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

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

A failing PSU can be extremely difficult to identify. Since you have a spare PSU, though, you have a convenient way to test assuming it is rated for a higher load.

Boz

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

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

Over a year ago my "Profile views" stopped updating. I've been curious how many folks are swinging by my blog, but it stopped at Profile views:89747 (+ 33 new) some time in either late 2009 or 2010. Is this getting an update in Gamespot Beta, being discontinued, or is there some other way to track page views of which I am unaware?

Happy gaming,

Boz

Bose vs Logitech :lol: both bad.

Should try proper brands; Bowers & Wilkins, KEF, Klipsch, Dynaudio, Denon, XTZ, Maratanz, Dali, Cerwin Vega, etc, etc...

Mozelleple112

If you JUST ordered the 5670, I would strongly recommend you return the card if you are not interested in building your own PC; shipping and a restocking fee are a small price to pay to get most of your money back towards a new PC. Consider iBuyPower for your new PC; despite the silly name they are very well reviewed and offer quality, pre-built PCs using components at a very reasonable price. You can buy direct through iBuyPower or from Newegg. Newegg may even forgive the restocking fee and/or shipping if you tell them you want to use the return as a credit towards the purchase of a new PC.

If the boutique brand makes you nervous, a Lenovo is certainly not a bad alternative.

Good luck,

Boz