Thanks to the increasing popularity of four-channel game sound tracks and 5.1-channel Dolby Digital DVD audio (calling for five satellites and one subwoofer), the latest must-have feature for desktop sound systems is multichannel output. Only a few multichannel PC speaker systems are now on the market: The Cambridge SoundWorks DeskTop Theater 5.1 DTT2500 Digital is one. The DTT2500's 5.1-channel system ships with five standard SoundWorks mini-cube satellites, a 20-watt subwoofer, an outboard decoder module, and an array of cables, mounting hardware, and tripods for the rear speakers.
The DTT2500's flexible decoder supports both 5.1-channel Dolby Digital and 4.1 Dolby Pro Logic audio standards, as well as several proprietary modes that synthesize multichannel sound from stereo or mono input. It also accepts both analog and S/PDIF sources, although some of its multichannel formats work only with digital input. Sound quality is superb, which is no surprise from a system with components nearly identical to those of the SoundWorks Digital. The DTT2500 has competitive volume levels, sharp 3-D imaging, and a smooth, transparent midrange. We know of no better choice for playing multichannel sound tracks on a PC.
$300 street. Cambridge SoundWorks Inc., 877-937-4434, www.cambridgesoundworks.com. PC Magazine Rating: Excellent
