Price Paid:  $40.00 from CSW

Summary:
All I have to say is, for the size and cost of these speakers, WOW! I didn't know 21 watts could get you so far. I own a Megaworks 210D as well, and the PCworks really sounds almost as good, it just cant play as loud at all. But thats comparing a 270 watt system to a 21 watt one. If your looking for computer speakers, or even small speakers for a stereo, PCworks is amazing. I love comparing them to my brothes stereos..a Sony and a Magnavox. They sound fine..untill you listen to the PCworks... If you're trying to decide between PCworks and other speakers for the same price, BUY PCWORKS! If any audiophile says they are not good speakers, tell him/her so stop comparing them to $300 speakers...which the PCworks can come verl close to sometimes. These speakers never stop to amaze me! I wish the rating scale went past 5, I'd give these speakers a 10 in a heartbeat!

Strengths:
-Amazing sound in general, Insane sound for their price and size. -Lots and lots of full, deep bass...9 watts never sounded so loud. -Extremely small, sub can be placed anywhere and the satallites couldnt be smaller. -Long wires, they are attached to the speakers though, but why would you ever need to put them farter apart then what it comes with?

Weaknesses:
For their price, NONE AT ALL! --If you want to compare them to something like a Megaworks, ($200 more...) the PCworks cannot play as loud. The Megaworks will make you want to throw up and make your ears bleed though it gets so loud. As long as your not trying to fill a house, PCworks is amazing!

Similar Products Used:
CSW Megaworks 210D

Price Paid:  $25.00 from hifi.com on eBay

Summary:
Once in a while, a real gem shows up on the market - often very unassuming to the point that you might pass over them. That would definitely be a mistake with these very compact speakers, as they must be one of the best values in a PC speaker on the market! Bass is robust, treble is crisp, and ultimate volume output is surprisingly loud. In fact I moved my pair from PC duty to RP HDTV duty (using the internal speaker system for center channel duty) and hid the little satellites of the PC Works behind drapes. Nobody is the wiser! Clearly a nice little system for many applications. Give them a try!

Strengths:
Robust bass, very small cube satellites, very affordable price.

Weaknesses:
Can be too brilliant when aimed at your ears at a PC - solved by aiming away.

Similar Products Used:
Larger CSW/Creative PC speakers. HK 695 PC speakers. Various Altec, Labtec and Logitech products.

Price Paid:  $39.00 from Staples

Summary:
I had originally ordered a 480W satellite system with my new computer, but when I eventually got it the speakers looked (and sounded) from something you would get in a Cracker Jack Box. As a result, I headed down to the nearest Staples store looking for something to tide me over until I could get a decent pair of computer speakers. I sampled and resampled every set of speakers they had (about 15 in all) and couldn't believe the sound from these little freaks for the price they were going for. Folks, if you are talking "bang for the buck" these are the computer speakers to go with. Fantastic sound overall, but as mentioned in previous reviews, placement of the sub is key.

Strengths:
Powerful Bass

Weaknesses:
A Little weak in the mid-range

Similar Products Used:
Altec Lansing

Price Paid:  $50.00 from cambridge soundworks

Summary:
I have the PCWorks hooked up to a 13" Aiwa stereo TV in my kitchen via the headphone output on the TV. The difference in sound between them and the TV's internal speakers is dramatic. They'd probably do a good job with a portable CD/MD/CS as well. They do not take up much space and look pretty good (OK, the sub is plasticky - but solid). My only beef is that the speakers are hardwired - the wires go in to the speaker and that is that. This is a minor complaint. I am delighted with the sound I get out of the TV using these speakers and have gotten comments about it. I think they now (7/2001) sell for $40 - 10 less than I paid and a real bargain.

Strengths:
Excellent sound for the price

Weaknesses:
Speaker connections are hard-wired

Similar Products Used:
Various PC speakers

Price Paid:  $39.00 from hifi.com

Summary:
Mr. Wit - get real. You cannot compare PCworks (US$39.00) to even the lowest-priced of the models you mention (NHT SuperZero are about US$300/pair, *plus* they require a high quality amp to really perform, kicking it up to at least US$600).

If you are expecting to be able to favorably compare these speakers to systems costing *an order of magnitude* more, you are living on another planet.

I have a set of these in my home office, another set at work, and have recommended to various friends. For smaller rooms and moderate volume levels, *and with careful placement and adjustment of bass unit*, these are a STEAL. Yes, the MicroWorks is a lot better (great midrange compared to these), but it costs three times as much. I defy anyone to find a $40.00 set of speakers that sounds anywhere near these. I am giving a bunch more as gifts this year to my friends in dorm rooms or on a budget.

(FWIW, my reference system is Hales Revelation 2 speakers with a Bryston amp, and my bedroom system is CSW New Ensemble III with a Harman/Kardon receiver, so I have at least some experience shopping at a wide range of price points.)

Strengths:
Price/performance ratio; impressive resolution in upper mid and high

Weaknesses:
Almost no lower midrange

Similar Products Used:
Altec Lansing, HK desktop speakers