Switching from 5.1 to 2.1 speakers...Logitech Z-2300?

[rogersmj]

I have no use for my Logitech Z-5500 5.1 set anymore (in fact, I only have it hooked up as 2.1 right now), and a buddy of mine wants to buy them. So I'm looking for a good 2.1 set. I narrowed it down to the Altec Lansing FX6021 or the Logitech Z-2300. I'm leaning toward the Logitech for a couple reasons. First, I can get a set for just over $100, while the Altecs are more like $175. Second, reviews I've read say that while the Altec Lansings do great in mid and high, the sub is of questionable quality and generally just weak. I'm a stickler for powerful, tight, clean bass. From what I've read about the Z-2300, they have great sound quality and power for the price.

Can anyone chime in with thoughts on those speakers if you have them or have used them, or other recommendations?

 

[DMPDX]

If you want premium sound from a 2.1 setup like I did, You should look at the bose companion 3 series. I had a bias towards bose products, because I thought it was just all talk and no performance, so I decided to try a pair. Now I think they miight be the absolute best amazing seakers Ive ever had. So clear, and so much sound from 2 LITTLE satellites and a fattie sub that knocks hard. I'd ebay a pair.
-dsm

 

[apfhex]

I narrowed it down to the Altec Lansing FX6021 or the Logitech Z-2300.

I own the former, and gave the later a strong consideration before making my decision. While it's true I've only been able to hear the Z-2300's in stores (where even great speakers can sound bad), compared to the FX6021s in the same store, in my opinion the FX6021's won hands down. Once I got them setup at home I was very impressed and am extremely happy with my decision.

I also own the Z-5500's, connected to my humble home theater setup. I think they sound great and the subwoofer rattles the walls and has very rich sound. But, it's also my option that they really only sound their best with DVD's (also including digital cable shows with 5.1 audio) and video games. Music sounds OK, but maybe I just prefer a slightly different sound when listening to music... how can I put it... I didn't think there was enough "definition" in the music, it just wasn't very "clear" sounding when listening to CD, and didn't pack much of a punch with the subwoofer as compared to DVD audio (music as mastered for a DVD movie soundtrack tends to sound really good).

So I kind of have the same complaints about the Z-2300's, only more so. I thought the overall sound was kind of weak and muddy. The subwoofer probably produces a fair amount of boom when adjusted properly, but I like my mids and highs to sound good first, which the FX6021's do extremely well. I wouldn't put down the subwoofer either — I only keep it at about 50% and it's quite enough for me (and my neighbors probably ).

What it comes down to is this: If you got the Z-2300's, they'd probably sound pretty good when playing games or watching videos. But for music, no, I would absolutely have to pick the FX6021s. Their "in concert" technology really does make a difference... and the "wall of sound" the tall satellites produce is nice too! Also, I was pretty blown away by the sound when playing Half Life 2 on my Mac Pro.

I stand by my opinion that you just can't get great sound out of tiny satellites. I've never seen it happen. Bigger speakers always sound better.

 

[Joony]

Ding Ding Ding!

Best bet is the Klipsch Promedia 2.1!

I personally have the Z-5500, but I have used the Promedia 2.1 and they sound just as great (probably better!) as the Logitechs

 

[rogersmj]

Thanks for the input everyone. I've taken another look at the Altec Lansings, and while I'm very tempted I'm concerned that I keep reading things like this:

The sub is a strange mate for the satellites. It is simply bland. It plainly lacks the extension and presence of a Klipsch or Logitech sub. I actually wasn't really surprised by this. It is very light and feels rather cheap, which is strange considering the obvious commitment to design and detail given to the satellites. I find it bizarre that Altec would pair the satellites with such a ho-hum subwoofer. The sound is balanced, but there is just not enough of it. For some users this might be OK, but anyone looking for overall evenness, or especially a thumping low end, will be disappointed.

I'm torn. It sounds like the Altec satellites with the Logitech sub would be the perfect combo. Argh! BTW, I'm not getting the Klipsch because 1) I had the ProMedia 4.1 before and I know how they sound...pretty good, but had some low-end distortion, and 2) part of me just wants something different ;-)

I took a look at the Bose, and they sound nice but they're not igniting my interest ("clear but not especially powerful" was how one reviewer put it) as much as the AL's or Logi's.

Still trying to decide.

 

[rogersmj]

FYI, I ended up ordering the Logitech Z-2300. Both those and the Altecs sound like fantastic speakers, but the Logitechs seem closer to what I personally am looking for (deep, rich, warm bass), plus I got them for $100 while the Altecs would have been $180. Thank you all for your input.

 

[apfhex]

the Logitechs seem closer to what I personally am looking for (deep, rich, warm bass)

Sounds like you made a well informed decision. Hope you're happy with them. I suspect the sub will be similar to the Z-5500's only not quite as good (that thing is gi-friggin-gantic so it better produce nice bass ), being smaller and less powerful. I do have a bias against Logitech's 2.1 systems. The Z-2300's are right on the border for me, but anything lower in the product chain than them I think sound like crap (especially the Z-3's and Z-4's).

I read the same things you did about the FX6021's, but in the end my ears are very happy with the sound. And admittedly I liked how well they match my ACD and Mac Pro, and leave a very thin footprint.

I also had been planning on getting the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1's for a long time, but I kept reading about how everyone had theirs break (flimsy wiring, bad amp, stuff like that), and also, a friend had some ProMedia 4.1's that I felt were pretty mediocre.

 

[thegoldenmackid]

definately soundz like you made an informed decision...i like my altec's though...they are amazing...the bose could hav been ok for u...if they werent 300 dollarz...

 

[Veritas&Equitas]

Ding Ding Ding!

Best bet is the Klipsch Promedia 2.1!

I personally have the Z-5500, but I have used the Promedia 2.1 and they sound just as great (probably better!) as the Logitechs

Couldn't agree more. I've had so many sets of speakers, and once I bought the 2.1's by Klipsch, I haven't needed anything else. They're simply amazing.