Logitech Z-2300 Speakers Are Overrated

I was looking for the cheapest computer speakers I could find that were capable of replacing my ancientstereo system speakers.I didn't want the surround sound 5.1 speakers because I don't have anywhere to put all those little speakers.After reading a ton of reviews, I decided on the Logitech Z-2300 because they were praised on the online review sites for amazing sound and bass that was guaranteed to annoy the neighbors.

If you don't already know, the Logitech Z-2300 is a 2.1 computer speaker system (2 small speakers and 1 large amplifier) with THX certified performance.It comes with a controller that allows you to adjust the volume level and the bass.

The Z2300 speakers are good speakers, but they don't live up to the hype.The reviewers gave me the impression that the heavens were going to open up to choirs of angels when I plugged in these speakers. Imagine my surprise when this didn't happen.(Not a single angel!)Perhaps I'd have been perfectly satisfied with the Z2300 if I'd gone into it with a more realistic idea of what they can do.

What they can do is provide decent sound around your desktop computer.What they can't do is fill up a room, even a fairly small living room in an apartment.Maybe they could if they were 3.1 or 5.1, but the two speakers don't put out enough sound to cover much space.These are small speakers and they sound like small speakers. (I know, duh!But I was hypnotized by all those raving reviews.) No amount of tweaking the levels can fix this, although I did find an audio plugin called "Audio Sandbox" that helped a bit.If you want your partygoers on the other side of the room to be rocking out, get a 5.1 system (I so wish I'd made room for those extra speakers now) or hook your computer into your stereo.If you want better than average sound for the occasional tune played at your desk, these might be just the thing.

Compared to the oversized stereo speakers I replaced, the Z2300 have a much better high end and almost too much bass for someone who doesn't really want the neighbors calling the police.What's missing is the middle.I've found this isn't as noticeable for classical, soft rock, or jazz, but punk rock and metal sound like they're being played in a hollow box while some monster bangs on the outside with a big bassy stick.This is ok if you're in the mood for it, but I usually want an all encompassing loudness from my hard rock tunes.

Another drawback is the fuse in the back of the amplifier which frequently blows out.It wouldn't have been as much of an annoyance if there'd been any documentation about it in the user manual, but instead my speakers stopped working one day, and I couldn't figure out why.If I hadn't been crawling around under my desk trying to beat some life into the amplifier, I might never have found the tiny fuse lying on the floor.(When this amplifier blows a fuse, it blows it all the way out and onto the carpet.)It's a good idea to keep some 4-Amp, 125-volt fast acting fuses on hand.Mine needs replacing every couple months.

Overall, these are great speakers compared to the ones that generally come standard with a new computer but lousy speakers compared to the ones that come standard with a nice stereo system.While they can be cranked pretty loud, the sound stays centered around the desk and feels hollow and insubstantial.If you can save up a little more money for a 5.1 system, I highly recommend doing that.I'm saving up money right now to replace mine.