REVIEW – The Z606 is Logitech’s latest entry into the surround sound speaker market. This low-cost system has five wired speakers and a bass unit containing an amplifier, speaker connections, and RCA inputs. AV connections are sparse and while the power won’t rattle your windows, it should prove to be more than enough for most listening applications.

What is it?

This 5.1 system is designed around five identical satellites that serve as three front and two surround speakers, and a powered subwoofer. Audio connections are made to the system through Bluetooth and two or five channel RCA cables.

What’s in the box?

• Subwoofer module
• 5 satellite speakers
• 3.5mm aux RCA cable
• Remote control

Hardware specs

• Subwoofer dimensions (H x W X D inches): 11.69 x 7.60 x 11
• Subwoofer weight: 7.7 lbs
• Satellite Speakers dimensions (H x W X D inches): 7.01 x 4.33 x 3.42
• Satellite Speakers weight: 1.0 lbs
• Remote Control dimensions (H x W X D inches): 3.39 x 1.57 x 0.27
• Remote control weight: .60 oz
• Rear Satellite cable length: 6.2m
• Front & Center cable length: 2.2m
• Power cable length: 1.6m

The z606 system puts out 160 peak watts with 80 watts RMS. The subwoofer is rated for 25 watts while the satellite speakers push out 55 watts in total. The Bluetooth connection is 4.2 and has a 15-meter range.

Design and features

As previously mentioned, the satellite speakers are identical to one another, differentiated only by the color of the non-detachable speaker wiring. Each satellite is ported and has a full range, 2.5-inch driver. On the back is a keyhole, allowing you to hang the speaker from the wall. The sub has a 5.25-inch driver. In addition to the aforementioned connections on the back, the front has a round display surrounded by buttons for power, sound and Bluetooth connections. You can also change the output from 2.1 to 5.1 and select simulated 5.1 surround for two-channel sources. The small, card-sized remote has all of the same controls as the front panel on the bass unit.

Setup

Color-coded speaker wires are provided to make set-up easier: red for the left and right fronts, blue for the center and gray for the surrounds. The bass unit can be connected to any Bluetooth device or directly to AV equipment (TV, receiver, etc.) with RCA cables. Although no documentation, save for an FCC statement, is included in the box, Logitech helpfully printed a connection diagram on the box itself.

Performance

I set the system up in my living room with the front three speakers below and just in front of my TV. The bass unit was placed on the floor next to my AV cabinet. The surrounds were placed to the left and right of my couch, just behind my seating position. My listening tests were comprised of music, podcasts, and movies from Netflix.

As far as music was concerned, the sound quality from the Z606 was about what I expected. The bass was a tad boomy with heavier rock tracks and slightly muddy. I didn’t care for the simulated 5.1 surround sound with any of the music sources, but that has more to do with my preferences than the performance of this unit. After a few positioning changes and adjustments, I was able to get good separation and a decently wide sound stage between the front speakers when viewing movies on Netflix in the simulated surround mode. I should note that none of my AV sources (Roku, PS4, cable box, TV, etc.) have 5 channel RCA connections so I was not able to test the digital 5,1 surround capabilities of this unit.

What I like

• Price
• Decent sound quality
• Easy set-up

What needs to be improved

• Lack of connections for digital sources (e.g., HDMI, optical,)

Final thoughts

Overall, the Z606 is a decent surround system at its price point. It won’t blow your socks off and lacks advanced connectivity.  That said, if you’re looking for a surround source for a secondary viewing application, and aren’t too picky about sound quality, the Z606 might be a good bet.

Price: $129.99
Where to buy: Available on Amazon, and directly from Logitech
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Logitech.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Speakers

Logitech Z606 5.1 Surround Speaker System Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 6, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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REVIEW – When I’m sticking to a budget and needing to buy something, I sometimes look at the least expensive model from a high-end company rather than the top model from a more middle-range company. That way, I figure I’m getting a better made product at a similar price. That’s the theory I would apply to the new 600 Series speakers from Bowers & Wilkins. While the B&W 607 speakers are the least expensive speakers in Bowers & Wilkins’ line, they are still B&Ws. But does the 607 speaker live up to B&Ws reputation?

What is it?

The Bowers & Wilkins 607 is a 2-way vented, passive bookshelf speaker. It is sold and priced in pairs.

Specs

• 1 in. aluminum dome high-frequency tweeter
• 5 in. Continuum cone bass/midrange
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms 
• Recommended amplifier power: 30-100 W
• Dimensions 11.8 in. (H); 6.5 in. (W); 9.1 in. (D)
• Net Weight: 10.25 lb.
• Finishes: Black/black; White/gray

Design and features

Let me start with an admission: I am unfamiliar with Bowers & Wilkins’ speaker line. However, I am familiar with B&W’s headphones and Bluetooth speakers, from the P5 wireless and P7 headphones to the iconic Zeppelin wireless speaker. It’s from these reviews that I came to recognize what some call the “B&W sound.”

My first introduction to the 600 series was at B&W’s east coast headquarters in Boston last June. I reported on the visit here. The 600 series speakers consist of the 607, as well as the more expensive (and larger) 606, 603 speakers as well as the HTM6 center channel speaker and a choice of 3 subwoofers. The 600 series are passive speakers, so a power source (receiver or amplifier) is necessary. The 607 is both small and light in weight—a true bookshelf design. 

I chose to review the least expensive 607 speaker for a couple of reasons. They are the most affordable home speakers that B&W makes and I could easily connect them to existing equipment without any issues (there were none). Let other audiophiles write about how the 607 speakers sound with top-rated amps, receivers and turntables. There are plenty of detailed reviews that say it better and in more detail than I can. I wanted to see if the 607 speakers can live in an “everyday” environment with equipment that any normal person might already own—like me.

The 600 series benefits from a “trickle down” approach. Speakers  that were made of Kevlar have been replaced with a Continuum Cone base driver—a more rigid and accurate driver borrowed from the more expensive B&W speakers. They also upgraded the delicate dome tweeter as well as its protective metal mesh cover. While in Boston, I was able to hear a direct comparison between the older and new 600 speakers. As I said in my report, the improvement was subtle at best. If you already own an older 600 series speaker, there is no need to upgrade.

Connecting the speakers can be achieved in two ways, conventional or bi-amplification (or bi-wiring). Bi-amplification is more complicated, but can result in more resolution in low-level detail. But since this is an “everyday” review, connecting to single L and R posts will be fine. B&W includes small, self-sticking rubber pads for the bottom of the speakers. These help the speakers stay in place and can help eliminate unwanted vibrations.

The 600 series is exactly that—a series. Even though I’m reviewing the 607 speakers by themselves, they can be seamlessly paired with a matching center channel, subwoofer and two additional 607 rear channel speakers for a complete home theater experience. It’s something you can build as budget allows.

The 607 speaker cabinet comes in either black or white. There are included removable grills for those who want a cleaner design. I prefer the “naked” speaker look and left the grills in the box.

The 607 dimpled bass port has been redesigned and moved to the rear of the speaker. It’s larger then the previous front port which helps deepen the sound, especially if the speakers are moved closer to a wall. The port design is similar to the rear ports on the Zeppelin speaker. 

Bass can also be controlled by some included foam plugs that fit into the ports—an interesting low-tech solution to lessen bass. I’m not sure why anyone would want to lower the bass impact coming from the 607 speakers. Sure, bass is present and perfectly tuned for these speakers but I wouldn’t call it powerful. These are small speakers and physics is physics—you’re going to get much more bass from larger speakers or a subwoofer. If the room is small, the 607’s bass output is plenty. But if your room is larger and budget allows it, I would recommend getting a subwoofer, even if it does almost cost as much as a pair of 607 speakers.

There’s also plenty of treble from the 607 speakers. A few songs bordered on harsh, but I blame the recording and not the speakers. Generally, I leave any EQ settings on flat, but slightly toning down the treble EQ smoothed things out on problematic songs. 

One thing I appreciate about the 607 speakers is how intimate sounding they can be. For instance, Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic” sounds incredible. There’s a lot going on in this song, such as subtle percussive things and strings coming in and then disappearing. But it’s Morrison’s voice that’s magical. You can hear every intonation he makes and his emotions come through with a fine clarity. It’s close to a live sound on these speakers. There’s an airiness to the song that’s missing on headphones or lesser speakers. And I’m not even a fan of Van Morrison!

That intimate sound also comes through on Brian Eno’s “Some Words” from his “My Squelchy Life” album. Eno’s singing sounds almost reluctant as if he would rather someone else do the vocals. But then heart-wrenching strings and beautiful synth keyboards come in and add an emotional context to the song’s second half. The 607 speakers exhibit the necessary detail within the song by allowing each instrument its space, yet letting them blend beautifully. 

It’s this sense of space that make the 607 speakers fun to listen to.

What I like

 The 607 speakers are great as stand-alone stereo speakers, but can also be part of a more complete home theater system later on as budget allows.

Expressive detail and sheer musical enjoyment are built into this speaker. It’s a cliche, but the 607’s sound quality matches or beats many other speakers in this price range and above.

What needs to be improved

Nothing of note.

Final Thoughts

Sure, the more expensive B&W speakers will sound better and also have more of this or that, but the Bowers & Wilkins 607 speakers do an admirable job of living up to the B&W name. At $600/pair, they are not cheap, but they are not expensive either when you consider how long people normally keep speakers. The one caveat to owning the 607 speakers is that you may find that you will eventually want something better and that something will probably be better and more expensive B&W speakers. 

Price: $599/pair US
Where to buy:
Source: The sample for this product was provided by Bowers & Wilkins.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Speakers

Bowers & Wilkins 607 speaker review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 6, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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I’m fortunate to have been able to review each version of Audioengine’s A5 speaker series. The original was (and still is) a powerhouse of a speaker that sounds much better than its cost. Heck, all of Audioengine’s speakers fall into that category. Later, their A5+ speaker improved on a good thing—a larger, more efficient heat sink, a remote control and better audio inputs, just to name a few. However, it’s a rapidly evolving audio world and Audioengine’s latest response to fans of the A5 is the new A5+ Wireless speaker.

What is it?

The A5+ Wireless speakers are a large(ish) pair of bookshelf speakers that work as well—if not better—as computer speakers.  I’ve used the various A5 speakers hardwired to my iMac, connected via USB to my iPod (and later, iPhone) and even wirelessly using Audioengine’s own W3 audio adaptors (a not inexpensive add on). Now with the huge advancements made to to Bluetooth, Audioengine is offering all that is good with the A5+ in a newer Bluetooth wireless version.

Specs

The A5+ Wireless speakers are identical to the A5+ speakers in size, weight and specs. Two notable changes are that the 3/4″ silk tweeters are now centered above the 5″ Kevlar woofers—the original 5+ tweeters were off-centered. Also, a powered USB port at the rear of the A5+ speaker has been replaced with a Bluetooth pairing button on the wireless version. 

For those interested in such things, here are some specs:

• Power Output: 150W peak power total
• 3.5mm stereo mini-jack
• 115/240V, 50/60Hz manually switchable
• Amplifier Type: Dual Class AB monolithic 
• Drivers: 5″ Kevlar woofers, 3/4″ silk dome tweeters
• SNR: >95dB (typical A-weighted)
• THD+N: <0.05% at all power settings
• Crosstalk: -50dB
• Frequency response: 50Hz-22kHz ±1.5dB
• Input impedance: 10K ohms unbalanced
• Protection: Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection, replaceable external main fuse
• Power Consumption:
  Idle: 10W
  Mute: 6W
  Sleep: 4W

• Bluetooth specs:
  Internal D/A converter: AKM AK4396
  Input bit depth: 24-bits upsampled
  Bluetooth: 4.0 audio
  Supported codecs: aptX, AAC, SBC
  Wireless operation range: Up to 100ft

• Dimensions:
  Left speaker: 10.75″H x 7″W x 9″D
  Right – 10.75″H x 7″W x 7.75″D
  Weight (LEFT): 15.4 lbs
  Weight (RIGHT): 9.6 lbs

• Colors:
  Satin Black
  Hi-Gloss White
  Solid Carbonized Bamboo

Design and features

First, let’s get this out of the way: The addition of Bluetooth adds $100 to the price of the wired A5+ speakers. You might think a hundred bucks is a lot for a Bluetooth option, but there’s more to it than that. Because of Bluetooth, the A5+ wireless has a built in 24-bit upsampling digital audio convertor (DAC)—which isn’t cheap. Without this DAC, the A5+ Wireless speaker would just be a—well, a regular A5+ speaker! Let me explain the path that audio takes from your source (smartphone for example) to the A5+ Wireless: Smartphone converts music to a Bluetooth codex—sends Bluetooth signal to speaker DAC—DAC receives Bluetooth signal and converts digital signal to analog—analog signal is sent to speakers and then you hear your music. This is overly simplified, but you get the idea. The A5+ Wireless speaker is doing quite a bit of work that the regular A5+ speakers can’t do.

Connecting and pairing the A5+ wireless speakers is straightforward. The left speaker contains all the important stuff. Simply connect the left speaker to either a receiver or computer and then wire the right speaker to the left and music happens. However, now you don’t even need anything more than a smartphone to enjoy what the A5+ can do. Just press the pairing button on the rear of the left speaker and pair with your smartphone. Pairing only takes a few seconds. 

So how does Bluetooth compare to hard wiring? There are no surprises here. Bluetooth connection is rock solid. I have not had any dropouts (admittedly, the speakers are no more than 12 inches from the source). Even though audio quality is slightly lower when compared to wired, I could only discern any differences by turning Bluetooth on and off. But seriously, only weird testers like me will do that kind of thing. Otherwise, the only other noticeable difference was volume. Bluetooth needed to be turned up to match the same loudness as wired. Keep in mind that this is true of many wireless speakers, not just these. Trust me, you won’t have any sound quality complaints using Bluetooth.

Along with the pairing button on the left speaker’s rear panel are the power switch, a mini plug input and RCA inputs and outputs. The RCA outputs allow a subwoofer to be connected if desired. A screw-in external Bluetooth antenna is included.

The front of the left speaker has a Bluetooth pairing indicator light as well as a volume knob. The A5+ wireless speakers include a remote that’s identical to the remote included with the more expensive Audioengine HD6 speakers. This remote handles the basics: Volume, mute and sleep. I’ve don’t see the advantage of a sleep button over the simple mute. The two buttons seem a bit redundant. I would have preferred an on/off button instead. 

The A5+ wireless speakers are powered by a built-in 150 watt (75 watt per channel) class A/B amplifier. Because of the amp, a turntable can be directly attached to the speakers without the need of a receiver.

The back of the left speaker has a large and heavy metal heatsink to dissipate the heat generated by the amp. Each speaker box is made of softly round-edged 1/2″ thick MDR board that’s either lacquered white gloss, black matte or real (extra cost) bamboo. There are no protective speaker grills, so the exposed and delicate silk tweeters should be kept out of reach from little poking fingers. 

The A5+ Wireless speakers don’t noticeably add to or detract from any audio frequency. Thanks to some wide bass ports, they can go deep, but even so, they might disappoint some bass heads. The A5+ Wireless speakers can handle plenty of bass—they just don’t add to it unnecessarily making music more bass heavy than it already is. In fact, on some of my 60s classic rock recordings (the debut Jimi Hendrix Experience album, for instance), I wish the A5+ Wireless speakers actually added more bass because some of those albums could certainly use a boost. However, I blame the recordings and not the speaker. Likewise, the speakers are not overly bright sounding or overly mid-centric on vocals. Their frequency balance is pretty darn good!

The A5+ Wireless speakers are also up to the task of reproducing excessive bass found in many modern albums—especially at max volume. Bryan Ferry’s “Kiss & Tell” from “Bête Noire” has plenty of bass kick. When called on, the 5″ Kevlar woofers are capable of some serious bottom.

Since bass on the speakers themselves is more than adequate, I was curious what would happen if I connected a floor subwoofer to the mix. While I was impressed with the enhanced and revealing lower frequencies previously unheard (or felt), it was obvious that it’s not absolutely necessary to add a sub right away. It can always be added later if warranted. 

What I like

The audio is balanced, yet offers a decent bass kick when required. Setup couldn’t be easier—Bluetooth pairing was successful on the first try and has remained flawless since. The subdued and elegant design looks good on any desktop or in any living room setting. 

What needs to be improved

The remote should have an on/off button. 

Final Thoughts

The A5+ Wireless speakers have always been a bargain when you consider how good they perform. The added convenience of Bluetooth only sweetens the deal—even at a $100 premium. You can find better sounding and better made speakers, but not at this price.

Price: $499 US ($569 for bamboo)
Where to buy: Audioengine and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Audioengine. Visit www.audioengine.com for more information.

The post Audioengine A5+ Wireless speaker review appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Speakers

Audioengine A5+ Wireless speaker review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 6, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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