Can you use the Logitech Z906 as a standalone subwoofer?

Can you use the Logitech Z906 as a standalone subwoofer? Turns out, you can. Here is a guide on how to do it and whether it works well.

An article I wrote years ago about how to mount the Logitech Z906 speakers to a wall got hundreds of thousands of hits. Largely, I would assume, because the four speakers and one subwoofer kit did not include any wall mounts.

Now I thought I would revisit the Z906 as a standalone subwoofer because for a long time it had been gathering dust in a corner. Could it compliment the sound of my KEF LS50 speakers and pre-existing Yamaha A-S500 amplifier?

For those with a short attention span (myself included) is that it can work with an amplifier despite what the internet says. If it has a sub out connection. You just need to connect it using a phono to twin-RCA cable using the red and white RCA connections on the Z906 (I used this cable).

Originally, I tried the 3.5mm connections. This, however, did not work. Once connected and the Z906 set to ‘input 2’, I adjusted crossover frequency within the ASUS Xonar Essence STX Audio Centre software. This is to tell the subwoofer where to take over from the LS50 speakers.

Does it sound good?

Using the Z906 as a subwoofer for HiFi works surprisingly well as it creates a punchy bass hit without being boomy and wallowy. It does, however, take some tuning to find the right crossover frequency. 60-80Hz works but it will depend on your speakers and preference.

There is also the need to use the input level on the Z906 (maximum for the sub, minimum for the satellite speakers). Then adjust the volume to around halfway ensure a good balance between the lows, mids and highs. By ear, this may not be easy but trial and error can prevail.

Not that the KEF LS50 speakers lack bass when on speaker stands and setup properly, but having a subwoofer to reach lower lows and reduce the strain works nicely. At the very least it gives the Z906 a new lease of life. Unless, of course, you prefer it as a footrest.