Logitech "360-Degree Sound" Z-Series Speakers Debut

Logitech have unveiled a new range of desktop speakers, offering what it claims is "360-degree sound".  Half of the new systems on offer consist of a stereo pair, while the remainder are 2.1 setups with separate subwoofers; the former includes the Logitech Speaker System Z520, shown here, with 26W of power, and the Speaker System Z320, which have 10W.

As for the 2.1 systems, they consist of the Logitech Speaker System Z523 and the Z323.  The Z523 offers 40W of power, with two compact satellite speakers for the mid- and treble-range tones and a 6.5-inch downward-firing subwoofer for bass.  As for the Z323, that steps down to 30W of power and a ported, down-firing sub. 

The stereo pair sets have a 3.5mm headphone socket, and the 2.1 systems throw in a dual RCA jack for use with a Squeezebox music player or other source.  All four systems will launch in the US this month and Europe come September, priced at $69.99/€49.99 for the Z320, $129.99/€99.99 for the Z520, $69.99/€59.99 for the Z323 and $99/€99.99 for the Z523.

Press Release:

Enjoy Music, Movies, Games Anywhere In Your Room with the Logitech Speaker System Z320, Logitech Speaker System Z323, Logitech Speaker System Z520, or Logitech Speaker System Z523

FREMONT, Calif. – July 14, 2009 —Today, Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced a significant extension to its line of multimedia speakers, delivering four new systems with 360-degree sound – including the Logitech® Speaker System Z320, Logitech® Speaker System Z323, Logitech® Speaker System Z520 and the Logitech® Speaker System Z523. Whether you're at work using a desktop computer, at home using a laptop, whether you use a Windows®-based or a Mac®, computer, all four of Logitech's new speakers just work – and sound great.

Unlike standard PC speakers that use forward-firing drivers, the four new Logitech multimedia speaker systems feature 360-degree sound, or omnidirectional acoustics, which creates a substantially wider sweet spot – an especially helpful feature if you often move your computer around your home or office. With speaker drivers that face forward and backwards in each satellite, these four new speakers are designed to transmit sound more consistently over a wider range of space so you never miss a beat no matter where you are in the room.

"Many PC speakers focus sound in one direction, which is fine if you're always sitting in the same spot," said Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager of Logitech's audio business unit. "But now with 360-degree sound, whether you're listening to your favourite song on iTunes®, watching a video on YouTube™ or playing your favourite game, you can enjoy rich, sound and minimal distortion throughout your room."

2.1 Speakers Systems: Logitech Speaker System Z523 and Logitech Speaker System Z323

You can transport yourself into your music, movies and games with the Logitech Speaker System Z523. The Z523 speaker system includes two sleek satellites and a 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer, which delivers deep lows for rich bass you can feel. With 40 watts (RMS) of power, the Z523 system can fill your room with bold, dynamic sound. And in case the neighbours call to complain about the noise, the Z523 system offers convenient on-speaker controls so you can quickly turn down the volume.

If you don't need the walls to shake but still want good bass, the Logitech Speaker System Z323 is for you. With 30 watts (RMS) of power and a ported, down-firing subwoofer, you'll have everything you need to create big, bold sound that puts you in the moment.

For your convenience, both the Logitech Z523 and Z323 multimedia speakers include an integrated dual RCA jack and a 3.5 mm jack so you can connect headphones, your Logitech® Squeezebox™ network music player, a gaming console, DVD player or iPod® with ease.

Stereo Speakers: Logitech Speaker System Z520 and Logitech Speaker System Z320

Whether you're working or rocking out, Logitech's new stereo multimedia speakers – the Logitech Speaker System Z520 and the Logitech Speaker System Z320 – are stylish and can fill a room with sound when you don't want to make space for a subwoofer.

The Logitech Speaker System Z520 brings your music, movies and games to life thanks to an amplified two-way design and 26 watts (RMS) of power. The Z520 speakers are loud enough for a small party and detailed enough for subtle tones.

Ideal for laptops, the Logitech Speaker System Z320 can be plugged in wherever you work – and fill your office, or cubicle, with 10 watts (RMS) of sound. When you want to enjoy tunes from your iPod or listen to your headphones privately, simply plug them into the auxiliary jack – you won't even need to unplug the Z520 or Z320 speaker systems.

Pricing and Availability

All speakers systems are expected to be available in Europe in September. The Logitech Speaker System Z320 will be available for a suggested retail price of €49.99. The Logitech Speaker System Z323 will be available for a suggested retail price of €59.99. The Logitech Speaker System Z523 and the Logitech Speaker System Z520 will be available for a suggested retail price of €99.99.