Features:
- 4-channel computer speaker and subwoofer system
- Compatible with standard or 4-channel sound cards
- Separate front and rear volume controls on satellite
- Active bass equalization provides resonant low end
- Rear mounting brackets for hanging satellites on the wall
Description:
More computers than ever come with sound cards capable of surround-sound output, but it doesn't do you any good if you're using only two speakers. Sure, it's possible to buy a separate pair of speakers to throw in the back, but configuring two separate sets of speakers is a royal pain. It's always better to get an integrated set if you can afford it, and nearly anyone should be able to afford the Labtec LCS-2514 4 Channel Computer Speaker and Subwoofer System--just don't expect the booty-shaking bass you'd expect from more expensive surround sound systems. The system consists of four tiny satellite speakers, a boxy subwoofer meant to sit on the floor, and tons of permanently connected cables snaking between the speakers. Setting the system up was easy, as the RCA jacks at the ends of each cable were color-coded, and Labtec placed stickers on the bottom of each satellite speaker telling us where it was supposed to sit. The subwoofer is used as the clearing-house for all the data coming from the computer and all the data going to the four satellite speakers. There are two jacks on the back for front and rear input, another two jacks for front and rear output, and a plug for the AC adapter that powers the entire speaker set. The cables leading to the rear speakers are nearly twice as long as those for the front speakers, making it easier to put the subwoofer under your desk but still place the rear speakers at a decent distance from the back of your head. A pair of mounting brackets are included for attaching the rear speakers to a wall if the layout of your computer room allows it. Speaker volume is controlled from the front-right speaker, but in a strange move, the power switch is located on top of the subwoofer. Most people leave their speakers on all the time anyway, but putting the power switch on the front-right speaker would be more convenient since the subwoofer is designed to sit under a desk. The volume dials themselves are oddly designed, with one dial controlling volume to the front speakers and the other controlling the volume of the rear speakers. Being able to adjust them independently is neat in theory, but frustrating in practice. There are no numbers or other markings on the dials, so it's impossible to set them to exactly the same level. It's also terrible to have to reconfigure the rear output levels every time you want to turn the volume of the front speakers down. We ended up balancing the sound levels to our liking and then using Windows' volume controls to adjust the overall volume. Cranking the speakers to maximum volume, we were less than impressed by the overall audio quality. Highs, and especially the midrange, were crisp--we heard no annoying pops or cracks regardless of the volume setting with any game or audio CD we tested the speakers with. The real problem is with the subwoofer, which has absolutely no punch. With many of the bass-heavy audio CDs we listened to, we had to feel the subwoofer to see if it was even working. It adds a little to the satellite speakers' bottom line, but overall, this is a very neighbor-friendly subwoofer. In fact, the entire system is incapable of producing the kind of volume we've seen from other four-speaker setups. It's a really good thing that turning the speakers all the way up doesn't result in any audible hiss, because that's where most users will abandon them. The faults we level at this speaker set evaporate as soon as price is factored in. This is cheap for a surround-sound setup with a subwoofer, and those of you who don't necessarily need a system capable of shattering dry wall will appreciate the clean sounds this Labtec offering produces. Just don't expect much from the pathetically weak bass unit. --T. Byrl Baker Pros:
- Surround sound at a nice price
- No hissing at high volumes
- Easy to install
- Small satellite speakers should fit anywhere
Cons:
- Weak bass
- Awkward controls
- Not incredibly loud
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