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Logitech Z-2200 Speakers Review
Date Published: 08-24-2004 Written By: Stygian Sponsored By: Logitech Pages: 1 2

Introduction:

   In the past few years we have seen the market for computer speaker systems explode into a complex array of different product types, with the most obvious being the introduction of multi-speaker systems into the mainstream market. No longer are 4.1, 5.1, or even 6.1 sound systems limited to those with fat wallets, as the consumer's need for such systems has driven the manufacturers to produce low-cost systems in these categories. In fact, the market penetration of these systems is so much one could argue that > 2.1 sound systems for the computer are now the accepted norm instead of the exception. This has, unfortunately, created a situation where some manufacturers are forced to concentrate on producing such systems to meet certain price points, resulting in inferior sound reproduction on these systems. After all, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 and even 7.1 are huge buzzwords, and the marketing folks know that there are some people who'll buy into this despite other not-readily apparent shortcomings. Thus, it's often hard to find a good quality 2.1 system as most makers restrict their quality satellites to higher-end 5.1 and 6.1 systems. "You only have a 2.1 system? Who has one of those nowadays? Why not get at least a 4.1?"

   Well, for one, I don't currently need anything more. I don't watch movies an awful lot on my computer, and more importantly, I'm limited by space; and, I believe a quality 2.1 system goes a lot further than a mediocre multi-speaker setup. While I may not represent a majority of the population, there's still a good number of people in my situation who also want a quality system for listening to music and enjoying other media. Space constraints shouldn't have to mean constraints on quality; it wouldn't make sense for me to buy a high-end 4.1 or 5.1 system only to not use two or three of the satellites. Logitech recently stepped up to this challenge with the release of its THX-certified 2.1 system, the Z-2200. Looking very similar to the Z-560 and Z-680 systems, I was very excited to be able to take a look at this system. Does it live up to the legacy its older brothers have created, and more importantly, is the THX certification warranted? (Some would say the THX certification is a bit weird, since THX was originally conceived as a standard for movie sound reproduction, which is usually a surround-sound affair.) I'll try to answer these questions as best I can.

   Specifications Being a 2.1 system, there aren't too many fancy buzzwords surrounding this system as there would be with others. In fact, like the Z-3's I previously reviewed, this factor may be the biggest turn off for many people who are accustomed to seeing 5.1 and 6.1 systems on sale at their local computer store. After all, it can't be denied that surround sound is a feature many people want. However, the Z-2200s do have many features and design specs that'll make them prominent, namely, their THX certification.

   The sub features the same basic design as its predecessor THX brothers, an 8-inch driver with a flared port. The satellites also feature the same aluminum phase plug design and look basically the same as those of the Z-680; no tweeters are present on these satellites, but ask most people who've listened to either the Z-680 or Z-560 systems from Logitech, and they'll tell you it wasn't missed. This, combined with an impressive 200w

  RMS power rating, and you'll know that this system has the basic elements present for quality.

• Total RMS power: 200 watts RMS

  • Satellites: 80 watts RMS (40w x 2)

  • Subwoofer: 120 watts RMS

  • Total peak power: 400 watts

• Frequency response: 35Hz - 20kHz

• Drivers:

  • Satellites: 3-inch phase plug driver

  • Subwoofer: 8-inch long-throw ported driver

• Speaker dimensions:

  • Satellites: (H) 7 inches x (W) 4.25 inches x (D) 6 inches

  • Subwoofer: (H) 11 inches x (W) 11 inches x (D) 15 inches

• Signal to noise ratio: >100db

• SoundTouch™ wired remote control:

  • Master volume

  • Subwoofer volume

  • Headphone jack

  • Power/Standby

• More specs here.

   Logitech didn't change much with the Z-2200s; they are basically a 2.1 version of the Z-560's, albeit with slight differences. The satellites and sub look virtually identical to this previous system though, but I guess you can't fault Logitech for applying the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" axiom by using their previous systems as a stepping stone to make a good 2.1 system. They don't get any points for innovation, but I suppose they've done enough of that.

   The Z-2200 come in standard Logitech packaging, and the package here was quite heavy, mostly due to the weight of the subwoofer. Once opened, you can see that everything is packaged well and firmly entrenched in foam protection. After unpacking, you can see that the overall colour is a dull/semi-metallic grey that matches well with many computer cases and some laptops/notebooks. By going with a fairly neutral colour scheme, the speakers are allowed to fit in with most computer systems. After unpacking everything, you'll find that the package comes with: The subwoofer, two satellites, a wired control pod, a console game adapter, and a small setup guide. The guide is fairly brief, but with the colour-coded cable connectors and this being a 2.1 system, setup isn't too involved.

   The sub very much resembles that of the Z-560, with the main difference being colour. However, there are slight differences; firstly, their are no spring-loaded speaker clamps for connecting the satellites; instead, RCA-style plugs are present. Obviously, spring-loaded, or even better, binding posts, would be better in this situation since then one could supply their own speaker wire to whatever quality and length was required. Also, the heatsink on the back of this sub is substantially smaller than that of the Z-560's subwoofer.

   However, I actually found that during playback and testing, this heatsink felt less warm to the touch than the larger heatsink on the Z-560's sub. Chalk it up to a design improvement there. At the very bottom of the sub at the back is the power cord; the AC adapter is built into the sub's enclosure so there is no unsightly power brick to steal plugs on your surge protector or whatever you're using. Above this is the fuse, and then the hard on/off switch for the entire system. Further up is a VGA-like connector that goes out to the control pod, allowing it to control not only the volume, but also the bass volume. It can also switch the system between on and standby modes. At the side of the sub you can see the flared port, whose design ought to improve the quality of the bass produced. The sub sites on four rubber feet, so it'll place well on hard surfaces, while the front of the sub features the protective cover for the driver; overall, the look of the sub is in line with other Logitech products.

   Moving onto the satellites, you'll realize they look pretty much identical to those of the Z-680/Z-560, save maybe a colour difference; even the stands look the same. However, the satellites of the Z-2200 are hardwired to their cables, removing the possibility of using your own cables. Some would say that one of the best features of a good sound system is the ability to use your choice of cables; however, for a 2.1 system such as this one it isn't that much of an issue, however, I would have still liked to see the Z-2200s come with satellites featuring binding posts like on the Z-560's. This would allow for more placement options; at the same time, the choice of hardwired cables simplifies installation, and perhaps that's the effect Logitech was looking for. I measured each satellite's cable to be about 2.1m in length, which is a little short if you want to use these speakers to project sound in a larger-sized room, but for most situations this length will do.

   The grills are removable, with their pegs fitting into rubber holes on the satellites. Removal exposes the driver, which isn't good if you have prying fingers/claws in your house, but at the same time shows you the professional look of this system, with the phase plugs clearly visible. Removal also allows for cleaning, if that's up your alley. While removable grills certainly aren't an essential feature, they do lend a feeling of quality to the satellites.

   The quality metal stands provide a stable base for the satellites, an essential feature for any system. Four rubber feet on the bottom keep them anchored on your desk. If you want, the stands can be reversed with a few seconds work of a screwdriver, turning the stands into wall-mountable hardware. This is a nice feature, especially if you are lacking on desk space or want to place these speakers to project sound better. Unfortunately, the hardwired and limited cable length to the satellites reduces the effectiveness of this feature.

   The control pod resembles that of the recent Z-3 system by Logitech. However, there are a few key differences. Firstly, and most importantly, it's not attached in any way to the satellite's cables. This allows for an easier setup and easier positioning of the entire system, as you won't have to fiddle around as much to get the cables in place. Secondly, the bass volume control is present on this control pod, something that was missed on the Z-3's. In my opinion, this feature is necessary for a system such as the Z-2200. You just shouldn't have to reach around to the back of your sub to adjust its volume. There are two cables that come from the control/remote; the mini-stereo audio plug that goes into your soundcard/sound source, and the connector that goes to the back of the sub. These are about 2.1m and 1.9m in length, respectively.

   The remote itself is nice and easy to use. Roughly a little bigger than a pack of playing cards, it has a large dial for the main system volume that is easy to adjust, and a smaller one for the bass volume; the bass volume knob has a "notch" right at the mid-level mark, letting you know the halfway point. An on/off switch is present, and is a nice addition; on the front side of the remote is a headphone jack, which, when used, automatically mutes the speakers, as expected. The volume controls work with the headphone jack as well.

   Lastly, a small installation manual was also included, as per Logitech's standards. I doubt you'll have to use this though, as this 2.1 system isn't too complicated of a setup. More interesting is the inclusion of a game console adapter, something we've been seeing with Logitech speakers for a while now. Basically, this adapter converts a mini-stereo 3.5mm connection into RCA jacks, allowing the system to be used with video game systems and other outputs. This was a nice feature, as many will no doubt want to use these speakers with more than their computer.

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