Speakers consistently enter standby mode, causing consistent frustration.
In a recent article published by PC Gamer, author Andy Chalk discusses his grievances about gaming and computing in 2025, including the Logitech Z407 speaker issue. Chalk, an experienced writer known for his work on news, patch notes, legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and even Henry Cavill, shares his frustrations with the power-saving mode in the Logitech Z407 speakers.
The power-saving mode, designed to conserve energy by turning off the speakers after a certain period of inactivity, has been causing inconvenience for Chalk. After not receiving audio input for a while, the speakers enter this mode, and it takes 3-4 seconds for them to turn back on, causing short audio cues to go unheard.
To resolve this issue, Reddit users have proposed a solution called Soundkeeper. This program keeps the speakers active by playing an inaudible audio signal, ensuring they remain on and ready for use. However, Chalk expresses dissatisfaction with having something constantly running in the background and having to find a solution for the power-saving mode.
Chalk also finds it ironic that while he deals with speaker issues, ultra-rich individuals fly private jets for non-essential travel. He suggests that the EU regulations on power management may be the cause of this power-saving mode, as these regulations aim to increase energy efficiency and support renewable energy goals.
The EU's Ecodesign Directive and Energy Labelling Regulation set energy efficiency requirements for many types of consumer electronics, including speakers. These regulations mandate that devices must minimize unnecessary power use during inactivity or standby modes. Bypassing such modes generally breaches compliance and regulatory requirements, risking legal and market consequences.
Despite the challenges, Chalk believes that gamers and PC enthusiasts should have the autonomy to turn their speakers off when they want to. He encourages readers to visit the "Gripes Week hub" for more of his grievances about gaming and computing in 2025.
[1] EU regulations on power management can affect speaker power-saving modes by setting standards or requirements on energy efficiency and consumption limits for electronic devices, including audio equipment. [2] These regulations are part of broader EU climate and energy policies aimed at increasing energy efficiency and supporting renewable energy goals. [3] Bypassing such modes generally breaches compliance and regulatory requirements, risking legal and market consequences. [4] Soundkeeper is a program that helps maintain the speakers' active state, similar to a dog whistle but less disturbing to pets. [5] The strong push toward renewables and efficiency in the EU underlines the regulatory environment enforcing power-saving standards.
- The power-saving mode in speakers, a feature designed to conserve energy, is influenced by EU regulations on power management, which set standards for energy efficiency and consumption limits in electronic devices like audio equipment.
- Despite the continuous operation of programs like Soundkeeper to keep speakers active, Chalk finds it inconvenient to have something running in the background and would prefer to have the option to turn his speakers off at will.
- Chalk finds it ironic that while gamers and PC enthusiasts deal with power-saving mode issues in their gadgets, the ultra-rich can simply fly private jets for non-essential travel without worrying about energy efficiency.
