Overview

About 3 months ago, when I decided to build my own computer just to save money, I knew that I was going to make it an entertainment system. What I mean by entertainment system by playing 3D games, watching DVD movies and hours of MP3 music. For that, I really think that I should go for 4.1 speaker systems, which are ideal for DVD movies, MP3 audio and 3D gaming. I have looked at the two major manufacturers, Altec Lansing and Creative Labs. I also have looked at epinions.com for advice to choose speakers in addition to looking at the speaker websites, just to get an idea of what I should look for when it comes to buying a new speaker set. After extensive research, I have finally found the speaker solution for my needs on the computer. I would of gone with the Cambridge SoundWorks Four Point Surround 1000, but most retail stores are no longer selling it and the online store maybe too expensive for me. Since the FPS 1000 is near the end of the line, I knew I could get a better speaker system than the FPS 1000.

Hardware

The Cambridge SoundWorks Four Point Surround 1600 (FPS 1600), by Creative Labs comes in a very detailed box showing the subwoofer and the 4 speaker satellites. Inside the box, the components are really in the box. The package comes with a black wood subwoofer, 4 magnetically shielded speaker satellites, 4 removable speaker stands, wired volume control and an AC adapter.

Installation Process

Installing the FPS 1600 is very easy, just place the desktop stands for 2 or 4 speakers by having the speaker wire through the loop for the stand, then plugged the speakers into the stands. Then plug the leads of the wires attached to the speaker to the subwoofer where it marks the satellites. Afterwards, plug the wired remote control into the PS/2 look alike plug into the subwoofer. Next, plug the audio cable(s) from the subwoofer to the audio card. If you only have a 2 channel audio card, then plug only the lime green mini plugs into the subwoofer and the sound card. However if you have a 4 channel audio card, such as Sound Blaster Live! 5.1, which I have on my computer as a sound card, plug the black mini plug into the subwoofer and sound card in addition to the lime green mini plug as mentioned. Finally, plug the DC mini plug to the back of the subwoofer and to finish it off, plug the system into a power outlet (preferably surge protected). The audio is so enhanced that you don’t even need a driver for audio enhancements.

Experience and Placement

After hours of MP3s, several breathtaking DVDs and a few 3D games with the FPS 1600, I’m again very pleased with Cambridge SoundWorks, because they’ve been offering quality speakers for the computer entertainment and beyond. That is all happening in just 7 weeks since I’ve purchased the speaker system. The four-point surround sound was performed exceptionally well and it created enough power to just really make my newly built computer an entertainment center. At 6 watts per satellite (24 watts for all satellites combined) plus the 17-watt subwoofer, the speaker system pumps out 41 watts of sound and it’s exceptional for a speaker system in this price range and category.

The subwoofer and the satellites are compact and it's ideal for those who want true 3D sound, yet space is a premium, especially for your desk.

To enhance the bass production, I placed the subwoofer at the corner of my desk, the 2 front satellites on my desk and the 2 remaining satellites on the tripod stands that I ordered at the Creative online stores. This placement is ideal for my MP3 audio and my DVD movies that I view with my newly built computer. The bass that comes out of these speakers are really wide and booming, for the trebles, they’re very appetizing and clear like Mozart’s rhythm.

Final Recommendation

After 7 weeks of using the speaker system, I would recommend it to those who are looking forward to using their computer for playing 3D games, listening MP3 audio and viewing crispy DVD movies. At about $55, I would be an excellent value and most people will see that it’s worth the extra money to go for a 4.1 speaker system. Believe me, if I haven’t found anything good about a product, I wouldn’t really recommend it. Combine that with the Sound Blaster Live! series sound card, a DVD ROM and a CD Rewriter, you talk about your own home entertainment system, without breaking the bank.



Recommended: Yes