A great speaker system for computer multimedia and beyond.
Written: Dec 05 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to set up, wide bass range, compact subwoofer, space saving satellites.
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: If you¡¦re considering an affordable, yet improved speaker system for your computer, look no further with the SoundWorks SW 320.
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| lavoisier's Full Review: Creative Technology SoundWorks SW320 2 Speakers |
For many people who use their computers at home for multimedia purposes, most 2 piece and/or generic speakers just won¡¦t cut it. The problem with 2 piece speaker systems is that they don¡¦t provide any pronounced bass and the problem gets worse if you had generic speakers, all they do is just what they provide from brand name 2 speaker systems, which is poor bass range and unrefined trebles. Even with generic speakers designed for the home theatre counts, because the sellers of these speaker systems are trying to make a profit out of the buyers. My philosophy is that, the marketers get wealthier and you fail, because the marketers have cheated you.
The Hardware
If you¡¦re tired of what your current computer speakers give you, but you¡¦re in a rather tight budget and you want your speaker system to last possibly until you replace your computer and beyond; the SoundWorks 320 by Cambridge SoundWorks will fit the bill. The speaker system comes with a black wood subwoofer, 2 magnetically shielded satellites (which allows users to place the speakers close to the monitor, without damage to the CRT monitor), a wired remote control, remote control holder, adhesive pad and owner¡¦s manual to install the speaker system.
Installation
The installation of the speaker system is very easy and most people can do it in less than 15 minutes. There are very few wires to fuss with, since the wires are attached to the back of the speakers. Just place the desktop stands by placing each speaker wire through the loop of every stand and plug each of the stands into the back of each speaker. Then plug the speaker wires into the subwoofer. After the speakers are plugged into the subwoofer, then plug the volume remote control, with the shorter cable into your line out jack (lime green for newer many sound cards) and the longer cable to the subwoofer, where it says ¡§Volume Control¡¨. Then plug the unit in a power outlet and plug the wire into the subwoofer. Finally, turn the speakers on at the back of the subwoofer and test it with a couple of song titles and adjust your ideal bass. If you want to, you can stick the volume control holder on a smooth surface to prevent the loss of the controller. What you do is remove the tape off the adhesive pad and stick it on the holder. Then remove the remaining tape off the adhesive pad and mount the holder to a smooth surface, such as the side of your computer housing.
The installation is as easy as that, there are no drivers or software required to install the speakers to enhance the audio production out of your speakers.
Placement
The ideal placement for the satellites would be on your desktop and place the wired side back and ideally you want to separate the speakers far apart in order for the speakers to have their best performance, such as placing one speaker on each side of the monitor. For the subwoofer, it should be placed at the corner of the room if possible or at the corner between your desk and wall for maximum bass production. If it¡¦s placed on the desk it interferes the bass production and it causes vibration to the workspace on the desk.
Experience
Nothing really beats the SoundWorks SW 320 in value and quality. The bass and trebles produced by the speakers are excellent, the bass is powerful yet not too harsh and the trebles, they¡¦re rich yet not dead. That¡¦s what you¡¦re basically looking for if you were to use your computer for MP3s, 3D games and DVD video. After only a few hours of MP3s and another few DVD movies out of the computer, there is no audio distortion or scrambling from the speakers due to a broken fuse whatsoever. With a rating of 21 Watts (12W for the Subwoofer, 4.5W for each satellite), it isn¡¦t cutting edge, but it will do for most people. With the desktop stands that are provided in the speaker system, it gives you the great sound in a small amount of space.
Recommendation
I would recommend this to those who are into MP3s, 3D games and DVD video, yet they can¡¦t afford a 4-point surround sound system because of costs or that they may not have the kind of room for that. For about $45, these speakers are worth every penny and at that price Cambridge SoundWorks has done it again. My philosophy is to enjoy your shopping for a speaker system as is to enjoy the audio experience with it.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
lavoisier
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Member: Hugh Jazz
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reviews written: 180
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