Video games have come a long way since the two-sticks-and-dot days of Pong, both visually and aurally. The stunning animation and graphics are nothing without great sound -- awesome 5.1 surround sound. While gaming sound is paramount, these 5.1 speakers can do double duty as speakers for movies and music. We rounded up the latest teeth rattling 5.1 gaming speakers that will have your neighbors think all hell has broken lose.
The contenders are:
- Logitech Z-5500 Digital
- Creative GigaWorks S700
- Spherex Xbox 5.1 Surround Sound System
- Klipsch ProMedia GMX D-5.1
The Test
For gaming sound, we played several games on the Xbox. I had to purchase the Advanced AV connector for digital audio out to get real digital 5.1 surround sound (none of this simulated Pro Logic II crap). For the movie test, we used our favorite scene, the opening beach battle in Saving Private Ryan. We also listened to several standard audio CDs.
Logitech Z-5500 Digital ($400) <Lab
Pick>
Long has Logitech been the darling of the gaming world with their Z-680 5.1 surround speaker system. Their latest offering, the Z-5500 Digital continues to impress with great sound, form, and function.
Setup is as easy as a hooker in Grand Theft Auto. The speaker cables are hardwired into the satellites and the ends are color-coded to match the corresponding port on the sub. Connect the control module and you’re ready to rock. I’m not too crazy about the hardwired speaker cables, which aren’t user replaceable. Damage a cable and you’re toast.
The Z-5500 boasts 500-watt of total power, with 188 watts reserved for the apocalyptic bass produced by a 10-inch subwoofer. For gaming, I could feel the explosions in the pit of my stomach and the ping of ricocheting bullets were crisp. Polling the LabRats, the Z-5500 finished tops for their rich and immersive sound. For overall sound quality, the Z-5500 Digital takes the prize.
With a smoke blue LCD display and a lustrous silver finish, the futuristic control module tops off the stylish look of the Z-5500 Digital speaker system. The LabRats voted the Z-5500 as the best looking speakers of our roundup.
With support for Dolby Digital (DD), Dolby Pro Logic II (PLII) and DTS and inputs (2 digital; 3 analog, 1 auxiliary) to simultaneously connect 6 different audio sources via the control module, the Z-5500 does it all. And you control it all from the comfort of the couch with the included remote.
Pro: Best sound of the bunch; great looks; easy setup; robust features
Con: A bit pricey; hardwired speaker cables
Spherex Xbox 5.1 Surround Sound System ($500)
Toronto based Spherex, Inc is the new kid on the gaming speaker block. They’ve partnered up with Microsoft to offer the new Xbox 5.1 Surround Sound System. Two key features make the Spherex speakers unique:
- Omnipolar Dispersion Technology radiates sound in a 360 degree pattern to engulf the listener to provide an immersive realistic sound.
- Direct Digital Amplification (DDX) converts digital audio directly into power without the need of a digital to analog conversion (DAC), allowing DVDs and CDs audio to remain digital from source to speakers.
Unlike the Z-5500, the speaker cables are not hardwired into the speakers. Each cable is rounded into RCA tips on both ends, making it easy to find replacement cables or increase length.
The $500 300 Watt speaker system delivers 100-watts to the 8-inch subwoofer. With its Omnipolar dispersion and DDX technology, the Spherex speakers finished a paper-thin close 2nd with sound quality. The immersive sounds made you feel in the middle of the action whether gaming or movie watching. The 100-watt sub is nothing to shake a stick at but didn’t have quite the oomph of the Logitech.
Feature for feature, the Spherex speakers rivals the Z-5500, supporting DD, DTS and PLII. Five independent audio sources can be independently connected (3 digital; 1 analog; 1 USB 1.1 device port) to the back of the sub to keep your desk cable clutter free. Oddly, there’s no central control module for switching between inputs. There’s a buttonless module displaying the input and volume, but to actually control anything you need a rather large TiVo-esque remote.
By and far, members of the Lab found the Spherex to be the least pleasing to the eye. With the satellite speakers looking like a mask used for fencing duels, the roly-poly speakers didn’t seem to hold its ground as steadily as the others.
Pro: Great immersive sound; feature-rich
Con: Expensive; unappealing style
Creative GigaWorks S700 ($400)
From MP3 players to speakers, Creative always produces great-sounding products. The Creative GigaWorks S700 5.1 surround speakers are no exception.
The 560-watt system with an 8” 210-watt subwoofer keeps it tied for 2nd place in our sound test. The most powerful speaker in our roundup, S700 produces ground shaking, make your ear bleed bass. Nothing comes close in the bass department.
The S700 sounded great for movies and tunes, but fell short in the gaming department. With its tremendous bass, it is better suited for larger rooms like the living room than a gamer’s enclave.
Not satisfied with 5.1? The S700 is upgradeable to 7.1 surround sound. Just plug in the $100 upgrade kit (just 2 extra satellite speakers) and you got awesome 7.1 surround! Woo-hoo! For now, there’s next to no content that supports 7.1, but future movies and games will include the capability. The S700’s can grow to meet your audio appetite.
The S700’s are geared for PC gaming. You’ll need the optional decoder box ($150) to connect to a console or other audio source. The module adds 5.1 decoding capabilities (DD; DTS; PLII) and inputs for three optical, three analog, and a coaxial connection. With the decoder, the S700’s are top notch. Hard core consolers might prefer to wait for Creative’s GigaWorks ProGamer G500.
Pros: Good speaker performance; best bass; easy upgrade to 7.1 surround
Cons: No decoder box; expensive especially with decoder box; miscast as gaming speakers
Klipsch ProMedia GMX 5.1 ($150) – (The Best Value)
I remember the Klipsch 5.1 speakers when they came with Alienware gaming rigs. Released in 2003, the Klipsch ProMedia GMX 5.1 and console gaming are a match made in audio gaming heaven.
The 6.5” 100-watt fiber-composite subwoofer just can’t push enough air for that chest-thumping bass like the others in the roundup. While gaming sounds are crisp, it didn’t match up in the movie sound test, finishing last in our Lab polls. For more bass, the GMX supports a second subwoofer via the SWS link.
The GMX 5.1 is really meant just for gaming. With support for DD and PLII and inputs for digital optical and digital coaxial, you can easily hook up your Xbox, PS2 or GameCube for instant digital 5.1 surround. The satellites can be adjusted around a 45 degree angle for optimal audio.
The only downer is the lack of DTS support but that’s really only important for watching movies anyway. PC games won’t appreciate the lack of a headphone jack on the GMX. Sounds odd to want headphones jacks on your speakers, but even gamers are neighbor conscious during late night frag sessions. All the others considered this in their design, why not Klipsch?
The entire design of the GMX 5.1 speakers is futuristic. With a semi-exposed MicroTractrix tweeter sitting on top of the horn, the silvery-gray satellite speakers look like the turbine engines of a 747 jet. The control module is a black flying saucer, lacking a volume control dial, instead opting for slow reacting up-and-down buttons. There is also no remote control. These speakers slide nicely into any gaming room but a poor fit for a living area.
At $150, the GMX 5.1 is by far the least expensive of the batch. Not powerful enough for movies but more than enough for gaming. Bang for the buck – the GMX 5.1 is the winner.
Pro: Best value
Con: Underpowered amp; poor control module; light on features (No headphone jack; no remote; No DTS)
