Logitech Z-2300 user reviews

2.0 stars

"NO MIDTONE DEFINITION" on March 11, 2005 by cabiling

Pros: Highs and lows are clear

Cons: Missing any midtones

Summary: First off I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile by any means. My previous equipment was a simple set of bookshelf speakers from aperion audio (www.aperionaudio.com) driven by an entry level Sony receiver. I started looking for something new to go with my computer when my receiver went dead. Wanting to save a bit of space and having a need for my bookshelf speakers elsewhere, I started looking into computer speaker sets instead of a new receiver. Reading all the reviews (here and elsewhere) about the Z-2300's and their "rich, clear" sound, and how they rival much more expensive home theather setups I bought them without listening first. BIG MISTAKE.

The whole life of any music lies in its midtones and it's exactly that range where you'll hear a big hole in the sound produced by these speakers. The subwoofer sure can thump and put out a pretty pleasing low end and the upper end clarity of the satellites is decent. But the whole midrange is totally missing resulting in an parabolic sound reproduction. Basically, there's very little fullness to the sound. The speakers sound just like they look: small, plasticy and thin coupled with heavy bass. I guess that a lot of people can overhear that and mistake the loud volume and heavy bass from the subwoofer with a rich sound. Yeah it's deep and loud, but there's a whole lot of sound info in there that's just not being heard!

I did try very hard to EQ these to a decent midtone reproduction without avail. They just don't move enough air to give you those tones. It sounds like I'm listening to the speakers in a tin can. I even played a variety of music from deep house tunes to Norah Jones. Nothing ever sounded right. I sent these back to the dealer after 24 hours of frustration and disappointment (and at about a $50 loss with shipping and restocking fees.)

I do recognize that it's a bit unfair to compare bookshelf speakers (at about $360 a pair) to a $100 set of satellite+sub. But reading these reviews you'd think the Logitech's were just totally awesome...ready to take on any other setup. Don't get your hopes up. If you're looking to upgrade from a set of el-cheapo speakers that came with your computer these are sure to sound better. But if you're looking for something with any decent midrange a set of bookshelf speakers (I totally love my Aperions...but I bet you can do quite well with even cheaper...These are NOT considered high-end speakers) will serve you better.

2.0 stars

"It's no Z2200!" on January 17, 2005

Pros: Nice subwoofer. Smooth, wide range bass.

Cons: As far as I can see, the only thing that Logitech "improved" with the design changes to this model is their profit margin! The subwoofer remains the same as the z2200, but the satellites have been downgraded to an absurd degree! They downsized the driver

4.5 stars

"Great performance and value." on January 4, 2006 by Omally

Pros: awesome bass, good looking system, great sound quality and value

Cons: hardwired speakers and stereo input cables

Summary: After reading some of the negative reviews on this site, I wasnt sure I wanted to purchase these speakers. But the number of positive reviews greatly exceeded that of the negative so I went ahead and ordered them online. After recieving these and testing various types of music on them I can say I am greatly satisfied. I was really surprised at how loud these speakers actually get, I really couldnt turn them up more than 3/4th of the way without rattling stuff off my shelves. Some reviewers mention a lack of midtone definition but I cannot notice any lack of performance in sound quaility. I was actually pretty inpressed with the sound they produce considering they only cost me $85. The bass is just amazing, loud, and clear. The sattelites, although small and sleek, produce very big sound as well and are not overpowered by the massive subwoofer. The overall look of the system is very clean modern, and elegant. For the space they take up these speakers can easily fill a great multiple of that with clear, clean, distortion free, excellent sound. I would say for under $100 there are no better speakers you can buy. Almost every aspect of this set surpassed my expectations. If you are concerned about reviews questioning its sound quality, either spend a whole lot more for slighlty better sounding music, or buy these which may I remind you are THX certified for under $100. By far the best in its price range and over, and then some.

3.0 stars

"Pretty good but odd sound with music" on May 7, 2005 by RodsterinFL

Pros: Strong bass, great highs, build quality

Cons: no mid tones

Summary: I bought these last week for $159 based on the review. I bought a new desk and had to replace my 5.1 system speakers mounted in a front/back surround thingamajig I had because it would'nt work with the new desk. I was surprised at the sound with music - somehting is definitely missing - ahh the midtone sounds. I am trying to tweak the sound but they will go back if I cannot get it right. Movies, Voice, and everything else sounds ok. Music is truly poor sounding though.