Logitech Z-680 Speaker System Review

[dang]

Checkout our latest review of the Logitech Z-680 Speaker System (http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review38.html)This time we examine Logitech’s flagship THX, DTS, and Dolby 5.1 Surround computer speaker system. Marketed as an all-in-one computer/game system/home theater sound system, the Z-680s offer incredible sound at a premium price. But are the Z680’s really worth four times the price of the Z640’s? Read on to find out…

[SpeakerBoy]

I got the Z-680's for Christmas last year. Awesome all around. About 1 month ago the center channel died, and then the left front speaker died. I sent the required Pod, remote, and cut power cord from the sub woofer to Logitech. They sent me a whole new system. Right out of the box the center channel was dead. I was told to send them the 3 parts again at my expense. I didn't, I bought some, traded out the subwoofer and returned em.. Works great now!! I should've done that to begin with. The speakers are awesome. The Logitech customer support sucks!!

[dang]

you should submit a user review on the system to let other readers of the review know

[Ioman]

Sounds like a quality control issue. I wonder how the reliability compares to the Klipsh 4.1/5.1 speakers? I would have just gotten my money back on those Logitechs if I kept having problems.

[nitrosamine]

I too Have had problems with the system. I noticed a white flash from the back of the amp while watching a movie. While running a THX Optimizer Test the next day to install a new DVD player I noticed absolutely NO bass response from the sub and NO left rear channel. Logitech also informed me to send the 'pod' (ughh why can't they just call it a processor?) and the way too small remote to them. (Being from Canada I was surprised to see that there is no Canadian place to send it to.) I sent it last week so I hope there are no problems like yours.

Am I satisfied with my purchase? Hell yes. As far as bang for your buck goes this system beats anything out there. I researched and listened to comparable systems from Klipsch, Creative, JVC, Denon and Yamaha and the z-680 beats them all hands down. THX certification? DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1? And it sounds good? So I have to wait 2 weeks to get a BRAND NEW system? Small price to pay for customer support this good.

[dang]

post in the user reviews as well, some good info

[nitrosamine]

After running this system for a solid six months I think I could give the Z-680 a solid review. This system is all about the "wow" factor. I was running this system on a PS2 through a Monster TosLink cable and Digital Satellite via Monster Digital Coax. (I should also add that all included wiring from Logitech that was in the box went in the garbage and I bought some quality stuff).
PS2 performance was good but nothing outstanding and the same for the Satellite. I reconfigured the system, taking away the PS2 and adding a Panasonic S27 DVD (digital coax) and the results were like night and day. The Z-680's sprang to life, and my purchase anxiety was instantly gone. Bass Response? Enough to drive my neighbors insane. Highs and lows? Excellent. And I'm only talking about ProLogic2. The Dolby Digital and DTS decoding is extremely well rendered and balanced.
I had done a fair amount of research before buying this system and nothing released by the likes of Creative, JBL, Denon, Yamaha or Sony had the same bang for your buck quality as this Logitech offering. Most of the above mentioned don't even offer the combination of Dolby ProLogic2, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1 and THX Certification at even near the same price point or quality.
There are a few drawbacks to this system however, and this is where Logitech cut a few corners. The number of quality inputs on this system is extremely low. If you have a number of digital sources like me you know how frustrating that is. (Solution? Pelican System Selector Pro.. but thats another story) The remote control is an absolute eye sore. It looks like something that should be included in a $40 DVD Player from K-Mart.
A system to invest in? Absolutely. Hands down way ahead of the majority of offerings out there. Wow Factor? Definately. Your friends will be jealous and your girlfriend will think its sexy. Am I happy with it? You bet...

[llbbl]

nitrosamine started a new thread .. I merged it to this one.

[llbbl]

Make sure you post this good information on the user reviews page. Here is the link.

Thanks very much we appreciate the feedback.

http://reviews.designtechnica.com/user_reviews38.html

[nitrosamine]

Thanks for the info.. I'm somewhat new to all this forum stuff but catching on rather quickly. Lots of good info on this site.

[ECA]

The problems I see with Lots of "for Comp products" is the lack of a desent cable or wireing. I would NEVER use a wire this small on my stereo, WHY use it on a "For comp product"??

I have purchased many products for my comp.
Mic's suck, as they wear out to fast, I finally bought a Old style tape recorder mic, and its SOLID. It has the heavier wireing, and the SAME condensor mic.

I have seen and used a few Computer Speaker systems and hatred them ALL. I finally found a boom box with inputs and removable speakers. I ran a patch cord to it and Its great and have had it for YEARS, and have run it on 3 different systems.
and it has other pluses, as I can stick in a tape, or CD and play it with out the comp running.

Most problems I have seen with these accessories comes down to the WIRE. It just dont hold up when its less then 16 guage wire. I had 1 pair that was 24 guage and they died fast.

Just a suggestion, check the wires.

[nitrosamine]

Just a suggestion, check the wires.

I would agree that many people don't really pay attention to the smaller details of owning stereo equipment. Simple things like cleaning contacts, properly attaching speaker wire or even doing research is of utmost importance to preserving and ultimately getting the best entertainment value from any audio purchase, big or small.

In my case I wish it was something as simple as checking the wires. I ran several tests. (Switching speakers, checking the wire). I ran the self test on the Logitech unit, ran a THX Optimizer test, a DTS test and a Dolby Digital test and the results were the same: next to zero bass response from the sub-woofer and no left rear channel.