Logitech Z623 400 Watt Home Speaker System, 2.1 Speaker System - Black

Tonight, I got a scare -- these speakers, which I've loved for the short time I've had them (i.e., since mid October), sounded tinny and thin. I checked the connections. I rebooted the computer. Still tinny. Then, it occurred to me (my mind must be slowing down) that no speaker problem would speed up the music. Aha! It was my Enounce program -- a program that lets you listen to audio at up to 3 times its normal speed. I had it set for 2X normal speed after listening to a tutorial by a drawling presenter. I set it back to 1X the recorded speed and, voila!, the music was back. So, since I had found myself more than willing to write a damning review of the longevity of these speakers, I felt it only fair to write a review of just how good they are. So, that's why I'm adding yet another 5-star review of these things. What's not to love. Their sound is outstanding. You can set the bass levels to where you want them -- and the bass is not that terrible boomy stuff of boom boxes and miserably made speakers. It is, rather, crisp and unobtrusive. The mid-range is clear. And, for all my aged ears can still discern, the highs are there. (Alas, when younger, my hearing test for the Air Force had my hearing right up there with dogs. Well, not quite. I couldn't hear a dog whistle. But, I could hear the highest tones that the hearing test provided making my line slightly above the chart. Now, I know, some of the higher frequencies are lost on me.) Volume is no problem. While those who are deaf and those who aspire to become deaf may not find the higher volumes sufficient, most who would rather hear music rather than test their pain tolerances should be quite happy with these. Could they be better? Well, perhaps I might welcome both: a) left-right balance controls and b) a remote. The former can be handled by software that's already on your computer if you go hunting for it. The latter is for those who build up a heckuva lot of static electricity while sitting on a cold winter's night. I'd rather discharge it on the remote than risk zapping the speakers. That age thing, alluded to already you may have noticed, might at any time get me to forgetting to discharge any built-up charge on the case of the computer instead. You could spend a lot more and do a lot worse (sorry Bose). But, why? My musical preferences: jazz, classical, some folk, and a handful of individuals who fall into none of these categories. So, if you're interested in hard rock or the alleged thoughts of rap "artists," you may well want to move onto another review. With computer speakers, it has been my experience that few last for all that long. But, these do appear to be made well. So, I'm optimistic that they will continue to perform well for some time to come. ========================================================================== Unrelated tip: That Enounce program is a freebie and well worth installing if you take courses or listen to tutorials or simply want to race through ads that won't allow you to skip them. It does a good job of speeding things up without making the voices sound like Mickey Mouse after he inhales helium. ========================================================================= Another unrelated tip from John Templeton (a legendary investor): The fastest way to double your wealth is to double your gratitude. Without gratitude, there is no possible perception of wealth.

To preface, I am an audiophile and have spent countless years at my father’s recording studio hearing some of the best studio monitors out there. I am by no means comparing computer/home theater speakers to the likeness of a pair of $6,000 Genelec studio monitors, but I have high regards for these Logitech speakers. To be honest, I bought these speakers alongside a monitor for my PC not expecting much other than knowing that for a fact they will at least be better than the speakers found in my TV, which I was using as a monitor for the longest time. When I received them, I quickly set them up and played some music from my phone. I was simply blown away at the sound quality that these speakers put out even when they were not properly setup in terms of placement. Once the speakers were properly setup, I was even more amazed. I eventually cranked up the volume somewhere around three-quarters of the way and was even more surprised that these speakers were not distorting. Ever since I set them up, I have been using them not on my PC but on my Macbook Pro nonstop and have even been able to turn off my EQ in iTunes as I feel these speakers reproduced the sound more accurately. Keep in mind that my review is based on many variables such as the size of my room, placement of the speakers, etc. But, I have found that with these speakers you need to turn up the bass knob (for me I turned it in between 1 and 2 O’Clock) to achieve a smooth low frequency response and a more overall “fuller” sound. When setting up the speakers, I recommend referencing the picture I included for placement and using a song that you know well and setting the volume to your normal listening volume and then modifying the bass knob to your satisfaction. I would like to stress that placement is one of the biggest factors for how your system will sound. Regardless, I find that these speakers are absolutely worth the money. I have used them to listen to music, to play movies, and other miscellaneous audio related tasks on my computer. There is no doubt that these speakers are THX Certified because it felt like pretty close to being in a movie theater when it came to movies that made adequate use of the subwoofer. I am even contemplating getting another pair to replace the Bose Cinemate GS Series II that is on the TV in my living room as I feel that this system is better than the Bose. I can only find one con when it comes to this system and that is if it were to be used for on a TV, which Logitech says it can be used for, there is no remote for changing the volume or shutting the unit off. Using it on a TV could lead to having to change volume by hand as most TVs have a fixed audio output not a variable one. To be fair, this is a minor fault considering that this system is more of a system for the computer than for the TV. Nonetheless, don’t hesitate buying this unit. For the price, I have yet to find anything that can beat it let alone one that is comparable.

EDIT/NOTE: After about a year, these speakers developed a loud static/crackle noise when you'd touch the power button. Sounded like it was almost shorting out whenever I'd go to turn it on. (And bear in mind, that I dust frequently and keep a very clean house). Just wanted to let everyone know, if your speakers develop this problem, it can be rectified by simply taking an aerosol can of electric contact cleaner; use the little "straw" that comes with the cleaner; unplug your speakers from your outlet, and spray the contact cleaner all around the power button, directing it into the space between the power button and the case, all around the circumference of the button. Spray it good; give it a few minutes to dry, and plug your speakers back in. Voila! Good as new. These speakers produce the highest-quality bass that you will ever find anywhere even near this price point, hands down! Tight but full bass which will not disappoint. That being said, while the overall sound is definitely high-quality, it is not audiophile quality- but you were not eriously expecting that for this price, were you? Then again, these were obviously meant to be computer & A/V speakers (Although I use them for bedroom music speakers), so they were engineered to fill that niche, and they EXCEL at that purpose! I'm reviewing them more so from the perspective of music speakers- so plrease bear that in mind. My only real complaint, is that highs and certain mids can be rather recessed. That's it. If they had merely added a tweeter to each satellite, these speakers would be PERFECT. Even so, they still sound great- and the average user who listens to popular music probably wouldn't even notice. And that being said, they STILL sound better over-all than anything you can get anywhere near this price point which will retain powerful and quality bass. A few other niceties: The on/off button; Volume control; and bass level control are on one of the satellite speakers- so you can control everything conveniently and quickly, including the subwoofer. A headphone jack, and a 3.5mm input jack are also located on the same satellite- so you can plug your MP3 Player in easily. There is also a 3.5mm input on the sub, and R & L RCA input jacks on the sub. The actual components are very well-built and of nice quality. Heavy; not cheap and cheesy. And the sub is built sturdily and heavy enough to take the pounding of the bass that it is capable of producing, with no rattles or other annoying noises. The system works well at all volumes, from loud, to barely perceptible- including the sub, which still does it's thing, even at the lowest volume, and maintains the bass in proper proportion, even at very low volume- and thanks to the bass control knob, you can choose to have virtually no bass at all...or overwhelming bass- or anything in-between. You can tailor it just the way you like for your preferences and listening needs. The only slight caveats: The cables which connect the satellites to the sub are about 6' long. If you want to place the speakers further apart (Their placement in the room, and the orientation of the sub can make substantial differences in the sound) you'll have to get extensions. A standard RCA extension cable for the left satellite can be had for 6 bucks, but the special cable needed to extend the right cable (which contains all the controls) is rather expensive- ranging from 25 to 50 clams or more, depending on the length you need. Considering the qualityu of these speakers though, and the price for which you can get them here on Amazon, that doesn't bother me as much as it otherwise might- even if you spend 40 bananas on an extension, these speakers are still a great deal, and will still sound better than anything you can get for the combined price. Only other minor complaint: There are no keyholes or any other attachment points on the satellites for wall mounting. To be fair thopugh, most other systems designed primarily for computer use do not have such features either (Withj my old speakers, I drilled my own- without even taking the speakers apart- and I got lucky, and didn't hit anything inside...but I'm not willing to take that chance with these- so I made little shelves for the satellites, and velcroed them to the shelves!) That's it. Summary: If you're looking for great-sounding speakers for any purpose, with amazing bass, and are not prepared to spend several hundred bucks, get these! Period! Others aren't even close at anywhere near this price. There's no competition- these are simply the best you can get at this price point- case closed; no regrets!

I've been listening to this system for a little over one month. For MANY years I had used the Boston BA745 2.1 speaker system with my computers. It was a system Gateway supplied with their computers (yes, that was long ago in a computer galaxy far, far away). They finally reached the end: the sub woofer would cut out, the left speaker volume would cut in half, wires had to be jiggled, subwoofer kicked, etc. I researched for months to find replacements. I asked for recommendations on Facebook. I read review after review on the internet. I narrowed it down to either the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX system or the Logitech Z625 THX 2.1 system. I sent Klpisch a question via email...and I'm still waiting for an answer. After a week of waiting, I decided Klipsch didn't want my business, so I ordered the Logitech Z625 THX 2.1 system. I did not think any system would be notably better than the BA745 2.1 system. I couldn't have been more wrong! The first song I listened to on the Logitech Z625 THX 2.1 system was Paul Wilbur's "Worthy." Oh, wow! The bass this system puts out is stunning; I'm hearing low notes the previous speakers NEVER produced. I am hearing instruments on songs I had previously not heard. The improvement is beyond stunning. I have listened to a variety of musical styles and everything sounds amazing (keep in mind that speakers can only produce the quality of the original recording; a cheap recording and a lousy, imbalanced mix down in the studio cannot be overcome by any speaker system). The all around sound is outstanding. The bass has a deep, flowing, intensity instead of a cheap, thumping produced by low-quality, inefficient speakers. MId's and high's are very distinct; as mentioned, I'm hearing instruments - and vocal parts - not previously heard. Setup was extremely easy. Out of the box, the bass level was set slightly past 12:00 and I have not changed it (I thought I might have to turn it up, but it is excellent at the present setting). The volume can be turned up LOUD!! I haven't turned it up past 11:00, at that has been plenty (I usually have it about 9:00 or lower). I have no doubt this system would be very adequate for any sized room in a house. This system cost more than I had hoped to spend but compared to numerous other systems, this one is worth it. I highly recommend the Logitech Z625 THX 2.1 system to anyone shopping for computer speakers.

I recently starting having trouble with the speaker system I had been using for about 4 years. After those 4 years, I wanted to get a system that had a separate power button and volume control rather than a single knob for both as my last system had. I like being able to turn my speakers on and already have the volume adjusted to the level I use most. That is one of the biggest "PROS" about this system for me. A stand-alone power button and a stand-alone volume control. I also like that they are on one of the satellite speakers rather than on a wired control "puck" like some other Logitech speaker systems. Not that there is anything wrong with a system that has that particular setup, I just wanted to limit the number of cables and wires running around my desk. I set these speakers up shortly after they arrived this afternoon. The sound is excellent though a bit heavy on the bass end of things when the bass control is in the default center position. I should add that the center position for the bass is better for music than for videos with dialogue. Turning the bass level down can help clear the "muddiness" that results when watching video. However, the better solution would be for Logitech to have included a treble control in the design of this system. After all, sometimes you want to boost the treble without cutting the bass. Not to mention that when a system has controls for both bass and treble you would tend to expect a better balance between the two when the controls are both set to the default. I know some folks have mentioned a "hum" or "buzz" with this system. I was worried that I might have this problem when getting things in place but, once I made sure there was no tension on the speaker connections that went away (I don't think this is the same problem others have mentioned but it seemed to be the same "hum" as a result). A big difference with this system compared to the previous two speaker systems I have had is that both speakers plug into the subwoofer as opposed to one connecting to the sub and the other plugging into the first speaker. One of the video reviews makes mention of the right speaker connecting to the subwoofer using a VGA-like connector making it proprietary and not easy to replace or use an extension cable should you want more length. First of all, these various connectors tend to always be proprietary even when they are the same "type" of connection. My previous two speaker systems both used a 9-pin DIN connector but each was a different size and the pin-out was different with each system so that, even if both connectors were the same size you could not used the satellite speakers of one system with the other. So, I have absolutely no problem with the VGA-style connection. That video review also states that while the connector "LOOKS" like a VGA you cannot use a VGA extension cable should you want/need more length. I have no idea if this is true or not. I have not tried it. I will say that just because a Logitech employee says you cannot use a VGA extension does not mean it is true. The only reasons it could not work is if the size and/or shape of the connection is slightly different from a standard VGA connection OR if some of the pins in a VGA extension don't go to the right connections within this circuit. Otherwise, I see no logical reason why you could not use a VGA extension (though I COULD be wrong). I went with the Z623 analog version of this system rather than paying more for the Z625 with optical connections. As such, I cannot say anything in regards to connecting via an optical port. Aside from the connections and any digital to analog converter the 623 and 625 would seem to be identical as far as the volume and bass controls and the speakers themselves. Again, this is a VERY nice speaker system. The only real "CON" for me is the lack of a treble control. Yes, I could make adjustments using the EQ controls within my computer but it would be much simpler if the speaker system had a treble control built in. This is the only reason I am giving 4 rather than 5 stars. If Logitech had put a treble control in this system I would likely give it a full 5 stars. I would like to say one more thing if you buy either the Z623 or Z625 because of the THX logo expecting to have sound like in a movie theater you "MIGHT" be disappointed (extreme emphasis on "MIGHT"). Overall these sound very good but, I am sure you could get similar sound quality from a system that does not have the THX logo whether it be a system from Logitech or another company.

Big Sound, Simple Setup The Logitech Z623 2.1 system really surprised me with how much presence it delivers for the price. Setup was plug-and-play—just connect the subwoofer to the satellites and plug into your audio source. No need to fuss with drivers or special software. The system looks understated in matte black, which helps it blend in on a desk or in a living room. Where it shines is sound. The subwoofer is powerful—bass notes hit with punch without getting sloppy, even when I cranked it up for movies and gaming. Dialogue and mids stay clear, and the satellites have enough treble to keep music bright without being tinny. For music, it feels balanced; for games and movies, the low-end rumble makes it immersive. It definitely fills a medium to large room without breaking a sweat. Things to keep in mind: the controls are located on the right satellite (volume, bass, headphone jack, and aux input), so you’ll want that speaker within reach. There’s no remote, which may matter if you’re using it for TV in a larger space. Also, the subwoofer is big—make sure you have floor or shelf space for it. Bottom line: A great all-around 2.1 system that delivers big, theater-like sound without complexity. If you want powerful, room-filling audio that’s easy to set up, the Z623 hits the sweet spot.

I've purchased this four times. Fantastic sounding speaker system for a three computer speaker set up. I"ve this for my work computer, my mom's computer, and two sons have this for their computers. Like I said I liked these so much for the price point that I've purchased them four times now. I bought my first set years ago now. At least 5 to 7 years ago. Never had any problems with any of them. That is why when My Mom recently bought a new computer I bought these for her as well.

I couldn't find any reviews from Logitech Z4 owners, so I decided to take a leap and tell you all about it. First off for those of you who don't know, the Logitech Z4 2.1 system was the "mid-grade" and right under the infamous Z-2300. The Z4 remains one of the best mid-grade speaker systems ever made by Logitech. I've owned and liked the Z4 for the past 3 years but I wanted something more... I wanted more mids, more highs and of course, more bass. I was going to go the Z-2300 route and buy them used (since they are out of production as of this review). However, I wanted a system with a warranty, so I decided to pick the Z623. I never listened to the Z-2300, so I can't comment how they compare. Looks: At first glance, the Z623 feels like a more expensive system. Looks wise, they are ugly. The Z4's look more elegant. The Z623 speakers have that upside down raindrop look to them. What were Logitech thinking with this design?? The satellites took up a lot more space width and depth wise, but thats ok since the bigger drivers on the Z623 delivered more rich sound. The satellites felt expensive and did not feel cheap at all. They are made of plastic, but the hard expensive plastic feel. I also like how the satellite speakers have a metal grill protecting the drivers. On the Z4, nothing is protecting them. So the risk of damage is a lot higher. I was always paranoid around the Z4 satellite speakers for that reason. Now with the Z623, those anxieties are gone. Overall Sound: Regardless of looks, the most important part is the sound. Since the Z4's already produced great sound quality, it would take a lot to impress me, and luckily these did! First the bass hits hard and low. At the same volume level, the Z623 packed more bass. If you love bass, and need bass, this is the system for you. The bass is accurate and more boomy then the Z4's. Keep in mind the sub-woofer speaker is much bigger then the Z4's. The Z4's lacked mids and I heard the Z623 lacked mids as well. Comparatively speaking, the Z623 delivered more mids then the Z4 and I was quite relieved. I play games and listen to music and was able to hear small details I didn't hear with my Z4 and now I hear them with the Z623 because the Z623 has improved mids over the Z4 (as it should for being almost 2X more expensive...) One of the important things I look for in speakers is the highs. I want to be able to hear the bullet shells drop on the ground in Battlefield 3 and Modern Warfare 3. I want to be able to hear the trees ruffling in Skyrim. I read a couple of reviews that said the Z623 lacked highs. I disagree. The Z623 does highs wonderfully, and I think if it was any brighter, I would have to tone them down in the EQ on my PC. Even though the Z623 does not have a separate tweeter, the Z623 delivered more highs then the Z4. It was more bright and it met my expectations for highs. FYI: Some people thing where the THX symbol is on the speaker are tweeters, but they are not. They are ports, not tweeters. Like I said, even though the speakers lack tweeters, the drivers were still able to produce very bright highs (more then the Z4). Overall, the sound on the Z623 are much better. The Z623 sound more full and rich. What I mean by this is, I was able to hear small details in the mid and highs that I didn't hear with the Z4. Also note, after about a couple days of usage, the sound started to get better. The mids and lows (sub woofer) started to sound better. Keep in mind like most speakers, it takes some time and use to loosen the coils. After about 4 days, the speakers sounded awesome. I was a bit nervous at first because the speakers didn't sound full. Sound with music: I listen to everything from techno to rap and everything in between. Music was accurate and anything with bass you could feel it. Listening to music on the Z623 breathed new life into all of my music. The Z4's played them well, but the Z623 sound range just made everything sounded more alive and in front of you, if that makes any sense. Sound with gaming: I do a lot of gaming, so sound is just as important as graphics to me. If the sound is not good, the game play suffers because if you can't hear the foot steps behind you, or a dragon coming to get you. With the Z4, the sound was great, but with the Z623, the sound is even better! When I was playing BF3, I heard more detail in the explosions. Even when reloading my weapon, I heard extra "clicking" sounds of the gun that I did not hear with the Z4. In Starcraft 2, I was able to hear more detail with the workers were mining for minerals. When playing Skyrim, the sound of the dragon fire coming towards you comes with intensity and depth that the Z4 couldn't deliver due to lack of mids. Even though the details are small, that make a huge difference because it just enhances the experience and the detail. Usability: At first, I was sad to see Logitech took the cheap route and not offer a separate pod to control the volume. I really liked how the pod worked on the Z4. However, I am now glad they didn't for the Z623. No pod means less wires and more space on your desk. On the right speakers is where you will find the power button, volume control nob and bass nob. When its on, a small faint orange LED light is right above the power button. Its very dim, so it doesn't distract. The volume nob is smooth and doesn't make any "crackling" sounds then you adjust the volume. The bass nob feels smooth also. Over all, the control scheme for the Z623 is better then the Z4. I sometimes like to hear songs from my iPod through the speakers and was glad to see the Z623 does have in audio input. This is something that the Z-2300 doesn't have. Summary: Pros - Sound quality is great, a good improvement over my old Z4's. - Bass is accurate and can definitely shake your room. At high volume, everything on my desk almost fell over! - Mids were still lacking, but from the Z4, the mids were better. - Highs were nice and bright. It sounded as if the speakers had tweeters (but they do not). - Integrated controls on the right speaker saves space for a separate control pod. - Sound is rich and full. - Video game sounds brought out the games. It sounds so clear and crisp that you felt as if you were in the game. - Metal grill on the satellite (and sub-woofer) protect the speakers very well. Cons - Mids are still lacking, but not as bad as my old Z4's. But the lack of mids aren't bad, just wish it had a little bit more mids. - Speakers looks ugly. - Satellite speakers take up much more space then the Z4. - Retail price is high, but if you can snag them for $120 or under, do it. Final thoughts: For those of you who are clinging to the Z4 but are itching for a better upgrade, I would highly recommend the Z623. The Z623 sound quality is just like the Z4, but better. Its better because it packs more bass, better mids and higher highs. Z4 owners are penalized price wise because theirs nothing in the $60-$80 range that can match the sound quality of the Z4. If you want to maintain that sound quality, you have to get the Z623 to be satisfied. I listened to the Z4 replacement, the Z523, but it was not as good as the Z4. If you have the money to upgrade, or if you want to get something that will be better, then don't wait, order the Z623.