As of late, Logitech needs no introduction when it comes to speakers. Ever since the introduction of their Z-560 speakers over a year ago, they have earned the respect that is needed for them to compete with the heavyweights in audio entertainment.

   However, Logitech did not neglect the entry-level and value markets, and included in their "Z" lineup the Z-340 and Z-540 systems which were geared towards those markets. Just as their Z-560 turned heads, these lower-end systems also garnered praise for their quality and low price.

   Just last year, Logitech released two new speaker systems in its new "Z" fall-2002 lineup, one of which was the Z-640. Today, we'll be looking at this system to see if it lives up to the legacy of its predecessors.

Specifications:

   With the proliferation of DVD hardware not only in computers but in set-top boxes, the need for 5.1-compliant speaker systems has increased. For some people, watching a movie just isn't the same with only stereo sound as opposed to a true surround sound setup.

   With the 5.1 setup, you not only get a channel for the subwoofer, but also a discrete center channel in addition the front right and left and rear left and right channels. With such a setup, not only will movies sound potentially better; some games have begun to support 5.1 audio in order to better immerse you in the storyline or gameplay - though 5.1 audio was mainly designed for movies as the center channel helps to project dialog.

   The Z-640s were designed to fill this need - a computer speaker system that could also output 5.1 audio for movies. For some people, the PC is the only place where they can watch movies, as space is limited and they may not be able to afford a separate DVD player.

• Total output power: 71.2 Watts RMS

• Subwoofer power output: 25.7 Watts RMS

• Satellite speaker power output: 45.5 Watts RMS (2 x 7.3w Front; 2 x 7.3w Rear; 16.3w Center)

• Total peak power: 140 Watts

• System frequency response: 35Hz - 20kHz

• Signal-to-noise ratio: >75 dB

• Input impedance: > 5,000 ohms

• Shielded satellites for use near video monitors

System Requirements:

• PC

• - For 5.1 surround sound: any 4 or 6 channel sound card

• - For Dolby Digital 5.1 sound: sound card or software DVD player with built-in Dolby Digital decoding

• Video game consoles

• - A PlayStation®, PlayStation®2, Xbox™, or Nintendo GameCube™ using stereo RCA (red and white) audio cables

• TV

• - TV with stereo RCA audio output jacks (stereo RCA cable not included)

• Two-year warranty

   The Z-640s were made to be an affordable 5.1 system so that most anyone could enjoy 6-channel audio in their home in front of their computer or entertainment center.

   Logitech has worked hard to ensure they have systems available for each segment of the market - they don't just want to appeal to those who have the big bucks. It should be noted that the Z-640 will not decode a 5.1 signal; at its $99 USD (MSRP) price, this simply could not be included.

  The source you are attaching this system to (PC, DVD player, decoder) will have to be able to decode the signal and output six discrete channels that the Z-640 can output. Also included in the package (besides the sub and five satellites) were a small manual/installation guide and an video game console adapter.

   The Z-640s came very well protected in a foam carton that completely surrounded each speaker and prevented any movement during shipping. It's highly unlikely the speakers will be damaged unless your parcel service is having a training day when these are delivered to you. In fact, removing all of the packaging will probably the most time-consuming procedure for these speakers during the installation process.

   The manual or setup guide is very short, at only five pages long, per language. It clearly shows how to setup the system, depending on your configuration, and does an satisfactory job of explaining the controls on the center channel.  

Box style similar to other Logitech products.

Foam surrounds all parts.

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