Making a second straight appearance on our GOTY list, the six-piece Logitech Z-680 set continues
to deliver the punchiest PC sound and the best all-around feature set for PC speakers. What’s
kept our attention all these months is the set’s unique audio personality, which is tilted
unmistakably toward the gamer. The satellites’ tweeter-less design sacrifices
perfect high-end response in favor of powerful, lively mids and an
absolutely butter-smooth crossover. And instead of a fancy
side- or down-firing sub, Logitech again took the
brute-force approach. A single front-firing 8-
inch woofer drives the Z-680’s ladylike sub.
Why ladylike? Because no matter how much
air it pushes, this subwoofer doesn’t belch!
The practical upshot is that these speakers
get loud enough to blow your clothes off.
Rockets rumble, bullets whiz, and explosions
rattle your window panes.
The wide assortment of connector
options is the icing on the Z-680 cake. With
coax digital, optical digital, and 5.1 analog
connectors, the Z-680s are equipped for
any audio connection option. The wireless
remote, and Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS
decoders even make the Z-680s perfect
for watching DVD movies as well. $400,
http://www.logitech.com, reviewed
December 2002Oh so close behind: The Klipsch
ProMedia 5.1 Ultras offer more accurate
sound reproduction at the same price. But the
Klipschies don’t offer digital 5.1 inputs, and
lack Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS decoders, and
a remote control. Plus, we just plain prefer
Logitech’s larger-than-life approach.3 MAXIMUMPC DECEMBER 2003
SPEAKER
Logitech Z-680
You may want to tape your windows and
put away your glassware before trying out
the Logitech Z-680s at full bore.