In this review, we’re going to take a look at the Logitech Z906, a mid-range 5.1 surround speaker system designed for gaming use, and particularly suited to Sim Racing. We’ll evaluate the features of this system, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right system for you to enhance your gaming experience.

The Logitech Z906 is composed of 5 satellite speakers and a subwoofer, in which the motherboard is integrated (sound amplification, source and speaker connections). Logitech provides the cables for the speakers and you will just have to find an outlet not too far away for the subwoofer. We will then have to find mounting solutions for the satellite speakers, we’ll talk about it later!

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2.Configuration and installation

Connectivity

The software configuration of the Logitech Z906 is “pretty” simple. First, you need to decide how you’re going to get the Z906 to communicate with your source. Let’s use a PC as an example. It can be connected in the following ways:

• 3.5mm Jack: Basic solution but still effective. You will need to use three 3.5mm jack cables (5.1 = 6 channels). To do this, you must have a motherboard with RCA 5.1 or add an internal or external sound card.
• RCA : only for 2 channels so forget it. Just use it as an AUX to use with your phone by example.
• Optical: probably the most practical since it requires only one cable. It is also the most economical solution because many motherboards that do not offer RCA 5.1 include an optical output. If this is not the case, again, you will need to add an internal or external sound card.

Installing the speakers is simple: just connect the speakers to the corresponding ports on the subwoofer (which integrates the amplifier), then connect the control box to the subwoofer via the VGA socket. The system is then ready for use. Logitech supplies 4.6m and 7.6m audio cables. To make the installation cleaner, I advise you to use this kind of braided cable. The satellite speakers can be attached from the back where there is an UNC 1/4″ screw thread. Many brackets are available on Amazon, and personally I use 3D printed brackets that I will share soon.

Positioning

You can install the speakers around the steering wheel and above the monitor, or at the four corners of the rig without any issue.

Concerning the subwoofer, we prefer to put it in front or behind the simulator. In any case avoid to move it too far away in the room: it goes up quite a lot in the highs and in some cases we manage “to position it at the ear”.

You can then control the Logitech Z906 thanks to the box (which must be connected because it “turns on” the system) or the remote control. And let’s be honest: as much as it can be sometimes complicated to configure the 5.1, once in place, it’s a press on the “Power” button, you adjust the sound and it’s ready! Speaking of 5.1: the control box allows you to make sure at a glance that the configuration is correct: if the Z906 receives a 5.1 signal, all the speakers will be displayed in yellow.

In short, the setup and installation of the Logitech Z906 is as quick and easy as installing a sound system like this can be.

3.Sound quality

The sound quality of the Logitech Z906 is exceptional for this price. The bass is deep and the treble detailed, which allows a total immersion in the game.

The satellite speakers (all but the subwoofer) are designed around a single 3″ speaker. We won’t ask these speakers to give us AC/DC at full blast, but once again for the price we are not disappointed! Especially since it must be said: in Sim Racing you don’t necessarily need a very detailed midrange and especially a very detailed treble. The 5.1 surround technology offers an immersive sound experience that immerses you in the action. The 8″ subwoofer is responsible for delivering deep bass that gives a whole new level of immersion in the game.

Remote control

Users can also adjust the volume and balance of the speakers to customize the sound experience to their preferences and speaker placement. The system also has a virtual surround sound mode that allows for surround sound on devices that don’t support 5.1 surround technology. But hey. It’s not as good.

In terms of power, we are also very well served: I generally use the installation around 15-20% when I am not alone. Otherwise, with 40%-50% the sound level is already high and to go higher would be frankly unpleasant. Unexpected point: by lowering the volume to 5%-10% one can enjoy the surround sound without disturbing anyone.

The satellite speakers are rated for 67W each and the subwoofer is rated for 67W.

In short, we are facing an unbeatable quality-price ratio! You’d have to spend twice the amount to start hearing a noticeable gain. In sim racing use it does the job perfectly, and more generally in Gaming or even in Cinema! If you have more high-end installations to recommend, we’re interested!

4.Application in sim racing

When used in sim racing, the Logitech Z906 provides an immersive sound experience that enhances the perception of surrounding sounds, such as engine noise, tire screeching and crash sounds. This can help improve driving performance by giving a better sense of where other vehicles are on the track.

In terms of immersion, it is incomparable to any other system (headphones, sound bar etc etc). The most striking experience for me is when you are stopped in the pit and opponents pass by on the track very quickly before moving away: the sound joins the image!

The 5.1 system is compatible with all the current simulations, but the ultimate experience is definitely on ACC.

I’m used to riding with a headphone, and I appreciate the quality of the sound without tiring my ears.

In summary, using the Logitech Z906 in sim racing provides an immersive sound experience that enhances the perception of surrounding sounds and improves driving performance. The 5.1 surround technology provides additional immersion.

5.Construction and design

The build quality of the Logitech Z906 is very good, like the rest of the brand’s products. I must admit I was very surprised on the day of delivery by the weight and size of the package. Again, you get what you pay for. The design is elegant and discreet, it will fit perfectly in any gaming environment.

The subwoofer is built in a melamine box (nothing like it for audio). The satellite speakers are largely made of plastic with a metal thread and grill, as well as a non-slip pad.

The cables are…… of the cables. We will appreciate all the same the presence of a marking of the ground wire, and a length waaaaaay more than correct.

The remote control is known to be fragile: so we do not throw it through the living room! That being said, even if the plastic is brittle, it remains functional.

6. Compatibility and price

The Logitech Z906 is compatible with a variety of devices, such as computers, televisions, Blu-ray players and game consoles. The easiest solution will usually be to use the optical input which supports Dolby Digital and DTS.

On Windows, this can be used without using an additional driver. In terms of simulation, all modern sims support 5.1.

As far as the price is concerned, it will be quickly forgotten after years of happy use.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Logitech Z906 is an incredible value for money 5.1 surround speaker system for use in sim racing. It offers an immersive sound experience with its exceptional sound quality, 5.1 surround technology and subwoofer. Multiple connectivity and a dedicated control box allow for easy setup and operation. The build quality and design are excellent, just like what the brand offers with the Logitech G29.

Quite simply, this is the most popular sound system in Sim Racing.

With a lower budget, you can turn to the Z506 which remains in the same spirit.

Another sound system to recommend? Tell us in comments!

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1. Hydraulic brake pedal

2. Hydraulic clutch pedal (compatible with the SRT Gearbox, with the hydraulic mod)

3. Mechanical clutch pedal (compatible with the SRT gearbox, with the cable clutch mod)

4.Mechanical degressive clutch pedal (not compatible with the SRT gearbox)

Hydraulic brake pedal

Nicolas Leconte had the good idea to adapt the 3D parts of the SRT pedals on the body of Logitech pedals. In addition to reducing the cost, this allows you to connect directly to the electronics of the pedals. With his permission, I share his work with you here:

The hydraulic brake pedal requires the entire hydraulic system, a modified version of the master cylinder support, and some hardware.

We could keep the potentiometer, but I don’t recommend it because it won’t correctly reproduce the force you apply to the pedal.

The files are available on Thingiverse.

PS: cleaner pictures will be taken when I get the banjo screw to mount the hose on the master cylinder.

Shopping list

ELECTRONICS:

1. Hydraulic pressure sensor 500psi 1/8″ NPT (Amazon, Aliexpress, Ebay).If you push EXTREMELY hard you might consider using a 1000 psi sensor. I never exceeded 60%.
2. Cables 3cores 22awg (outer diameter is 4mm).

MECHANICS:

1. Brake caliper : Single piston (A) (Amazon, Aliexpress, Ebay), Double pistons (B), 4 pistons (C)
2. Master cylinder : Willwood or OBP or Ali
3. 0.5kg PLA (Amazon)
4. 1 M8 rod end for Ali master cylinder
5. 1 Banjo M10x1.25 with pressure sensor mount (Ebay) (goes between the brake calipper and the pressure sensor).
6. 1 Banjo UNF 3/8-24UNF (Aliexpress, Ebay) that goes on the master cylinder.
7. 1 brake hose (Amazon, Aliexpress)
8. Joints
9. 2 x M8x35 to mount the master cylinder. Sur Amazon, Aliexpress, ou en magasin de bricolage.
10. 2x M6x16mm (DIN912) (Aliexpress) . To secure the master cylinder support against the Logitech frame.

Hydraulic clutch pedal

The hydraulic clutch pedal is similar to the hydraulic brake pedal, you simply replace the brake caliper with a slave cylinder on which a spring is mounted. This assembly is compatible with the SRT gearbox, with the hydraulic clutch mod.  For the electronics, we keep the original potentiometer.

Shopping list :

ELECTRONICS:

1. Hydraulic pressure sensor 500psi 1/8″ NPT (Amazon, Aliexpress, Ebay).If you push EXTREMELY hard you might consider using a 1000 psi sensor. I never exceeded 60%.
2. Cables 3cores 22awg (outer diameter is 4mm).

MECHANICS:

1. Brake caliper : Single piston (A) (Amazon, Aliexpress, Ebay), Double pistons (B), 4 pistons (C)
2. Slave cylinder (Aliexpress)
3. 0.5kg PLA (Amazon)
4. 1 M8 rod end for Ali master cylinder
5. 1 Banjo M10x1.25 with pressure sensor mount (Ebay) (goes between the brake calipper and the pressure sensor).
6. 1 Banjo UNF 3/8-24UNF (Aliexpress, Ebay) that goes on the master cylinder.
7. 1 brake hose (Amazon, Aliexpress)
8. Joints
9. 2 x M8x35 to mount the master cylinder. Sur Amazon, Aliexpress, ou en magasin de bricolage.
10. 2x M6x16mm (DIN912) (Aliexpress) . To secure the master cylinder support against the Logitech frame.

Mechanical clutch pedal (compatible with the SRT gearbox, with the cable clutch mod)

Allows to control the SRT box, with the cable clutch mode. 3D files are available here. You will then need a bike derailleur cable, and the sheath that goes with it.

We replace a white bushing by this one, that guides the cable.

For the moment, the cable is secured by a screw . I will do something cleaner later.

We insert the hose in a bloc that is taken in the rear axle.

Shopping list :

1. Bicycle derailleur cable (MTB/universal) (Aliexpress)
2. Bicycle derailleur cable hose

Mechanical degressive clutch pedal

Take a look at this mod. I will try to find the time to make it compatible with the previous mod.

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