Logitech X-540 Multimedia Speaker System (5.1)

I wanted a surround sound system for my PC and, to be honest, was trying to justify spending £200 on an all singing, all dancing set-up. I really thought I couldn't expect much from a budget system. However, based on web reviews of the Logitech X-540s (and indeed the X-530s) I decided to bite the bullet and go for these. And am I glad!!!

First off, even with free Super Saver delivery these arrived on my doorstep within a few days. Thanks Amazon, YOU rock. Second, on lifting the box I was pleasantly suprised to notice how heavy these speakers are, normally a good sign. Last but not least, opening the box revealed an array of extremely cool looking and well finished center / satellite speakers (each with two cones and built in metal grill), and a neat and tidy subwoofer with large bass port on the front, the cone being on the bottom between four sturdy rubber feet (take care when lifting / positioning as the subwoofer cone is unprotected).

Basic set-up took 10 to 15 minutes, and was very user friendly as all cables are colour-coded. This was especially useful as the colours tied up nicely with my Creative Soundblaster Audigy sound card. The center speaker has a nice touch - the stand, which enables it to sit on the desk in front of your monitor, also doubles as a bracket which allows you to place it on top of an LCD screen. This obviously frees up desk space and works wonderfully well.

Another 10 minutes and I had the four satellites mounted on my walls (again this is an option, not a necessity). This greatly improves spaciality and frees up yet more desk space. One potential negative here is the length of the satellite cables, especially for the rear speakers. However, they are adequate for a small room and extensions can be purchased easily and cheaply if required.

The system also comes with a very useful remote which provides controls for "Power", "Master Volume", "Bass (Subwoofer) Volume" and "Matrix Mode" (it also has a "Headphones" jack). Matrix mode allows you to spread stereo sound to all speakers where your sound card may not have the ability to do so (CMSS on my Audigy card does this superbly - see later). Note that the remote control is wired to the subwoofer - not a problem for PC use as cable length is adequate. Also a wired remote means you won't be constantly changing batteries.

Now to performance - WOW!!! These speakers rock for the money. The volume capabilities are enormous with no discernable distortion. I have my system in the converted attic of my bungalow and, even at half volume, I can hear it out in the street. One to aggravate those pesky neighbours for sure.

Music sounds crisp, clear and incredibly rich and packs a beefy bass punch - but no bass overload, unless you want it of course. I usually have the bass volume up to about 40 percent and it sounds perfectly balanced, but plenty of room for adjustment either way according to taste. My Audigy card has CMSS mode, which means I can route stereo (eg music) sounds to all speakers. I find that the "Stereo Surround" setting works best as opposed to the recommended "CMSS" setting - you literally feel surrounded by the music, with different instruments appearing to come from all four satellites, vocals from the center - simply stunning! Don't be afraid to play with your graphic equalizer etc to get that perfect sound for you.

And if your sound card soesn't have 5.1 / CMSS capabilities, just hit the Matrix button on the remote. This provides a perfectly adequate substitute to give you a great surround sound experience.

Gaming is also excellent, with a real sense of immersion in the atmosphere of whatever game you're playing. From the deep, throbbing, underground machine noises of DOOM3 to the light, airy ambient outdoor sounds of Tiger Woods - everything sounds fantastic. The plasma gun in DOOM3 for example - you literally feel the vibration in your chest on firing (and recoil too I'd swear), and even the sound of reloading weapons blows you away. On the sudden appearance of an imp or such like I practically jump out of my skin every time (getting interested? LOL).

Finally, movies. Again these sound stunning with full 5.1 dolby digital performance, giving that sensation of really being immersed in the action. I won't mention any particular movies here as you'll all have your favourites - just give this system a try and I'm sure you'll be impressed.

Conclusion? I doubt you need one after all I've said. If you're looking for a budget surround sound system that gives unbelievable performance for the money, just try these. You'll be amazed at what you can get for £50 odd. I definitely am - one of the best purchases I've made in a very long time.

Oh by the way, there is one VERY major downside to these speakers ..... if you're married that is. You are likely to make your spouse extremely irate with this system as he / she won't be able to hear themselves think while you transport yourself to another realm. But sure, what the heck? Just DO IT!!! After all, if they kick you out you can always bring your X-540s with you. Problem solved ;-)

(EDIT) 1 year+ in and they are still great. Although i upgraded to the Logitech Z-5500 sound system (505 watts)

When I wanted to buy a sound system, I looked around quite a lot to get the right product. I read many reviews about this sound system and how it was: "A great value for money product". I have to say that I totally agree!

When i first opened the box, I was expecting a sound system that would take me hours to figure out. I was wrong. It took me merely 20 Minutes to set up all five speakers, and the bass. Which came to my delight.

The colours of the leads that the speakers have, make it very easy to set up. After connecting them to the bass, all you have to do is put the green, black, yellow, and pink leads that come from your bass into your motherboard, or your sound card. Then are ready to get blown away!

The colour of the leads of the sound system are:
-Green : For your front speakers
-Black : For your rear speakers
-Yellow : For the centre speakers

I found that after I set up the sound system, the sound quality coming out of the speakers were truly amazing, and had a crystal clear sound. Unlike other my old speakers that had a slight crackling behind them.

Also I find that the little desktop sound unit that connects to the bass, and allows you to control your sound system, proved to be very useful. Unlike other sound systems out there, you can control the volume of the bass, the master volume, and the ability to switch off your sound system. It also came with the cleaver matrix system button. Although I never use this when listening to my own music, it is useful when you are on a radio station online, or on other sites that would normally play through two speakers and not five. It basically means you will be always able to use all five speakers.

I also have an Xbox 360. To my surprise the Logitech X-540 came with an adaptor which meant that I could connect my sound system to my Xbox 360. The only problem with this is that you have to constantly switch the wires between them. this means that if you want to play on the console you have to plug out the wires from the back of your PC and put them in the adaptor, and vis-versa. At the moment, I have the PC adjusted with the Logitech X-540 sound system, and have my old sound system with the Xbox 360. Meaning I have a total of seven speakers!

The only problem I found with the sound system that I didn't remember reading about was the angle on the speakers. In my opinion the speakers are very upwards pointing, and you are unable to change that. A good example would be when, I had my two speakers on my desk, and above my head I had another two (the rear ones) and i found that the music, coming out of the rear speakers was projecting upwards and not towards me. (You might think that is a bit odd of me to think that, but i prefer all the sound waves as it were to be directed at my ears and not around them)
So this meant that I felt the angle of the speakers made them feel "useless". So I decided to make 2 holes in my wall, to plant the two rear speakers on it, so that the sound is travelling more towards my ears and not to the ceiling. I personally think these speakers were designed to be put on walls more than on a desk, especially for the rear speakers.

Overall, I think that these speakers are a bargain for the price there at. I fully recommend this product to anyone who wants a reasonably cheap sound system for an amazing performance.
Trust me, after you put these speakers on full blast, the house will be shaking, and you will be able to hear the music coming out of your house, from outside!

A final note for buyers, and people that already have the product, I suggest putting the bass volume on about 60%, because then the bass isn't too loud, and yet you can hear it still booming away.

Kind regards from a fellow Amazon buyer,

Hope you enjoyed my review on the Logitech X-540 sound system!

These speakers are a must buy for anyone who wants top quality sound, a deep-bass boom for movies, mp3 players, computer,games consoles or cd players.

When I first flicked open the manuel and box, I was surprised how easy it was to set the speakers, set-up took 10 minutes. Colour-coded wires couldn't be easier, some have commented on the length of the cables but they were fine for my room - no problems.

Movies - These speakers really bring movies to life with crisp sound, Iv'e only seen Gladiator so far but I noticed sounds that I didnt before (wind around the tents etc). Awesome!

Music - Nice, smooth sound with a great bass.

Get these speakers - you really can't get getter value for money.