450 of 456 people found the following review helpful:
Great hassle free 2.1 system at a great price
I've had these speakers for about six weeks and I think they have a great sound. I have them hooked up to a new Alienware system with a SoundBlaster X-Fi card. I use the card for both gaming and music. The system is located in a 11' x 11' home office with the speakers located at each corner of 5' desk and the subwoofer in front of the desk.
196 of 240 people found the following review helpful:
Where's the midrange?
I bought these speakers based on user comments on amazon.com and reviews I read on other Web sites. They replaced some older Sony 2.1 speakers I have circa 1996. At the time of this witting, I'm building a new computer and I'm vain enough to color coordinate my speakers with the rest of my components - not to mention my speakers were getting pretty old.
This review is from: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (Electronics)
I've had these speakers for about six weeks and I think they have a great sound. I have them hooked up to a new Alienware system with a SoundBlaster X-Fi card. I use the card for both gaming and music. The system is located in a 11' x 11' home office with the speakers located at each corner of 5' desk and the subwoofer in front of the desk.
I have switched from a 5.1 system I got with my previous Alienware system. I'm in my 50's and have seen about every sound gimmick come down the pike. There are a lot of people who love 5.1 and have time to tweak them, I'm just not one of them. I've had the 5.1 system for about five years hooked to a SoundBlaster Live card. I'm pretty adept with computers, so I have kept up with the drivers, played with the balance, moved the speakers and done about everything I can to "feel" the game. I usually play Call of Duty or Far Cry type games. I also play RTS games of the C&C stripe.
I must be getting old, because I'm tired of screwing around with sound systems. I'm at a point where I just want to sit down and hear some great sound without going through all of the situational adjustments (FPS game, music, RTS game, SAT TV, etc). If you just want something that has great fidelity and some oomph in the low range, this is your system.
What I like:
1. The sound for music is fantastic. I have eclectic tastes in music and all of it sounds great across the board with excellent fidelity. Some songs you can hear every instrument and note. It's as good as the source (mp3, wma, etc) can make it.
2. The stereo effect is wonderful. It's like having a center speaker without having the clutter of a physical speaker on your desk, plus you still get a great sense of left/right effects.
3. The subwoofer will rock you. I have it front of a solid wood desk and it will shake the desk at half bass. When I play COD or MOH, it's like you are on Omaha beach during an artillery barrage. It's as real as I need it. I don't need 5.1 to hear the shell whistling past me to get a great effect.
4. I really like the control. It sits well on the desk next to my keyboard. Nice big dials that index the bass and volume well. There is good size off switch that is easy to hit if you need to kill the sound quickly without searching for a mute button. There is also a plug for headphones. Makes it convenient if you don't want to have to keep reaching around the back of the system. It also has a blue power light which I prefer.
5. Very, very, very easy to set up. Just plug the speakers into the subwoofer and then plug the system cable into the sound card. Turn it on.
6. Uses the system software for balance and treble. It will also use the software equalizer. You may ask why this is important. Half my problem with my last set of speakers is that the computer had an equalizer, the installed SoundBlaster software had an equalizer, the player had an equalizer and the speaker system had a equalizer, speaker balance. Give me a break. There were four sets of adjustments that you had to manage depending on what you were doing at the time (game, music, TV). I never knew which control was in control. My results were mixed at best. Now I just worry about the computers settings and I get great sound in any of my apps.
7. I have not detected the irritating hum my last system had during quiet times or when no music was playing.
8. I like the style of the speakers. Silver with black cloth covers. They seem very substantial.
What I don't like:
1. I may be old fashioned, but I want the option to change the length of my speaker wires. I don't know why Logitech has gone this route, but the speaker wire is permanently affixed to the back of the speaker and terminates with an RCA plug. I prefer heavy gauge speaker wire and would like the option to move the subwoofer farther away. This requires me to buy expensive RCA cable as opposed to regular speaker wire.
2. The subwoofer is probably physically bigger than it should be for a small room system. There is no room for it under the desk (that's why it's in front of it:). I'm still experimenting with placement. Make no mistake, this puppy is big. It also has metal heat vanes on the back that give it additional length. If you are working with limited space, make sure you pay attention to the dimensions.
3. While I like the control, it makes placing the subwoofer across the room somewhat problematic. The wire from the subwoofer to the controller is a 6' long thick proprietary cable. The system sound plug then runs from the controller to the sound card. The speakers cords run directly to the subwoofer. This system is meant for close-in.
Conclusion:
This is a great trouble free set of speakers with great sound. Just plug and play without a lot of fuss. I knocked off a star because of the limited flexibility imposed by the cabling scheme. That being said, I don't think you can beat the sound at this price. To be honest, I have a pretty decent ear and these are as good as any system I have listened to. I feel my money was well spent and I am most satisfied with my purchase. So if you are tired of trying to make the latest gimmick work (7.1 THX) and you just want great sound, this is your system.
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This review is from: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (Electronics)
First, I will have to say that I am a music engineer/producer, so when it comes to music, I know what I'm talking about. Secondly, I just bought this product and, no I don't work for Logitech, or anyone else who`s related to the company, or their distributors.
Setting up:
For those who are curious a bit about the speaker set up, it is very easy. The subwoofer acts as the "motherboard", so to speak. Everything hooks into it, from the back. The subwoofer is the power supply source (there's no adapter, just a standard plug, so this will save room on a power strip), and the wired remote plugs into the sub, and the computer. The satellites plug into the sub as well. If you wish to plug the speakers up something else (a videogame console, a DVD player, VCR, etc.) a RCA splitter cord is provided to hook it up. When plugging this thing up, do NOT plug it up to the electrical socket first and then connect the components. Plug it into the wall last. Additionally, there is a on/off feature on the wired remote, as well as a switch on the back of the sub. The ON LED light on the wired remote is a pretty blue color.
When you set up the speakers, you should note that the satellites are very directional sensitive. That is, adjusting the angle of the speakers will have a great deal to do with the how the sound is directed towards your head, and thus the overall quality. Take the time to adjust this to the best sounding position. These speakers are decently compact. My computer is sitting on a tiny IKEA computer desk, along with other studio gear, including two rack-mounted processors. I have plenty of room for these speakers. Do NOT sit these speakers next to your head. It's a good idea to have them farther away from you than your monitor is sitting, if possible. As for the subwoofer, do the smart thing and put it on the floor. It doesn't need to be elevated no more than a foot off the ground, if that much. Also give the sub room to breathe, and for the love of common sense, don't block the side air hole, and don't direct the woofer at your computer tower.
The Sound:
Like I said before, I am a music producer, additionally I am a classically trained musician with 20 years experience (I'm 28). So I know what I'm talking about. Also I should note that I am using a fairly new desktop computer, an Emachines, which is about a year old. I also have a nice Sony 5.1 stereo system. These speakers kick my Sony's tail, all around. The only way it could be better is if it was a perfect surround sound system, and that would be a pain to deal with, unless you have the room and money for it.
Some people have said the mids on these speakers are weak. I'm not hearing it at all. What I have noticed is that the upper highs are very strong. If you are having this problem here's simple solution. I'm using Windows Media Player 9.0. On the "rock" EQ setting just move the 16kHz level down a wee bit. If you're using another kind of media player, just turn down the EQ between 12-20kHz down by 5-10%. If you're hearing hiss out of the speakers then you might have them too close to your head to begin with (I can only hear it when I lean over next to it, and if the volume is past 60%). Otherwise, you might have a shielding problem.
These speakers are quite loud. Be careful not to damage your hearing with these. I really see no point in turning the master volume past 40% and the sub past 25%.
Also keep in mind that these speakers are quality. Don't play hip hop on a classical EQ setting. You should get used to switching your EQ setting (which is easy enough on Windows Media Player) for the appropriate thing you are listening to. If you're listening to talk radio, set it to "speech", and turn the woofer down to zero.
The only draw back on this speaker system is that you can't turn the woofer down to perfect zero, meaning that you can't bypass it. That would be a good bonus. But turning down the EQ in the 20Hz to 50 Hz range should do the trick if you want to by pass it.
For this price, these speakers are a steal. The quality of these things in my opinion are triple the price, if not more.
The z2300 as well deserving of 5 stars. If you want killer sound on your computer without spending a few thousand bucks, this is the way to go. I bought these for my home studio to mix the record I'm working on, and I'm so glad I did it. It far beats spending $400 on a single studio monitor.
If anyone wants so advice or semi-technical assistance as far as these speakers are concerned, I'd be more than glad to offer some advice if you wish, just email me at GSFU (at) aol (dot) com.
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This review is from: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (Electronics)
My judgement may be a little skewed as I haven't upgraded my speakers for about 10 years. I originally bought these for my wife as she's just getting into mp3 music and her old speakers just didn't cut it. She didn't like the Logitechs because the subwoofer was too big and there was not a convenient place to put it. So I gave her my 10 year old speakers and took the Logitechs. Boy did I come out ahead on that deal. I couldn't believe how rich the sound was coming from these speakers, especially the subwoofer. Clear effects, vibrating base, and pure highs and mid-levels. The stand alone controller is a very nice touch, especially since you can plug your headphones into it, a major advance over having to plug them directly into the sound card. If you buy these speakers, you WILL NOT be sorry.
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This review is from: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (Electronics)
The logitech z-2300's are incredible speakers. With 200 watts total rms, they overpower all speakers in and above this price range. The 120 watt subwoofer is amazing, with thunderous and crisp bass. When the bass is turned all the way up and volume halfway, my entire desk vibrates, as well as the window blinds.
The two satellite speakers provide excellent quality sound. The only other speakers I can compare them too are the pair of harmon/kardons that came with my dell. Each speaker is 40 watts, again, more than any other set of speakers in this price range.
Logitech's z-2200, the 2300's predecessor, has received nothing but positive comments for its sheer power and clarity. Check cnet.com reviews and you will see that these are the best speakers available for 100 bucks.
These speakers come with a volume/bass control unit and a stereo adapter if you want to hook them up to a dvd player.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Outstanding sound
- Easy to adjust volume and bass level
Cons:
- Don't look at nice as say the JBL sound sticks
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This review is from: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (Electronics)
I blew a ridiculous amount of time listening to them in the store, reading reviews and what not and it never really helped me decide. I ended up buying all 3 and hooking them up so I could test drive them. Then returned the ones I didn't keep. Hopefully someone in the same situation I was in will benefit from my review. If you can't decide I recommend buying the ones you can't decide between and test them yourself.
BACKGROUND:
Previous Speakers- Creative 6.1, think they were the original inspires.
Sound Card- Creative x-fi
Primary use- Gaming with limited music
Volume- maybe max out around 10%. Live in multifamily complex and don't need a lease breaker to live up to its name.
Ear quality- I'm no sound engineer so all references to quality of sound are just what MY ears heard.
6.1 V 2.1:
You will not find any 2.1 system that rivals even a cheap 5.1 or 6.1 set. No way around that. In downgrading you are compromising from the start. If you have the space/cash/mounting locations go with 5.1 or higher.
SOUND QUALITY:
The Klipsch had the best overall performance when it came to sound. Second was Bose and third was Logitech.
I was not at all impressed with the Logitechs. They had a nice booming sound but no matter how much I fiddled with the EQ could I get a clean consistent sound across the board. Highs sounded watered down, Mids sounded muted and the Lows were...booming in a good way. Granted I'm sure this had a lot to do with the fact that I wasn't turning them up very loud. When I cranked them up they sounded much better but that's not the situation I needed them for. If you are throwing a block party the sound quality might be great.
The Klipsch definitely had the best overall sound. It seemed to have a little trouble with definition on the highs and the extreme lows but far out did the other two with the mids and the lows. When I say trouble I mean nothing noticeable if you didn't have multiple speakers hooked up at the same time. This could once again be attributed to the fact that I'm running them at such a low volume. As far as the extreme lows, I don't think either of the other two systems even had those lows to listen too.
The Bose handled the highs with crystal clarity. They do have the "tin can" effect that other reviewers have mentioned but adjustment of the EQ was able to compensate for that. The mids had to be corrected with the EQ but once setup right they were adequate, nothing to write home about, but better then the Logitech and not as good as the Klipsch. The lows thumped nicely and seemed to fit well but on extreme lows it seemed to be more of a single rumble as opposed to individual sounds.
REAL ESTATE:
The Bose significantly outshine the other two sets when it comes to desk real estate. The footprint of each satellite is about 2.5x2.5 inches. Headphones might take up less space. The Logitechs and the Klipsch take up about the same amount of space on the desk. Slightly larger than your average desktop speaker but not so large that you can't fit them on the desk.
CONTROLS:
All three sets had the same set of controls and inputs on them, namely bass, volume, and a miniplug out or two.
I preferred the Bose when it came to the controls. The little wired remote puck thing works excellently and sticks to the spot you put it. The volume control consists of turning the outside of the puck and works excellently. One added feature is the top of the puck is a touch activated mute button. Useless really since the volume is so easy to adjust but nice all the same. The bass control for the Bose is located on the back of the sub near the top. The sub sits under my desk so it's easy enough to adjust by just reaching behind it from the top and turning the knob.
Second would be the Logitech set. They also have a wired remote similar to the bose. Has a couple knobs on it a large (not as large as the bose puck) one for volume and smaller one for bass. They seemed to turn smoothly and work great. The one thing I didn't like about the Logitech remote was that it was very light and didn't really stay where you put it. Some double side tape or a rubber pad would easily fix that.
This is one spot where the Klipsch comes in last. I read that the controller could be removed from the speaker but didn't see an easy way to do it and didn't want to muck them up since I would be returning 2 of the 3 systems. The Klipsch controls are located on the right speaker similar to your normal OEM speakers. There is a volume and bass knob. The volume knob didn't seem as smooth as the other two systems and tended to jump as opposed to smoothly increase and decrease the volume. This might just be that it's a small knob and harder to make precision changes.
The power button is never a concern of mine because I leave everything on all the time but for those that it is an issue: Logitech had a power switch on the sub and "sleep" button on the remote. Both the klipsch and the bose have the power switches on the back of the sub. None of the power switches on the back of the subs are easy to get to or locate so if you can handle just putting it in sleep mode I'd recommend the Logitech.
BUILD QUALITY:
I don't mean the build of the actual cones but of the housings, stands, etc. I don't know enough about construction of or speaker materials to make a judgment on the cones and drivers.
I think the Bose probably won in this category with the Logitech coming in second and the Klipsch bringing up the rear.
Both the Bose and Logitech went together well and everything fit tight. Everything seemed to be appropriately built with acceptable tolerances in terms of stands and housings. The Logitech's satellites were mostly plastic with cloth speaker grilles metal grilles on the sub. The sub was particle board I'm assuming with a metal grille. The Bose satellites were all metal including stands and grilles. The sub was particle board I'm assuming with a metal grille. Moving the speakers around and doing whatever over the course of testing them seemed to have no side effect on the operation of these two sets. Everything on each system seemed to use a heavy enough gauged wire that I was not concerned with damaging them as I yanked them through the rats nest behind my desk.
The Klipsch fell short on the build quality. They used comparable materials as the previous two, plastic satellites with cloth grilles and what I'm assuming is a particle board sub with a metal grille. The stands for the satellites were cockeyed causing the speakers to lean at some odd angles. Nothing that your average person would notice but someone in QC should have caught that. The little ps2 looking cable that connects the controller to the sub didn't fit securely or snap into the sub. Is to be expected of this style cable but on the other two systems I didn't have any concern if it connected appropriately. After initial setup of the speakers the left satellite went out on me and I had to jiggle/turn the miniplug plugged into the back of it. This is nothing new to miniplugs but I would have liked to have had the system setup for a good year before I had to start jiggling stuff. None of these matters are real deal breakers but I noticed no problems with the other two systems. It causes me to question what else might not be done as right as it should be done.
One thing nice about the Klipsch is that the connections for the satellites are normal speaker wire with a miniplug on the end. Should be fairly easy to rig up your own connectors if the supplied separation distance isn't enough for your needs.
CONCLUSION:
If you want the best sound you can find, go with the Klipsch hands down. If size is your concern go with the Bose. Most other items noted are personal taste and opinion so you can make your judgments of off my previous information.
WHAT'D I KEEP?:
I kept the Bose. They look incredible, save my desk space well and at low volumes with an adjusted EQ they seem to sound good enough to do the job. I love the puck controller as well. I know many people dislike Bose but I think they have a nice product in the Companion 3's. It should probably be priced between $75 and $150 but an extra $100 spaced over an estimated 5 years of use is only $20 a year.
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This review is from: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (Electronics)
Logitech Z-2300 and Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 are the best 2.1 systems for computers out there. I recently tested the two side by side and found Logitech has a small edge overall with the dynamic lows as its winning point. Z-2300 also beats ProMedia in design with only one wire coming to each satellite (its competitor having three or four to the control console attached to one satellite.) This being said, ProMedia also has its distinctiveness over its Logitech counterpart.
CNET, my favorite review site, gives Z-2300 a wowing 9 star while throwing ProMedia a meager 7.9. I dispute this and believe a difference of 0.5 star might be more appropriate. Compared to Logitech, Klipsch is slightly better in mids and highs. ProMedia sounds a little bit more "open" and crispy. In design, the ProMeida is wall-mountable though with the optional brackets and its aesthetic limitations (see my review on Klipsch ProMedia 2.1). Both systems looks a little cheesy, but the ProMedia looks a little bit more "pro" with its "component black" color than its counterpart which unfortunately uses a silver tone over-emphasizing its plastic nature and bulkiness of the subwoofer.
In conclusion, both speakers are very good (if not too good) for MP3s and choosing which one to buy is more of personal tastes than substance in sound quality. Since Logitech is 20 or some dollars cheaper, my decision may slightly leans towards Logitech...
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This review is from: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (Electronics)
Ok, first off i've had these for just one day...got them from amazon today (in 5 days with free shipping...great packaging and great delivery) and they are incredible. I am really picky when it comes to good sound, and i looked around for about 2 months before i findally decided these were the ones to get. The design is so sleek and the THX certification really makes a difference. So here i've got something to say about each part of the system, cuz i know that a lot of you out there want a detailed user review.
Sub Woofer- Oh my gosh...this sub rocks. I mean all you bass
lovers out there will be smiling the second you
turn it on. And for all of you who don't like bass
to drown out the music the subwoofer control on the
wired remote does a great job of controlling the
level of the bass, so don't worry about getting a
system like this cuz the bass accompanies the sound
from the satellites very well. The bass is punchy
very responsive and can handle anything you can
throw at it...seriously...trust me i tested it out.
I played NFS Underground 2 with this system and i
can literally feel the engine roaring and the woosh
of cars as they fly by...you will fall in love with
this sub.
Sattelites- I have two words for these speakers...sleek and
strong. The sound is so clear even at high volumes
and not harsh at all...i've tried every type of
music on them from rap to classical to techno to
rock, and they blow every other 2.1 system away!
There are two cloth dust covers which can cover the
sattelites if you wish and they make it look even
better...if that's possible. These speakers are high
quality.
Wired remote- This thing is soooo cool. The volume knob slides
so smoothly and is so accurate. So is the bass
control it's so nice having the bass level
control right at your finger tips.
The Setup- It's so easy it's not even worth talking about. All
you have to do is plug in the sattelites into the
obviously color coded plugs and hook up the
remote to your sub and computer (or game console or
tv...that's right they send you an adapter for
rca audio setups). Plug it in and your done.
I bought these speakers with out ever having heard them b4 and then i went to a circuit city and got to hear them on display b4 mine arrived and i was so glad i bought them. I compared it to the sound of a $250 dollar system from BOSE there as well, and they blew it way with bass and clarity. Logitech is pure quality this is an awesome deal people. If you don't believe how good they could sound, go hear them for your self at some store...but trust me you won't regret buying them right now either...cuz you'll decide to later ne way...lol. But seriously they are the best deal you will get...don't think a system for that price can shake the floorboards? Trust me it thumps!
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This review is from: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (Electronics)
These are very good speakers. I have seen reviews which say that the components seem cheap, which I do not agree with. The wired remote is solid and sturdy. The sound is loud and the clarity is very good. I think it's good that the speaker wires are hard-wired to the satellite speakers. I don't like dealing with the connections that usually are associated with speaker sets.
Here are the only negative things I have observed:
1. Before I received them, I wondered if there was a way to mount these to the wall (ie a standard mounting screw hole), and there is not.
2. The cables are short (6 ft built-in speaker cables and 6 ft wired remote cable). The speaker cables can be extended with use of RCA (female to female) adapters and RCA cables (neither are included). The wired remote is not extendable and must be used within 6 feet of the back of the subwoofer.
3. The satellite speakers are tilted upward and are not adjustable.
4. The midranges are not powerful on these speakers. This can be partially overcome by raising the sound levels of midrange frequencies in your equalizer.
Despite the minor negatives, I find these to be an inexpensive, high quality, and fun to use product that I recommend to users who are thinking about purchasing a set. I use them soley for my computer, which acts as my television and stereo. I don't use any other stereo device at home.
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This review is from: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (Electronics)
I bought these speakers based on user comments on amazon.com and reviews I read on other Web sites. They replaced some older Sony 2.1 speakers I have circa 1996. At the time of this witting, I'm building a new computer and I'm vain enough to color coordinate my speakers with the rest of my components - not to mention my speakers were getting pretty old.
I have to say that I'm tremendously disappointed with the sound of these speakers compared to my long-since discontinued Sony's. THE MIDRANGE IS MISSING! While the speakers do get quite loud and the lows and highs are spectacularly clear and crisp, the midrange is woefully inadequate. I attempted to compensate for this through software controls, but it doesn't really work.
I do like the wired remote. It has a lengthy cord; the volume control knob is large and turns nicely; and the headphone jack is right on the front of the remote.
The wires on the 2 desk speakers could be a bit longer, due to the fact that the subwoofer is rather large - much too big to hide-away under my current computer desk.
I was also disappointed by the fact that there are not multiple inputs; I like to keep my Sirius on my computer desk and route it through my speakers so I can listen to it while I'm in front of the computer. I suppose I'll have to pipe it through my computer's sound card and back out to the Logitech's that way.
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This review is from: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer (Electronics)
I brought these speakers about a month ago and they were worth every penny. The subwoofer is amazing its even more powerful than than Sony's 490watt Home Theater Systems(thats saying alot beacause the z2300's sub is only 120watts!) Almost everyday in the dorm we have music battles and this system with 400w peak, is not to be messed with.
At first, i thought this system was okay but not great because the sound was excellent at low levels but when turned up the bass overpowered and was too fuzzy(especially because i was using a labtop sound card.) So i brought the Creative 24 bit external sound card and i was shock at the difference the sound was. It was incredibly clear and subwoofer even more powerful but never drowning out the satellite speakers. Total price for both z2300 and Creative sound card was still under $160.
From what i found out, the z2300 is only for high quality sound cards only. If you are lacking this, stick with the speakers you have and buy a sound card instead, or buy a system not so powerful like a 2.1 60watt(these were my first and they still sound excellent with a 40w subwoofer).
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