The Specs

Setup and installation is fairly straightforward affair, made easier by color coded wires and plugs for all connections. Even the front and rear speaker channels are colored differently as not mix the two, although I would have liked a right and left indicator on the wires themselves to further aid during installation. The Xtrusio features analog and digital inputs, which are color coded, and all of the necessary wires for installation are included. There is no optical input for use with sound cards that support the feature. The Xtrusio’s digital connection is a mini-jack, but Logitech included adapters for RCA and DIN outputs, a nice feature that saved me a trip to the store to find the proper connectors. Our testing was done using the RCA adapter through the digital output and the standard analog output of a Hercules Game Theater XP. The desktop remote is plugged into a small port in the rear of the unit, completing the installation. An internal auto-switching power supply allows the Xtrusio to plugged in anywhere, without the need for an external power adapter and no wall-wart type connector to jam up your power strip. I can’t remember the last company to acknowledge our pleas for no more wall-warts, so props to Logitech for listening to customer requests.

Speaker placement is vital for optimal performance from any sound system, and PC gaming is no exception. The subwoofer can be placed just about anywhere, as with a home theater system, the bass is non-directional and will appear to come from all angles. The satellites should be placed equal distance around the user, both front and rear, and as close to the same height as the listener’s head. Wall brackets are included with the Xtrusio for mounting the rear channel speakers, and the 150″ of wire should prove ample for most installations. Once the speakers are installed, adjustments to the bass and treble are made with two dials located on the side of the subwoofer. Front to rear balance can be adjusted from the desktop remote.