Logitech Laptop Speaker Z305
by Dustin Sklavos on December 1, 2010 1:10 AM ESTConclusion
Credit must at least be given to Logitech for ingenuity: a clamp-on, USB speaker bar for laptops is a great idea. While sharing a laptop for viewing movies runs into all kinds of problems (like those dire notebook screens Jarred, Vivek and I are only too fond of griping about), at least with the Z305 sound isn't going to be an issue.
Actually, the funniest thing about the Z305 is the way it outclasses the pricier Z515. All the Z515 has going for it is wireless connectivity, and for a notebook replacement speaker (among other things), where the heck do you put it? To the right of your laptop? To the left? What kind of stereo listening experience is that? The Z305 winds up solving the practical issues the Z515 possessed: no need to worry about the battery or speaker placement. The Z515 winds up ultimately being the more flexible of the bunch, but jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none doesn't really cut it here.
If you need decent external, travel-size speakers for your notebook, the Logitech Laptop Speaker Z305 is basically the only game in town. Mercifully, that's not necessarily a bad thing: while sound quality left something to be desired, it's still reasonable for the size of the speaker bar and the price. I listen to a lot of music and don't like being tethered to headphones, so I'm reasonably certain when I go to meet most of the cast and crew of AnandTech at CES in a month I'll be packing the Z305 to fill my hotel room.
That said, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the price tag. While the sound quality is generally commensurate with a $60 pair of computer speakers, and you do get the bonuses of portability and a generally smart design, it's still not the kind of deal Ron Popeil or Willy Mays would be screaming at you about. At about ten bucks less the Z305 would be a lot easier to recommend, but Logitech seems to be putting a bit of a premium on their portable speakers these days.
At the end of the day, if you have a use for the Z305, you're not going to feel ripped off by parting with sixty bucks to get it. I'm just hoping that with the holiday season hanging around a sale will bring it from the realm of "reasonable exchange of funds for goods" to "excellent deal." [Ed: A quick search indicates that TigerDirect now has a $15 instant rebate, bringing the total to around $50 shipped.]
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Hrel - Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - link
Oh also the X205 is 48 bucks on newegg right now, same exact set up. Z-305 is 58, prices include shipping.anactoraaron - Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - link
Uh I can't find an "X205" but there is a Z205. Best buy has it right now 39.99 with free shipping (not to mention local BB pickup) - NEWEGG FAIL. I am really disappointed how expensive Newegg has gotten on just about everything, especially since Best Buy of all places is almost always CHEAPER than the Egg - and you don't have to wait for it to be shipped either!Shop around, people! Newegg isn't the cheapest anymore!
Also- if there is to be no more audio reviews then PLEASE PLEASE just make us aware of new speakers/headphones and post it as a 1 page "news" column! Many of us still want to know what the latest and greatest is even if it's not in the form of a through review by AT's standards.
Gonemad - Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - link
Since I am talking about speakers for desktop replacement notebooks, I just reinstated a 2.1 30W RMS set, plugged it on the earphone jacks, and let it rip. The subwoofer isn't exactly portable, but the two 4" sattelite drivers can be placed apart for outstanding stereo separation. Hey, watch out the smoker over there ! *bang* nevermind. It is a bit cumbersome, with the wall wart 'n stuff, but the note isn't going anywhere soon.As far as real mobility goes it is either these reviewed speakers or tiny speakers with all of the 2,5W an USB port can output. (500mA x 5V) Don't expect any set to sound great on that amount of power. The earphones, otoh....
ckryan - Thursday, December 2, 2010 - link
I have read the last several audio product reviews and previews. I have not been one of the people who I guess are clamoring for the equivalent of a PSU review. Stuff like RTAs and the other associated audio testing equipment are both really expensive, and don't necessarily give an answer that translates into information that can be appreciated. So why give it up? If I don't like the subjective reviews of a product like this Logitech, I won't read this particular review. I won't cry about it. I'm not sure what it is that people actually want. Just because a product may have impeccable audio reproduction capabilities doesn't mean its something you'd want to listen to. Please, do not give up reviewing audio devices.How about this? Have a couple people listen to a device. Talk it over. Decide if it sucks or not.
What is it that people think they want to know that can't be provided without a $200k lab? Generally, if a clip on laptop system sounds pretty good for the money and the size, then that's it. How are you going to measure the THD? If this were professional sound reinforcement gear, maybe it would be warranted. If Logitech or Antec, or any other company sends you some gear, help some people out. Give it a once over. I swear, the most vocal critics of Anandtech's audio reviews must be the most likely to not have any idea what the hap's is. What are you going to do? "Say Logitech, we'd love to review this gear, but some of the people who read us are toolbags and don't like how we review stuff. Sorry." If Anandtech doesn't want to review some gear for one reason or another, then it's not my business. But if I have a say, I say continue on. Review whatever. If readers can be vocal in their opposition, then I can be vocal in my support. If anything, I'd like to see more reviews, not less.
7Enigma - Friday, December 3, 2010 - link
I have to agree with you on some level. I was a naysayer on these "reviews" because I felt there should be some objective component. With that said, the benefit of subjective reviews starts to increase when the number of samples increases. I think the problem many of us had was there was very little if any comparison on these products to other products. It was always, "my old Bose speakers put these to shame", etc. and that angered quite a few of us.But now having several similar products to compare from at least Dustin can start saying, "Subjectively, product X is better than A, B, and C", and even though not scientific in it's rigor, there is some worth to the "review".
So I say keep going, but start spending a bit more time now that you have a sample size on the comparisons between the products just as much as the products themselves.
rwei - Thursday, December 2, 2010 - link
...but what will you make recurring jokes about now???Dustin Sklavos - Thursday, December 2, 2010 - link
I'd say the Sony Z series, but let's be realistic...Sony never sends anyone anything anyhow. ;)
Dustin Sklavos - Sunday, December 5, 2010 - link
That's true, but I think even a baseball player can appreciate a good bargain.Scipio Africanus - Thursday, December 23, 2010 - link
What it takes to do decent testing is a Behringer ECM8000 mic and a phantom power source like a small mixer or a M-Audio MobilePre. Pair that with a good piece of software like TrueRTA or ETF and you have a good starting point. A treated room with bass traps and sound absorbing panels like Sonex would also be vital to eliminate standing waves and reflections. ETF is espcially good since it also does waterfall charts for transient response times.With a waterfall plot, frequency response, off-axis falloff, and SPL measured, you could do some great articles. There used to be a great site with a great forum dedicated to computer audio, but the name eludes me. There really hasn't been any good computer audio sites since that one went down.