Logitech stormed the PC audio market last year with the amazing Z-series of speakers.  The Z-560 system was a massive, powerful system that rivaled the best speakers on the market, while the price was considerably less.  The Z-560 was a solid 4.1 system, that took top honors in review after review.  This led to the inevitable question, Where is the 5.1 system?  When we asked the people at Logitech, we got the standard “We can’t tell you, or we would have to kill you”, wink wink.

Well, the Logitech hit-squad never showed up at my door, but the Z-680 speaker system did.  Times like these, I really feel sorry for the UPS man.  This package was huge.  I mean BIG, as in larger than the average suped-up Civic.  I seriously need to get this poor UPS guy a Christmas gift this year, or a coupon for a chiropractor visit.

Inside this massive box, was the new Logitech Z-680.  At first glance, this system may look like the Z-560’s with an extra center channel speaker, but rest assured, this no repackaged 560 system.  The Z-680 takes everything that made the Z-560 system so great, adds another can of whoop-ass, and again raises the bar for PC audio equipment.  All joking aside, this system just plain kicks ass, lets get that out in the open.  For people that don’t care to read the whole review, stop here, get in your car, or better yet truck, and grab a set from the local retailer.  Now for the detail oriented people, let’s take a look at what makes the Z-680’s tick.

Features

• True Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround sound with built-in hardware decoding
  
• Dolby Pro Logic® II decoding creates a 5.1 soundfield from two-channel sound sources
  
• THX® certification ensures top sound quality
  
• Connects to PlayStation®2, Xbox™, DVD players, satellite receivers, PC sound cards, and more to deliver immersive gaming and movie experiences
  
• Home-stereo style connectors use standard gauge speaker wire
  
• Four stylish satellites stand on desk or mount on wall to provide smooth mid and high frequencies
  
• Center channel speaker rests on your monitor, on your desk, or mounted on the wall
  
• Magnetic shielding in speakers protects your equipment
  
• Internal power supply eliminates bulky wall adapters
  
• Removable cloth grills on satellites deliver improved sound and variable aesthetics
  
• Wireless remote control, batteries included
  
• Uses regular stereo speaker wire (included)
  
• Two-year limited warranty

Specifications 

• Total output power:  505 Watts RMS
  
• Subwoofer power output:  188 Watts RMS
  
• Satellite speaker power output:  317 Watts RMS (62 Watts RMS per channel for satellites; 69 Watts RMS for center channel)
  
• Total peak power: 1000 Watts
  
• Maximum SPL: 114 dB
  
• System frequency response:  35Hz - 20kHz
  
• Input impedance:  10,000 ohms
  
• Shielded satellites for use near video monitors

Source Inputs

• (1) digital optical for DVD or CD player, PlayStation 2, Xbox*, or PC sound card (requires optical cable, sold separately)
  
• (1) digital coaxial for DVD or CD player, or PC sound card (requires coaxial cable, sold separately)
  
• (1) 6-channel direct (3 stereo-mini connectors) for 2-, 4-, or 6-channel PC sound cards
  
• (1) Analog stereo-mini for portable CD, MP3, or MiniDisc® player

Overall, an impressive list of features.  As you will see, though, the Z-680 is one of those rare cases where the total package is worth more than the sum of the parts.