Customer Reviews

Logitech Z-5 USB Stereo Speakers for Mac and PC

5 star:		(67)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I'll break up my review into convenience, sound quality, features and finally the overall verdict.

Convenience:
These speakers are omni-directional, so you can hear them the same no matter where you may be in the room. Other regular speakers create a triangular sound zone with the "sweet-spot" at the vertex of that triangle. The advantage the omnidirectional feature gives you is that that you can place these speakers any where and still get the same sound. This addresses a problem for me as I usually sit on my living room couch while working on my laptop and don't have a place for speakers. I've tried using wireless speakers earlier but the results are sketchy.

With these Logitech speakers, I don't have to worry about placement for creating the perfect sound. So I can just put them under the end table and hook them up to my laptop when needed. Usually to play music or watch TV/movies on the net. They sound good even if I'm not sitting directly in front of them.

They can also be ported from room to room easily. Since they're tall, rectangular and sleek and not too heavy you can stack them in a bag and take them to a friend's place for a party.

However, given their price, if I was using my laptop at a desk or a desktop I would not buy this system as for the same price I could get a system with a sub-woofer and a richer sound.

Sound:
The speakers are nicely loud. I tried wireless speakers for my laptop earlier but they were only loud enough for a small room or for individual listening. These speakers are pretty loud and can be used to play music for a small party.

The sound is just ok. It's clear and mostly free of distortions unless you turn up the speakers really loud, then you hear some hiss and crackle. These speakers don't have the great sound of the Logitech Z Cinéma Advanced Surround Sound System--2.1 Speakers . The Logitech Z Cinema has crystal clear sound but it's not a portable system due to the heavy subwoofer. The sound quality of these speakers is very average considering the other systems available in the same price range.

Features:
- Setup of these speakers is easy. Just plug them into the USB port so they can be used with PCs or Macs. They can also be used with an MP3 player independently as long as you plug them into a USB port.
- The remote control that comes with these speakers is tiny and although it's a nice touch it can be lost easily. I keep misplacing mine and find that my Lenovo laptop buttons cannot lower the volume of these speakers. I have to probably download the included software for that. I already have the Z Cinema software installed and don't want to clunk up my system with more software. It's annoying that I have to unplug them every time the phone rings and I cannot find the remote.

Overall, I find these speakers a good solution for my laptop but the price is a bit too high given the average sound quality - even despite their sleek, expensive look. I still give them 4 stars as they still meet the criteria I have for my living room laptop usage.

Update June 09 - Since the price has now dropped to below 50, these are REALLY nice speakers for the price. Go ahead, get 'em!

I'm not too keen on the "oh, I just received this today and decided to comment" reviews, but I couldn't resist with this product.

My computer is a MacBook Pro running 10.5.5 (about to be 10.5.6), but this product's box reassured me it would work (instead of being Windows-centric). It did. Right after connecting it, I was impressed with the imaging these speakers provided and the frequency response. I had heard them before after hooking them up to my iPod in a popular electronics franchise, playing music which I was already familiar (having frequently played the selected tunes on a high fidelity system). They sounded great in the store, but without the background noise of Christmas-shopping customers, they sound fantastic.

The frequency response is what you'd anticipate from great quality PC speakers without a sub-woofer.

What sold me on these over other PC speakers (namely the Z10 and the V2 Logitech models) were several reasons:
1 - These speakers have an analog line-in should I ever decide to use an audio source other than my PC;
2 - The price was right (esp. through Amazon), with free shipping & no tax;
3 - The remote control.

The Z10s were impossible to find since they've been discontinued, and the V2s didn't have a line-in.

The Bose Companion 2 set were much worse than these Z5s, primarily because of their poor psychoacoustic processing. When the Bass hit hard in a song, the trebles noticeably dropped off. I'm not sure if this is a Bose "feature", but it disappointed me.

The Creative Gigaworks T40 were a bit too big for my setup, unfortunately. Had they been shorter with a smaller footprint, I may have considered them. The Gigaworks T20 model was a disappointment. Sampling once again with my handy iPod, they distorted at higher volumes. When I know the iPod on max volume on the tune I was sampling doesn't distort directly out of the iPod on a higher fidelity system, why were the T20s distorting? That was not appealing.

A nice surprise to these Z5s is the fact that I can use my Apple Remote and control my MacBook Pro through the speaker! In other words, the IR Receiver on the speaker acts as an IR extender. I suppose I should've realized this beforehand, but I didn't think of it. Works out spectacularly for me since my Laptop is tucked away while I drive it w/ an external monitor.

Overall, a great buy. I'd highly recommend them.

Logitech Z-5 USB Speakers for PC/Mac

The Logitech Z-5 speakers are advertised as providing Omni-directional sound via multiple drivers per speaker. The drivers use a primarily polymer-like material and provide outstanding high-frequency audio. The mid-range is above average since it still sounds somewhat muffled, but the low-range audio / bass response is non-existent. It sounds like you are listening to songs out of a tin can. I played GTR Evolution (racing
simulator) using the Z-5 speakers and it detracts from the overall experience. The Logitech Z Cinema speakers I normally use have much better mid-range and bass (due to the huge subwoofer) but lacks the high-end response of the Z-5. The Omni-directional feature is interesting but I did not really find an application for this. On each speaker, there is one driver that faces you while the other driver is right behind it on the other side. If you are moving around, then you could detect a difference in the direction of the sound but for the most part, people tend to stay at their desks working on their computers.

The installation of the speakers is painless. The right speaker has the USB cable, and by the way, the right speaker is the only speaker marked for orientation. I found that I did not even need to install the drivers. Windows XP Pro SP-2 and XP Media Center Edition recognized the speakers right away. It is a tiny sticker underneath the speaker. I had some problems with intermittent connections on the audio jacks. There is a 3.5mm jack for an auxiliary input like an iPod or Discman, and the 2.5mm jack is for the left speaker connection. There is a rubber cap for the 3.5mm aux input port that would be easy to lose, so keep an eye on it. I had a USB AC adapter that I used to power the Z-5 (no PC required) and used it to play music from my iPod shuffle without any problems. The speakers are very lightweight, sleek, and compact. The lack of an AC adapter allows for a clean installation since it draws power via USB. I used an un-powered USB hub for the Z-5 and noticed it draws about 500 mA of current. The white LED power indicator was a very nice touch. Logitech appears to use white LEDs more often. My Logitech Driving Force GT steering wheel uses a dimmer white LED for the center button. Logitech also used Velcro tie-wraps, the re-usable type, for all of the wiring. This is a nice touch and a welcome change over the black plastic tie-wraps that one frequently loses. I have switched to Velcro for my wiring setups and liked how Logitech adopted this strategy on its own product line. The remote control was very small and I could imagine it being easy to lose. The remote uses the same rubber texture on the back as the Z-Cinema remote and is good for increasing traction.

I tested the Z-5 with iTunes 8, Windows Media Player 11, and Win Amp 5.541. The remote control functions fine with ITunes and Windows Media Player, but it cannot skip between tracks using Win Amp. My Logitech Z-Cinema remote control worked fine with Win Amp, so I am unsure why they decided to change things. I found that if I am loading certain applications or websites with Firefox, the audio can break up or pause, but I discovered this to be prevalent with the Logitech Audio Hub (another USB speaker system) as well. Overall, I have to give the Z-5 only 3 out of 5 stars because of average audio quality. Almost any pair of speakers will be better than laptop speakers, but the Z-5 provides soft bass response and average to above average mid-range reproduction. It shines with the high-frequency notes though.

Pros: Sleek, lightweight, and compact design. There is no AC adapter required due to the USB connection. The remote control is very nifty. Aux input is a nice feature. Painless installation.

Cons: So-so audio quality, Omni-directional feature is not that useful. The remote does not allow track skipping with Win Amp or some of the less common programs. It works with iTunes and Windows Media Player on a limited basis.

Overall: Not a bad design, but they skimped on the audio reproduction.

These speakers are a huge step up from the discount-store ones I had previously. The sound is crisp, the software installed easily, and they work as promised. I love the omnidirectional sound and basic functions of the remote.

The Good:
1. The speakers installed easily. The software installed quickly and without hiccups on my Windows XP Media Center PC. The cables had plenty of length and Logitech even included an extension for connecting the 2 speakers to each other in case your needed more length. I didn't, but I appreciate the inclusion.
2. The speakers work well. The only minor issue I've had is a need to reset the remote once after opening them. The power button was not turning the speakers on and off. I contacted Logitech customer service (which was wonderful: short hold time, knowledgeable friendly staff) and the rep advised me to remove the battery from the remote and press all the buttons for a few seconds to clear the residual memory from the remote, then reinstall the battery. It worked like a charm and I haven't had an issue since.
3. Logitech put a lot of thought into the funcionality of these speakers. When an external device is connected via the line-in port (i.e.- MP3 player), the speakers switch to line-in only. Personally, I prefer this method. There is nothing more annoying that a really loud pop-up ad or website with background music when you're trying to listen to something else. The software can be easily configured to launch your preferred media software, whether that be Media Center, iTunes, or whatever.
4. The remote is a nice addition. While you might think that a remote that only controls volume, track, play/pause, and power would be kind of a waste, it's really nice to be able to access those functions while using full-screen programs without having to exit to the desktop all the time. Also, the remote works from a pretty good distance so I can having music playing on the computer while I do something else in that part of the house and can pause the music if the phone rings, or switch tracks at will without having to stop what I'm doing and run to the computer. It might be my imagination, but the remote seems ever-so-slightly magnetically attracted to the top of the speaker. If that's the case, it's a brilliant way to keep track of the smallish remote.

The Not-so-Good:
1. Limited customization. At this price point, I would expect a little more control over the setup of these speakers. By necessity, one of my speakers sits a bit farther from my desk than the other, and I had initially expected to be able to compensate for this through the L/R balance. Unfortunately this is not allowed by the software. The only thing the Logitech software allows you to change is which program is launched by the media button on the remote. This was disappointing, but certainly not a deal-breaker.
2. Lack of headphone jack. This one baffled me a bit, I'll admit. This is the first set of computer speakers I've ever owned that didn't have a headphone jack on them. Given the Z-5's ability to prioritize to line-in when a device is connected, I would expect to also be able to plug in a headset and have sound prioritized to those. Since these speakers are USB, plugging a headset into the jack on my tower does not work because that port has been deactivated in favor of the USB sound. I shouldn't have to climb behind the desk and disconnect the speakers every time I want to listen to music on my computer while my husband or kids are watching tv in the room. This seems a pretty significant oversight on Logitech's part.
3. Size. This may not be a consideration for everyone, but if you're tight on space, these may not be the speakers for you. While smaller than our Z-Cinema speakers, they are about 50% taller than my previous speakers. I have to move the left speaker every time I open my CD-ROM, because it obstructs the drive. Thankfully, they do have a small footprint. Check the dimensions of the speakers before buying if space is an issue for your specific setup.
4. The recessed line-in port can be a bit of a headache. I had to buy a new patch cord for my Zune, because mine had an angled plug that did not fit into the recess. I see no useful purpose for the recess. Logitech could have made it flush with the rear of the speaker to accommodate more cables.
The Bottom Line:
I am happy with these speakers. They deliver excellent sound quality, and enough Pro's to outweigh the Con's. An excellent investment if sound is a priority for you.

These are by far the best computer speakers I have ever had. I use them with my Imac and my media has never sounded so good. Nice remote which works great, awesome software and a very sexy design for any desktop. Very very well done Logitech.

I have been pretty satisfied with speaker systems from Logitech. The one I am using now is Logitech Z-680 5.1 channel THX certified speaker system and it still works great for my home theatre system. When I found about a Z-5 USB speaker, it instantly attracts my attention, since I have been looking for a nice PC speaker with a USB connection. Specifically, my 4 year old notebook computer does not generate any sound and I need a decent speaker for it. Since I am tired of having problem in the sound cord connected to the sound port of the computer, I was looking for a USB speaker system. I also know that a USB speaker gives better sound quality than a normal PC speaker on the market. I have been using USB sound devices like a USB audio interface (Line 6 Toneport UX1), a USB phone for Skype (IPEVO phone) and so on and they all show terrific sound quality. So, my expectation was high for this product. After a month long use of a Z-5, I would like to give 3 stars out of 5. Here is why.

When I got this product, I was amazed by the finish and look of this speaker. This speaker is gorgeous. It has a really nice black finish and every bit of a speaker is nicely made. The tower like shape works great on the desk. When I grab a speaker, I feel very good because of soft cloth material that wrapped the speaker. I was naturally expecting silky sound coming out from this speaker, even if the nice looking case and fabric do not necessarily correlate to the high quality sound. The remote comes with it is also a real beauty and the rubber used for this remote gives me very nice feeling when I grab it. It is tiny and black.

The setup was very easy. The Z-5 works without the setup CD that comes with it. Windows XP recognizes it as a USB audio device and it starts to work right away. If you use a setup CD for the installation, you will have a tiny utility that can map your favorite music player software to the audio note button on a remote. There is no other feature to adjust the detailed parameters of a Z-5 speaker. I am a type of guy who loves to change the parameters of a speaker to get the best sound for a given environment. However, for this speaker, there is nothing I can control of. I know this speaker is omni directional speaker, so I thought that I could control the ambience or surround effect of it. Wrong. there isn't any thing that I can adjust. And I am using a third party audio player software and the remote does not work with that application. So I wish I can configure the speaker with my favorite application, however, there is no way to do that right now. It works with iTunes and Windows Media Player well, though.

When it comes to the sound, the Z-5 gives very comfortable sound that most of people like. The mid- and high-range sound is good and very expressive. So, if you love listening songs with a vocal and an acoustic guitar, you will love the Z-5. However, if you like the sound in all ranges equally, you might be little disappointed, since the bass coming out from the Z-5 is weak and not rich. I have tested the Z-5 with many different kinds of CDs and now I am using it to mainly listen internet radio and video files I ripped from various sources. It means that I use the Z-5 not for a music listening but for a casual use. Omnidirectional sound is working for me. I put the speaker on a desk and walk around the desk frequently. I still listen the same quality and volume of the sound in any direction. By the way, if has a regular 3.5 mm sound input jack in the back for external sound sources, such as iPod and MP3 players.

Still, a USB speaker that does not need an external power source (it is powered only by a USB cord) meets my purpose and the sleek look and color of the speaker makes me happy. However, when some one pays this much money for a PC speaker, he/she is expecting better sound than this. I think this speaker is for a gadget lover who wants to put a really nice looking speaker on his desk. Yes, I love gadgets and cool looking products, so I am OK with the Z-5.

Are these going to blow out windows? No. But considering they're USB powered only, exceptionally clean looking and have very nice expanded stereo sound they are excellent! I have a set for my home office; paid $100 last year and they were worth it; at $30 they're a steal. I'm buying another set for one of my work offices.

The Bad
When I first started using the Z-5 speakers, I could use the remote to adjust the system volume, turn the speakers on and off and also control Windows Media Player (WMP). However, a little later I needed to re-install Windows XP. From that moment on, the remote would only control the volume when WMP was active and would no longer turn the speakers on and off.

The Good
I contacted Logitech support via their website on December 23, 2008. The next day I received a reply asking me to download the driver through a link to their website, rather than use the driver included on the disk that came with the speakers. I tried this and several other suggestions made by the support tech. None of these worked. The support tech said that he would make arrangements for UPS to pick up my old speakers and have new speakers shipped to me. UPS delivered the new speakers and picked up the old ones today (January 8, 2009). The remote still will not control the speakers, expect through WMP. I suspect the problem is software and will continue to work on this issue on my own.

For others having a similar problem, I suggest finding and installing VolumeTouch 1.1. This program will allow you to control the volume of the Z-5 using the wheel on your mouse. This is not a perfect solution, but better than nothing given a remote that will not function.

The Ugly
Logitech had a rebate program when I purchased my speakers back on November 21, 2008. You just needed to fill out the form, include a copy of the receipt and cut out the UPC from the bottom of the box and mail this information to the rebate center. I mailed this information a few days after receiving my speakers. On January 7, 2009, I received an e-mail from the rebate center stating that my submission was "invalid" because it was missing the "Original UPC." I know I didn't forget to include that little piece of cardboard because, among other reasons, there was a hole in the bottom of the box when I packed up the old speakers to mail back to Logitech. However, it is gone and unless I cut up the box the new speakers came in, I would have no way of resubmitting my claim. I could in fact cut out the UPC on the new box, mail that in and then Logitech and I could do this "Kabuki" dance all over again. However, I know I would still come out of the short end of the stick.

Apparently Logitech uses rebates as a means to increase their sales, but will rarely honor these rebates. Find this hard to believe? Just do an internet search on "Logitech Rebate Scam" and see how many hits you get and how old some of the complaints are. The complaints aren't just related to these speakers, but to numerous other Logitech products. I've always liked Logitech products and have bought a number of them in the past. However, I have purchased my last Logitech product. The sad part is that I would have probably purchased these speakers (at least before I was aware of the other problems) without the rebate offer. It's not the lack of the $15 rebate that concerns me, but it's the lack of honesty on the part of Logitech.

So, as a final word, if you are still considering purchasing these speakers, I would not figure in any offered rebate from Logitech when considering your final purchase price.

These speakers are great. They look good and sound even better. The USB connection provides both the sound and the power. No need for a separate power cord. The speakers have a 360 degree design with sound ports front and rear, filling the room with sound that seems to encircle you. The USB connection also makes it easy to move the speaker from one computer to other, be it a MAC or a PC. The stereo speakers are small enough you can take them with you on vacation, along with your laptop. The sound produced by their speakers is full and rich, no tinny sounding high end, and a strong low end. The two-unit design is ever bit as good and the three-unit design they replaced.

These speakers are decent for listening to mp3's on your computer. Nice full sound, decent bass , mids etc... Won't blow you away, but good enough as computer speakers. My only gripe is the lack of headphone jack on the speakers, and that you have to adjust the volume via a remote. The remote must launch the music program (Winamp,WMP, iTunes, Real Player) in order to do so. This is a significant limitation. Otherwise you need to adjust the volume via your computer....Other issue might be the size of the speakers (approx 10 inches high). On the whole, I am very happy with these. I bought them for sound quality, and they don't dissapoint.