Cheap Computer Speakers

Summary: Specially designed for watching movies, featuring an excellent 5.1-quality surround sound with only 2 satellite speakers.

Disclaimer: Every user has a different setup and different expectations. Take their comments with a grain of salt and note that what they experience with the speakers do not apply to everyone.

Official Overview and Specifications

Professional Reviews (click links for more information)

Average User Reviews (click links for more information)

Good

"The Z Cinéma system blends svelte styling with some serious audio hardware for a system that has what it takes to please both the hard-rockers and PC audiophiles of the world."

"The audio on the speakers is quite impressive, and the large sub generates a good amount of bass. The audio is generally well balanced, with treble showing an impressive amount of strength and clarity, even with the subwoofer going at full strength. The mid-range is clear and has a good presence without being too dominant, displaying a quick sound without too much lingering. Bass is generally quite good, without too much distortion even at full power, and a nice, tight sound."

"Sound quality from the system is very impressive. The subwoofer takes up quite a bit of space thanks to its large enclosure, but the bass delivered by the system is impressive. Lows are deep and the bass is the sort you can feel in your chest."

"There is no need to have a full blown 5.1 speaker package to get excellent sound from a compact system. Logitech has achieved this with the Z Cinéma system."

"Not only do they look great, but they are also able to live up the their looks by providing clean bass hits and crisp high notes. They sounded great in all the different aspects of computer sound; they are able to suck you right into a movie and bring you right in the thick of battle in games. All music sounds great on these speakers, whether it be country music with the subtle guitar strokes and clean vocals or some rap music with the deep bass hits."

Bad

"When trying to watch a movie in virtual 5.1 mode, I could detect some phantom sounds coming from behind me, but it was nowhere near the same experience as you would have with even a “real” budget 5.1 system. If you want surround, you’ll need physical speakers behind you."

"Unfortunately, due to the USB connection that these speakers are dependent upon its proper functioning is at the mercy of your computer. By default, the Z Cinema speakers becomes another application layer that your computer has to process. If your system resources are being stretched to the limits processing other applications then playing any audio through these speakers becomes another task that your computer has to deal with."

"… the reliance on software for operation of the speakers is irritating at times."

"… as long as you managed to sit in the sweet spot the sound was very good picking out the surround elements… However step out that sweet spot and the sound became flat, and well, just rather average."

"Another problem is the volume (as many other people have mentioned). It just doesn’t get that loud. Crank everything up and it’s loud, but not "turn it to 11" loud. Kind of disappointing. "

Personal Opinion

These speakers are, as mentioned above, designed for a cinema-like experience at your desktop, simulating the surround sound effect of a 5.1 with its SRS® TruSurround HD™ technology. It also functions via a USB-connection rather than the usual audio jack, so it technically bypasses any shortcomings from your sound card to deliver true 24-bit digital audio. Note that it also comes with a remote control that may take a while to master due, but reviewers comment that if you take the time to read the manual, the payoff to turn your PC into an effective media hub is worth it. 

Now, many of the negative reviews particularly criticize the quality of the speakers in relation to its RRP of $299; however, as you can see from the prices below it currently retails at certain online stores (and eBay) for much, much less. The overall sound quality is otherwise of a high standard, delivering high fidelity and an especially noteworthy deep bass. While it’s 5.1 simulation isn’t perfect per se, it’s certainly commendable and will undoubtedly boost your listening experience regardless of whether it’s used for music, movies or games.

Main complaints refer to the complicated instructions required for the remote-controlled software interface, the apparent lack of overall volume, and that it functioning via a USB port means it will add to your memory load so if your system runs low on RAM, there might be performance issues.

Otherwise, it certainly is worth getting these at the heavily discounted prices if you want a more immersive surround sound experience but don’t have the space, or can’t afford a 5.1 system.

Buy Now (click vendor to purchase)

Note: Amazon.com and TigerDirect are currently selling these at a heavy discount, hence its inclusion into this site.

Vendor	Price
Amazon.com	$79.99
mwave.com	$254.17
TheNerds.net	$229.99
TigerDirect	$79.99
OnSale	NA
B&H Photo Video	$214.95
Buy.com	$237.38
eBay	See Below