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For the longest time I've had the old Logitech Z313 2.1 sound system for my computer. After so many years of use and moving around, I'm looking for a more portable and more powerful system.

The Z313's wiring is aggravating. The 3.5mm from the computer goes into a controller, then to the sub, then to the speakers. Also, the sub doesn't have a control to turn bass down independently from the speakers.

So what I'm looking for is a sound system with these features:

  • no more than $150
  • 2.1 layout
  • subwoofer with: independent control, 20+ Watts, ~6 inch external driver
  • 2+ inch speaker driver
  • flat-bottomed subwoofer would be better than one with feet
  • easy setup, not too many cords (very important)

An inline or onboard volume control is actually something I don't want since I can control volume with my keyboard and directly in Windows, but if a good system has it, I won't mind.

Adam
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2 Answers2

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If you are willing to wait, you could get the Logitech Z333 Multimedia Speakers. As this hasn't been released yet, I can only go off of the spec sheet and online reviews, but this looks like it would fit your needs.

This is a 2.1 speaker system that costs $80 USD. The subwoofer is flat-bottomed, has its own independent controller, and has a 5 inch, front facing driver. The sub is rated at 23 Watts while the two satellites are rated at 8 Watts each. While the website doesn't say exactly how big the drivers are for the satellites, the width of the satellites is about 4.25 inches, so I would expect the drivers are in the range of 2.5 - 3.5 inches in diameter. There are four 5 foot cables for this system (plus input cables): one for the power (wall to sub), one for each satellite (sub to satellite), and one volume controller (controller to sub).

This system has both a 3.5 mm auxiliary input and stereo RCA inputs.

With about half of your budget left, you add a Bluetooth Audio Adapter for $40 that allows you to stream music from any Bluetooth enabled audio device. With both of these items, you are still below your $150 budget (excluding shipping).

UPDATE

This appears to have been released. If ordered from Logitech's website, you will get free standard shipping (4-7 business days) on this as the total cost is over $49.

Cfinley
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  • That looks like an amazing system. Pretty much everything I want. I'll definitely keep my eye on it. – Adam Sep 22 '15 at 19:43
  • @Adam The only problem with it is when it gets released. I haven't found anything consistent with the date. I will update this answer with more information when I find it. – Cfinley Sep 22 '15 at 19:45
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I recently had the same problem and in the end went for the Soundsticks III from Harman Kardon. They look and sound beautiful. Sub is on feet though, but gives a really tight sound.

I got mine for €100 (around $120).

It has the following features:

  • Price around €99 (at least here in holland)
  • 2.1 layout
  • Subwoofer with: independent control, 20+ Watts, 6 inch external driver
  • Subwoofer in on feet.
  • Four, 1" full-range transducers per channel powered by a 10-watt amplifier for room-filling sound
  • Touch volume and mute controls
  • Angle-adjustable satellites
  • Easy setup, one chord from every speaker to the subwoofer, a mini-jack input for connecting your device and a power input connected to the subwoofer.
ejazz
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    I've heard that's a great system, but the look is just too much for me. I'm a minimalistic kind of person. – Adam Sep 13 '15 at 06:41
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    Hi jazz! This answer could be improved if you could list some of the features that your product holds. Otherwise, I like the Soundsticks as well :) – Zizouz212 Oct 10 '15 at 02:51
  • Thanks for the comment! I added some features to the post – ejazz Oct 22 '15 at 09:04