In the thick of things: TOP 5 multi-channel audio systems for a computer

The Finnish manufacturer Sven specializes in entry-level loudspeakers, including compact speakers that are well received by users. The Sven HT-200 kit is no exception and is among the top sellers in its class. All thanks to the combination of an affordable price with good sound and a wide range of additional features such as an FM receiver, tone control (both treble and bass), an SD card slot and a USB input for connecting a flash drive, which allow you to use the speaker as a music center.

Speakers are small in size and do not take up much space in the room. The design of the kit strongly resembles the once popular Sven SPS-606 with its glossy black body and black cones. Looks stylish, neat and versatile.

To control the system on the front panel of the subwoofer, there is a large navigation ring with the main control buttons and a rather large LCD display. If you plan to place the subwoofer under the table, then you can control the speakers using the most common remote control.

Acoustics is equipped with a built-in subwoofer amplifier with a power reserve of 80 watts. Of these, 20 watts falls on the sub itself, and the remaining 60 are scattered between the satellites. The latter reproduce clean, clear sound both at maximum volume and in background voice acting. The subwoofer is slightly lacking in power, so by default its level is too high. This is a completely logical decision of the manufacturer, but sometimes it results in noticeable low-frequency distortion. Therefore, after installation, it would be more correct to slightly sacrifice low frequencies and correct the balance.

Given the penny price, the speakers play very decently and can be a good basis for both a multi-channel gaming system and an entry-level home theater. In the latter case, potential buyers will be pleased with such a useful little thing as wall mounts. Perhaps the only drawback of the Sven HT-20 is a slight background hum that the system emits when connected to power.

Logitech Z506 was released back in 2010 and has since firmly established itself in the niche of multi-channel computer acoustics. Success was ensured by a combination of high-quality sound, good looks and the price "almost for nothing".

The total system power is 75 watts, of which more than a third of the power comes from the subwoofer. This balance of power allows the Logitech Z-506 to sound great in dynamic scenes with gunfire and loud explosions. Well, if the bass is not enough, it can be tightened up using a separate regulator, which was placed on the subwoofer itself. True, Logitech engineers for some reason hid it on the back panel, which makes it difficult to get to it. Especially if the subwoofer is under the table.

All other controls including the power button, volume control and headphone jack are located on the right satellite speaker. On the one hand, this is more convenient than the controls on the subwoofer, as in some models. On the other hand, the remote control would be even more convenient. But alas, it is not included.

The appearance of the speakers is quite simple, but at the same time attractive. The materials used here are solid plastic with a kind of matte finish and MDF. All speakers are made of plastic, and the subwoofer is made of MDF.

Now let's talk about sound. The system sounds clear, balanced and with a good volume margin. At the same time, it does not make noise even at the maximum twisted volume. The bass sounds crisp and rich, and the mids are bright and detailed (albeit a little floating around the panorama). As for the high frequencies, they are a little lacking against the general background. This could easily be corrected with the controls, but unfortunately the Logitech Z-506 does not provide for the possibility of timbre rebalancing the treble. You can only tighten the bass level on the sub.

In general, taking into account the price of $ 100, the Logitech Z-506 kit is actually a gift.

Acoustics from Sven resemble Swiss knives. As soon as you think that you need some useful thing like a wine corkscrew, it turns out that you already have it with your knife.

This is also true in the case of the Sven HT-210, which is a six-piece speaker system (a subwoofer and five satellites for surround sound), which is equipped with a built-in FM receiver, a reader for SD memory cards and USB flash drives, a Bluetooth receiver and an exhaustive set of inputs. , including exotic optics and coaxial for its price niche. And don't forget the handy remote control with treble and bass controls. Without even touching on the issue of sound quality, such a set is already a weighty argument in favor of the purchase. After all, neither the remote control, nor the radio, nor even the optical input are standard features for this price segment.

The system looks modern, but it is unlikely to receive awards for design. Perhaps, there are too many acoustics with black glossy plastic on the computer speaker market. All satellites are made in the same style in non-separable wooden cases. The front panels are decorated with glossy plastic overlays, and the installation of grids is not provided. Each such speaker contains one full-range speaker and one high-frequency radiator. There are two full-range speakers in the center channel.

As for power, the entire Sven HT-210 set puts out a decent 125 W in total, which is enough for both home theater and a home party. Although there may be problems with the latter, because the speakers sound somehow sterile, without character and power. In games and movies, this is not particularly felt, but with your favorite tracks you can be a little disappointed.

The company's engineers made sure that the HT-210 fits absolutely all home devices, whether it's a computer, laptop or TV. Speakers can be placed on any horizontal surface or hung on the wall. Of course, in our age of progress, there are enough such multimedia combines on the market for the eyes, but few offer such a complete set of functions for such a humane price of $ 130. What can I say if in the box with the speakers you will find an optical cable, bolts for mounting the speakers on the wall, and even batteries for the remote control. Probably, only a grandmother can be more caring.

Being one of the heaviest systems in this class (weight 12.3 kg), the Microlab FC-730 does not have the largest power reserve - only 84 watts. This is actually the average room temperature for systems 5.1. However, ever since the days of the legendary Solo series, Microlab has taught that their stories are not about volume, but about quality. The quality of the materials, the quality of the assembly and, of course, the quality of the sound. And the FC-730 are no exception.

First, the system has a separate audio amplifier. On the one hand, this complicates the placement of the system in the room, on the other hand, it positively affects the character of the sound - the company's engineers could focus on the quality of the amplifier, and not think about how to cram a bunch of extra parts into the subwoofer cabinet. Secondly, the subwoofer itself is made of an unusual ferrite-strontium alloy, which is much more familiar to Hi-Fi acoustics than computer speakers.

In practice, it sounds much clearer and more collected than a conventional subwoofer with a plastic (polypropylene) cone. To be honest, the FC-730 has one of the best basses of any 5.1 system designed for a computer. Perhaps, in terms of bass, only the S series from Edifier will be better, but there the prices are almost at the level of Hi-Fi systems. As for the mid and low frequencies, the FC-730 also has no problems with them. In general, the speakers sound bright, clear and balanced. Much higher than its price of $150.

History teaches that if it arrives in one place, then it must leave somewhere. In the case of the FC-730, this applies to truly Spartan equipment - there are remote control bullets with the ability to adjust low frequencies and that's it. No Bluetooth, no flash drives, no wall mounts are provided here. Yes, and connecting only with the help of RCA "tulips" somewhat limits the functionality of the system. Plus, the wires for connecting are a bit short and they may not be enough for a large room. But on each of the satellites, the subwoofer and the center channel there are protective nets so as not to inadvertently damage the speaker.

All this makes the Microlab FC-730 an interesting option for those who are looking primarily for a reliable and high-quality multi-channel system that will be remembered for its bright sound, rather than rich functionality.

The Logitech Z-906 are super heavyweights. Not like in boxing and fights without rules, but like the Hulk or Thanos. The power of each channel of the system is 67 W, the power of the subwoofer is 165 W. In total, everything draws 500 watts. For comparison, most 5.1 format computer systems are limited to 80-90 watts. What is especially cool is that such power fits in a relatively compact size. All of these factors move the Logitech Z-906 from the "tolerant multi-channel gaming audio" category to the real wall-shattering home theater.

This thesis is confirmed by standard cinema stuff like coaxial and optical inputs, wall mounts for satellites, a 3D processor for converting a stereo signal into 5.1, as well as support for Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS multi-channel decoders. You rarely see such a set in acoustics with a price tag of just under $500. At the same time, the entire system is assembled and adjusted to each other, there is no need to fill your head with thoughts about whether this receiver will make friends with these speakers.

The kit itself consists of standard four satellites, a center channel, a subwoofer and a separate control unit that helps to set up multi-channel sound. For example, reconfigure the balance of the system, divide the stereo signal into components for five satellites, etc. For complete happiness, the system lacks only a built-in equalizer. All of this can be controlled with the remote control.

It's hard to find fault with the sound of the system. The subwoofer with an 8-inch speaker pumps be healthy and can sound the low frequency range within 35 Hz. Satellites sound clear and accentuated, the center channel has a wide panorama and glues all one picture great. All together sounds very powerful and clean. Especially in multi-channel mode. In stereo mode, the Logitech Z-906 is good, but not as good. Yet the main purpose of this acoustics? - games and movies, not music. The only thing that slightly strains the sound of the system is the metallic overtone of the satellites, which manifests itself at high volume.