Digital Trends

Logitech Z-5300 November 23rd, 2003 | by Doug MacLean

Remote Control:

One of the nicest features of this system is the remote control. There is a large dial that controls the volume as well as switches for controlling the audio specifications. Rather than having different volume knobs for each speaker group there is a switch that alternates between system, fader (rear), center and sub woofer. As you move this switch an LCD displays what set of speakers will be adjusted by the volume knob. There is a button to toggle between power on and standby modes.

On the remote control there is also a jack for headsets. When you plug in the headset jack the speakers are automatically muted. The last set of controls permits you to switch between stereo and matrixed audio modes.

Evaluation:

We were impressed by the quality of the sound stage created by these speakers. While not up to the typical speakers of a home theater system they are very close. We played a few audio intensive DVDs through the Z-5300; films like the Lord of the Rings, Saving Private Ryan and Star Wars. In each case the matrix up-mix was well done.

While there is nothing that can beat discreet six-channel audio, the program used to derive the rear, center and sub woofer here is excellent. There was a feeling of true surround sound. The subwoofer was placed in a natural position, under the desk. It reverberated, reinforced by the desk around it. I could literally feel the low frequencies. Most small speakers like this do well with the high frequencies although there is typically a tendency to break up a bit at the highest end of the spectrum. With the Z-5300, the highs are natural sounding and crisp. The all-important mid range sound was true and clear. The center speaker did very well reproducing the dialogue; there was no muddling of the voices. The rear speakers provided a very realistic ambient sound although it did seem at times closer to Prologic mono rear than true 5.1 audio.

Conclusions:

This is a strong recommend. If you are looking for an affordable set of surround speakers for your game system or computer consider this one. The list price is $200 but we looked around and saw it for as little as $120 with an average price of $140. The speakers are light enough to mount on the wall, out of the way. The sub woofer is large enough to cramp you a bit under the desk. The system has a nice, clean look to it with the option of using the supplied grill or without if you are the type that likes to see the actual speakers. Attention to detail includes the ability to rotate the speaker for the best listening angle. The sound is rich, full and unbelievably clear for such small speakers. THX does not hand out certifications lightly, and this set has earned it.