Logitech Compact Speaker System Z320 for Notebooks

by Logitech

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 8.3 x 6.3 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002FU5QLQ
• Item model number: 980-000329
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #87 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Accessories > Computer Speakers
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 16, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer Your music, videos and games are stored on your notebook. The Speaker System Z320 brings them all to life in Logitech 360-degree sound. Unlike traditional desktop speakers that focus all the sound only in one direction, Logitech projects sound evenly in all directions. So you get the full, clear listening experience all around the room--not just in front of the speakers. Small in size but big in sound, these are the perfect notebook speakers for listening to your digital tunes in any room. And with 10 watts of power, you'll hear every note, beat and blast.

Rock the room with little speakers that sound big Your room isn't just a room. It's your office, bedroom, dance floor, screening room and game arcade. And because you don't just listen to music when you're sitting at your computer, the Speaker System Z320 floods every corner of your room with Logitech 360-degree sound. No dead spots, missing high notes or dropped-out bass thumps. You hear every note and nuance from every spot in the room. It's sound dispersed so clearly and evenly in all directions, you feel like you're in your music, movies and games.

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Key Features

Traditional desktop speakers focus sound in one listening “sweet spot”		Logitech 360-degree sound fills every corner of the room Most notebook speakers are designed to sound good only when you're sitting directly in front of them. But as soon as move away from the speakers to read in bed, chill in your over-stuffed corner chair or play with your cat on the floor, that fat music track can sound pretty thin. Problem solved.
Logitech 360-degree speakers project sound evenly in all directions for a full-room sweet spot		Unlike traditional speakers that use only a forward-firing driver, Logitech satellite speakers combine both forward- and backward-firing drivers. Result? Sound is dispersed more evenly and over a wider range of space. Deep bass, mid-range tones, crisp high notes—they all stay together, all around the room. So you experience concert-hall quality sound that envelops you, even if you're playing air guitar behind the speakers.
		Compact, contoured design for big sound and style in a small space Your desktop holds a lot of stuff. So you need a speaker system that won't take up much of your precious workspace. This compact system is just what your crowded desktop ordered. Just under 8-inches high, these sleek speakers frame your notebook nicely without asking for much space. No clutter. No hassles. Just plug them in and fill every corner of your room with audio nirvana.
		10 watts (RMS) of power for a rich sound experience Go ahead. Turn up the volume. These little speakers deliver enough crisp, clear sound to do justice to your favorite rock anthem. Your games will come alive with detailed sound that ratchets up the intensity. And your small-screen movies and videos will engulf you with a bold sound experience.
		The perfect notebook companion for filling any room with your music Throwing a party in the living room or out back on the deck? The music part is covered. These small, lightweight speakers are easy to move to any room. Just bring your notebook to the party room, plug in the speakers, pick your playlist and start dancing.

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Enhance your listening experience with great Logitech products.

Logitech Speaker System Z323 Transport yourself into your music, movies, and games with the 30-watt (RMS) Logitech Speaker System Z323. With 360-degree sound, the Z323 speakers help project audio evenly in all directions, so you get a great listening experience throughout the room.		Ultimate Ears SuperFi 4 Noise Isolating Earphones Featuring the same speaker technology and sound signatures used in our higher-end products, these compact earphones deliver detailed bass with crisp and clean mids and highs.		Ultimate Ears MetroFi 220 Noise Isolating Earphones More than just a pretty package, the MetroFi 220 earphones give you clarity, smooth range, and deep bass in a sleek and comfortable design.

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What's in the Box Package Contents Logitech Speaker System Z320 Power supply Quick-start guide 2-year limited hardware warranty System Requirements Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later Sound card or 3.5 mm audio out

Product Description

The Logitech Speaker System Z320, coming through loud and clear. You don't listen to music from just one place, so you'll enjoy a great sound all the way around the room thanks to 360 -degree sound. Get a full range of sound in a small package - perfect for your notebook computer.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Portable Speaker System with Very Smooth Sound Quality, September 24, 2009

By 

Lawrence H. Bulk "Lawrence H. Bulk" (New Jersey USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Logitech Compact Speaker System Z320 for Notebooks (Personal Computers)

(What's this?)

I am very pleased with this Logitech Speaker System Z320 (Black). This is the first Logitech product I have ever owned and I am impressed.

Now I must mention that the star rating I give takes into account the size of the speakers, their cost, and the purpose for which they were designed. Overall, within their category, these are, in my opinion, 5-star speakers.

For their size, cost, and portability, they produce absolutely amazing sound quality, among the best I have heard in such small external computer speakers. Are they my absolute favorites in computer speakers? Well, no - the Altec Lansing Expressionist-PLUS FX3021 2.1 Speaker System remain that (they are 2.1 speakers after all, they take up much more room, and they cost more than these Logitechs) - but the Logitech ones are, right now, a VERY close second.

I have mine placed on a cabinet with the speakers about 40 inches apart (the connecting cord between the speakers is approximately 72 inches) and they are about 6 inches in front of a back wall. For best sound quality, and this is VERY important, they should be placed as close to a rear wall as is practicable. This will offer the most bass reinforcement - and small speakers such as these need all the reinforcement they can get.

This placement allows the speakers to perform well, in my opinion. They produce excellent treble and midrange and the bass, while certainly not "bone-shattering," is more than adequate when taking into account just what these speakers are.

With no subwoofer, you are not going to "feel" any bass but you CAN hear the note(s) being played. So far I have played two pieces through them - the first was MÁ VLAST [My Fatherland] by Bedrich Smetana in the performance by the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by James Levine. This was an MP3 which I encoded from the original CDs at 128 kbps VBR and was, of course, played from my computer (an Acer Extensa 5620-6419 running Ubuntu [Linux] v. 9.04). The second item I played is one of my favorites (and one of my reference sound discs): Holst Suites 1 & 2 / Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks / Stars and Stripes (Stereo Hybrid SACD). This was played through an Insignia NS-P4112 portable compact disc player (about twenty dollars at Best Buy) and, while it's just a fair player at best, it is worth rather more than its selling price, at least in my opinion.

The first selection sounded absolutely excellent via these speakers. The second selection (which was the CD layer of the hybrid SACD disc) sounded quite good except for the famous bass drum. Now of course it is unfair to play such a disc through speakers such as these but I wanted to give the a good test. I have to say that, for their size and price, they came through with flying colors.

From my listening to these two selections, I can confidently state that these speakers will bring a lot of pleasure to anyone who requires speakers in this category. Do they sound as good as my Klipschorns? Of course not - but then I can't take my Klipschorns on a trip - or even out into my back yard! I CAN take these along (and, from my admittedly limited - so far - audition, these can play VERY loud so they should work fairly well outdoors).

Are there "nits?" You bet - No. 1: why, oh why, do portable {computer) speaker manufacturers insist on hard-wiring their speakers together? While a six-foot separation is often adequate, there are situations in which I should like to separated the speakers even further. (The bass response would certainly be improved, though it still wouldn't be "great," if I could place them in the corners of my room.) I wish manufacturers would allow attaching their speakers together via 3.5mm stereo cords. With that option, the owner could separate the speakers to any reasonable length desired.

No. 2: I wish these speakers had covers for their drivers. Removable covers would be ideal. I am always afraid of damage occurring when drivers are not protected in some way.

No. 3: I wish these speakers had treble and bass controls. While I have found their balance to be excellent, it is always better to be able to adjust these parameters should the occasion arise.

No. 4: I wish these speakers imaged somewhat better. I was quite surprised at this slight deficiency, considering the size of the speakers. If I were to separate them to their six-foot maximum, the imaging might improve. Now I do have to mention that this particular "quality" is relatively unimportant to me personally. Others, however, might wish for more and better imaging quality which is why I mention it.

However --- the above four "nits" are just that - nits, VERY minor quibbles in a low cost, high quality, and VERY versatile speaker system. As a slight bonus they are, in my and my wife's opinion, very good looking.

Now I have to admit that I read the four reviews posted ahead of mine and I must say that I'm quite surprised that the other reviewers did not like these as much as I do. Fingerprints on the cabinet? That, in my opinion, is a non-starter. Why would you touch your speakers with dirty or oily hands? Just wash them first and there will be no fingerprints! (Or, should it be necessary, you could use a slightly damp paper towel to remove any stray fingerprints which did find their way onto your speakers! - And yes, we have a 2-year old granddaughter who visits us and spends time at our house.) No bass? What would anyone expect from small portable speakers with tiny drivers? There is no way to cheat on the laws of physics, they being immutable. A recessed headphone jack? Well, that might be important to some people, but not to me. Why would one want to listen to headphones via these speakers anyway? Just unplug them and plug your headphones into the output jack of whatever source you're using! (I really do not understand why some manufacturers put a headphone jack on their computer speakers; you have to attach a sound source via a 3.5mm headphone or line output jack anyway so there is really no need to have the speakers operating just to listen via headphones and I would rather see the money spent elsewhere, such as connecting jacks for speaker separation as I mention above. I'm sure that some, perhaps many, will disagree with me.) Distortion at very loud levels? Read my comment above regarding "no bass."

As I stated at the beginning of this review, I am very pleased with this Logitech speaker system. I believe that anyone in the market for such small portable speakers will also be pleased. Their price is right and so is their performance (not even to mention their excellent construction quality which is described at length in another review) and this is why I give them, wholeheartedly, five stars.

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Update: September 25, 2009

I listened to many pieces of music yesterday; the total listening time was about eight and one-half hours. I used various sources: my computer and my portable CD player, as noted above, and, later, an older cassette tape player (Optimus SCP-32). In all cases the sound quality was exemplary. (I also have the capability for playing LPs through these speakers with one of my spare Technics SL-Q200 turntable in conjunction with a Behringer PP400 phono preamp; one of these days when I can overcome inertia ... )

I experienced no listening fatigue at all - and, for me, that is one of the main positive attributes of any speaker system.

If anyone reading this is considering a small portable amplified speaker system with excellent sound quality and at a low price, I urge that person to buy these. If you buy them from Amazon and, for some reason, do not like the speakers, you can always return them for credit or refund.

But if you are a thoughtful and careful purchaser, do your research thoroughly (and even audition them if possible), and if your tastes in music are similar to mine (classical, some acoustic jazz, and some Broadway/Hollywood musicals as well as some music from motion pictures) - in other words, music in which the sound is minimally processed - I believe that you will NOT ever return these Logitech speakers and that, in fact, you will like them as much as I do.

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Update: September 29, 2009

I mention this in a 'comment' to this review but I'll repeat it here: the more I listen to these speakers (and I have been listening extensively since I obtained them), the more I like them. They produce SUPERB sound quality. This morning I was listening to an internet radio station [Classic FM, a UK classical music station] and they played, among other selections, The "Toccata" [the fifth movement] from the Organ Symphony No. 5 by Charles-Marie Widor. If you know this piece, you know it has some DEEP organ tones. It is a piece which will really show off your audio system (if it is of high enough quality to thus being shown off!) and these Logitechs acquitted themselves just fine. Could I "feel" the lowest notes? Definitely NOT - see the sixth paragraph in my review above - BUT I COULD hear all the notes. I'll say it again - this is amazing performance in a speaker system this small (and low-cost). Frankly, I have never heard its equal.

It remains my firm opinion that, if you are a discriminating music listener, you will truly admire these speakers and you will be VERY pleased with them. I certainly am... Read more ›

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It Sounds Good: A Logitech Z320 Speaker System Review, October 2, 2009

By 

L. T. Beasimer "www.LBphoto.net" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Logitech Compact Speaker System Z320 for Notebooks (Personal Computers)

(What's this?)

When I saw the Logitech Z320 speaker system offered, I chose to replace the inexpensive Harmon Kardon speakers which were included with an older computer system. According to Logitech, this affordable simple two speaker stand alone system offers a powerful 10 watts (RMS) in a small package with 360 degree sound for a better listening experience. This sounded like a great alternative to the older speakers used in my office.

The Logitech Z320 speaker system is simple to set up. Plug the speakers into your computer, and then connect the power cord to the wall and the back of the right speaker. While the speakers can sit on separate corners of the desk, there is no way to disconnect them to run the wires underneath the desk top.

These speakers have a modern sleek look from the front. The cabinet's shiny black face doesn't attract fingerprints with clean hands. However there are no protective covers over the drivers to prevent damage. The driver's centers are inverted eliminating the desire of tiny fingers to make them so. The back of the speaker is ugly, for a 360 degree system I would have expected some attention to detail from the rear as well.

The 360 degree sound works surprisingly well, properly placed the sound spreads evenly around a room. The sound is acceptable for most computer related uses at reasonable levels, but distortion is evident at the half way point and greater. However it doesn't take much for this system to be louder than the inexpensive [[ASIN: B0002V9IKK $10 Creative speakers]] I have at home. The sound is a bit tinny and there is no tone dial to adjust the sound. Windows media center and other music software offer equalizer settings, this dial may not be missed by everyone.

As for an affordable two speaker stand alone system, I find the current price difficult to justify. If the 360 degree sound is important to you consider the Logitech Z320 speaker system, otherwise continue to research the alternatives. This system's short comings don't make these speakers horrible, but they may not be the best option either.

PROS:

Clean and modern appearance

Simple plug and play design

360 degree sound

CONS:

No tone adjustment dial

Distorted sound as volume increases

No speaker covers

Speakers don't disconnect from one another

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Construction, Not So Great Sound, September 24, 2009

By 

Daniel G. Lebryk (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Logitech Compact Speaker System Z320 for Notebooks (Personal Computers)

(What's this?)

These are adequate external powered speakers. These are not necessarily 'computer' speakers, they can be plugged into any device that has a 3.5mm standard audio jack (iPods, MP3 players, portable DVD players, CD players, etc). The sound is not remarkable, 4 x 2 inch speakers are hard pressed to output quality sound. The design is either hate it or love it, those 2 inch speakers are exposed with no grill cover. The glossy front is another love or hate item. Fortunately, only the face of these speakers are glossy.

Sound Quality.

The speakers sound very tight and closed. The treble response is good and clear. Midrange is acceptable. And bass is lacking. All these traits are common with trying to push sound through 2 inch speakers. At normal listening volume, the speakers keep up. If used as a general computer speaker, they perform just fine. When pushed with music, full range sound, the speakers are acceptable. Turn the volume up or increase the bass and sound just turns muddy. I would guess this has more to do with the design Logitech chose (more in a moment), and is bass interference, not amplifier clipping. When pushed, these are muddy speakers.

Design.

Logitech tried to do a kind of dipole design. In each cabinet there is one powered speaker facing the listener. There is a second powered speaker facing to the rear of the cabinet. On that rear there is also a port to allow air movement in and out of the speaker enclosure. This design is an incredibly difficult design to get right, and really requires very high quality speakers to force the sound out of the cabinet. If the front and rear speakers are in phase (both pushing out at the same time) a ton of power is required because a vacuum is created inside the cabinet. If the speakers are flimsy, the amp low powered, and airflow restricted; the sound deteriorates very quickly at higher volume. If the front and rears are out of phase (the front speaker pushes out while the rear speaker draws into the case) there are some horrible audible problems with sound waves cancelling and getting serious dead spots in sound response. My guess, Logitech chose to go with in-phase speakers and would have a much better sound with better quality speakers.

Tear Down.

I've included some tear down pictures. I'm kind of a hardware fan, and love to know about what is inside electronics. The most important question I had was about the two speakers - was the rear a passive or active speaker. These are very well constructed speakers. Logitech did a fantastic job at wrapping wires and components in foam or rattle prevention material. The face is very nicely attached to the body of the speaker. They used a lot of double stick material to assure that these speakers will never rattle. There is a fantastic large heat sink for the amplifier. I expect this unit will never overheat. Logitech has used high quality electronics in the construction. I was also impressed with the fiberglass isolation between the front and rear speaker. Honestly, these are extremely well constructed speakers. They will survive a lot of dropping and hard banging. The cases are very thick plastic and would take a lot to crack.

The 360 degree concept.

The problem with this dipole arrangement (front and rear facing speakers) the soundstage expands to an almost uncomfortable size. These speakers do exactly that. The soundstage (or the impression of where sound is coming from) is incredibly narrow. Oddly, these speakers have a very narrow stereo sweet spot. That's strange considering the rear facing speakers. I'm not a very big fan of this design, nor the sound generated.

Use

Pretty darn simple use. There's a small wall wart A/C adapter, the cord is about 3 feet long. The cords between the speakers is around 2 feet and permanently attached to the cabinet. The 3.5mm input cord is also permanently attached and around 2 feet long. The front panel has a big power/volume knob. It has a good solid heavy feel to it, I like this knob a lot. That knob actually makes this speaker feel more like an expensive piece of audio equipment. There is an orange pilot light when the speaker is on. And the left hand side of the right speaker has a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Logitech would have done better by not going with 4 identical sized speakers in that case. It would have been much better to use a tight small tweeter and a larger midrange speaker that could handle some bass. Or, if this design was key to their marketing, use much higher quality cone material, with a bit more free breathing cabinet.

I like the overall design of these speakers. They have a good solid heft to them. To my eye, they look good. They are a bit chromey and glossy, that's OK. The build quality is outstanding. I just wish they sounded better.