12. Logitech Z-540

The Z-540 is the entry-level system in the Logitech range and in direct competition with the Creative Labs FPS 1600. Unlike its big sister Z-560, it is not THX-certified and doesn't have outstanding strength. The four speakers have 5 RMS watts each, which is not a lot. The subwoofer has 20 RMS watts. The bandwidth is the same as the Z-560, but in practice the best sound is a bit above 40 Hz. The signal-to-noise ratio is stated as being over 75 dB, pretty good for a system in this price range. The Z-450 doesn't have a SoundTouch Control Center; its controls are on the right front speaker. There is a dial for volume control, the fader and activation of the M3D mode described in the Z-560 test.

The sound quality of the Z-450 is obviously much lower than the Z-560. In fact, it is much more comparable to the FPS 1600 and, in some respects, the Inspire 5300. High frequencies are good and clear, but saturate above 2/3 of the volume. Medium frequencies are a bit better and above those of the FPS 1600 for presence and quality. And they saturate much less than the high frequencies when the volume is on full. The low frequencies are better than the FPS 1600 as well, nicely deep and percussive for a system of this size. Sound distribution and stereo image are just fine. The Z-450 is a good bet for gamers who don't want to spend more than $80.