Surround-Sound Speakers

5.1 computer speakers best for games and movies

A 5.1-channel computer speaker setup requires a bit more effort to install because it includes four satellite speakers, a center speaker and a subwoofer. Ideally, the speakers should be mounted on the wall or at ear level -- two satellite speakers in front to the right and left, two satellites behind you and to the right and left sides -- and the center channel either on the wall directly in front or mounted on top of your computer screen. The subwoofer can go on the floor, usually under your desk. You'll have to contend with wires snaking around the room to each speaker. Some people run the wires up and along the ceiling, while others run them along the baseboards.

Among 5.1-channel computer speaker systems, the Logitech Z-5500 (*Est. $275) consistently scores excellent ratings in reviews. At Maximum PC magazine, editors croon over its "hair raising, soul crushing power" and say the speakers deliver "killer treble and midrange." Brandon King at DigitalTrends.com reports on his use of these speakers for over a year on a daily basis: "From thumping techno to soft vocal and jazz tunes, we were always pleased with the results," he says. "The sound signature is accurate, clear, crisp and expansive."

Other reviewers are more reserved. Although Don Labriola of PCMag.com agrees with others that the Logitech Z-5500 can attain "frighteningly high volume levels and gut-thumping bass," he was dissatisfied with the balance between the ranges because bass can overpower mid and high frequencies. At GoodGearGuide.com, Andrew Kliem also noticed this and writes "[w]hen songs by Ben Folds and Tori Amos start to sound bass heavy you know there's a problem." King managed to correct this with equalizer (EQ) settings, but if you're not into games or bass-heavy music, it's something to keep in mind.

One curious complaint voiced by owners of the Logitech Z-5500 is interference from other electrical devices on the same circuit as the speakers. Even turning lights on and off can produce popping noises, reports say. One user reported interference from a washer and dryer. Logitech recommends plugging the speaker system into its own circuit, but users grumble that no other speakers they've owned had any such problems.

The Logitech Z-5500 PC speaker system is THX-certified, meaning it conforms to the digital sound standard established by "Star Wars" creator George Lucas. This six-piece speaker system has 505 watts of total power and has processing circuitry that can create realistic surround sound from two-channel (stereo) sources. There's a handy wireless remote, and the Z-5500 also includes coaxial and optical digital inputs; that's useful for connecting to a video game console or to home theater components, such as DVD or CD player, but optical and/or coaxial digital outputs are also found on some sound cards.

The lower-priced Logitech G51 (*Est. $115) also gets some positive attention from experts. Jamie Lendino of PCMag.com gives it a general thumbs up, stating that although it doesn't match the Logitech Z-5500's sonic accuracy, its 155 watts is powerful enough for gamers and movie buffs on a budget. Reviewers are fairly unanimous that this speaker system rocks for gaming and movies due to its surround-sound capabilities.

Music, though, doesn't fare so well. At TechTree.com, Frazier Barretto says highs and lows don't perform well when volume is pushed beyond 60 to 70 percent. Most reviewers are unimpressed with the Matrix (surround sound) settings for music. Rory Buszka at Techgage.com reports "I felt the effect was fairly unnatural, with the rear speakers sounding almost like television speakers."

Still, reviewers agree that the Logitech G51 speaker system is a good value if you mainly use it for games and movies. Owners note, though, that the cables are on the short side, especially with the rear speakers. Since we're talking about multiple speaker units that need to be placed at optimal positions, this could definitely be an issue.

Logitech's cheapest 5.1 speaker system is the X-540 (*Est. $60). We didn't spot many professional reviews, but Techgage.com has a generally positive write-up. Greg King says that the X-540 does not disappoint for its price range. Unfortunately, he fails to give details about what he finds lacking in these speakers' sound quality. The X-540 is a recommended choice at TheTechLounge.com. Max Slowik found that low, mid and low-high frequencies were precise and clear, but distortion in heard at higher frequencies. Still, he feels they produce great sound for their price, and he adds, "[w]hat's even more impressive is that enabling the Matrix [surround-sound] feature honestly improved stereo playback."

Users at both Amazon.com and Newegg.com give it favorable ratings, though music lovers are less enthusiastic. It's a great value for gaming, though, and there's even a game console adapter in the box. The X-540 speaker system delivers a total of 70 watts RMS (as compared to the G51's total power of 155 watts RMS), so don't expect window-rattling volume levels.