Price Paid:  $80.00 from best buy

Summary:
This system sounds OK for the price, but there are way better systems out there with better power handling and better quality components. You can not really expect exceptional performance out of plastic speakers. The sub is a wood cabinet however, and it provides average bass.

Strengths:
Small satellites will fit on your desk without taking up too much space.

Weaknesses:
Low power handling,speakers distort at too low volumes, sound is not full, downfiring satellites drown out mid range sounds

Similar Products Used:
jbl computer speakers

Price Paid:  $79.00 from Future Shop

Summary:
A great buy fo the price... the subwoofer delivers good low bass and the heights from the satellites are pretty good. you really have to crank up this system to get distortion from the satellites.

Strengths:
solid deep bass..... pretty loud and satellites are small so they fit on your desk without taking up too much space.

Weaknesses:
Subwoofer needs independant bass adjustment control.

Similar Products Used:
Winex SB-623m

Price Paid:  $30.00 from Staples

Summary:
These speakers rock. I'm a college student and I have a stereo but wanted something right on my desk. So I'd seen these things before and then I found them on sale at Staples for $30. The sound is crisp, the bass is deep, the controls are right there on the speaker (volume/bass level/treble level). I'm not quite an audiophile but I know what sounds good. I listen to mostly thrash metal and these speakers are very clear from the bassline to the cymbals. I was skeptical about the downfiring three-inchers but they spread out the midrange well, while the tweeters focus high frequencies. Overall, I love these speakers. I got them on an incredible sale; they were normally $60 - $80.

Strengths:
Good sound in all ranges, cool design, good controls, built in power adapter (no big box on the plug), room-filling sound (ok, dorm room, bad example, but still), solidly built subwoofer (though it won't shake your neighbor it sounds very good), easy setup.

Weaknesses:
When listening to soft music or when the speakers are on without sound playing, there's a low but audible amount of static and a low hum if it's quiet in the room. It probably won't piss you off unless you're an audiophile.

Similar Products Used:
Creative Inspire 4.1 (borrowed), minisystems, Gateway 2000 two-way computer speakers

Price Paid:  $80.00 from CompUSA

Summary:
I bought these speakers for gaming on my pc. I have since moved them off my computer and use them for my boombox instead. I really like them. The highs are tight, and the bass is deep. Great for a aptartment or bedroom.

Strengths:
Everything listed above

Weaknesses:
When turned up REALLY loud, satellites begin to distort. They should have a bass controll that does not affect the subwoofer.

Similar Products Used:
JBL Pro computer speakers

Price Paid:  $150.00 from Futureshop

Summary:
I have had these speakers for nearly a year now. I am a high schoold student who wanted some decent speakers for my PC since I was getting tired of lugging mini-system around. Although these speakers are listed under home theater speakers, I would not bother with them in a home theater setup. These speakers only put out fair power with the 6.5 inch having 18 watts and the two satellites having 6 watts each. Even though these speakers may seem weak they are more then enough for the typical PC setup. The satellites have a slim profile because the 3 inch mid drivers are downfiring so the speakers look like an overturned wine glass. The subwoofer is quite large which is good. This sub puts out great bass for a PC setup. Like the mid drivers, the subwoofer is of the downfiring variety which(to my understanding) means it is capable of more volume and feedback with less power. This system is great for games and listening to mp3s. It excels in classical and techno but isn''t the best for blasting music.

Strengths:
Good bass and clarity, compact satellites

Weaknesses:
no headphone jack, satellite can be moved easily.

Similar Products Used:
some cheap labtec speakers