Pros and Cons of the DTT3500.
Written: Jun 12 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Dolby AC3 Decoder (5.1 Ready) for PC, Remote Control, Creative Name
Cons: On paper, the power seems a little dismal. Some controls confusing
The Bottom Line: Great for Computer related sound, DVD and gaming.
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| badhmash's Full Review: Creative Technology DeskTop Theater DTT3500 5 Spea... |
For the first time in several years, I have finally decided to upgrade my entire computer system. This time, however, I am inclined to undergo the process entirely on my own instead of relying on a manufacturer like Dell to build it for me. As a result, I have had to do much research on the different components that make up a good gaming and multimedia system.
I am determined to pick out the absolute best parts for my system and still maintain a reasonable budget. Thats where the DTT3500 5.1 Dolby Digital decoder comes in.
Realizing that I had purchased a Sound Blaster Live! Platinum 5.1 card for my new system, it only made sense to purchase a 5.1 speaker system. Afterall, DVD movies supporting Dolby Digital sound cannot benefit you unless you have both the 5.1 sound card AND 5.1 speaker set.
What is the DTT3500?
The DTT3500 is a 6 speaker Dolby Digital/ Dolby Pro-Logic / and CMSS decoder/amplifier. It has a max wattage of 79W and actually sounds much louder than you'd expect. One thing to keep in mind is that this is NOT a substitute for your home theater system. It is specifically designed to operate with your computer (hence desktop theater) although it could potentially fill in as a living room speaker system if you really wanted it to.
What does it come with?
One of the major pros to this system is that Creative does not skimp out on anything. You have everything that you need to start this baby up.
* 1 Dolby Decoder/Amplifier
* 1 Center Speaker, 2 Front Speakers, 2 Rear Speakers
* 1 SubWoofer
* Every possible cable, speaker wire, optical wire possible
* 1 IR Remote Control for the Decoder (batteries included)
* 1 15V Power Supply
* 2 ear level stands for the rear speakers
* 1 Verticle and 1 Horizontal stand with matching faceplates for the decoder
* Stands for each center and front speaker.
You also get the instruction manual which is pretty good for telling you which settings are best for which environment whether it be movie watching, mp3 listening or game playing. One thing you will love about this system is that it comes with the Digital DIN cable connection for sound cards that support it. If you have the Live 5.1 Platinum then you have a LiveDrive component with a digital I/O card that can be used to directly connect to the decoder. This allows a free connection for you to connect your DVD player's digital OUT into the coaxial digital in of the decoder. I assume that previously, people with this configuration simply had to output the DVD audio data through the sound card itself. No need to do that with this unit.
I can't believe my ears!
This is, so far, the best investment I have made in a computer system since I bought a 3D graphics card. I cannot describe to you how beautiful the sound actually is. I realize that 250 dollars (w/shipping) is a large sum of money for a set of computer speakers, but if you want the best of the best for your PC, then this is the way to go. The speakers are small, but they produce an excellent sound. I have a brand new Sony FD Trinitron 21" monitor and an ASUS V8200 GeForce 3 3D Accelerator which produces graphics that can rival those in the movies "Titanic" and "Terminator 2", but I have actually received more compliments from the sound produced by this system than by the eye candy produced by the video display!
DVD movies encoded in 5.1 Dolby Digital Sound are incredible. Each speaker has its own full signal and you really feel like you are sitting in a theater. I know you've heard this before, but trust me on that.
Even movies that are encoded in Dolby Pro Logic Surround are great, although it is an older standard.
For movies that are not encoded for surround, you can simulate it with the CMSS feature. This is equivalent to the "Simulated Surround" button on home theater amplifiers.
What can I connect?
You can connect many devices to the Decoder/ Amplifier. The back of the unit looks almost as confusing as the front, initially, but you get used to it. There are 7 speaker outputs on the back: Center, 2 Fronts, 2 Rears, 1 SubWoofer and an additional output for a self powered Subwoofer. Then there are the Dolby Digital (AC3) PCM audio inputs which include a coaxial input, an optical input for devices like minidisc players or the playstation2, and a Digital DIN which comes from sound cards that support Digital I/O interfaces. The Digital DIN also serves as a Multichannel input which includes RCA analog line inputs. Basically, you can connect anything to this thing.
Only issues I have.
The only issues that I really have with this unit are that 1) you need a 5.1 Compatible sound card in order to get the most out of it for PC tasks and DVD watching. 2) The controls are more confusing than Quantum Physics when you first get started. And 3), there are just too many wires floating around my computer desk area that I simply cannot hide because of the rear speakers.
Other than that, I really like this unit. Sometimes I wonder if I am getting the best possible sound out of what I am doing because there are so many different options. For example, I would hate to be watching a Movie in Simulated Surround, only to find out that it supported Dolby Digital Decoding.
The last word:
If you are a serious gamer and entertainment freak, get this unit. If you like watching DVD movies but don't have the money to purchase an entire new home theater system, get this unit. In essence, get this unit.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
badhmash
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Reviews written: 30
Trusted by: 12 members
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