Solid set for general surround usage.
Written: Aug 13 '00 (Updated Aug 20 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Surround sound great, PC audio reproduction good, easy setup
Cons: Muddled midrange, CD audio not-so-good, can't do high volumes.
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| webboy's Full Review: Creative Technology FPS2000 4 Speakers |
One of the dilemmas of buying new hardware, such as a sound card, is buying more hardware to support that new add-on. I did my research when it came time to retire my Sony 3-piece speaker system, and selected the PCWorks setup from Cambridge. I'm a music fan, and can definitely tell differences between speakers; I use my computer to play a good number of CDs and MP3s, in addition to games and such.
The setup was easy, if not unwieldy due to all of the cords. Depending on your room size, as well, the cords might not be long enough; my room is not large, yet I needed more cord from Radio Shack. Once hooked up, I spent about 25 minutes or so getting my SB Live! producing the sound I wanted. There are a myriad options for output - you can change male voices to female, etc. All are fully customizable and are only moderately useful... how many times do I want to hear Rollercoaster Tycoon underwater?
When it comes to music, the PCWorks settles at "very good" but not a home run. Bass and treble separation is not great, and the overall sound stage is a bit muddled. Midrange seems to get lost in the shuffle. Again, the sound isn't awful or even average, but it could stand to be better. Bass is not punchy as a result, but is good. Treble is excellent. There is no equalizer, which might border on nitpicking, and this setup can. not. handle high volumes. Repeat: can. not. Expect lots of clipping and distortion if you decide to rock out.
How's the surround? It's good, but very VERY dependent upon speaker placement. Expect to spend a few hours figuring where the speakers work best for your room and ears. Once it's setup, it'll blow you away if you've never heard it before! Wow. Music flies around you, sound effects are accurately placed, and all in all, it becomes an experience.
Construction is solid. My left front speaker is in an unfortunate position where it can get knocked over easily (ungh)... and it holds up fine. The subwoofer is a solid piece of furniture.
All in all, it's a very good setup, but not great. I might buy it again, but I imagine there are better choices out there.
[Appended 8.20.00: I just realized I called this setup the "PCWorks". That's a misnomer; I really do have the FPS2000 Digital.]
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
webboy
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Location: Denver, CO, USA
Reviews written: 20
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