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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The warmth of a tube sound!

If you’ve never listened to a tube amp, this is definitely something to do. It’s hard to describe the audio difference. It’s generally said that the sound is “warmer”, more organic. Personally, that’s what I have on my guitar amp (a Vox VT30 hybrid) and on the amp in my Hifi system (full tube). It makes any sound much more pleasant to listen to, more realistic too, more alive.

The big problem with tube amps is the low power they give off compared to the power consumption. For this reason, hybrid amps are an excellent compromise: a first stage of amplification is done by the tubes to obtain a warm sound, and a transistor circuit (IC TPA3221) then takes care of the power output (100W in 4 ohm).

And don’t get me wrong, this little amp (less than 12cm wide) is just as capable of powering desktop speakers as large column speakers!

We find a sound at the same time warm and powerful! Pleasant mediums, highs which do not crunch and well rounded basses.

You may say to me that what is the interest in Sim Racing? Well, if you are reading these lines, if you are not an audiophile, you must be a sound-of-motor-phile. And there too, the tubes are good for the ears, making the bass fatter, and avoiding that the treble saws your tampans in two!

Unbeatable connectivity!

Bluetooth, RCA, optical, coaxial, and USB! To tell the truth, I don’t think I can find any device at home generating sound that can’t be connected to this amp. On my side, it is connected directly to the sound output of my motherboard. From time to time I also connect my phone to it. Note that thanks to Bluetooth 5.0, there is no latency. The amp can be used in bluetooth for games.

Note that the amp automatically goes to standby when it does not receive sound (it automatically turns on when it does). It then emits a click which indicates the change of state. This may seem restrictive but you get used to it very well, and the minister will salute the effort.

The amp is delivered with a remote control (which must already be gathering dust at the bottom of a drawer) which allows to control the amp.

The best desktop amp?

Coupled with small bookshelf speakers, you get a mega-practical amp, and a pleasant sound in any case, ideal to do without the mixes during work sessions. On occasion, you can turn up the volume a bit to make the engines roar and vibrate with them!

Aesthetically, the meter and the lamps bring a very nice soft light.

The amp feeds Sony speakers that date back to the mini Hifi system of my childhood (the one that played cassettes!!!).

Note that the amp requires a 24V/6A power supply which is not provided. 

Clearly, I dream to make a 5.1 for the simulator with this type of amps.

AIYIMA Tube T9:

A warm sound at a sweet price.

This amp is a real success: so many features in such a compact format, with an output sound that never ceases to amaze, it is certainly a total success!

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