Logitech’s X-540 Has You Surrounded

Logitech's new X-540 surround speaker system expands two-channel audio with matrix technology, and offers a clip-on center speaker which can perch above a monitor.

Peripheral and accessory maker Logitech has announced their new X-540 5.1 surround speaker system, which sets out to be an affordable surround sound solution which not only spices up standard two-channel audio, but offers a solution for gamers by way of a clip-on center speaker which can be attached to the top of a monitor.

According to Jef Holove, Logitech’s VP of product marketing for audio, the X-540 system provides a "more pragmatic innovation, offering matrix technology and the innovative center-channel clip. It is sure to be a hit with gamers, and our customers can rest assured that, for baseline audio performance, this system outclasses the competition in its price range."

The X-540 system includes five satellite speakers and a down-firing subwoofer with 70 watts of amplification—if you have trouble hearing that, see your local hearing specialist quickly. Each satellite speaker sports two drivers and durable grilles. Unique to the X-540 is a clip-on center speaker designed to be used with flat-panel monitors. In the old nasty days of CRTs, gamers users to perch a center speaker on top of their monitors; with an LCD display, no amount of duct tape makes that an elegant option. The X-540’s center speaker is designed to securely fasten to an LCD display; if you’ve got a CRT or a convenient surface, the clip also converts to a conventional speaker stand.

Logitech says it’s the first to offer matrix surround sound technology in an affordable 5.1 surround speaker system, enabling the X-540 to split standard stereo audio into five channels without distorting the audio quality. To make things easy, users can turn matrix capability on an off via the X-540’s control center, which also features a volume control, a headphone jack, and a power button.

The X-540 surround system will be available in the U.S. and Europe in November; U.S. suggested pricing is $99.99.