And while we admit we were skeptical about the attempt to mess with a classic, Logitech's new Z-2300 2.1 speakers improve upon the originals more than we thought possible.

A lot of the core specs remain the same between generations. The Z-2300 retains the Z-2200's THX certification and speaker-frequency response (35Hz to 20KHz) and the subwoofer's 120 watts of floor-rattling power. The remote still offers headphone access and the standard sub and volume controls. Design changes abound, however, and they're more than just cosmetic.

Redesigned for a sleeker look, the speakers still utilise the same phase plug-style drivers (designed to even out frequency response). At 6.35cm, the drivers are smaller than the old, mammoth 7.62cm version yet offer the same amount of power (80 watts, or 40 watts per channel). We also found the outer casing visually appealing, with a chrome-and-black colour scheme and removable black dust covers. The extra 1.9cm shaved off their width is a helpful update for the cluttered-desk crowd -- though it's too bad you can't adjust their upward-firing angle. This time around, Logitech has also included a video game adapter for all you console owners.

Our first test on the Z-2300 was musical. We checked out the Arcade Fire's MP3 "Wake Up" and loved the results. The opening guitar riff sounded crunchy and clear, with the subwoofer offering subtle and smooth low-end accompaniment. When the drums kicked in and the bass guitar followed, the bass never detracted from the speakers' excellent clarity in the mid-to-high frequencies, even at maximum volume. All the while, the set provided the kind of thump and low-end resonance most would associate with a great PA system at a live show. Unlike those on many 2.1 setups, the Z-2300's subwoofer seemed capable of providing stellar sound at both moderate and extreme bass levels.

The results for gaming were similar. The explosions and the spaceship rumbles of Escape Velocity: Nova showcased the Z-2300's subwoofer. For some ridiculous thunder, we turned the sub's volume to its max and blew up some enemy ships. The walls, the desk, and the floor shook with an intensity that quiet neighbours and coworkers will quickly learn to hate, yet even at this high volume, we experienced clarity in the middle and high frequencies with no distortion. Watching chapter 34 of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers DVD delivered an equal amount of pure joy. In this battle scene, every collision benefited from a tremendous thud, and the fall of every horse hoof came through with pristine clarity and a low-end bass from the sub that made us shudder. Amid all this low-frequency glory, the score and the dialogue were never obscured or overpowered. The Z-2300 may not be a proper 5.1 surround-sound kit, but its output sure sounds like movie-theatre quality.

At AU$299.95, the Logitech Z-2300 speakers are an excellent investment. Our minor gripes about the wiring and the nonadjustable angle of the speakers are truly minimal when weighed against the audio's superb power and accuracy. Simply put, they sound magnificent.

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kero rocks
19/07/2008, 08:23 PM

rating
9
/10

they are sweet for BIG BOOM
i live out in the bush kind of so yea, i push it to 3 quarter volume with full bass, cant beat it

Pros: Massive 120wattRMS sub
speakers are of decent quality

Cons: cords kind of awkward, my jack cord is a bit sensitive (1 speaker drops out if its not correctly positioned), not sure y, i got 1 year warrenty anyways so meh

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lenlever
26/06/2008, 09:48 PM

rating
8
/10

I purchased it on ebay and when I recvd the box I was surprised at the size and weight of it - It must weigh between 15 to 20 Kg and it is too heavy for one person to carry for more than a minute. Logitech don't mention the weight in the specifications, as I assume that it may put off people.

My only gripe is that there is no control to increase or decrease the Treble

My son has a JBL CREATURE II set of 2.1 DESKTOP SPEAKERS, which is light weight and gives a reasonable performance and this has a Treble and Bass control on the sides of a much smaller but adequate sub woofer

Pros: Sound is good
The wired remote control is very good and easy to use, but lacks a Treble control

Cons: Very heavy and Sub Woofer is very large for PC Speaker system and unless one has space under the computer desk to accommodate the sub woofer one can have problems.
No control to increase or decrease the Treble

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Daniel
24/05/2008, 06:39 PM

rating
10
/10

I just got these yesterday, but set them up 2 day, and all i can say is there extremely guudd the sub is soo pwoerful

being the owner of the logitech z5500 (best model of the logitech range) all ican say is that these are the olni set of speakers that could possibly rival the z5500

Pros: heaps powerful sub
nice professional look of the speakers

Cons: speakers cant be mounted due to their design

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Jordo_6
22/04/2008, 10:16 PM

rating
10
/10

Just got these today, so good and i havn't even turned it past half way yet

Pros: 8inch sub with 120w of power

Cons: no tweater

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MK
12/04/2008, 08:00 PM

rating
10
/10

I absolutely LOVE these speakers !! what better than to have THX certified in your bedroom !? man.. the songs sound BEST on this, even comapred to the speakers in my car !! LOVE Z-2300 !

Pros: Awesome Sound !!
Pumping Bass !!
BEst speakers for my rap and techno !

Cons: the neighbours are going deaf before me :P

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a70harley
24/02/2008, 05:32 PM

rating
6
/10

you still didn`t answer my question?

Pros: sounds great on my PC

Cons: can`t hook up my to my tv

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Cyber_chaotic
30/01/2008, 10:29 AM

rating
10
/10

I went and picked mine up yesterday
God, i lol'd so hard when i saw the box on the trolley. I was expecting something FAR smaller. (I was thinking something Z-4 sized btw)

i lol'd all the way home

Pros: MASSIVE BOOM BASS
Sub looks absolutely impressive on a desk. (Not enough floor space here)
'Wired' remote control has it all (except for a mic input. Would've been nice with one)

Cons: MASSIVE BOOM BASS (house shakes)
Weak/missing/lack of midrange (but who cares?)
Sub is difficult to position in room (due to the cause of not knowing the dimenisons earlier)

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Ping
25/12/2007, 02:16 PM

rating
6
/10

The Z2300s have deep (though boomy)bass and bright treble, but a disturbingly noticeable lack of midrange. If you are after something approaching hi fidelity, these are not for you. If you are after boom-boom bass, these will suit you fine. Having been into hi fidelity for many decades, I was disappointed with the fidelity of the speakers given the enthusiasm of CNET's reviewer (and I suspect that the reviewer's expertise may lie in areas other than hi fidelity sound). Notwithstanding, for the price they do represent excellent value for money; one can hardly expect $1700 sound from $170 speakers. 6/10.

Pros: Ample power output, very strong though ill-defined (boomy) bass. Suitable for gaming and popular music.

Cons: Significant midrange drop-off (which exaggerates the stereo image as a by-product).

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Hartley
16/12/2007, 02:34 PM

rating
10
/10

only 2.1 that can keep up with my Techno and Bass

Pros: Good Design,Awsome Sound Clarrity,Best Bass for its price,

Cons: Walls Shake and Neigbors complain :D

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scottyz
20/11/2007, 08:51 PM

rating
10
/10

Just got it today and extremely happy with it. Perfect sound and nice deep bass, perfect for what i wanted. Gaming, listening to music and watching movies.

Pros: Perfect sound qulaity, great deep bass, price $160, cheap as

Cons: Nothing as yet

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