We take a look at the majestic Logitech Interactive Speaker System to see whether its performance lives up to its fine looks.

Logitech Z-10 2.0 Interactive Sound System | $299.95 | | www.logitech.com
For: Reduces clutter of 5.1 systems; looks fantastic; profound sound
Against: Internet communication difficult; touchscreen reacts strangely at times
Verdict: A well-priced system that sounds great
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Luckily, when it comes to the high-end segment, Logitech isn’t degrading the overall feel of the expensive component by using some third grade Made in the back-end of nowhere components. Rather it’s going all out to manufacture something that really looks good.
 
The device

The Z-10 is advertised as an Interactive 2.0 Speaker System. It is a two-speaker set with an integrated sound card, out of which one unit has an LCD display and touchscreen controls, while second one has Logitech logo. Declared power output of the units stands at 30 Watts.

Power and connecting cable are integrated into the box, so there is no choice of moving two speakers away more than 1.5 meters, the length of the connecting cable. However, even if you wish to run these on opposing sides of a 103″ plasma screen, you won’t over extend the cables.

First impression of these speakers is: Sheesh, they are heavy. Secondly, the speakers look just majestic. Our pictures may not do them justice but you can expect a mirror-style experience.

If you already own a Logitech G15 keyboard ($169.95), you can use LCD profiler for managing both LCD displays. Speakers are of course, compatible with all the LCD applets already released for the G15. This includes FRAPS and AMD utilities, so you can actually run frames per second or actual system clock (if you own an AMD CPU) on your speakers.

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All of these, and even more… will be a part of your desktop experience

We have downloaded several add-ons from G15 forums and it is pretty interesting to see detailed stats about your computer, or just enjoy Logitech provided stats in WoW or your weapon in the adgame we know as Battlefield 2142.

One of the features is support for four favourite internet radio stations, but in order to bookmark it, you have to use either Windows Media Player, Apple iTunes or Real Player. So, for our favourite radio station, we used Windows Media Player. This part works flawlessly, just like everything else… apart from the touchscreen display.
 
At first, we were a bit confused when we saw that the touchscreen reacts at times, and sometimes it does not react at all. For controlling the device via advertised feature, you have to be pretty gentle and use “touch and go” (continuous touch won’t do you any favours) approach.

The Sound

As we mentioned, Logitech declares output power to 30 Watts per channel, which is more than sufficient for filling a nicely-sized daily room. Sounds stays pretty crisp and sharp until around 80% of maximum volume, but beware – you are guaranteed to hear the sound difference between even highest quality MP3 files at 128/192 and higher-quality 320 kbps. Audio CDs sound quite similar to our 9-year old Yamaha component line with Magnat’s 230W speakers. Of course, power isn’t comparable, but it’s not that we ever had more than 25% of the volume switched on. Logitech at 60% achieves same effect in the room, which only speaks about the quality. Kudos to implemented sound chip, works as a charm.
 

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VoIP bonanza with several sound cards

However, there is one major setback of these speakers, most namely internet communication. If you use VoIP applications or Skype, you’re bound to have a bit more interaction with the computer once the phone starts ringing. You have to activate the volume control, and change from Z-10 back to computer’s soundcard. All the VoIP mess could have been easily avoided if Logitech added a mic in to stereo connector, located on left side of the LCD-enabled speaker.
 
Conclusion

Although the price is around the $300 mark, these aren’t your typical speakers. If you want your desk at either home or office to sport profound sound without all the clutter and cables a typical 5.1 system produces, and want that touchscreen feeling, there really isn’t any reason why we would not recommend this speaker set. Although, still… the idea of seeing our unread e-mail messages while listening to relaxing music after our workday sounds a bit… stress causing.