12. Logitech Z-680, Continued

The integral dedicated decoder chip is the CS493263-CL made by Cirrus Logic. This THX-certified chip enables the Z-680 to decode Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Prologic II and DTS 5.1 outputs. It is also capable of decoding DTS ES output, but this function is not implemented on these speakers because this is a 5.1 system. The Control Center offers a comprehensive range of settings. The central knob adjusts the various volumes - general, subwoofer, central and surround. There is a Mute button and an Input button that makes it possible to create permutations of the various inputs. The Effect button enables you to select the reproduction mode - stereo, stereoX2, Dolby Prologic 2 Movie, or Dolby Prologic II Game. The DTS and Dolby Digital modes are automatically activated as soon as a corresponding signal is sent to the amplifier. Different balance settings can be saved for each mode, a really cool idea.

Apart from the system's impressive array of functionalities, Logitech has given the Z-680 a phenomenal amount of power. Judge for yourself. The subwoofer has 185 watts RMS and each component has 53 watts RMS, making a total of 450 watts RMS! So this has to be the most powerful system in the comparison test, since the 500 watts claimed by Creative Labs for its MegaWorks 550 is only measured in Burst mode. The power translates into excellent attack and very high sound pressure, which will please those who love big sound and don't care about complaints from the neighbors day and night. The claimed bandwidth is 35 Hz through 20 kHz. The power supply, which is fitted to the subwoofer, is fairly substantial in both size and weight.