Want a stylish set of 4.1 computer entertainment speakers?
Written: Feb 16 '02 (Updated Feb 16 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Stylish Subwoofer, great audio output, strong bass and clear trebles, compact satellites.
Cons: Tripods are optional.
The Bottom Line: If you're planning to buy a quality and reliable surround sound system that fits the décor of your room, the Cambridge Soundworks FPS 1500 is the product to go for.
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| lavoisier's Full Review: Creative Technology FourPointSurround FPS1500 4 Sp... |
For many who would like to convert their computer system into a gaming or entertainment center, they want to spend as little as possible to achieve the best audio experience as much as possible. But with many choices for a true surround sound, it can really be hard to choose. The closest contender the Altec Lansing, which does offer surround sound speakers, but those speakers don't allow us to hang the surround speakers on the wall for genuine surround sound. But with Cambridge Soundworks, including this set (FPS 1500), every speaker can be hanged on the wall for true surround sound. Then there is the competition from the generic market, which may offer a higher power rating, but those aren't RMS values and the hardware is generally very unreliable.
Hardware
What comes in the box is very extensive, it includes the plastic subwoofer, 4 satellites and yes, it even includes a remote volume control and wall mounting accessories. All the satellites are magnetically shielded to prevent damage to the monitor when the speakers are placed close to the display and therefore giving you greater flexibility in speaker placement. For the subwoofer, because it isn't magnetically shielded, it shouldn't be placed close to the monitor.
Experience
With the installation, it only takes me 5 minutes to really complete the full installation. But for those who are just starting out, it only takes a couple of minutes more than my time, because with the manual that provides very easy steps to properly install your speakers with diagrams. So this means that you don't have to bring in the expert to really install these speakers. The volume control plugs into the back of the subwoofer where the keyboard port look alike port. The subwoofer is also a hub for the speaker system, where the satellites, audio input and power supply all plug in. Before you enter audio bliss, you have to adjust the bass of the subwoofer to your ideal level depending on placement. Once youe adjusted the bass to its ideal level, you don't really want to adjust the bass frequently for the application as it may stress the subwoofer.
By the time you're finished with installing the speaker system, you'll be enjoying 4.1 surround sound in no time at all. With the pleasing trebles out of those speakers, I can really relax with these speakers and make myself feel like I'm in the concert hall. For the bass, the speakers do really deliver invigorating bass, like what rock stars have with their amplifiers to enhance the audio. But for the best bass production, it's best to place the subwoofer near the corner of the room. The volume control is also very easy to use and it's not too stiff nor too loose like some of the speaker remote controls. But for true 4.1 surround sound, each of the satellite speakers can be hanged on the wall to really save space and to create an atmosphere in a computer gaming room.
The satellite speakers are slightly bulkier than the ones on PC Works speaker system, but it's still compact compared to some of the digital speakers. You can even order the optional tripods for surround sound without tools, ideal for situations where it's all glass rooms. Despite their small form factor for the satellites, it doesn't really deliver a weak sound effect, unlike some of the rather smallish speaker systems offer.
For those who are willing to know how much power these speakers generate, the subwoofer generates 17W RMS and each satellite generates 6W RMS (for a total of 4, it delivers 24W) to a total of 41 Watts. Don't really be fooled by ultra high figures that you've seen in computer stores or even from generic computer speakers, they don't really use the RMS and that they're much weaker for the money and often they're less reliable.
These speakers aren't just for your computer, they can be used by your TV, stereo system or even your digital audio player like your Creative Nomad Jukebox. But the bad thing is that the subwoofer only features one audio input and you can really use the speakers on 2 devices at the same time.
Conclusion
As for closing the statement, I find these speakers are really worth the hard earned money. This is because with the quality and reliability of the speakers from Creative (Cambridge Soundworks), I can really rest assured that I'm getting a quality product from a quality vendor. At about $70, it could really be a worthwhile candidate for replacing your old 2.1 speaker system. Definitely, I would recommend this to audiophiles like myself, hardcore computer gamers who want lifelike audio in their gaming experience. Combine with your Sound Blaster Live! or Audigy sound cards, youe going to really have an exciting jukebox for your entertainment system.
Recommended:
Yes
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lavoisier
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Member: Hugh Jazz
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reviews written: 180
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