Review: Logitech's Z533 computer speakers deliver bang for the buck
Logitech's 2.1-channel Z533 speaker system may not be the pinnacle of home audio, but it more than gets the job done at a very reasonable price.
The only tricky part is positioning the subwoofer so that every cable can reach its intended device, and that the system's control pod is within easy grasp. That pod, incidentally, has 3.5-millimeter inputs and outputs of its own for the sake of headphones or pumping music from smartphones and tablets.
With bass set at mid-level, the subwoofer delivers a satisfying "punch" to music, video, and game audio without overwhelming the rest of the sound. Maxing it out can have slight muffling effects -- we tested this out with trance by Above & Beyond -- but probably won't deter people who want oomph in their audio.
Ultimately the speakers sound pleasing, even if nuance isn't their forte. It's only when compared against something like M-Audio's AV-40s -- studio monitors, meant for professional production -- that you notice they lack some clarity, especially at higher frequencies.
The puck-like control pod has its own quirks, meanwhile. For the most part it's a solid idea, allowing users to adjust volume and bass without leaning over toward a speaker. The bottom is well-weighted, and the volume and bass knobs glide smoothly while staying where you put them.
The volume level marker is difficult to read however, and there's no notch to indicate medium volume. It could also stand a longer cable -- not to mention one that's not permanently attached to the subwoofer, which makes moving the system around more cumbersome.
Setup
Setup is fairly simple. The subwoofer is the hub of the system, with left- and right-channel outputs, plus 3.5-millimeter and RCA inputs, which can be used to connect a computer and/or a TV or console simultaneously (only a 3.5mm cable is included). Both speakers are very clearly marked with their channels, and there are no clips or bare wires to fiddle around with.The only tricky part is positioning the subwoofer so that every cable can reach its intended device, and that the system's control pod is within easy grasp. That pod, incidentally, has 3.5-millimeter inputs and outputs of its own for the sake of headphones or pumping music from smartphones and tablets.
Sound quality
The Z533s are rated at 120 watts of peak power, with an RMS figure of 60 watts -- 15 for each satellite, and 30 for the subwoofer. It's not the most powerful system you'll ever hear, but it's still louder than many alternatives for computers, and plenty deafening at high volumes.With bass set at mid-level, the subwoofer delivers a satisfying "punch" to music, video, and game audio without overwhelming the rest of the sound. Maxing it out can have slight muffling effects -- we tested this out with trance by Above & Beyond -- but probably won't deter people who want oomph in their audio.
Ultimately the speakers sound pleasing, even if nuance isn't their forte. It's only when compared against something like M-Audio's AV-40s -- studio monitors, meant for professional production -- that you notice they lack some clarity, especially at higher frequencies.
Control
The puck-like control pod has its own quirks, meanwhile. For the most part it's a solid idea, allowing users to adjust volume and bass without leaning over toward a speaker. The bottom is well-weighted, and the volume and bass knobs glide smoothly while staying where you put them.
The volume level marker is difficult to read however, and there's no notch to indicate medium volume. It could also stand a longer cable -- not to mention one that's not permanently attached to the subwoofer, which makes moving the system around more cumbersome.
Conclusions
For $100, it's quite easy to ignore any of the Z533's problems. Even if audiophiles should probably look elsewhere, in most circumstances the system delivers plenty of power and range.Score: 4 out of 5
Pros:- Loud, reasonably clear sound
- Powerful yet balanced bass
- (Mostly) simple setup, handy control pod
- Inexpensive
- Lacks some clarity, particularly at high end
- Ramping up bass muffles some frequencies
- Control pod could still be better-designed
Comments
For $19 more, the Swan M10's would likely be a better option (link):
Not to mention don't look cheaply made like Logitech's systems always do.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836140006
$105 at Newegg.
Not to mention don't look cheaply made like Logitech's systems always do.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836140006
$105 at Newegg.
Even better.
I'm not sure if they still do it, but most Swan speakers would come with a pair of white gloves inside the box. That way you wouldn't get any fingerprints on your speakers when unpacking and positioning them.
If this $99 speaker set has these 3 significant problems: (1)“positioning the subwoofer so that every cable can reach its intended device, and that the system's control pod is within easy grasp” (2)“Maxing it out can have slight muffling effects” & (3)“they lack some clarity, especially at higher frequencies” how do they deserve 4/5 stars? Even at $99, I doubt these deserve 4/5 stars within their price-point.
The review reveals they are 3 stars, at best.
I have the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40s, mentioned in the article.
These are studio speakers... as in music recording studio. You really hear the music.
They're $160 on Amazon. Better.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446421611&sr=8-1&keywords=M-Audio's+AV-40
Pay the extra $60 bucks.