The Logitech Z-Cinema is a 2.1 PC speaker system which uses SRS TruSurround HD technology to simulate 5.1 surround. The system comes with software that allows you to control the media on your PC via remote control.
However, its synergy with Windows Media Centre is where it really excels. In conjunction with Windows Media Centre Edition 2005 or Windows Vista (Premium and Ultimate) it offers a fluid experience that will leave even the most particular media junkie quite impressed. While we found the sound quality to be excellent (with a few caveats) its buggy default software and few annoying quirks softened its appeal.
The Z-Cinema speakers pump out 70 Watts RMS between them. Each speaker has a tweeter and woofer and is connected directly to the sub-woofer.The left speaker has a display panel which shows volume, bass, treble and the like. The subwoofer is a beast and quite large for a desktop speaker system. It doesn’t offer spine-shattering bass like you would expect from most sub-woofers but instead compliments the audio without becoming overbearing.
Our music, DVD and gaming tests showed impressive high fidelity sound with a comfortable mid-range. In default mode, there was a lack of treble and bass but this was easily corrected. At maximum volume we were pleased to find no distortion or loss of audio quality but were unimpressed by the maximum volume achievable.
Range was also a problem as volumes below 50 percent were barely audible and around the 75 percent mark, increased very quickly. This jarring rise in volume is difficult to avoid, especially when using the remote control, and quickly becomes frustrating. The volume wheel on the remote is far too sensitive and skips 3-4 levels at a time making minor adjustments impossible.
