5.1 Speaker Systems

Bring the movie theatre to your home as we test eight 5.1 speaker sets and separate the sound choices from the audio bullies

Logitech Z-640

Manufacturer:	Price:
Logitech	£69 inc VAT
Reviewer:	Review Date:
	Dec 2003

	OVERALL RATING

SCORE

4/6

Verdict: Capable across games, music and movies at a budget price

With the Z-680s on the scene and sharing a similar name, the Z-640s have a lot to live up to. Of course, as they cost almost £200 less, we weren't comparing the two sets directly - the closest competitor is Creative's P580s at £58.

The Z-640s' design is similar to the Z-680s' in that the satellites and subwoofer look like miniature versions of their bigger cousins. With tiny 1.5in drivers, it's no surprise that the covers aren't removable. However, the captive cables are made from heavy-gauge wire and the alloy stands are sturdy.

Interestingly, the subwoofer is the only one on test not to be ported. But the sealed enclosure helped keep bass lines tight and punchy, despite the 6in woofer only having a power output of 23.5W RMS. It looks stylish too, finished in black with a silver surround. The Logitech logo emblazoned on the cone imitates the sort of subs so favoured by car audio enthusiasts.

The centre speaker is laden with all the controls, and has a thick cable protruding from its rear along with a second captive cable for the three 3.5mm jack inputs. Knobs include a power button, master and centre volumes and a matrix button. The latter up-mixes a stereo signal to virtual surround sound, but it doesn't compare with Pro Logic II on the Z-680s. As with the Altec Lansing 251s, there's a headphone socket on the speaker but Creative's idea of placing the socket on the wired remote is far handier.

Music playback was leagues better than with the Creative set. The tricky low bass line of our pop track was tight and well defined, and the satellites had a noticeably better dynamic range than the Creatives, although there was a lack of mid-range finesse.

Both the Podrace and canal chase DVD sequences were handled admirably with excellent positioning and plenty of power for explosions and crashes. At top volume, there was only a little distortion.

The choice at the budget end of this test is clear - the Z-640s kick Creative's P580s into touch, despite the lack of a remote control or second input.

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