Logitech AudioHub 2.1 Speaker System

Logitech has come up with an interesting solution to maximize the usefulness of external laptop speakers. They have combined a decent sounding 2.1 speaker system with a 3-port USB hub to attach to a notebook computer, and dubbed it the Logitech AudioHub. Priced at a modest $99USD with a well-thought out design, the AudioHub looks like it could be a winner. Read on to find out exactly where the AudioHub excels and where it falls short.

Design

The AudioHub is a three-piece speaker system with two satellites - one on each side - and a subwoofer in the middle of the unit. The subwoofer features a 3” driver and each of the side speakers houses a 2” driver. Power is supplied by the included AC adapter, and the only connection option is through a USB port on the right side of the unit.

Once connected, it can also power up to three additional USB devices. Most newer laptops come with three or more USB ports, but these additional USB ports could prove to be useful for owners of older laptops that don’t have many USB ports. But even if you don’t need additional USB ports, this is a nice feature because you can detach all connected devices by simply disconnecting the AudioHub USB connection from your laptop.

The right side features an illuminated volume knob that lights up with a dim orange once you power on the unit. The volume knob also doubles as the on/off switch by pressing it. The back of the unit features a cable management tray so you can hide any cables of devices that are attaching to the AudioHub. Additionally, the unit comes with a plastic arm that can be used to mount a web cam onto the unit. The arm is tall enough that it pokes out above the top of your laptop screen and the web cam attaches to the top of the arm.

One other nice design feature is that each of the satellites slides in and out, so that the speakers can be expanded a few inches out from the base of the unit. This is helpful to adjust the width of the unit to be just a bit wider than your laptop, so that the sound does not get blocked behind your laptop screen. It can also be used to minimize the size of the unit and to make it more compact during transport.

Total power output of the AudioHub is 15 watts RMS, with 9 watt RMS rating for the subwoofer and 3 watt RMS rating for each of the side speakers.

Features

• Premium 2.1 audio: Experience pure USB digital sound with a custom-tuned three-chamber design and integrated subwoofer
• Powered, integrated USB hub: Connect your speakers and other devices to your notebook with a single cable
• Space-saving design: One-piece design elegantly combines a premium speaker system, USB hub, and cable control
• Adjustable body: Adapts to your workspace. Telescoping speakers accommodate setup of most notebooks and LCD monitors
• Webcam stand: Removable stand keeps your webcam at the optimal height.

Out of the Box Setup

The test unit came in black (no other color choices are available) and included the following:

• Logitech® AudioHub with integrated subwoofer, two satellite speakers, and USB hub
• AC power cable (6-foot)
• USB cables (2-foot affixed and 4-foot extension cable)
• Webcam stand
• Quick-start guide

Using the Quick Start guide, the installation and setup of the AudioHub was extremely simple and took only a few minutes to get it up and running. Setup involved plugging in the AC adapter, connecting the USB cable to the AudioHub to the laptop and adjusting the width of the side speakers to fit behind my laptop. Windows XP recognized the AudioHub immediately and no driver installation was necessary. Overall, the setup was very easy and anyone can have it up and running and ready to play music in no time.

Performance Testing

The sound quality performance evaluation using the AudioHub was done by listening to MP3s stored on my laptop. The laptop uses an internal Realtec audio chip for sound processing. I listened to a number MP3s with bit rates of 128kbps and 320kbps. A wide selection of classical, rock, alternative and hip-hop music was used in the evaluation.

First impressions revealed that the speakers produce a nice sounding sweet spot when sitting directly in front of the speakers – which is where you normally would be sitting as you are using the laptop. It definitely offers more clarity and detail that a typical set of laptop speakers, and will be a noticeable upgrade to most laptop users. Outside of the sweet spot, though, the sound trails off and you will miss out on a lot of the detail of the music.

The side speakers produce an even and balanced amount of mid and high frequencies, with good instrument separation at low volumes. The subwoofer produces a small bit of extra punch to the low end. The subwoofer is timid sounding, however, and has little authority when it comes to bass drum or other low frequency sounds.

Turning up the volume exposes a few more weaknesses of the side speakers, as the instrument separation becomes less clear. The high frequencies take on a sharper sound that is more agreeable for hard rock, but not as pleasurable for jazz music or smooth vocals. Turning up the volume control provides more than enough volume for personal listening, so there is no lack of power with the AudioHub.

Portability

The relatively small size of the AudioHub does make it possible to transport it along with your laptop when traveling. It would not fit easily into a laptop bag or carrying case, but it would fit easily into standard sized luggage. It does not include any carrying case, so you do run the risk of scratching the unit while traveling. Another important point regarding portability is that it requires an AC outlet for power - so do not expect to enjoy listening to music with the AudioHub while sitting on the beach sipping cocktails.

Logitech AudioHub 2.1 Speaker System

The AudioHub offers some very nice design features with the sliding side-speakers, the USB hub expandability and the wire management. The sound quality will not blow you away, and you should not expect wall-rattling bass from this 2.1 speaker system, but it provides a nice upgrade to your standard laptop speakers. Given the small size of the unit, you cannot set your standards too high in the sound quality department and expect jaw dropping performance. The $99 USD price is also very reasonable, and you will be hard pressed to find a more well designed 2.1 integrated speaker system for any less.

Pros: Well thought-out design, simple setup and installation, nice sound at low and moderate volume levels.

Cons: No 3.5mm headphone jack, timid bass response, not easily portable.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

www.logitech.com