The Logitech G51 5.1 Surround Sound System is loaded with extra features that puts it head and shoulders above the competition at similar prices. Things like customizable speaker cases, independent "audio matrix" settings for gaming and music, respectively, and a specialized "control pod" for individually controlling the volume of the bass and satellite speakers make this system both unique and extremely high-functioning.
From a marketing perspective, Logitech bills the G51 speaker system as "designed specifically for gamers," and while it will indeed enhance your gaming experience exponentially, with specially designed audio modes and speaker volume controls, it still works pitch-perfectly for music and movies -- it is, after all, surround sound.
At a GlancePros
- Independent volume controls for subwoofer and satellites
- Two "Audio Matrix" modes for either gaming or music
- Downward-firing subwoofer for thundering bass performance
- Customizable speaker case "skins" for modding your system
Cons
- Requires a six-channel sound card output from your PC
- Speaker cables shorter than some may need
Features
- Independent Audio Controls
- Downward-firing Subwoofer
Logitech has utilized some very clever features to ensure that you get the best possible sound out of the G51's speakers. First, there is the "control pod," which allows you to control the volume of the subwoofer and satellite speakers separately, all from the touch of the weighty pod, which is independent from the system itself, allowing you to place it where it is convenient for you. The control pod also features a one-touch mute button. It, like all of the speakers included, is heavy and features silicone feet to reduce sliding.
The other nifty feature is a one button "Audio Matrix" shifer, which will change the output of the speakers according to which activity you're in the middle of. Switch it to "music" to have a lot of the volume routed through the center and front speakers, to utilize the stereo sound tendencies of standard music recordings. Switch over to "gaming" if you're watching a movie or, well, gaming, in order to raise the volume on the rear speakers, so you can hear what's going on behind you in a game, or the creepy ambient noise in a movie, allowing for a truly encompassing audio system.
There are a few kinds of subwoofers out there -- ones that "fire," or output their sound to the side, and others which fire downward, into the ground for a truly massive and thundering bass output. Many gamers and movie buffs will face their side-firing subwoofers into the ground to give their systems that extra jolt during explosions or other heavy-duty sounds. But there's no need for that with the Logitech G51, which fires downward by default, just begging you to chuck a grenade at the enemy forces, or watch that late-night scary movie, so that the resulting bang isn't just heard, but felt.
Performance
The G51 surround sound speaker system does pretty much all you can expect from a quality surround sound system -- great bass, intricate audio production from an engrossing and encompassing array of speakers -- but it goes the extra mile, too. In addition to extremely effective and enjoyable audio, it gives the listener a much wider array of choices and controls than most simple PC surround sound systems will allow. With the specialized audio matrix modes as well as the independent controls, the listener can truly fine-tune their experience to their own expectations and desires.
The only mild drawbacks are that the included speaker cables could easily be too short for someone with a large room or very wide computer desk (though this is easily fixed by using your own wire to extend it), and also the fact that you'll need a computer or sound card that can output six-channel sound to utilize the Logitech G51's true surround sound capabilities. This is both a blessing and a curse, because with that much output, you'll get great sound, and the sound that you should expect from a surround sound audio system -- but it also means you might need to upgrade your sound card before you upgrade your speakers.