Computer speakers 5.1 — the best choice

Microlab FC-730

The design of the Microlab FC-730 5.1, taking into account the fact that this is the most inexpensive kit in the review, is at its height. Speakers in MDF cases covered with vinyl "like a tree", with rounded edges, in combination with black removable fabric grills, look solid.

The engineers did not install electronics in the subwoofer housing, but added a remote amplifier unit to the kit. It can be placed directly on the table and the controls will be at hand: this is the system power button and a large volume control, in combination with an input selector. There are only two of them: analogue 5.1 and analogue stereo AUX. Since they are made on RCA connectors (tulips), almost any stereo audio source can be connected to them. In the upper part of the front panel there is an indicator showing the selector status, volume level, etc.

If the central unit of the system is located outside of direct access, a fully functional remote control is useful. However, the arrangement of the system may be complicated by the small length of the cables of the front speakers. But the rear is all right with this. The connection of the acoustics is implemented on the same RCA, everything will be fine with the polarity, it is only important not to confuse the input and output – this is fraught with breakdown of the sources connected to the FC-730 5.1.

The arrangement of the speakers does not cause problems, provided that there is a place for each one approximately at the same height from the floor. And you need to be careful with the subwoofer – it has a phase inverter port located on the back wall – so it is undesirable to move it close to the wall, you can lean the sub side against the wall, which will save space.

With not the greatest power, the Microlab FC-730 5.1 sounds quite clean and assertive for its price. In particular, this is achieved through the use of proprietary EAirbass technology, which improves the sound of low frequencies. The system uses midrange FineCone series, and the satellites have a two-band design, full-size tweeters with plastic membranes 2.5" in diameter are responsible for the upper frequencies. A good solution for the initial price category, which is usually used in higher-end acoustics, such as top-end stereo kits.

Sven HT-435D

In this kit, all electronics are housed in the active subwoofer housing. Therefore, you just can't do without a remote control – it is responsible for all the functions of the device. The control panel is integrated with the phase inverter port located on the front end of the sub. The display consists of several signal LEDs ("on" and "mode") placed next to the corresponding control buttons. At the same time, the subwoofer speaker is protected by a fabric grill and placed on the right side wall of the case. This is convenient for placing the sub directly on the table or on a shelf open on the right side. The outdoor placement option is not so good.

The design of the components is quite bright – a combination of the wooden texture of the MDF casing cladding with massive silver plastic overlays and speaker framing. The satellites are single—lane, almost cubic in shape and minimal in size — this is not bad for any placement. Two similar broadband speakers are installed in the central channel speaker.

The connection of the Sven HT-435D speakers is well thought out. All cables are removable. The output spring terminals are located on the back wall of the subwoofer and each speaker – it is easy and convenient to connect the wires. Naturally, there is a danger of mixing up the cables, but this one is unlikely to lead to a breakdown, and otherwise follow the instructions. This connection option allows you to use an alternative speaker cable of the desired length to any of the speakers.

On the common switching panel (on the back panel of the subwoofer), in addition to the analogue stereo audio input, there are two digital inputs – optical and coaxial . This means that a computer home theater will require a sound card with the appropriate output. And without it, you'll have to settle for a regular stereo. According to the "optics", the kit can receive a signal from a modern TV – an undoubted plus if you want to enhance the impression of watching, for example, a football match. In addition, there is a fuse port and a power switch on the back panel (the kit is switched to standby mode from the remote control).

The system produces a bright and confident sound. However, the situation is overshadowed by the presence of a background or a tip, expressed in a quiet low-frequency noise heard in pauses. Judging by the fact that the intensity of this effect is different (often it is simply not observed), you can try to fight it by changing the polarity of the plug in the power outlet, the placement of the subwoofer relative to wiring and electrical appliances, etc.

Genius SW-HF 5.1 6000 Price from 9 499 up to 16 552 ₴ →

The housings of this set are made of MDF laminated under a tree in one version (cherry). On the front panel of the subwoofer there is a control and display panel made of glossy black plastic. Unfortunately, the screen with blue backlight does not turn off. And the data on it appears large and visible from afar... but not from above. It's hard to make out anything from this angle. In addition, the panel has silver buttons for controlling modes and inputs, as well as a volume control. It works both simultaneously for the general volume level and separately by channels. There is a phase inverter port at the bottom, and the subwoofer speaker is mounted on the right side wall and protected by a grill.

The complete remote control duplicates all the control functions, it's just a pity that there is no Stand by among the modes. At the same time, after switching off (the switch is traditionally placed in the lower part of the back wall of the sub), the system "forgets" all the settings set and this case has to be dealt with anew every time. At the same time, even in the absence of an input signal, the radiator on the back wall is noticeably heated, and the indicator on the front is constantly shining.

All satellites are absolutely identical in design and geometry – two-lane, with a dome plastic tweeter, and the rear satellites have a simple wall mount at the back . Why then is it not at the same time on the front ones? Apparently, the engineers decided that only the rear acoustics should be mounted on the wall, and the front one should be placed on furniture.

Satellites have removable classic fabric grills, which are recommended to be removed for maximum sound quality, if only because the ports of phase inverters are located on the front panels. The speakers turned out to be quite bass – this allows you to get a high-quality "stitching" of their sound range with the parameters of the subwoofer.

The sound of the system can be characterized as clean and powerful, and so much so that some listeners want to reduce the low frequency level a little. At the same time, at any volume level, the system's own noises are virtually absent.

Switching Genius SW-HF 5.1 6000 is good: for fully removable speaker cables – spring terminals on the back of the subwoofer and acoustics. All inputs are analogue, on RCA connectors (tulips), one is 5.1 and two are stereo.

Edifier S550

The design of this kit can be characterized as "technocratic". This is a combination of a black surface with the effect of raindrops and silver details. The housings are made of high—quality MDF, all four are identical, with wall mounts and round damping rubber feet for various installation options. Satellite mounting grills are mounted on chrome-plated metal pins. The presence of a silk tweeter presupposes high-quality reproduction of the high-frequency range.

The subwoofer body has an almost cubic shape, where a speaker is installed on the front side under a perforated steel black curly grill. Passive radiators are placed on its two side faces.

The system sounds clean and accurate, demonstrating excellent bass (for systems of this class) and a sufficient power reserve, with the ability to voice a large room. Negative moments, sometimes inherent in similar configurations, are not observed – there are no intrinsic noises by ear. Setting up a low-frequency speaker does not cause complaints, it sounds as it should "out of the box".

On the back panel of the subwoofer there is a massive dual cooling radiator. There is also switching: analogue outputs of RCA input signals – 5.1 and stereo AUX. Although the Edifier S550, according to the developer, is equipped with a fully digital amplifier path with a digital DSP sound processor and a DRC dynamic range control system, there is no digital switching here. Below on the back panel there is a switch (Stand by mode is not provided), a cut for a removable power cable and a fuse.

Another detail in the switching is a cut, resembling a D–sub, it is designed to connect a wired remote control. The wireless remote control is also included, it provides full control of the system, but the wired one is more convenient, due to the presence of a rotating volume control and a system status display panel . But there is no indication on the subwoofer. The wired remote control is equipped with a stand, thanks to which it can be placed in any suitable place – a successful solution that allows, in particular, if desired, to place the subwoofer in a convenient location.

Logitech Z-906 Price from 12 400 up to 16 499 ₴ →

The Z-906 from Logitech is the most "computer" acoustics in the review. Her satellite housings are made of plastic and are the most compact of the kits under consideration. They use broadband speakers protected by non-removable perforated metal gratings. What is perceived from a distance as a tweeter is actually a record with the THX logo. Logitech Z–906, the only one of all review kits, is certified according to the standard of this "cinema" international organization. The speaker of the central channel differs from the others only in the absence of this nameplate – it is logical, since it will have to be installed horizontally. In addition, the difference is in the wall mount. By the way, it is worth considering that it is made for Logitech Z-906 satellites with an inch thread, which is more common in the West than in our region.

The subwoofer is built using a long-stroke eight-inch speaker located in the front wall of the cubic housing. The nozzle of the phase inverter is located on the right wall. The subwoofer, traditionally, contains all the electronic hardware. In particular, Class D amplifiers are installed in the system – this means that the current consumption will be lower than that of models with conventional amplifiers. In addition, the system accepts Dolby Digital or DTS format signals, and can also convert stereo into spatial sound. In terms of the number of input switching, the Logitech Z-906 is a true champion. It includes several analogue and digital inputs, including a coaxial and two optical ones.

The remote control and display console looks good. On its front panel there is a large level control knob, several buttons and a pleasant, understandable at first glance, LED indication. There is also an IR receiver of a wireless remote control, also made conveniently and concisely.

The sound of the system is quite accurate, but restrained in its own way. In some tracks, there is an inaccuracy in the reproduction of the highest or lowest ranges, which is insignificant in the soundtrack of movies and games. With increased power, distortion increases slightly, while the power reserve (up to 500 watts, of which 165 is for the subwoofer) is large enough for ordinary residential premises and it is unlikely to be noticeable. In general, this flagship Logitech speaker kit does not sound perfect, but it is much more impressive than conventional computer speakers.