Logitech Z-Cinema

After the Edifier S730, the Logitech Z-Cinema was the second-largest speaker system in our line-up. Almost a match for the S730 in terms of physical presence, the Z-Cinema's subwoofer unit houses a formidable 8-inch woofer and is more than capable of causing a few backaches should you try to move it without assistance. The satellite speakers are no slouch either, and those with limited desk real estate should look elsewhere. Apart from the Bose, it is the only other system to make use of a USB connection for audio connectivity.

In fact, the Logitech Z-Cinema seems more at home in a living room than at a computer desk. It does away with a wired remote control unit by having a wireless remote that allows you to adjust and tweak almost anything. It will even allow you to play around with Windows Media Centre, should you have it installed on your system. Sick of music and want to watch some movies instead? Want the video to be in full-screen? The wireless remote allows all that and more. The Logitech Z-Cinema is also equipped with SRS TruSurround HD audio circuitry that emulates immersive surround sound experience without having the need for all those extra speakers and cabling. This is a very convenient feature for those who are short of space and yet would like to have pseudo-surround sound. These functions add to the cost of the speakers systems and it certainly shows as the Logitech, Bose and Razer who all have some form of surround sound technology, also cost quite a bit more than the other speaker systems.

While all that might certainly sound fun and nifty, there are a few shortcomings. Most glaring of all is that the wireless remote is the only way to adjust the speakers' volume, apart pulling up volume control panel in Windows. This is both troublesome and silly if you happen to be using the speakers right where your PC is.

The Logitech Z-Cinema is a pretty hefty set, with its subwoofer almost a match for those from Edifier.

The Z-Cinema doesn't come with a wired remote control hub like the other systems do. However, there are 3.5mm stereo jacks for headphones and aux outputs at the side of the right speaker.

The left speakers include a display which allows you to see your volume, bass and treble levels.

Razer Mako

Easily the most stunning, unique and queerest looking of the pack is the Razer Mako. The speakers sport the blackest of blacks and their unique dome design makes them the most stylish speakers in our pack. The Mako is also THX-certified and is also perhaps one of the more technologically advanced speaker system on display here. Boasting features such as THX Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker technologies, the Mako aims to reduce distortion by firing sound downward and creating an omni-directional soundstage.

If you noticed the specs of the Razer Mako from our table comparison, it has really higher power output ratings and you would think that it would blow its competition away in sound delivery and volume. However due to its downward-firing speaker design that uses the surface to bounce the audio off, this requires a lot more power to be able to deliver a certain volume than that of traditional speaker designs that fire straight at you. So don't be fooled by the overall power ratings of the Razer Mako, but suffice to say that you will be pleased at its capability as we were during the testing. Additionally, by virtue of its speaker design, the Razer Mako is able to simulate surround sound, so that's an added bonus for this high-end 2.1 speaker system.

The wired remote control unit is a flat disc, and like the better thought-out speaker systems, the hub also sports headphones and auxiliary jacks. The disc-shaped hub has a display that glows blue, telling you even in the dark of night, your source, volume and bass levels. The controls to adjust these levels are touch-sensitive and you swipe them to make the required changes. Take note though, the controls aren't as intuitive and responsive as we'd like it to be because when we asked our other team members to give it a trial, some found it easy to use while others had a little trouble to manipulate the touch-sensitive controls.

With its unique looks and design, we suspect this will be the speakers of choice for angst-ridden, emo-soaked teenagers. But how does it sound? We shall soon find out.

Perhaps the most imposing and unique looking of the bunch, this the Razer Mako.

Razer products are the epitome of "gamer cool", and the disc-shaped wired remote control hub of the Mako shows. Very pretty to look at in the dark.

The Razer Mako featuring THX Ground Plane and THX Ground Slot technology, fires sound downwards creating an omni-directional soundstage.