The AU$900 DTT3500 speaker system may be pricey, but the sound you'll
receive from these six speakers is definitely worth the money. The
DTT3500 offers clean mid- and high-range sound, along with impressive
bass response from the 30-watt subwoofer. Setting up the system is a
lengthy process that can try your patience, but the end result may be
the best speakers available for your PC.
It's easy to run out of superlatives when talking about Cambridge SoundWorks' awesome DeskTop Theatre 5.1 DTT3500 Digital speaker system. This fabulous six-cabinet system isn't cheap, but it delivers what is arguably the best desktop 5.1-channel surround sound we've heard.
Like Cambridge's earlier 5.1 systems, the DTT3500 uses four of the company's tiny MicroWorks satellites to reproduce the left and right front and rear-surround channels and a slightly larger SoundWorks speaker for the critical front-centre channel. It also includes an outboard multi-channel decoder module and a newly designed 1200-cubic-inch wooden subwoofer.
The system also ships with over 70 other accessories and components, including high-quality, one metre high rear-speaker stands, several types of satellite-mounting hardware, generous lengths of speaker wire, rubber feet and a comprehensive selection of analog- and digital-interface cables. A wireless remote lets you adjust volume levels, play test signals, select inputs and set multi-channel playback modes, and the bundle even includes detachable faceplates that make it possible to position the decoder box either horizontally or vertically on your desk.
We tested our evaluation unit on a 450MHz Pentium II testbed equipped with Creative Technology's Ovation PC-DVD 12X DVD-ROM drive and Sound Blaster Live! Platinum 5.1 sound board. Whether we were playing DVDs, audio CDs, MP3 files or four-channel games, the DTT3500 satellites generated a clean, uncoloured mid-range and smooth, extended high end. At the highest listening levels, they began to exhibit a bit of harshness, a problem likely caused by overdriving the speakers' modest amplifiers. Nonetheless, at all but ear-splitting levels, the satellites consistently produced stunning output.
The DTT3500's massive subwoofer was just as impressive. Despite a seemingly underpowered 30-watt amp, it produced wall-shaking bass that was even deeper, tighter and louder than the excellent output generated by previous Desktop Theater subs. It blended seamlessly with the satellites and, although rated down to 20Hz, our test unit produced significant output at frequencies nearly half an octave lower.
Setting up any 5.1 system can be a chore, but the DTT3500 was more troublesome than most. It took us nearly an hour to assemble its tripod-style surround-speaker stands, attach bases to the front satellites, run cabling around the room, position each cabinet for optimal balance, and hook up the complex decoder box. Adding to the confusion was the DTT3500's large selection of input options, which let you simultaneously hook up analog, S/PDIF and optical interfaces to multiple devices like audio-ready computers, Sony PlayStation 2 consoles and standalone MiniDisc, audio CD and MP3 players.
Learning to operate the decoder was even trickier. Manipulating the various input selection, audio mode and multi-speaker surround-mode settings was confusing and, although an addendum inserted into the printed manual eventually helped us figure everything out, we had trouble at first telling whether we were even listening to 4.1, 5.1 or enhanced stereo output.
The good news is that, once the system was properly configured, its superb surround output made all the setup hassles seem trivial. If you can afford it, we know of no system that better reproduces the experience of watching a feature film in a state-of-the-art theatre auditorium.
Cambridge SoundWorks DeskTop Theatre 5.1 DTT3500
Company: Creative Labs
Ph: 02 966 66100
Fax: 02 966 66900
Price: AU$899
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