Logitech Z520 Powered Speaker System Review: Logitech Z520 Review

Published: 2009-10-01 - 21:47:02

Logitech Z520 Powered Speaker System Review

By Rachel Cericola

Edited by Chris Boylan

Logitech Z520 Review

Sneaky Sound in a Slick Package

We have been relying on the computer for a lot of entertainment lately. Aside from YouTube, we can tap into music, TV shows and even the occasional selection from Netflix. All of this streaming would be a lot more super, if the computer could crank past walkie-talkie level.

Our desktop PC (an HP Pavilion Slimline) is fairly new and semi-fancy, but for some reason, the speakers are sort of the forgotten element. Sure, it can actually emit sounds, but so can a tin can.

Thankfully, adding sound to your PC setup is one of the easiest upgrades, and Logitech has a lot options for the avid PC user. The company recently announced four new speaker packages; the Z520 is one of the smaller solutions, promising big sound in a variety of directions.

Logitech's Z520 may appear funky, but is very simple, with just one volume knob.

Yes -- we said directions. This multimedia package doesn't just emit better sound for your computer setup, but it boasts "omnidirectional acoustics," also known as 360-Degree Sound.

Curvy Creations

At 9.1 inches tall, 4.8 inches wide and 6.5 inches deep, the speakers will fit neatly into your home office. They also have a slick triangular shape, which makes them stand out nicely. Then again, it's kind of hard not to stand out next to our boring files and fax machine. Also, because of that shape, there are no mounting options, short of mounting shelves on the wall.

The right speaker has headphone and auxiliary jacks.

Pulling them out of the box, you'll first notice how heavy the speakers actually are. These things are nicely made. They don't just look good, but they seem built to last. The speakers promise two-way sound (dual drivers), with built in amplifiers cranking up to 26 watts. That's not ear-shattering, which is probably a relief to anyone trying to do work next to you, but it's more than enough for casual listening.

The one thing missing from the set is a subwoofer. Logitech does offer that option with the Z523 and Z323 packages. However, the Z520 set really seems geared towards the user that wants a little something extra without taking up a lot of space.

Setup was so simple, the instructions could have been printed on a matchbook. The left speaker plugs into the right speaker. The right one connects to your computer's headphone output and to the power source. All cables are included, and some are permanently connected. That means if something goes wrong, you're out of luck. The right speaker features a headphone passthrough and an auxiliary input jack for connecting an iPod or other portable player. It also offers one knob to adjust system volume.

How Does It Sound?

Don't expect to throw away your home theater speakers, but this small package does a surprisingly good job reproducing big sound. Per Logitech's instructions, we tested most of our content with our audio source around 80 percent (as set on the PC) and the Z520 volume knob set around 50 percent. That seemed to be the magic setting for most audio, although a few DVDs needed a click or two higher on the speaker set.

For music, we tried a variety of selections, from classic to punk rock and even the soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas. On Soundgarden's "Pretty Noose," singer Chris Cornell's voice was showcased nicely. However, the left speaker really picked up some nice background guitar sounds. XTC's "Dear God" also featured violins for one ear and guitar in the other. We did a quick shuffle with our iPod, with equally nice results. We aren't too sure how often we'd hook a portable unit up directly, since it's all there in iTunes -- but we did like the option.

Next, we hit up the Apple website for a few HD trailers. The Men Who Stare at Goats produced great dialogue, closing out with an air-guitar-worthy track from the rock band Boston. The Wolfman also had nice effects, most notably Emily Blunt's heavy breathing and the snarls of the title character. We streamed Lost from ABC.com and tested a few DVDs, including Spider-Man, Dodgeball and A Hard Day's Night. Action sequences were bold and the music really rocked.

We also moved the speakers to the middle of the desk to test out the 360-degree sound.

The back of the speaker has a vent, which helps produce the 360-degree sound.

It does work as advertised, producing a wide full stereo soundstage even with the speakers close together. So if you're placement options are limited, the . For watching movies or even listening to music from another room though, these units do deliver. We were able to turn the audio up to almost painful levels without experiencing any significant distortion.

Turn-Ons:

Simple setup
Slick, compact package
Delivers 360-degree sound, as promised

Turn-Offs:

No subwoofer
Price could be a bit lower
No mounting options

Final Thoughts

It's hard to believe that a set of speakers could make desk time seem more attractive but these ones actually do. Logitech's Z520 has a slick design that seems built to last. Plus, they actually make that wide open 360-degree sound happen, which is pretty darn cool. Without the subwoofer, it would seem like an $80 to $100 price tag would be more appropriate, but we can't complain too much. I guess you pay a bit more for the unique style (plus you can get them a bit cheaper online). It's never going to replace five speakers and a subwoofer, but Logitech's Z520 can make your desktop or laptop rig sound (and look) better than it ever has before.

Where to Buy: