The Logitech Xtrusio Speakers

Logitech usually evokes images of input devices--joysticks, keyboards, mice and the like. Recently, they have become a force to reckon with in the computer audio department. The soon to be released Xtrusio represents Logitech's best effort to date. This is a full size (nearly 6 inches) subwoofer in a metallic trash-can like enclosure.

Sporting six amplifiers, four channels feed the satellites and the remaining two amps feed the dual voice coil sub. A patented new feature, dubbed LIMAD (Linear Magnetic Drive) claims to, "provide output at all frequencies in proportion to input, and to accommodate sudden changes in frequency without distortion." There is a mouse-like device that controls the volume, front to rear fade and standby/on modes. While the sub $180 USD ticket isn't the most expensive bracket for speakers, a growing percentage at this price level have Dolby Pro Logic decoding. The Xtrusio's do not. Thanks goes out to Logitech for the editorial sample.

Factory Specifications

Logitech Xtrusio

Power Output: 100 Watts RMS @ 10% THD
Frequency Response: 28Hz-20KHz
Crossover Frequency: 160Hz
4-channel capability
Input Sensitivity: 130mV max
Input Impedance: 10Kohm
S/N : >80dB
Warranty: 2 Years
List Price: $179.95 USD

http://www.logitech.com

6/10 Rating

The subwoofer unit is one of the heaviest beasts I ever tested. Weighing in at 12 lbs., the apparent heft is quite a welcome change from many of the welter weight cheap plastic enclosures that seem to dominate the market. The 150mm driver is a dual voice coil unit, which means two amplifiers can send outputs to its coils at the same time. The four satellites each contain a single 57mm driver--no tweeter in this setup.

Logitech is one of the few manufacturers following a new trend--rating their amp output at very high distortion levels. In this example, a 10% spec was touted to allow the opamps to reach the magic three digit mark of 100 watts. With the exception of the "boomer" cars, ten percent THD (total harmonic distortion) is totally unlistenable. The midrange -cracks- unbearably and the lows rumble incessantly as the cone material violently twists out of shape in the useless attempt to reproduce sound beyond its capability. What's next? 300 watts at 100% distortion? Does anybody think that power ratings make for great sound in and of itself? Arrrgh!

The power supply may indeed be the biggest frown maker. A switching unit instead of a proper analog (linear) one, I had serious doubts before the power switch was ever turned on. What's so bad about a switching supply you say? Well, in a computer supply (which all have been switching units for over a decade), extra parts on the motherboard, such as capacitors and inductors, filter out the generally horrible hash and garbage that ride atop a moderately "dirty" DC voltage. If that isn't bad enough, switching boxes also generate a high frequency hash that varies with load conditions. For example, if you could "hear" the HF screeching at low current draw, it would increase, possibly several octaves, into the Megahertz (MHz) range at maximum load. Think: an RF generator similar to an AM radio station is inside the Xtrusio's. Hmmmm.

Data acquired and reported of this type is done without any opinion or bias whatsoever. For a quickie brush up course on audio terminology and measurements, point your browser to the Audio Reproduction Systems article.