2 Logitech Speakers: Z320 and Z520 : Logitech Z520
2. Logitech Z520
Rear driver: Does it really work?
Logitech uses rear speakers on all their new kits, with debatable results. On the Z520, there’s still no push-pull setup, as with the Z320, but there’s also one feature that’s frankly amazing: The Z520 operates in a closed space with the speakers in phase. That means that the cones of the three drivers (two tweeters + one woofer) will move back and forth simultaneously. In absolute terms, this is necessary for good sound – though it’s debatable for the rear speaker –, but without a separate cavity and without an opening to ensure constant pressure, there’s not much chance of improving the sound with this approach.
- Z-520 2.0...
A step up from the little Logitech Z320 is the Z520 – also a 2.0 set, with the same overall aesthetics. Let’s hope it can do better than the Z320’s mediocre results.
UFO looks, but with a grille
As we said in the introduction, the Z520 uses the new Logitech visual design in general, but with one significant difference – the grilles cover not only the speakers, but the entire front of the speaker enclosure. The front has a piano-black lacquer look and the shine is visible through the grille. It’s a fairly unusual effect that not everyone will appreciate.
In the connectivity department, the Z520 is a little better equipped than the Z320 since there’s an auxiliary input in addition to the headphone jack. The main audio cable is still soldered on, however, and there’s no digital input.
There’s no hardware equalization either.
Still no real omnidirectional sound
Since the concept is the same as for the Z32*/Z5
2* series, it was no surprise to find a tweeter set into the rear shell, directly behind the front one. The construction is a little different – the Z520 has a woofer added and the bass-reflex port has disappeared.
The sound is better than the Z320’s – or not as bad, depending on your point of view. There’s a clear improvement in the midrange, and the highs are smoother. There’s still not a lot of bass, but it would be hard to do better with such small speakers.
One impressive point is the preciseness of the soundstage: What’s in the center is very much in the center, and sounds that are clearly positioned to the sides seem to be spread very far apart – too far, even. With this type of speaker, this doesn’t make for a very good listening experience, especially since the listening area is minimal – move away from the axis between the two speakers and you can’t hear the highs.
As if that disappointment weren’t enough, there’s another: The famous omnidirectional sound Logitech’s press copy makes such a big thing of is nowhere to be found, since the rear speakers put out very little sound. But in any event, if your computer is on a desk that’s backed up to a wall (the standard arrangement in an apartment), the rearward diffusion won’t be of much use to you.
This is our second test of a product in the new Z32*/Z52* line and the second (relative) disappointment. Despite their daring / innovative / surprising (cross out where not applicable) looks and very nice finish, these speakers just don’t inspire enthusiasm and don’t deliver quality sound. Knowing Logitech’s ability to come up with excellent-sounding products in a range of areas (SqueezeBox, Z-5500, Z-Cinema), we can’t help feeling they’ve dropped the ball here.
Pros
- Finish
- Fairly good connectivity
Cons
- Frankly mediocre sound
- Much too directional
- Overly precise soundstage
| Features | |||
| Power Supply | External | Center-speaker power | N/A |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20 kHz | Remote Control | No |
| Satellite / subwoofer power | 26 Watts / N/A | Connection | Auxiliary input (mini-jack), headphone jack (mini-jack) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | - |
The Z520 is not as bad as the Z320, but saying it’s good would be too much of a stretch.
You basically nailed it. Tom's should do a comparison with some REAL speakers.
Budget ($100-$150):
1. Swan DK1080 MKIIs http://www.theaudioinsider.com/pro [...] cts_id/113
2. M-Audio AV 40s: http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Stud [...] 315&sr=8-1
High end ($200-$300):
Swan M200MKIIs: http://www.theaudioinsider.com/pro [...] ucts_id/80
Audioengine A2: http://www.audioengineusa.com/a2_home.php
M-Audio BX5a: http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Stud [...] 315&sr=8-3
Audiophile ($300+):
Audioengine A5: http://www.audioengineusa.com/a5_home.php
M-Audio BX8a: http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Stud [...] 601&sr=8-1
I understand how expensive and inconceivable this is, but its nice to dream.
Oh, I use the Swan DK1080MKIIs with my PC, I donated my BX5a speakers to my friend's band, great for studio work. I used to use some Polks with my Outlaw Audio amp, but that is now my home theater.
I use a pair of hand built prototype M&K Pro MPS-1611P 6.5" two-ways, with a real tweeter. 100 Watts to the 6.5", 50 Watts to the 1" tweeter. Maybe a bit overkill.
MSRP...$1299 each. I got them as a Christmas gift from M&K when I worked there.
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/no [...] ps1611.htm
Tom's hardware... Where is the edit function?
MPS-1611P were $1199 MSRP.
The reason the drivers are not set up as push pull is because the drivers in the picture are tweeters... no low frequencies. I have seen this before in some speakers.
High frequencies are very directional, and putting a tweeter on the back of a cabinet provides more reflected high frequency sound in the listening room. This, some manufacturers say, leads to a more spatial soundstage.
God damn it Logitech! why don't you update your digital 5.1 sets!! you brought out the z5500 5400 and 5450 (wireless rears) and they are the most popular and awesome speakers ever! you got a base 5.1 home theater for $300AUD that would kick the shit out of the base $1000 to $1500AUD home theaters from the home entertainment companies. more power and more features (all the dvd formats decoded)! they were just awesome. and how do you respond to this popularity? you discontinue the 5400s and 5450s! and leave the same 5500s in the line for like 5000 years without update!
why don't you bring out an update to them? the only speakers of yours i've ever cared about. like maybe 7.1? with hdmi audio/decoding?? and av sync maybe?