PC speakers review

03.Product profiles

Harman Kardon Soundsticks II

Price: $299

Good points

• Best performer for sound quality in 2.1 and overall.
• Touch-sensitive playback controls.
• Great stereo image.

Bad points

• Relatively expensive.

Edifier Multimedia Speaker S2.1M (S330)

Price: $180

Good points

• Remote control (wired).
• Auxiliary-in connection.
• Wall mountable speakers.

Bad points

• Small volume range, the maximum level is relatively quiet.

Logitech X-530

Price: $150

Good points

• Best performer for sound quality in 5.1.
• Two-year warranty.
• Wall mountable speakers.

Bad points

• Ease of use only OK.

Altec Lansing VS4121

Price: $149

Good points

• Best for ease of use.

Bad points

• Better for games and DVD films than music.
• Can sound muffled, slightly unnatural.

Altec Lansing FX4021

Price: $189

Good points

• Remote control (wired).
• Auxiliary-in connection.
• Wall mountable speakers.

Bad points

• Worst power consumption in standby mode.
• Average stereo image.

Logitech Z-2300

Price: $300

Good points

• Two-year warranty.
• Remote control (wired).

Bad points

• Expensive.
• Lack of clarity in the higher frequencies.

Edifier M2600 Multimedia Speaker

Price: $180

Good points

• Remote control.
• Auxiliary-in connection.
• Performs well with music.

Bad points

• Centre channel during films can sound tinny with vocals and dialogue.

Cyber Acoustics Amplified Speaker System CA-3892

Price: $130

Good points

• Auxiliary-in connection.
• Good stereo image.

Bad points

• Bass too heavy with 'out-of-the-box’ settings on the subwoofer. Needs tweaking for best results.

Creative Inspire T6100

Price: $125

Good points

• Wall mountable speakers.

Bad points

• Subwoofer rattled under heavy load during sound quality tests.
• High power consumption when in use.

Creative GigaWorks T40

Price: $135

Good points

• Best performer for sound quality in 2.0.
• Connection for MP3 player via Creative Docking station.
• Good stereo image and localisation.

Bad points

• Requires some tweaking 'out-of-the-box' for best results.

Bose Companion 2 Series II

Price: $149

Good points

• Auxiliary-in connection.
• Dual input connections for connection to a PC and MP3 player.

Bad points

• Poor quality at high volume levels.

Edifier M1550 Multimedia Speaker

Price: $85

Good points

• Remote control (wired).
• Cheapest system tested.

Bad points

• System sounds small and lacks power.

Cyber Acoustics 5.1 Amplified Speaker System CA-5001

Price: $180

Good points

• Wall mountable speakers.

Bad points

• High power consumption.
• Poor low bass responsiveness.

JBL On Tour XT portable

Price: $238

Good points

• Remote control and auxillary connection.
• Dual power source (mains and batteries).
• Low standby power consumption.

Bad points

• Poor stereo image.
• Lowest ease of use score.

Yamaha NX-A01

Price: $130

Good points

• Small, portable design.
• Low standby power consumption.
• Good overall sound quality.

Bad points

• Under-powered.

Sony Travel Speakers SRS-T57

Price: $120

Good points

• Dual power source (mains power and batteries).

Bad points

• Poor sound quality.
• Small and boxy, audio distorts too easily.