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[ Go to March 1997 Table of Contents ]
Features
-- by Marc Spiwak and John Woram
The audio signal chain is only as good as its weakest link, which is another way of saying a super sound card deserves a speaker system of the same quality. If you don't mind something that sounds like a portable radio, you can probably find a pair of speakers for less than $25. But you can also spend from four to 40 times that amount. If you're ready to go shopping, keep these points in mind. For a speaker to sound good, it has to look and feel good. If a cabinet vibrates when you tap it, that's not a good sign. Small speakers can't offer the low-frequency output of a high-quality music system. For that big bass sound, you'll need a subwoofer. Look for a system that includes or supports one. At minimum, a self-powered speaker system should offer its own volume control. A power switch is nice, too, unless you power up the whole system with a master switch. If the speaker's own power switch is on the woofer, make sure it's within reach. Some speaker systems offer two sets of input jacks, which is nice if you want to route sound from the PC and another source to the same speakers. Make sure each input has its own set of front-panel volume controls, or that there's a balance control. Speakers not intended for computer applications may lack sufficient shielding to operate near the video monitor. If you're not sure, turn the speakers on and slowly move them toward the monitor. If the noise level goes up or the on-screen display shows distortion, look for another pair of speakers. Here's a sampling of what's available. Altec Lansing The entry-level ACS45 PowerCube system delivers 6-watt amplification to each of two satellite 3-inch speakers and 20W to the separate subwoofer. User control is limited to a single pair of volume up/down push buttons and a rear power switch. The three-piece ACS55's most distinguishing physical feature is its futuristic design. There's a 0.5-inch dome tweeter and 3-inch full-range speaker in each satellite, as well as a 6.5-inch subwoofer in its own cabinet. The electronics package includes Dolby Multimedia Surround circuitry, 40W for the subwoofer and 12W for each satellite speaker. Up at the high end, the ACS500 computer Surround Sound system combines higher-power speakers, a subwoofer and Dolby Pro-Logic circuitry that sits you in the middle of the Surround Sound action. Each towering 22.5W satellite speaker cabinet contains three channels (left or right, plus center and surround), consisting of two 3-inch midrange speakers, one 2.5-inch full-range speaker and one 0.5-inch center channel. The 40W subwoofer contains a single 6.5-inch long-throw woofer. A built-in signal generator helps you set the volume levels for left, right, center and surround. Four front-panel rotary knobs on one of the satellite speakers control center, surround, subwoofer and master volume levels. An additional knob on the subwoofer cabinet turns power on and off and further adjusts the low-frequency output. This top-of-the-line system offers sound that's powerful, clear and full of bass. Bose The MediaMate computer speaker system features compact design, crisp sound and more bass than you might expect from a smallish two-speaker subwooferless system. Each speaker cabinet "leans" backward, pointing its 2.5-inch speaker in the general direction of your ear. A front-panel open port gives the bass output an extra boost. You'll find two rotary front-panel knobs-a master volume control and an A/B mix to balance signals from two sets of input jacks on the rear panel. The Acoustimass multimedia speaker system may be the ultimate PC speaker system. You won't believe the power these tiny speakers produce. Two satellite speaker cubes measure only 3 by 3 by 5 inches, and a single wide-range transducer is only 2.5 inches wide. Yet the system puts out 90W (50W for the bass module and 20W to each satellite). The system has two stereo inputs and a 19-pound bass module and contains a 5.25-inch woofer. At just about $700, this system is for the user who wants-and can afford-the very best. Aura Systems More affordable are Aura Systems' Aspect 30 speakers. The 3-inch speakers have a 30W amplifier, and each has a tweeter. Though they're designed to hug the sides of a monitor, they can stand on their own. The speakers come in rigid pressed-wood enclosures. While their sound is full, it's not as crisp as on other systems. The knobs for volume, bass, treble and balance are smooth and rounded, making them difficult to operate. The bass is decent, but if you still want more, you can purchase the Aspect 40 subwoofer, which contains a 5.25-inch woofer and a 30W amplifier. --Info Files-- Altec Lansing ACS45 PowerCube Price: $99.95 Pros: Compact desktop speakers; includes subwoofer Cons: Controls limited to volume Altec Lansing Technologies 800-648-6663, 717-296-4434 -- Altec Lansing ACS55 Price: $199.95 Pros: Complete sound system with Dolby Surround Sound Cons: Less power than other speakers Altec Lansing Technologies 800-648-6663, 717-296-4434 -- Altec Lansing ACS500 Price: $399.95 Pros: A complete multimedia solution for your PC and home-entertainment system Cons: These towering speakers may crowd your desktop Altec Lansing Technologies 800-648-6663, 717-296-4434 -- Bose MediaMate Price: $339 Pros: Excellent sound in a small package Cons: No subwoofer Bose Corp. 800-444-BOSE, 508-879-7330 -- Bose Acoustimass Price: $699 Pros: The best multimedia speakers you can get Cons: None Bose Corp. 800-444-BOSE, 508-879-7330 -- Aura Aspect 30 Speakers Price: $99.95 Pros: Good sound; price Cons: Unusual design Aura Systems 800-909-AURA, 310-643-5300 -- Aura Aspect 40 Subwoofers Price: $99.95 Pros: Good sound; price Cons: Unusual design Aura Systems 800-909-AURA, 310-643-5300 Copyright (c) 1997 CMP Media Inc.
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