Top Speaker Systems

Our tests of six 5.1-channel surround-sound speaker sets reveal which system offers the best audio.

Narasu Rebbapragada

Tuesday, February 21, 2006, 01:00 AM PST

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	Rank	Name
5.1-channel PC speaker set
	1 BEST BUY	Logitech Z-5500 Digital • Price when reviewed: $400 • Overall performance: Very Good • Ease of use: Superior • Features: Superior Check latest prices Well-designed product has digital inputs to best take advantage of digital surround sound. (Last Rated: February 07, 2006) Full Review • Test Report
	2	Creative Labs GigaWorks ProGamer G500 • Price when reviewed: $250 • Overall performance: Very Good • Ease of use: Superior • Features: Good Check latest prices Relatively inexpensive set of speakers has an additional treble control and performed best in our tests of stereo music tracks. (Last Rated: February 07, 2006) Full Review • Test Report
	3	Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 5.1 • Price when reviewed: $350 • Overall performance: Very Good • Ease of use: Very Good • Features: Very Good Check latest prices Though this system isn't new, it's the best PC-based speaker set that Klipsch offers. (Last Rated: February 07, 2006) Full Review • Test Report

	4	Cambridge Soundworks MegaWorks 505 • Price when reviewed: $400 • Overall performance: Good • Ease of use: Very Good • Features: Good Check latest prices Cambridge Soundworks' only 5.1-channel offering lacks center and rear speaker controls but has a treble switch. (Last Rated: February 07, 2006) Full Review • Test Report
	5	M-Audio LX4 2.1 System and LX4 5.1 Expander • Price when reviewed: $550 • Overall performance: Good • Ease of use: Good • Features: Poor Check latest prices Expensive product combo omits PC-centric conveniences such as bundled cables, a distinct volume controller, and adapters for 0.125-inch inputs. (Last Rated: February 07, 2006) Full Review • Test Report
	6	Sicuro RW-670XL • Price when reviewed: $170 • Overall performance: Poor • Ease of use: Poor • Features: Good Check latest prices Inexpensive, garishly designed product has poor sound quality and an Enhance button that heavily distorts bass. (Last Rated: February 07, 2006) Full Review • Test Report

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HOW WE TEST: We test rewritable DVD drives under Windows XP Home on PCs with 1.67-GHz Athlon XP 2000+ processors and 512MB of DDR SDRAM. To test each drive, we use the bundled DVD video authoring, mastering, and packet-writing software; we use vendor-supplied media or Verbatim media. Tests conducted by the PC World Test Center. All rights reserved.

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Top Speaker Systems

Our tests of six 5.1-channel surround-sound speaker sets reveal which system offers the best audio.

Narasu Rebbapragada

Today's Special Offers