Peripheral and accessory maker Logitech has announced four new sets of PC speakers that promise omnidirectional acoustics, meaning the speakers generate a bigger “sweet spot” for accurate reproduction of audio because they have drivers that face both forward and backward. The idea is to provide better sound for folks who might be moving themselves (or their computers!) around a room or an office, but don’t want the hassle of moving speakers—or juggling between sets—just to get decent audio.
“Many PC speakers focus sound in one direction, which is fine if you’re always sitting in the same spot,” said VP and general manager of Logitech’s audio business unit Mark Schneider, in a statement. “But now with 360-Degree Sound, whether you’re listening to your favorite song on iTunes, watching a video on YouTube, or playing your favorite game, you can enjoy rich sound and minimal distortion throughout your room.”
The new Z320 and Z520 are configured as standard stereo speaker pairs: the Z320 set is aimed more at notebook users with 10 watts of power and sport an aux jack for popping in headphones without unplugging the speakers; the Z520s are aimed more at desktop systems with 26 watts of power.
For users who want some thump, the Z323 system sports two satellite speakers, a ported down-firing subwoofer, and 30 watts of power; the Z523 sports two satellite speakers, a down-firing 6.5-inch subwoofer, and 40 watts of amplification. Both the Z323 and Z523 sport an integrated dual RCA jack and a 3.5mm jack for connecting other devices.
According to Logitech, the Z320 and Z323 should be available in the U.S. and Europe in August and September, both at $69.99. The Z523 and Z520 should land in July for $99.99 and $129.99, respectively.
