SoundWorks 310, The Speakers for Multimedia.
Written: Dec 03 '01 (Updated Dec 03 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great sound, great for MP3s, games and even movies, space saving subwoofer
Cons: A little pricey.
The Bottom Line: If you're seriously considering a speaker upgrade from 2 speaker systems or cheap 3 speaker systems, then the SoundWorks SW 310 is your solution for a much more senational sound.
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| lavoisier's Full Review: Creative Technology SW310 2 Speakers |
For many of those who use their computer for MP3s, games and even movies, they don・t really want speakers that are just amplified without a subwoofer. With many computer manufacturers trying to cut down on costs, so that it can be affordable to the public; they only give them $5 speakers that only deliver up to 3W of power. With today・s computer use patterns by consumers, it just isn・t going to cut it with MP3s and the wide variety of entertainment that is capable by your computer. Therefore most people would go out and look for speakers that at least have subwoofers. Many shoppers think that they can actually spend less on their speakers, because they think that they can have a theatre quality sound for a very small fraction of home entertainment speaker systems. Meaning that you can have a 500W sound for just $40, is all just an attempt to gain profitability. Those speakers can spell trouble much more quickly, due to the fact that most of those speakers aren・t well manufactured and they・re very unreliable. They usually don・t last; they fail to offer a strong bass and clear treble, which is annoying for those who want to use their computer for entertainment.
If you・re tired of those speakers, yet you・re on a rather tight budget, then the Cambridge SoundWorks SW 310 is for those who want a reliable speaker system for entertainment. Believe me, spending the extra money can go a very long way. Ever wonder where the extra money goes? It goes to quality manufacturing, reliability and years of life.
Installation
The installation of these speakers were easy, thanks in part to the color coded plug heads that have the same color coding for the ports on our sound cards. Just plug the remote to the subwoofer and audio card (Line Out) and the satellites to subwoofer. Then plug the transformer into an AC socket (preferably Surge Protected) connecting it to the back of the subwoofer. There are no drivers to install to even enhance the audio. If you want to, you can place the volume control holder on a clean and smooth surface for easy storage for the remote control, without having the remote to fall off the desk. Just peel the tape on one side of the adhesive pad and stick it to the holder. Then remove the remaining tape and mount it on a smooth surface such as the side of the monitor.
Placement
For the best bass, I would recommend that you put the subwoofer at a corner of the room or table floor. Since the subwoofer is taller than most designs, it doesn・t take up the premium floor space. It・s not suggested to place the subwoofer on the desk, since it will interfere with the bass production and it causes vibration to the work surface of your desk, not a good idea. Place the 2 speakers in front of you, preferably one on each side of the monitor. Once you・ve placed your subwoofer, set the ideal bass output for the speakers on the subwoofer and you・re done with speaker placement.
Experience
For a friend of mine, he used the Cambridge SoundWorks SW 310 for his new computer that I built for him. He finds that nothing really beats the value of Cambridge SoundWorks for speakers. The bass was loud and vigorous; where it・s a plus if you・re into movies, games and music. The trebles that are produced out of those speakers are also excellent, where it・s harmonic even with the sound of Mozart. After several MP3s out of these speakers, you talk about a break through with computer entertainment, without paying the price. With the rating of 21 Watts, it・s normal for speakers intended for music, 12W for the subwoofer and 4.5W for each satellite. With the desktop stands that are provided, it gives the user space for a lot of great sound, in a very small space.
Recommendation
I would recommend this to those who are into MP3 music, like I am here. I mean I personally own a Cambridge Four Point Surround 1600 for my computer and I truly enjoyed it with MP3 music, DVD movies and 3D games. Cambridge Soundworks has really done it again with the SoundWorks SW 310. At $50, it was a great deal, but some may find it rather overpriced for a 2.1 speaker system (2 speakers + 1 subwoofer). My philosophy for the SoundWorks SW 310 is that it・s worth every penny.
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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