Introduction

As a “Box system for players”, it was announced, equipped with snazzy features, and brought to a suggested retail price of $199 on the market. There one finds it now, the new Logitech G51, which priced probably is classified as a middle-class system of the House of Logitech. Just in this price range but still very different Carat diamonds on the market, not least the devil concept E Magnum, are designed as a system for the home theater, also under PC players, although originally finds widespread use. Logitech’s latest litter must on the sound so equally against a thick chunks in the draw. But in order to be able to Excel against the vermeidlich stronger opponents, you used at the G51 of some tricks should not be underestimated – to get a good slice of the pie at the end.

In the case of Logitech G51, this means that above all the optics and the facilities with in behind were cast in addition to the sound, involves the direct comparison with the devil so far unerschütterlichem concept E Magnum. Because from this point of view of the Berlin loudspeaker specialist could win so far, no particularly large flower pot. The attack surface for any competition is therefore not to be underestimated.

On the other hand the computer player needs one, if he be a 5.1 sound system response – good 360 °-Klang, as he is also promised by Logitech. The famous test course has so two things to do: on the one hand is drawn in particular phonetic comparison with already tested sound systems which is also a large part of the review. On the other, but also the extra features of the system should stay not uncredited.

Bookmark

• Devil Motif 2
• Devil CEM PE vs. Logitech Z-5450 digital
• Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi
• 12 Gamer headsets in the daily test
• Seven sound systems from 2.1 to 7.1
• Headphones sound check
• Speaker sound check / bass without end?

Test system

Tested the speakers on the following computer system were:

• Processor
  • Intel Core 2 Duo E6320
• Motherboard
  • Gigabyte P35C-DS3R
• Memory
  • 2 x 1024 MB TwinMos DDR2-667 RAM
• Sound card
  • Creative X-Fi Platinum
• Graphics card
  • Sparkle GeForce 8800 GT
• Peripherals
  • DVD-ROM DVD-ROM drive (GDR8163B)
  • LG DVD-RAM burner (GSA-4082B)
  • 3 x Samsung SP2504C SATA as RAID0
• Speakers
  • Logitech G51
  • Devil Motif 2 (for comparison)
  • Teufel concept E Magnum power Edition (for comparison)
• Software
  • Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit
  • CyberLink PowerDVD 7
  • Windows Media Player
  • YouPax-X-Fi driver

Test environment

The space in which all the tests have taken place, it is about 25 m one m² large and three-meter room on the top floor of a Zweifamilienhauses. The list of boxes was carried out according to the usual orientation of a 5.1 speaker combo. The entire sound system was connected to a creative X-Fi Platinum.

Extensive and not only on the basis of a limited number of sources to evaluate the sound quality, several stereo and surround media from music, movies, and PC games were also in this test used:

• DVD movies
  • War of the worlds
  • Master and Commander
  • The Lord of the Rings: The return of the King
  • Last Samurai
  • House of flying daggers
  • Mission impossible 3
  • Matrix

• PC games
  • Call of duty 2
  • Battlefield 2
  • Overlord
  • Half-life 2
  • Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars

• Music DVDs
  • Queen – greatest video hits 1 + 2 (dts-5.1- and PCM stereo audio tracks)
  • Eagles – hell freezes over (dts – 5.1 – DolbyDigital 5.1 and PCM stereo audio tracks)
  • Abba – 16 hits (DolbyDigital-Tonspur – 2 channels!)
  • Animusic 2 (DolbyDigital 5.1 and PCM stereo audio tracks)
    • Animusic samples can be downloaded in their entirety and in HD quality from the official Web site!

Logitech G51

The Logitech G51 makes a good optical impression. The sound system comes with four not insignificantly large satellites, which accommodate but only comparatively small chassis. Also the subwoofer turns out quite small and easily. It is based on the Downfire principle and 3-cm woofer is equipped with a 13. The covers before the satellite and the Center are removable; In addition, the transparent side parts of the satellite can be removed to install film motifs among these.

Logitech will this feature to enhance the individuality of the systems and provide the customers with artistic freedom. To the website, the manufacturer offers some motifs can be downloaded and printed. Theoretically all motifs are possible, but if they are placed in the appropriate form for the cutting.

The Centre speaker is in principle to a satellite on the page with modified feet. He should have therefore the same sound characteristics such as also the other satellites. Possible differences could however the fact resulting from, that the two chassis for the satellite one above the other and are arranged side by side with the medium-sized speakers. The dispersion pattern of the satellites could be distinguished therefore from which of the Center; Logitech itself, however, will allow a homogeneous sound through the use of the FDD drive coils.

In addition to a low-frequency cube of Teufel concept E m², which is about the same expensive like the Logitech G51, the subwoofer is optically almost under. Calibers of a concept F or G concept or also imposanteren (and more expensive) rolls out its own House – like about the subwoofer of the Logitech Z-5500 – should he away keep outright. Also the very small (for a woofer) chassis gives not just an impression, to be able to create amazing bass level. After all, but also with this system, Logitech relies on a usual in the price range bass reflex channel that can increase the maximum level be realised in the bass – without Wumms the Logitech G51 will arise so not the competition.

Now the cable remote is almost as typical for Logitech. These precipitates relatively extensively, it allows not only control the volume of each channel, as well as the switch of matrix Upmixes for stereo sources, a headset is connected over the existing out of headphone and microphone input. In addition, the small control unit offers the possibility to mute the entire system or only the optional connected microphone.

Technical data

For completeness the technical parameters of the test subject were led once again. It should be noted that these are mostly very stretchable and reveal much about the sound impression per se. The personal sound impression should decide always not the largest desired number of the promotional machinery.

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Striking at the Logitech G51 is that it, somewhat regrettable acts especially compared with the already tested systems. The impression resulting from the grid – as-mentioned also optically continues: the satellites are in itself is quite large, have but comparatively small drivers which you look at that they can probably cast no brute power. Also the subwoofer works almost discreetly along with other representatives from private foreign home.

That the G51 can still serve for a superior gaming experience is therefore naturally cannot be ruled out.

Scope of delivery

The Logitech G51 comes with five satellites, a subwoofer, wired remote, an instruction manual and naturally all required cables. These include three analog cables with plugs and the speaker cables between the satellites and subwoofer in addition to the mains plug. These cables are firmly connected to the satellite and are relatively short;. Since however it’s normal Mono RCA connectors, which are put into the subwoofer cable with standard RCA cables (with a female and one male end) may be extended. Some more free space with the standard cables but desirable.

The cable of the cable remote control measures about two meters, which restricts the Office space for the subwoofer. Should be positioned the remote control close to the listening position – so probably on your desktop – can the subwoofer not far away. The cable length but should range for a normal development.

Sound impressions

Again, the personal impressions of the character of the tested sound system to be acquired in this test. This never objectively to happen to one hundred percent, be anticipated; the described sound impression after all reflects the opinion of the tester. He should be considered only as a recommendation. It is advantageous in addition in any case, hear the speaker always even, to match its sound with the personal preferences.

Because but not everyone has the time, the money or the idleness, listen to every interesting system itself, also comparisons with already tested pit systems, should be considered following assessment the devil concept E Magnum and the subject 2, above all.

Music

Right at the beginning of the Logitech G51 with a profession is frontiert, where it feels well not quite at home. It is after all a surround system for players and has therefore rather peripheral to do – or? Unfortunately Yes, as already the entry shows in the world of the selected music DVDs. Can do so at the Eagles classic “Hotel California” by the used DVD “Hell freezes over” from the outset and no right AHA effect occur, because the guitar chords not spatially. The entire, important range of sound for the strings seems a little thin, as if it were a strongly compressed recording. The onset of percussions bass, however, initially terrified – by default this is definately too dominant for music. For rules on the Controlpod the thing makes but not necessarily better: either one brings the bass on Trommelschlägen to normal levels and missed but then is exactly to draft reverses the bass, or the impression of both instruments.

The first impression, which therefore manifests itself is of a typical “over bass ends” system, i.e. PC speakers, trying to drown out the lack low-frequency capabilities of the subwoofer that supported higher bass frequencies (100 to 200 Hz +) not only from the subwoofer, but of this are particularly loud gegrummelt. This can make fun in games, because just in this frequency range include Kanonenschüsse and explosions, and it is so hearty scheppert. When listening to music, but mostly a rather more sceptical impression arises.

&Lt; div > “Music DVDs (2)” Photo Gallery (5 pictures)

The impression the Logitech G51 leaves, but as clear cut as in the Eagles, whose instrumental battles very high challenges to the speakers is not everywhere. “Abba” sounds at times very passable – the singing in any case is at first not really negative and the pop music will play well. When compared with the motif of 2 – that here only once comparing is to show the possibilities of PC systems and not as a direct competitor to understand is – can the G51 however again put in the corner. It the under gifts range, as well as the missing volume falls on immediately.

Similar results (sometimes even more, because the pieces of the male singers live) Queen, Xavier Naidoo, or simply eds. always play with the urge to turn up because the feeling comes, it must go immediately, and the music would be under construction. Always, unfortunately but also the entire song sounds flat and expressionless – up on the subwoofer, which may ultimately then but with rumble because it not to be different with this system.

All clear there, however, with the satellites: Although the form of the chassis almost reminds of a turbine, from which one could assume she bubble in one direction, the satellites by a channel not only emit the sound. Saying: music, movie and game sound relatively independently of the Hörpostion the same, the coverage is so relatively large – so at least the impression of hearing.

Movies and games

Movies or games much more fun with the Logitech G51 comes up as when listening to music. Here it must pop quiet once – primarily in computer games – and the weakness of the Central tone strikes only still comparatively easy in dialogs. The surround impression of the system is good and knows how to convince especially in shooters. Nevertheless, the subwoofer in scene continued also in the films used. As he rather emphasized the wrong frequencies this lack lack depth and at really miss the air challenging scenes had the G51 against home theater specialists has looking up from the House of the devil or against bassist from their own home.

&Lt; div > “Movie DVDs (2)” Photo Gallery (7 images)

Summa of the sweetest taste yet maintains all PC games: who likes action-heavy games, will have fun at the Logitech G51. Who don’t which has at least a significant disadvantage. So, only moderately on the existing and described weaknesses while playing, or simply do not disturb. In turn the subwoofer finds himself finally there, where he hinzugehören seems: there where there are bass and bass need. That don’t like who is served with a satellite subwoofer combination probably already wrong.

Conclusion

G51 5.1 channels with a gamer-sound system; means broken by no doubt and exactly the Logitech G51 sounds then: the bass too dominant, the satellites, however, too reserved and the overall impression only mediocrity. There is a very sophisticated wired remote control, as well as a quite interesting, optical work. In any case, the design and to use the possibility to install your own cover on the satellite, the overall impression can only win. But that enough to make scores, which were defeated in the music playback in the beautiful facade of the speaker system, again betting? Yes – and no.

“Yes”, probably when the PC speaker anyway only secondary (or tertiary) are used for MP3s, CDs and co. “” Also, if a PC system requirements are generally rather low, or you only comparable and cheaper systems are used. Because all the criticism of the possibilities of G51: bad it does not sound and you can’t wait great or groundbreaking improvements at the price – at least not for 5.1 channels. Potent and strong of course go Devil Surroundmannen to works; sound is the start, reduced by the bass and the level, but not more so great. Here, a wired remote control features at the same time practical connectors for the microphone and headphones, can quite bring points. Also, inclined buyer may prefer looking at Crysis paved satellite instead of carbody silver on clunky Devil boxes. If sound is not everything, then it can be also a Logitech G51 – there always is a versatile package.

“No” – and this is the crux of at such a conclusion – the tester to each potential customer would say but who wants to home theater experience, the martial bass wants und(/oder) which places no emphasis on outward appearances. Because not far is the way to the devilish competition at a street price of almost 140 euros offered then just yet the ultimate increase in 5.1 sound. You want just more sound, can stay at Logitech, then but probably should take a look in the stereo. There are indeed quite attractive and sonically better alternatives, its called primarily begins with a “Z”.

Final note

We are fully aware, that no absolutely objective, metrologically optimized testing can be done without high-quality measurement technology and sound-optimised spaces, as they possess the major audio magazines laboratories, to form a us but, to have a reasonably trained ear, to also meaningful test. Our sound check to the friend of an upscale audio playback on the PC help to find a speaker system that is suitable for him, and invite to take a small trip in the world of the audiophile pleasure. No more and no less.