Cyber Acoustics CA-4400 E

Multi-channel amplified speaker sets seem to get smaller and cheaper and this 4.1 set-up (four satellites and a subwoofer) from Cyber Acoustics is no exception. At less than £40, the CA-4400 E must be one of the cheapest systems available in the UK for connection to a four-channel sound card.

Subwoofer/satellite speaker systems are based on the principle that our ears cannot distinguish the direction from which low frequencies emanate, hence you can load all positional information in smaller speakers and pump all the bass through a single large drive unit optimised for low frequencies.

This principle has been stretched to the extreme, as nearly all subwoofers carry frequencies well above the point at which our ears can tell what direction the sound is coming from. This is especially true here, as the subwoofer has a drive unit just 4cm in diameter.

However, if you ignore this drawback - and it's shared by speaker sets over twice this price - the CA-4400 E acquits itself well considering its modest cost.

The subwoofer has a down-facing driver and port opening and, while it hardly flaps your trouser legs, it's remarkably composed, even when the volume is cranked up.

The four satellites, equipped with generous cable lengths, are crisp and sharp. The front right speaker also houses the volume and front/rear balance controls.

We tested the set-up with the Terratec DMX 6fire 24/96 in four-speaker mode, complete with Power DVD outputting Dolby Digital in this configuration, and the results were perfectly adequate for multimedia use.

You wouldn't want to watch a movie from your sofa like this but, in front of a computer monitor, it's just fine.

While the subwoofer loses some meat in action games such as Quake III Arena, it's great for more cerebral games like Ghost Recon as the rear speakers really add to the experience.

Price: £39.99 (inc. VAT)

Contact: Centerprise International 01256 378 222
www.cyberacoustics.com

See also:

Logitech Z560 surround sound speakers

With slick looks, cool styling and a sound to match, the Z560 is a fine speaker system.  07 Jun 2002

Creative Inspire 5.1 5700

One of the best surround-sound set ups for your PC.  07 Mar 2002

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