Logitech Z-2200 Speakers
High-end THX certified 2.1
speaker system.
By Jon Deragon,
Visca Consulting
Tuesday, February 24, 2004; 10:30pm EST
Over the past couple of years there has been an avalanche of new
computer speaker packages on the market, in every price category.
Whether you want a complete 5.1 surround speaker system for under $99,
or a pair of tweeters and a sub for over $200 - its all there and its
abundant. A relatively new player to the high-end speaker world, is
the well known webcam, keyboard and mouse producer - Logitech.
Within its short
presence in the high end speaker market, Logitech has managed to really catch peoples
attention with a collection of award winning surround sound speakers
that really pack a punch. The new Logitech Z-2200 model basically
takes all the winning features of their high end surround sound models,
and chops it down to a 2.1 version.
So why, you may ask,
would someone be interested in a speaker package consisting of two
satellite speakers and a subwoofer, when everyone is going out and
buying 5.1 and even 7.1 speaker systems for their computers? Many
users lack space; suitable speaker locations; wiring convenience; or
simply have no need for that many speakers. Many of these users want
to primarily listen to their MP3 collections, occasionally hit a game
or two, don't necessarily need surround sound, but want quality sound
reproduction with lots of power on tap. This pretty much describes the
target audience for the Z-2200.
The Logitech Z-2200
takes the 2.1 speaker concept to the max. Using high quality
components and a brute force approach that will win over many who
crave to have that power headroom. The THX certified system is
comprised of two 40 watts RMS polished aluminum phase plug satellites
(essentially a tweeter and mid-range speaker merged together forming a
higher quality full range driver) and a 120 watts RMS front-firing 8"
long-throw driver subwoofer in a flare ported 11"x11"x15" enclosure.
This totals up to a very respectable 200 watts of clean RMS power to
play with and a rated peek performance of 400 watts. The system is
controlled by a "SoundTouch" wired-remote which has power, volume and
bass level controls along with a convenient headphone jack. The system
is rated to have 35hz-20khz frequency response. Satellites can be
converted to a wall-mount mode if needed.
From the moment we
started to unpack the system we were immediately aware of the
attention to detail that was put into this system. Packaging was well
thought out and protected the product well, included instructions were
simple but effective. Installing the speakers was simple, with the
well marked plugs and cabling. Both satellites plug into the subwoofer
(much preferred over the method of some to string the two satellites
together), and the "SoundTouch" wired-remote is the conduit to the
computer sound card or other sound device. An adapter is included for
connecting the Z-2200 to game consoles. The satellites have a heavy,
solid quality feel with attractive grill and casing design. The
speaker cones, surrounds and ports are well crafted. We were
particularly impressed with all of the cabling supplied with the
system, which is of a decent gauge and utilizes quality connectors.
The subwoofer is a real bull of a box. Heavy wood construction,
massive heat sink fins running the vertical length of the back,
commanding 8" driver diameter with a quality surround, strong but
attractive metal mesh and large port opening on the left of the unit.
The colouring scheme of the speakers works very well with contemporary
computer cases (colour matched our Dell Dimension XPS test system
perfectly). The wired remote is a significant improvement over using
the audio controls located on the actual speakers of other systems.
The remote is simple in layout and the quality of the controls is
suitable.
As much as we loved
the construction of the system, things only got better when we fired
the speakers up with some MP3's. First thing we noticed were the
incredibly crisp high's and a very defined and commanding bass line.
The satellites did a superb job of imaging in songs that other
speakers had difficulties even building anything that resembled a
sound stage. If any 2.1 speakers were going to successfully going to
pull off 3D and 3D EAX type surround emulation, these were it!
The subwoofer really had a strength to it that gave even some of the
more demanding house and hip-hop tracks a run for their money. The
great part is that no matter how much you turned the Z-2200 up, it
always felt like it had reserve power. We were never able to turn it
up enough to get distortion - and let me tell you we gave it a good
hardy try. It just kept getting clearer and stronger as we cranked it
up higher. It is one of those expensive toys you simply smile about
when you are "testing" it out.
With a market so full
of speakers that would let you down well before the half way point on
the volume dial, we were just so happy to finally listen to a speaker
system that really showed that the designers cared. It has been a
delight listening to speakers that will literally play anything well,
from games to movies to your favorite music track. While some may say
the price tag is perhaps steep for a 2.1 system, the Z-2200 is truly
worth the investment if you are a heavy user of your computer sound
card. The Logitech Z-2200 comes with a 2-year warranty, its
recommended retail price is $149.99USD / $229.95CDN and is available
immediately.
PROS -
Beautifully constructed speakers, excellent sound quality in all
departments, THX certification, commanding subwoofer, plenty of
reserve power, wired remote is improvement over speaker based
controls, attractive styling, heavy gauge cabling and quality
connectors, 2 year warranty.
CONS - Price
may be a detraction to some.
About The Author
Jon Deragon is president and founder of Visca Consulting, a firm
specializing in web site design, development and usability for
businesses of all sizes. His many years in the technology industry has
enabled him to write quality, in-depth product reviews to assist
businesses make more informed technology purchases. He welcomes any
questions or comments you may have regarding his company's services,
this review or interest in having your company's products reviewed.
info@viscaconsulting.com
http://www.viscaconsulting.com/
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