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12 SEPT 2004 |
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Logitech Z-3 Multimedia Speakers |
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Ever since
reviewing Logitech’s 5300 and Z-680
multimedia speakers, Logitech has proven
to be more than competent in making
speakers considering that they
specialize in quality mice and
keyboards.
This time I will be
reviewing Logitech’s lower end speakers
called the Z-3 multimedia speakers. The
Z-3 is a 2.1 configuration consisting of
2 satellite speakers and a subwoofer.
These speakers are intended for
individuals who can’t quite afford
Logitech’s higher end speakers and are
on a budget. These speakers retail for
about $100 according to Logitech’s
website.
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-40 Watts RMS
-Wired Remote with
headphone jack
-modern design
-durable metal stands
-brushed aluminum face and removable
grilles
-nice wooden finish on subwoofer and
satellites
-pressure driver
subwoofer technology helps deliver
distortion-free bass
-easy setup with
color coded cables
Total Output Power:
40 watts RMS
Satellites: 17 watts RMS (8.5W x 2)
Subwoofer: 23 watts RMS
Total peak power:
80 watts
Frequency response:
35Hz - 20kHz
-Satellites: 2-inch
aluminum phase plug driver
-Subwoofer:
8-inch pressure driver
Speaker dimensions:
-Satellites:
(H) 7.75 inches x (W) 3.625 inches x (D)
3.125 inches
-Subwoofer:
(H) 9 inches x (W) 8.875 inches x (D)
9.375 inches
Signal to noise
ratio: >92db
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The package came in
the usual nice looking box with the ‘Z’
at the top. I unwrapped the plastic
wrapping covering the box. What I have
always like about Logitech’s box is that
it tells you exactly what you are
getting. At the top left of the front,
the box clearly shows the power of the
speakers. These speakers have a total
output power of 40 Watts RMS and a total
peak power of 80 Watts. Based on the
numbers alone, these speakers do pack
quite a bit of power. The back of the
box clearly shows what the speakers look
like as well as the features.
When opening the
box, you can see the thick foam of 2
pieces covering the product. When
opening one side, there are the 2
satellite speakers and the subwoofer
securely wrapped within. All the
speakers were wrapped well to prevent
accidental damage and scratches so you
can expect it in the best condition
possible.
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The
satellite speakers are a
joy to look at it. They
have a modern design
because of the brushed
aluminum. The entire
speaker is made of
brushed aluminum with
polished wood covering
the sides of the speaker
giving it a more
expensive look. The
front of the speaker is
convered with a
semi-see-through black
grille. There is the
Logitech logo right
towards the bottom of
the grille. When taking
off the grille, you
reveal the metallic and
shiny look of the
speaker. The speaker is
black on the rim, but
the cone and plug are
silver. Right above the
midrange speaker is a
port. The single
speaker acts as both the
tweeter and midrange
speaker as opposed to
conventionally being
separate.
When lifting the
speaker, I found it
almost as heavy as a
Z-680 satellite
speaker. It is heavy
because of the very
thick metal stand.
Having a good stand on a
speaker is important
because it prevents
unnecessary vibrations.
At
the back of the speaker
you will notice two
things, first is that
the speaker is clearly
labeled as the left or
right speaker. Second
is that the speaker wire
is integrated into the
speaker. What that
means is that you have
to be careful handling
the speakers. If you
pull with too much force
on the wire, you may
incapacitate one of the
speakers. This
shouldn’t be a problem
as long as you are
careful.
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The subwoofer is a bit smaller than
the Z-5300. It’s about the size of two shoeboxes
stacked on top of each other, but more cube-like. The
subwoofer also has a modern design because it is covered
with polished wood. The subwoofer uses an 8 inch
driver. At the back of the subwoofer, you will a volume
control for the subwoofer, the AC cord, and a single
plug where the satellites are plugged in.
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The wired remote is very simple
device. It basically just has a large volume control
knob just like the Z-5300. Lastly, there is a power
button which turns on and off the sound to the
speakers. In addition, there is a headphone jack right
below the remote which is very handy for those who like
to switch between their speakers and headphones often.
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You really can’t go wrong with the
installation. All you have to do is plug the subwoofer
into an AC outlet. Then you just use the single plug to
plug the connected satellite speakers into the
subwoofer. Then you just plug the last wire into the
sound card of your computer. I found the wires to be
slightly messier than what it should be. That is
because the wired remote is connected to both the
satellites and the plug that goes into your sound card.
Other than that, you are ready to go to trying out your
new speakers.
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Because these speakers are
lower priced than the Z-5300, I was expecting
lower quality-sounding speakers. I was wrong.
When playing my usual music selection, these
speakers had very detailed clear and crisp
sounds. This immediately shed my doubts about
the smaller-sized drivers. When playing music,
I felt the need to turn up the subwoofer volume
to its maximum having been used to the
thunderous bass of the Z-5300. As stereo
speakers, the satellites have excellent stereo
separation.
When playing my usual games
such as Natural Selection (a Half-Life
modification), I found the directional audio to
work well. When there was someone behind me, I
was amazed at how well just 2 speakers were able
to present the sound making me think there was
actually someone behind me. When moving and
turning around, I was able to locate fairly
easily where sounds were coming from. When
shooting my gun in the game, I did notice that
it sounded a bit different than the Z-5300.
Since the subwoofer is smaller than the Z-5300
subwoofer, the bass wasn’t quite as deep and
full-sounding as usual. I did notice however
that the highs were excellent and were very
clear.
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These
speakers exceeded my expectations for such low priced
speakers. The speakers are very clear and the bass is
impressive considering the price you are paying for.
With the modern design of these speakers, these will
surely fit with almost any lifestyle while having great
sound speakers. At the retail price of $100, you will
be able to easily find these for less somewhere else.
If you are looking for good quality speakers at a low
price, these are the way to go. I’m also aware that
these speakers are also available in a black color as
well as an aluminum color, also known as the Z3-i.
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Reviewed by
ronald@digitalreviews.net |
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