Logitech X-530 Review

By Ian Bell
December 4th, 2006


Summary

You’d have to agree that it’s hard to find a good speaker system for under a hundred bucks, let alone a 5.1 setup. There are sure to be a handful of compromises when striking a balance between performance and affordability. Logitech makes a valiant attempt with their X-530 surround sound system priced around $80 US. Read our review to see if the X530 speaker system is too good to be true.

* Mini-review

Full Review

Designed for your PC or game console, the X-530 includes 5 satellite speakers and a subwoofer. The satellites feature frequency directed dual 2-inch drivers with 7.4 watts RMS going into the front and surround speakers and 15.5 watts going into the center channel. The subwoofer contains a ported enclosure and 5 and a quarter inch driver capable of 25 watts of power.

The main control speaker features a headphone jack, power switch and volume controls. If you want to adjust the bass, you have to use the bass control located on the back of the subwoofer, and that can be a pain at times.

We like the look of the X-530 speaker system and it’s easy to setup, but there are some drawbacks to a 5.1 system in this price range. The satellites almost feel too light to be taken seriously, and can be easy to knock over due to their small stands. The bass produced by the subwoofer sounds hollow at times and can bottom out at high volumes.

And lastly, the X-530 speaker system lacks digital inputs which really limits what you can connect to it. Instead you have to use an analog mini-plug adapter for connecting the speakers to a sound card.

Logitech X-530
Image Courtesy of Logitech



Conclusion

When you enter the sub- $100 dollar price range for a surround sound system, you are entering dangerous territory. We would recommend spending that money on a high-quality 2.1 speaker system, or spending a little more and getting a better surround sound system.

Pros:

• Affordable
• A complete 5.1 setup

Cons:

• Cheap feeling, top heavy
• No digital connection
• Flat sounding
• Bass distorts at high volumes

Specs

  • Total FTC power: 70 watts RMS    
    • Sub-woofer:  25 watts RMS (into 4 ohms, @ 100Hz, @ 10% THD)  
    • Satellites:
      • Left/Right: 7.4 watts RMS x 2 (into 4 ohms, @ 1khz, @ 10% THD)
      • Center: 15.5 watts RMS (into 4 ohms, @ 1kHz, @ 10% THD)
      • Rear Left & Right: 7.4 watts RMS x 2 (into 4 ohms, @ 1kHz, @ 10% THD
  • Total Peak power: 140 watts
  • Frequency response: 40Hz - 20kHz
  • Drivers:
    • Satellites: (2) 2" drivers per satellite
    • Subwoofer: 5.25" ported driver
  • Speaker dimensions (H x W x D):
    • Satellites: 8" x 2.5" x 3"
    • Subwoofer: 9" x 6" x 9.25"
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: >96dB
System Compatibility
  • PC/Mac
  • CD
  • MP3
  • DVD*
  • PlayStation®*
  • Xbox®*

*Requires game console adapter.

Package Contents

  • Speakers:
    • 5 satellites
    • 1 subwoofer
  • Color-coded audio cables
  • 2-year limited warranty
  • User manual


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