Logitech Z523 opinions?

Firstly please realise that none of the brands that you people recommend are available in my country. I cannot "test" any speakers either and once I buy something it cannot be returned, there is no such thing as a demo so please try to help me as much as you might not like logitech.

I find the sound of my X-530 to be acceptable so you can see perhaps I have lower standards. But the one problem I have is that the sound stage is very weak, I listen to alot of music while walking in my room and they just dont cut it with that.

Now the logitech Z523 seem to have that 360 degree sound thing as they have drivers on the back of the speaker as well. Now does this mean that the soundstage will improve as the sound will be hitting the wall as well? Does having a back driver negatively effect the sound when I am sitting in front of the speaker?

I dont need surround as I no longer use it, it's almost like I have the logitech X-230. Do you think this is a worthwhile upgrade over the X-230? This is the best I can do with my money, I either stick with the 230 or go with the Z523.

Cnet says that it is one of the best 2.1 PC speakers under $100.

You are correct in that Logitech is a mass-market, low-end brand. That said, they do have a range of products, some of which are better than others.

If you are looking for alternatives but are restricted by country, perhaps you can provide your location and budget; you would be surprised how resourceful Gamespot users are when it comes to finding a good bargain in a variety of locations!

Otherwise it sounds like it is simply the best option available to you because it is the only option available.

Good luck,

Boz

I live in pakistan, I doubt anyone can specifically help in that.:P

There is a website which provies niche brands but they are charging a steep premium for it. Like the studiophile AV-30 are available for $160, I might as well get the logitech Z-2300 for that money.

Some of the other brands available here are creative and altec lansing, do they have some $100 2.1 system that I should look into?

Also the important question is, are $100 enough to actually get a noticible upgrade over the X-230?

Being in Canada I don't really know much about the region, but how hard would it be to import from lets say, China? I don't mind looking into some options for you, but if there are some high import fees it may not be worth it.

There are import duties on any electronic item from any part of the world. It's not humungeous but you combine that with shipping and it really is no longer worth it.

I can even buy the studiophile AV-40 from here but they are $220.

Would you say I save money once and buy something like that? Or is it not worth the price?

These are the better options that I am aware of.

Logitech Z-2300 = $160

studiophile AV-30 = $160

studiophile AV-40 = $220

HK soundsticks II = $160

The problem with the Z-2300 is that I live in an apartment and I wont be able to use them to their potential. But would you say that choosing AV 30 over the logitech is a bit stupid?

I see, well the AV-30s seem like the best option.

I see, well the AV-30s seem like the best option.

NVIDIATI

[QUOTE="NVIDIATI"]

I see, well the AV-30s seem like the best option.

Gambler_3

I'll go ahead and second NVIDIATI on the speaker recommendation. Remember, too, that good speakers last forever. I'm still using speakers I bought 15 years ago!

Also, I thought I'd throw this out there: Are you using the speakers only while at the PC, or will you be listening to music and doing other things/walking around? If it's just PC gaming, you might be better off with headphones. A $50 headphone is often as good if not better than a $200 speaker (I exaggerate, but you get my meaning). :D

Boz

I use bose headphones for gaming and before you ask me why I bought them you should realise that it was also because of the lack of choice. However I absolutely love them, they have been worth every dime I spent on them. Ever since getting a sound card with amp and dolby headphone, it's become 2x better.

The speakers will be used for music and many a times I am not infront of the speakers, that's why I am doubtful about logitech. Sound stage and mids are the biggest weakness of my current logitech and I think judging from that I dont doubt that the mids of their higher end models would be far from perfect.

Unfortunately I have not been able to get a good price for my logitech yet so this just makes things a bit difficult.

I guess I am gonna wait to save up money as this is a correct point that speakers last a long time. I can even afford the AV-40 if I postpone my 6950 graphics card upgrade, oh this will be a tough decision.:P

Btw how much better are AV-40 than AV-30?

And btw NVIDIATI the local website which offers audiophile stuff has been down for a few days, I will bump this thread whenever it goes up so you can check it and see if something even better is available.

I dont get this. If the logitech Z-2300 is not as good as others then why is every single professional review singing praises of it?

And by professionals I mean this sort of a review. I think I am sold on the Z-2300.

The AV-30 dont get loud enough it seems.:(

As infrequent as it happens but when my parents are away, it just cannot get too loud for my ears.:P

I dont get this. If the logitech Z-2300 is not as good as others then why is every single professional review singing praises of it?

And by professionals I mean this sort of a review. I think I am sold on the Z-2300.

Gambler_3

As for the difference between the AV30 and AV40, well the AV40 uses larger drivers, and more power, so it might be what you're looking for.

So it comes down to this:

If you want poor detail, loud noise, big boom, lack of mids, and low quality parts, get the Logitech.

If you want a dynamic sound, consistant from the lows to highs, a tight bass, and quality parts, get the M-Audio.

What about cnet? This is what the review says...

"Our first test on the Z-2300 was musical. We checked out the Arcade Fire's MP3 "Wake Up" and loved the results. The opening guitar riff sounded crunchy and clear, with the subwoofer offering subtle and smooth low-end accompaniment. When the drums kicked in and the bass guitar followed, the bass never detracted from the speakers' excellent clarity in the mid-to-high frequencies, even at maximum volume. All the while, the set provided the kind of thump and low-end resonance most would associate with a great PA system at a live show. Unlike those on many 2.1 setups, the Z-2300's subwoofer seemed capable of providing stellar sound at both moderate and extreme bass levels."

They gave Z-2300 higher score than the AV-30. Lets keep in mind that AV-30 are entry level monitors whereas the Z-2300 are high end consumer speakers. Even at newegg the AV-30 have a 4 star rating and logitech has 5 star. AV-40 vs Z-2300 is no contest in music I know but I just cant increase the budget that much.:(

There is no magic behind the Z2300, you get no mids, muddy/boomy bass and inconsistent highs. I would not recommend those. The AV30 or AV40 will produce a better sound, so stick to companies that actually know audio. Link me to that site once it comes online and I'll see if there are better options.

Okay I am gonna call them to ask when their website is coming up again, lets see what other options we have then, I will also try to bargain the price of the AV-40.

Thanks for all your help so far.:)

I have have the Z2300s.

Please listen to the other posters and stay away from them.

They produce sound and can get loud but the sound is sloppy. The bass is just horrible.

NVIDIATI is correct: The web sites you are reading are not audio review sites, they are electronics reviewers. They're good at what they do, but consider what you are looking for: Speakers for general use, not just to play an MP3 once in awhile or a game. It's why I asked you what you wanted them for; I want to recommend the speaker that's right for you. C|Net and Tom's Hardware are not Audioholics or Home Theater Review.

Let's consider construction: The Logitech Z-2300s use a single driver with a phase plug. While a phase plug will certainly help raise the frequency extension of the driver to a degree, even a cheap whizzer cone would offer better full-range sound reproduction from a single driver, but neither is a substitute for a dedicated tweeter and a decent crossover, the latter of which separates the upper frequencies from lower and mid-band frequencies, sending them to the tweeter and mid-range driver, respectively. A decent crossover using high-quality components alone can dramatically improve a speaker's performance.

Without listening to them I can immediately tell you that the Z-2300 speakers will be lacking when trying to reproduce cymbals, gunshots, and other sounds using upper-frequency ranges relative to the AV-40s. I've used the highly acclaimed Cambridge Soundworks Soundworks II speakers (the new version is Microworks II) for almost ten years - I have two sets of them - but I strongly prefer a pair of lesser-rated Creative speakers that use a separate tweeter (you can see them here on my desk, though the model escapes me) for general gaming and minor music listening.

All that being said, the Z-2300 will probably pump out more bass than the AV-40's due to the dedicated sub and amp design, so consider carefully the pros and cons. The AV-40's will sound significantly better in general than the Z-2300s, but will not have the bass thump that comes with a 2.1 setup.

Good luck with your decision, I hope I've given you some food for thought.

Happy gaming,

Boz

I'll totally go for the AV-40 if I decide to up my budget. I am just confused between the AV-30 and Z-2300. The main flaw of the AV-30 is the relatively weaker amp which wont be a problem for games and movies for me but a potential limitation in music as there is no such thing as too loud for me.

To be perfectly honest, you will probably be happy with either speaker. If volume is a concern and you want tons of bass, you're going to prefer the Logitechs.

Boz

I have got a question. Can I not use these things with a PC? They are actually cheaper than the AV40 for me.

http://www.shophive.com/shophive/Sony-MHC-GZR5D-p-4900.pakistan.html

http://www.shophive.com/shophive/Panasonic-SC-VKX20-p-9365.pakistan.html

Are the AV40 really better than these? I have listened to that sony one at the sony store and they really are awesome but the guy had no idea how to make them work with a PC.

Those are boomboxes/stereos. Don't recommend them because their hardware and speakers are shoddy. If they do have any sort of input, it'd probably be a RCA/composite. My old Sony stereo had one on its front. If its gonna save you a good bit a money, nothing wrong with getting them. I find them really boomy though.

I have got a question. Can I not use these things with a PC? They are actually cheaper than the AV40 for me.

http://www.shophive.com/shophive/Sony-MHC-GZR5D-p-4900.pakistan.html

http://www.shophive.com/shophive/Panasonic-SC-VKX20-p-9365.pakistan.html

Are the AV40 really better than these? I have listened to that sony one at the sony store and they really are awesome but the guy had no idea how to make them work with a PC.

Gambler_3

I highly advise against these for your computer unless you keep them really far away because they are not meant to be listened up close, plus sony generally doesnt offer that great of sound quality till you get past $500. Plus the tweeters on those are pretty harsh to listen to after awhile, my friend has the same set, different color.

Thanks people I will stick to the AV40.:)

Hey guys once again I put up a few options and ask what your opinion is about them.

http://www.vmart.pk/altec-lansing-mx6021e-21-expressionist-ultra-speakers-sku001899.html

http://www.pakmac.com/products.php?product=91&sp=56&mc=56&num=0

The altec lansing price is slightly less than the AV40 and the sound sticks are quite a bit cheaper. Sorry for being so paranoid but I have never spent so much money on speakers so want to get the best price performance.:)

I was not impressed by the Soundsticks. Would stick with saving for the AV40s unless you can find a cheap used/refurb receiver and a cheap pair of bookshelf speakers. Didn't see anything from your links sadly.