Creative Technology Inspire™ 5200 5 Speakers

Before I got these speakers I was borrowing Creative 4.1 speakers but using only two of the speakers. I wanted to have good surround sound for a little gaming but mainly for watching DVDs. Also I listen to a lot of music at my computer. I am using a Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum sound card.

I hungrily opened up the big box my speakers came in after my brother plonked it on my bed early birthday morning! I have to say they look far more chic than my previous boxy speakers. These had rectangular fronts which sloped back at the top and bottom. The stands which they were mounted on are shiny aluminium with rubber grippers attached. Also they are screwed on rather than sliding on to the speakers making them more secure. Another funky feature to please the customisers is the replaceable front grills. The sub-woofer is about 12 high by 6 inches wide and 12 deep. While it looks good when showing off it could present a problem for the space constrained. The speakers come with a handy wired remote to control volume and bass. It also has a headphones jack on it so you don t have to journey behind the sub-woofer to hunt for one. A myriad of wires plug into the sub-woofer creating a spaghetti junction of cables. Oh for wireless computing! Anyway I set up all the speakers and waited for the big moment.

The speakers worked fine from word go. The setup was easy and with just a click I changed from a two speaker setup to a 5.1 setup. The sound was, compared to what I had, stunning. In low to medium volumes it was crisp and detailed. At the highest volume there was still very little distortion. Games became more frightening, I would sometimes jump around in terror at footsteps behind me. Films were far more enjoyable with all the ambient sounds such as falling rain present. Listening to music was a pleasure as you are surrounded by a pocket of sound so clear you would nearly think it was be played right beside you.

These speakers have changed my computer from a chore station into an entertainment HQ. Whilst the serious audiophile would probably find fault with them, it s superb for those seeking to use their computer for entertainment. I find it hard to fault them though the center speaker seems to be is lifeless. One feature I would have liked is the ability to hook them up directly to a TV or DVD player. You could rout them through a computer but it would be complicated and messy.

So consider these speakers if your looking for excellent surround sound for playing games, watching DVDs or music listening. They are good value giving exceptional bang for your buck. Also look at the Creative s digital 5.1 speakers or for deeper pockets, Cambridge Soundworks 5.1.