Logitech Z-5 Speakers Lack Direction

The latest desktop speakers out of Logitech throw sound in all directions for situations where listeners will be less than stationary.

Ordinary PC speakers work great in situations where you can jam a computer in the corner and only worry about sound travelling in one direction, but if your room setup is a little more complicated, that might leave one side of the room woefully quiet. Logitech set out to fix this problem by creating a pair that throw sound equally in all directions: its new Z-5 desktop speakers, introduced on Tuesday.

The tall rectangular speakers have grilles on all sides, hinting at their omnidirectional nature, and connect via a 6.5-foot USB cable rather than a more conventional quarter-inch mini plug. According to Logitech, they use front-and-rear-firing drivers to accomplish the even spread of music, a technology adapted from high-end ominidirectional home theater speakers. An included remote control makes them easier to control from afar, as well.

The speakers will debut later this month in the United States and Europe, with an MSRP of $100.