We're see fewer and fewer new computer-focused speaker these days, but they're out there, often with the added benefit of Bluetooth for connecting your mobile devices. The Logitech Z407 is one such 2.1 system that delivers powerful audio for its $79.99 price. The included subwoofer doesn't deliver true sub-bass thunder, but it adds some full, anchoring bass depth to the mix. It also comes with a useful remote designed for desktop use, for an affordable upgrade to your computer's audio that also works well with mobile devices.

Z407 Design and Features

Available in black, the Z407 system comes with dual 10-watt satellite speakers with roughly 2.3-inch drivers, and a 20-watt subwoofer with a down-firing, roughly 5-inch driver. The left and right satellite speakers measure 7.9 by 3.7 by 3.3 inches (HWD), and the sub is 9.5 by 9.2 by 7.0 inches.

There are detachable stands for the satellites, and they can snap into the base so the speakers stand upright, and tilt back at angle to more accurately align with your ears—or they can snap into the long end of the speaker so that the satellites rest horizontally on a surface. The drivers are also placed at the top of the satellites (when in vertical positioning) so that the upward angle doesn't need to be as severe to line up with your ears. We see plenty of desktop speakers get this wrong, but not only do you have the vertical/horizontal option here, you get proper driver alignment with your ears, which ensures a better listening experience.

The speakers connect via semi-hardwired RCA-style cabling to the back panel of the subwoofer. This back panel also houses a micro USB port for computer audio (no cable is included) and a 3.5mm aux input for connecting computers or mobile devices with headphone jacks (a cable is included for this input). The wires are on the short side, however, and thus may dictate speaker and/or subwoofer placement to an extent.

The system comes with a wireless desktop remote dial, roughly 2.8 inches in diameter. The remote runs on two (included) AAA batteries. The dial has no labels on it whatsoever—just a black push-button top for a surface. One tap controls playback, two taps skip forward a track, and three taps navigate backward a track. The top is also a rotating dial—turning it to the right increases volume levels, while turning it left cuts volume levels. The bottom panel of the remote has a rubberized ring for stable desktop placement, a Bluetooth pairing button, and a button for switching between Bluetooth and wired audio sources.

In addition to easily connecting to PCs and other devices via 3.5mm jack, the system is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0.

Audio Performance

The Z407 achieves some impressively high volume levels for a relatively compact, affordable speaker system. At top levels, the DSP (digital signal processing) can squash the dynamics a bit, but this is generally in the name of preventing distortion.

On tracks with intense sub-bass content, like The Knife's "Silent Shout," the system delivers a palpable thump at moderate to high volumes, but at maximum volume levels, the subwoofer teeters on the edge of distortion. This isn't necessarily surprising—2.1 speaker systems are rarely this affordable, so we expect the sub to have some limitations on a challenging track like this. The near-distortion rattles the enclosure a little bit, not enough to ruin the audio experience, but enough to warn you that the volume should be lowered slightly.

Bill Callahan's "Drover," a track with far less deep bass in the mix, gives us a better sense of the Z407's general sound signature. The drums here sound full and heavy but not overly bass-boosted, as can be the case in a bass-forward, sub-driven system. Instead, it's Callahan's baritone vocals that seem to get the most low-frequency presence—there's plenty of added low-mid richness and crisp treble edge to balance things out. At top volume levels, this track doesn't distort in the slightest—generally speaking, it's songs with serious sub-bass content that trigger issues with the sub. The audio here sounds rich, bright, and balanced.

On Jay-Z and Kanye West's "No Church in the Wild," the kick drum loop receives plenty of high-mid presence, allowing its attack to retain its punchiness—though at top volumes, the DSP tends to flatten that punch out significantly. The attack is more potent at around 70% volume than it is at maximum levels. The sub-bass synth hits that punctuate the beat are more implied than delivered, forcing us to recognize a reality about this subwoofer—it's not necessarily a true subwoofer, but more like a woofer.

This doesn't necessarily translate to disappointing audio performance, but the Z407 doesn't really reach down to the deepest lows to deliver rumble. The bass elements of this track still have a full-bodied presence in the mix, and the vocals are delivered cleanly and clearly, with perhaps a hint of added sibilance at moderate volume levels, and that sibilance getting squashed away a little by the DSP at top volume levels. Again, we have balance here, but the low-frequency presence is more concentrated in the traditional lows and low-mids—the sub-bass presence isn't as powerful as you might hope for from a 2.1 setup.

Orchestral tracks, like the opening scene from John Adams' The Gospel According to the Other Mary, sound wonderful through the Z407. The lower-register instrumentation receives some added bass depth, but it's subtle, and the focus is mostly on providing a low-frequency anchor for the bright higher-register brass, strings, and vocals. Miles Davis' "Pharaoh's Dance" is also reproduced with lovely high-frequency detail and a bass presence that's complementary, not overwhelming. On jazz and classical music, the Z407 delivers its most balanced, full, crisp sounds. The DSP seems to be triggered less, allowing the mix's dynamics to shine through.

An Affordable Audio Upgrade

There are few 2.1 speaker systems below $100 that we're big fans of, but the impressively inexpensive $40 Creative Pebble Plus is a solid budget option, though it lacks wireless connectivity. For (a lot) more money, the $300 Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 offer a far more powerful 2.1 experience—Bluetooth streaming included. The Logitech Z407 represents an upgrade over the Pebble Plus in that it features Bluetooth streaming and is a bit more powerful, but if you're seeking true subwoofer bass depth, the SoundSticks 4 might be worth saving up for. If that's not a priority, however, the Z407 provides plenty of rich bass and bright definition for an affordable upgrade to your computer's built-in speakers.