Summing up the latest 5.1 speaker sets (page 1: Introduction)

5.1 is now supported by most sound cards and integrated chipsets. We are now even witnessing the introduction of 7.1 sound. 6.1 or 7.1 sound users aren’t yet numerous, however, and the number of 7.1 speaker sets available in stores tells us it’s still a niche market. It is already difficult to install a 5.1 speaker set around your computer so you can imagine what installation would be like with an additional two satellites. In addition, except for video DVD with DTS ES and Dolby Digital EX soundtracks, 6.1 or 7.1 audio content is almost inexistent.

This is the reason we chose to test the following 5.1 speakers sets that have been released since our last test (in French):

- Altec Lansing VS3151R
- Creative Labs I-Trigue 5600
- Creative Labs Inspire T5900
- Hercules XPS 510 Black
- Logitech X530
- Logitech Z5300
- Logitech Z5500

Here again it is important to note that our evaluation is based on price and what you will use the system for; listening to music or computer games (or maybe a game console). The most expensive set is the Logitech Z5500 featuring a Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 decoder. This sets them apart from hi-fi or home theater speaker systems, which are much more expensive and have other characteristics.

We based our evaluations on the following criteria:

Sound quality: tests are made with all speaker sets simultaneously connected to the same sound source. We change from one speaker set to another with an audio switch, evaluating the quality of treble, medium and bass reproduction by listening to several short music samples. Overall sound quality is also important and we focus particularly on the quality of repartition and the separtion of sound. Speakers need to provide balanced and homogeneous sound. If necessary we make several adjustments (explained in each test).

Power: power is not always everything and does not necessarily mean high performance and a quality listening experience. What’s important is enough sound for the room where the speakers will be installed. We also check if saturation is low when the volume is raised.

Adjustments, functions and inputs: for adjustments, the more the merrier. However, you should find at least, a volume and bass control. Also the best systems provide front/surround and/or separated treble settings. In terms of inputs, quality is always welcome and an easily accessible headphone plug is handy.

Then there is the question of appearence, size, the speaker covers and ease of installation and use.

Configuration and test conditions

- AMD Athlon 64 3200+ CPU
- nForce 3 250 Gb motherboard
- 1 GB DDR PC3200
- Audigy 2 Platinum eX sound card
- Terratec MIC2 sound card

Prices in the product desriptions come from Internet and pricer websites. Dealer and recommended prices may vary.