Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer Reviews

Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer

  • 17 Watts RMS; 34 Watts Peak Power

The new Logitech S-220 Speaker System contains several upgrades to its predecessor, the S-200 Speaker System. Unlike the S-200, the new S-220 encompasses increased usability with a newly styled control base to manage improved acoustics, volume and VoIP connectivity. Bass tuning by the end user is often permanent once a setting is established. With the end-user experience at the forefront of Logitech¿s design strategy to minimize desk clutter the S-220 bass control is located directly on the sub

Rating: (out of 533 reviews)

List Price: $ 29.99

Price: $ 21.58

Altec Lansing BXR1220 2.0 Speaker System

  • Compact stereo speakers for laptops and desktops
  • Connects easily through a USB port for power
  • Audio Alignment technology for balance and accuracy
  • Built-in power and volume controls
  • Each speaker measures 2.8 x 3.7 x 4.8 inches (WxHxD)

The BXR1220 computer audio system delivers quality stereo sound at an extremely affordable price. Features built in controls for convenience

Rating: (out of 103 reviews)

List Price: $ 19.99

Price: $ 13.99

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10 comments

  1. Arthur Kimes

    Review by Arthur Kimes for Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer
    Rating:
    I recently got a inexpensive 19″ HDTV which has decent enough video quality but it burdened with the WORST sound I’ve heard on a TV. Tinny sounding speakers with little volume. But there was a headphone jack on the TV. With headphones, the TV sounded excellent. My computer speakers were connected with a headphone jack… They worked just fine on the TV. I looked for powered 2.1 computer speaker systems on Amazon and was delighted to find many choices under $40. The best value for the money seemed to be this Logitech and the cheap TV now has excellent sound.

    I give this a 5 star rating (instead of a 3 or a 4) because of the low price. There are better 2.1 systems but nowhere near this price.

  2. Johnny C

    Review by Johnny C for Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer
    Rating:
    I am a recording engineer and i bought these speakers to use as reference monitors to compare my mixes on a pair of consumer speakers. They sound a whole lot better than i expected! At low volume levels, these speakers aren’t far from my pair of $1000 professional studio monitors. They do lack a bit of mid to low-mid on the frequency spectrum, but that is expected with consumer speakers.

  3. Lisa Trent

    Review by Lisa Trent for Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer
    Rating:
    Great sound with a nice touch of base. All the quality in a small package. The speaker wires are really not long enough for distant placement of speakers the wire doesn’t spread that far apart. The sub woofer does well it packs a punch when cranked up. The piano black color adds nice touch to the speakers and woofer which is kind of heavy but slim enough to fit just about anywhere. The volume control and mic/phone jack controls are easy to use and a big plus for me. Easy gliding volume control the whole system feels solid with no visible weaknesses. Over all a good speaker system for the money.

  4. I. Haneline

    Review by I. Haneline for Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer
    Rating:
    These put out pretty good sound, but if they are turned up too loud, then they will distort and throw some static into the mix. Also, the bass adjustment is on the back of the subwoofer, that I keep on the floor a bit out of the way. The volume control is neat with the dial on top, but it is not as heavy as the wires connected to it, so the wires decide where the control will stay put if they are hanging off the back of the desk. I think I’m going to use these speakers on my auxiliary computer and go back to using my older, bigger ones on my new computer.

  5. KaySmith

    Review by KaySmith for Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer
    Rating:
    I looked at Logitech S220,LS21,Z4; Creative T3100;Altec Lansing FX4021. Finally decided on Logitech s220 and so far I am not disappointed.

    I was on a limited budget for PC speakers, don’t like my music and movies too loud, and I don’t have very high audio quality needs.

    S220 speakers have good sound quality, compact size, 3 years manufacturer warranty and are just $25.

    The subwoofer seems well built for the price, it is slim and easy to hide under the desk. The bass control is on the back side, which is practical enough, considering once you set the bass to your taste, you rarely would adjust it. The AC power adapter is inside the subwoofer, which is nice. Bass is good, as long as you don’t set your volume above 50%.

    Satellites also look solid for their size and are attached to the subwoofer via standard 3.5mm stereo plug. They have very small footprint – good for those of us who don’t have lots of free desk space. They sound OK, a little on the weak side. Middle tones are fine, treble – decent.

    The only thing in the whole system that appears flimsy is the wired remote – it is very small and light and does not stay easy in the correct position. I hope it does not break.

    Overall very good!

  6. Review by Mark for Altec Lansing BXR1220 2.0 Speaker System
    Rating:

    Altec Lansing’s BXR1220s are not designed for those who want audiophile quality sound. So far, the sound has not really improved much over the past few weeks after breaking these in for long stretches. Considering the price it’s hard to get too demanding in the sound department. Relative to many similarly priced speakers these are a small step up, and they will more than suffice for an extra computer in a guest bedroom. Yet in many ways these are a new take on basic 2.0 speakers. For starters, these are powered by your USB port instead of via an AC outlet. For those starved for outlets, that’s a welcome convenience. For those running out of USB ports, that’s either a possible turn-off or a reason to buy a USB hub.

    If style is a major factor for you, these might win over other models on looks alone. These speakers are small and just look cool. They are about the size of 2 soda cans, turned on their sides with silver stands holding them up at about a 15 degree angle. The right speaker has a turn switch in the back of it to power them on, and there is a volume dial on the top.

    My set didn’t really have instructions, but instead had simple pictures on the top inside flap explaining how to connect them. Installation was very simple, but I could see some people tearing the box apart looking for the “quick connect guide” referenced on the side of the box.

    THE GOOD

    + The fact that these are USB powered means you don’t have to worry about heavy power adapters or outlets. This is a definite plus.

    + The speakers themselves are VERY light and compact, making them a possible choice when travelling with your laptop.

    + The pricing is definitely attractive; even though these are not the least expensive USB powered speakers, they are in the ball-park.

    + The styling of this unit is definitely cool. They are compact and do not appear to be as inexpensive as they are.

    THE CONCERNS

    - The sound quality is very hollow and doesn’t respond well to being broken-in. Most speakers soften after extended playing, but these seem like they might take weeks of non-stop play before they would sound better.

    - The volume dial doesn’t provide granular adjustment. Volume seems to go from “low” to “moderate.” They never really got loud and there were few levels in between. That’s a sign of low-efficiency wires typical of this price range.

    - All the connections are hard-wired, which partly negates their potential use as travel speakers. Travelling wreaks havoc on cheap speaker wires. I have had many a portable speaker system bite the dust during a business trip. You are going to have to really pack these up carefully if you’re travelling with them to preserve those wired connections. Once they break, this set is toast.

    - These don’t use USB audio. The awkward way they have tethered the audio input to the USB power cable makes these speakers less comfortable for laptops. Many newer laptops have USB ports on the side and audio outputs on the front. HERE’S A TIP: You can pull the two wires apart as far down as you want, but then you will have messy wires to deal with.

    - Using a USB port means those who don’t have a USB hub yet may have to look to buy one. For many home PCs USB ports are at more of a premium than power outlets.

    - Perhaps the biggest con for some is going to be that there is NO auxiliary input to connect an MP3 player to these. Many other compact speakers do include an auxiliary input. In their desire to keep costs and prices down, they have limited the potential market for these speakers.

    THE CHOICE

    The fact that these don’t come with a subwoofer may prompt some to look into the Altec Lansing 1221 2.1 Speaker System. I wouldn’t recommend that. Those sound slightly better, but adding extra bass cannot improve this model’s features and tone. The only way to get that is with a better set. And if you just want to save money, there are less expensive models out there.

    If you want to stick to entry level units at the lowest end of the price range you should consider the Logitech S120 2.0 Speakers, keeping in mind that those are not USB powered. The Logitech S150s are USB powered and offer USB audio as well, meaning no extra cables. Each of those speakers come with their own flaws, but if low-cost is your primary objective they should be considered.

    If you want to add a sub you should look at the Logitech X-240 2.1 Speakers, Logitech S220 2.1 Speakers, the Logitech LS21 2.1 Speakers or the Creative Labs Inspire A200 2.1 Speakers. And if you don’t want a sub but are willing to spend more the extra $8-10, the Altec Lansing VS2620 2.0 Speakers are well worth it. They sound pretty good for a budget pair of speakers. They are about 50% more than these but still in the affordable price category. Once again, some might be tempted to step up to the Altec Lansing VS2621 2.1 Speakers that include a subwoofer. In that case it might be worth the expense, but then you are in a price range that includes many other good options.

    CONCLUSION

    Even with all of that, there is still a market for these. If compact size and style are key factors for you, these might win out over other models based on those things alone. These speakers are small and just look cool. The fact that these are USB powered is nice, but the hard wired connections and lack of an auxiliary port limit their flexibility. If outlets are at a premium for you and you have an extra desktop at home (like in your kid’s room or a spare computer in the guest bedroom) these will do the trick for light use as long as you don’t plan on moving them too much.

    Enjoy.

  7. Heath L. Buckmaster

    Review by Heath L. Buckmaster for Altec Lansing BXR1220 2.0 Speaker System
    Rating:
    Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2N3KIBISLQ3YE In this product review video I take a few minutes to show you what’s in the box, what the speakers look like, how to plug them into your system, and a demonstration of the sound quality.

    enjoy!

  8. TropicalMinnesota

    Review by TropicalMinnesota for Altec Lansing BXR1220 2.0 Speaker System
    Rating:
    These speakers will never make my computer sound like my expensive stereo with Bose surround sound, but for the money they work great. I especially like that they do not require a separate power source but can run off the USB port on my notebook. I didn’t expect that they also need to be connected through the headset jack. This cable sticks out on the front of my computer and gets in my way. Not a huge problem and one that desktop users won’t have, but I thought the USB would be the only attachment I needed.

  9. memoiai

    Review by memoiai for Altec Lansing BXR1220 2.0 Speaker System
    Rating:
    Design:

    I have a laptop desk, that’s maybe, 2 laptops in width (a big Dell 15″ laptop, that is). So this seemed like a nice addition. These speakers are quite small, professionaly designed, and literally the size of a 16oz soda pop can, no bigger, no smaller, maybe just a tad wider at the audio end, but that’s it. Hence, they fit perfectly on my small laptop desk! Also, a great feature is that there’s no need to plug into an outlet!!! Saves a few tangles, not bad, and you can take them wherever your computer is, as long as it has a good battery life! Finally, the speakers sit very steadily and comfortably on my desk, the chances of them falling over without being knocked on purposes are virtually nill.

    Sound:

    I also, at first, have had only my laptop speakers to rely on (which, as you could imagine, are terrible since I have the most basic soundcard and speakers on it). So, a couple years ago I bought a nice $70 headset from Logitech. The headphones were/are amazing, producing rich, clear, deep sounds that my computer speakers wouldn’t even come close to reproducing! They are really great headphones! It was nice to get these speakers and avoid the inevitable matted hair I get with headphones.

    So, how do these speakers compare? As I’m writing this, I’m listening to The Stamps Quartet. Those of you familiar with them will know that many songs have counter-tenor notes being sung, and JD Sumner provides a rich basso profondo. Hence, a whole range of notes are being hit. While the sound is obviously not like those of $70 headsets, there’s a nice ambience to them, and they handle the high and low notes very well. For $20 ladies and gentlemen, this is a really nice buy. Those that like listening to more punk/rock, I listened to some Gogoll Bordello, and the speakers once again handled the very rich nature of instruments and vocals very well.

    Summary: If you need cost effective, quality, space saving, and easily portable speakers, then get this! Only time will tell how well they do in the long run.

    P.S. Unlike a pair of speakers I had on my desktop, these have strong shielding that makes sure there is ZERO feedback due to electromagnetic mingeling. Nice and crisp sound. Again, for $20, these are good enough.

  10. J. Riga

    Review by J. Riga for Altec Lansing BXR1220 2.0 Speaker System
    Rating:
    Altec Lansing is a good name, I’ve owned a pair of their home audio speakers previously and they were crisp and clear. These little computer speakers are surprising for their size and the sound that they deliver. Not much in the way of bass, but the mids and highs are very clear.

    I found Jazz and other live instrument/vocal music to be especially nice to listen to on these, while R&B/Hip-Hop was not as good since the bass response is sometimes a little distorted at higher volumes, but perfectly acceptable at normal to low volumes.

    Being powered by USB is great, but it also means I lose 1 out of 2 USB ports on my MacBook Pro. I’m not a fan of having to unplug my printer or another device to hear music.

    I also don’t like the fact that you can’t use these for iPod/iPhone playback since they are USB powered. The standard iPhone USB charging plug DOES power these speakers! But… the stereo jack and USB jack that comes out of these speakers are wired together and only split about 3 inches from the end – so you’d have to let your iPod/iPhone dangle from the outlet to make it work.

    If you have the USB port to spare, you simply can NOT lose on these for $20.00!

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