Inexpensive speakers that would satisfy the ears of an audio buff. Flexible and easy to use. Simply the best at its price range.

A more attractive looking volume control would be nice.

If I remember correctly, "Soundworks" was the first powered PC-multimediaspeakers that Cambridge Soundworks sold. Designed by the late Henry Koss in the 1990s, this little speaker system is one of the audio market's best kept secrets. For its price - the price has since dropped from $120 to $70 -"Soundworks" delivers more bang-for-the-buck than another other speakers, powered or not powered, that you can get at this price range. Although I no longer own a "Soundworks" system (I've upgraded to mid-level audiophile speakers), I still often recommend the "Soundworks" to friends and acquintances who are looking for a cheap, flexible and great sounding stereo system. The "Soundworks" is a three piece powered speaker system that includes two small full-range cube shaped satellites and a small bass unit that also houses a built-in amplifier. The satellites comes with detachable "feets" and are also wall mountable. The bass unit has a bass volume control that allows the user to adjust bass output independently from the overall volume of the satellites and bass unit combined. The system's volume is controlled via a small dial that is attached to the system's headphone-type input jack. The "Soundworks" can be plugged into any audio device with a headphone output jack. Alternatively, the "Soundworks" could also be connected to RCA-type outputs using RCA-to-headphone adaptor cables. These cables are available at most audio accessories stores such as Radio Shack. Sonically, the "Soundworks" achieves a tonal balance and sound quality that most other PC-multimedia and entry level stereo systems lack. Unlike many entry level systems, the "Soundworks" does not suffer from over emphasized-bloated bass or grainly sounding trebles. Vocals are quite smooth and well balanced. Although the size of the drivers ultimately limits the system's extension for both low and high frequencies, the "Soundworks" does a remarkable job of masking these limitations. Sure, you will not hear the lowest notes of a pipe organ on the "Soundworks," however you would not be missing the exciting "essence" of that old rock n' roll recording that is often uncaptured by poor quality speakers. The bottom line is this: the "Soundworks" is one of the best speakers for its price. You could hardly go wrong with purchasing this system if $70 is all you have to spare for speakers.

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Really good sub Compact Build quality Inexpensive

Volume Control

This is probably the best 2.1 system I've seen at this price (and higher). The build quality is excellent, sound quality is phenomenal and you can find them at very low prices. I currently use them in a dorm room, and this system can really fill it with sound. When I was looking for computer speakers, I wanted something at a low cost that could provide sound quality comparable to my main system (at end of review). One of the most surprising things about this set is that the bass is extremely well defined, virtually regardless of frequency. The sub is non-directional, so you can put it on the floor out of the way, saving a lot of desk space. The satellites are compact and have produce a My only complaint is that the volume control is pretty useless at adjusting low volume levels, acting more like an on-off switch than anything else. My main system- H/K 3270 Sony ES changer (cdp-ca70es) Klipsch SB3

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CSW PC Works H/K Champagne Flute system H/K 395 (sat/sub set for computers)

Small satellites can be placed just about anywhere; when balanced and set-up properly sounds great

"Subwoofer" can't be pushed too loudly with material containing low frequencies; placement can be tricky to get best blend of sounds

I received these speakers with high expectations. For the size and price I can proudly say they were met. No, you can't push them too loud as the "sub" bottoms out quickly but I found it to work best in a small bedroom as a second system. There's definitely a gap in frequencies that make it sound thin, but we're talking about 2 in. sat. drivers! All in all very satisfied and recommend them as a high-quality alternative to boomboxes or shelf systems.

Excellent sound quality, perfect to go with any creative live or audigy cards.

I wish that it would have a headphone port.

I couldnt be more happy, purchasing such quality speakers for a decent price.

The biggest draw for these speakers is the quality that can be had at an affordable price. There are many options out now for surround computer speakers, but I have experience with only this one. I couldn't be happier though. True, each satellite is pitifully powered, but that's ok considering that most of the time, one is seated only a couple feet away from them. This is why one can get away with such low powers on computer speakers. At these low levels, which really sound quite loud when you're seated amid four of them, games sound awesome, especially those with Environmental Audio. DVD's also sound excelent.

The tripods provided for supporting the rear speakers are flimsy and much too short to be of any use.

This is certainly not for a true-bred audiophile, but it is leaps and bounds better any default computer sound package.

Great value is all I can say for these speakers. I have been very impressed with all of the CSW multimedia speakers. I actaully own the fps2000, which are the four point versions of these speakers and they sound great.

Not the most powerfull speakers by far, and the mid range bass leaves a little to be desired.

If you are looking for a set of very good 4 point surround computer speakers for your computer room or dorm room, I highly reccomend these. For about $120 you can get a set of speakers that nocks the crap out of similarly priced set ups. These sound better than $300 stereos. However, these should not be compared to *real* stereo equipment, multi thousand dollar speakers are no comparrison.

Great Sounds -- perfect for low level listening environments

Volume control; Spotty Service

Great little unit! This is the perfect thing for a dorm room or an office, where you won't or can't play music at high volume, but you still want great reproduction and substantial bass. The separate amplification for the satellite speakers and the bass on this unit allows the system to have a clean, open sound, and fairly good bass dynamics and tracking at moderate volumes. Since the bass level is adjustable (and THAT control is excellent), you can listen at very low volumes so as not to disturb your roomates or officemates, and yet retain a visceral and musical feeling of bass. However, the volume control (which is a recent innovation -- earlier units had no volume control at all and you had to rely on the headphone control on your portable CD or MD player) feels cheap (which is OK at $99) but, more importantly, is very nonlinear at low volumes. Its one of those things where at low volumes, you are given a binary choice between silence and a level that's just a little too loud. You can tweak it to get it right, but it is sometimes annoying when you are trying to get the volume to just the right level.

But these things sounds great on a variety of music. I listen mostly to classical (including a lot of choral stuff), blues and electronica. Obviously on the electronica, I like being able to get the bass to a tactile level even at very low volumes, and this is what Soundworks is very good at. On the classical, I mind that busy pieces can get a wee bit muddy in the bass and that the high end response is just a bit lacking, giving an overall dark coloration, but midrange and upper midrange performance is just dandy -- great for reproduction of saxes, for instance. Listen to Cleanhead Vinson's "I Want a Little Girl" and you get a sense of what these babies can do with dynamics and soundstage. It ain't bad!

Although these will play at volumes that should fully satisfy people who are listening while doing other things, they don't replace a critical listening system. They run out of gas fast when you try to make them very loud. However, for their application, I think you can't get anything like them in this price class. BTW, except for the volume control, fit and finish are just great.

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Price. Sound. Quality. Ability to adjust subwoofer output.

Subwoofer does not have a passover- voices come out of subwoofer. Speakers may be a little bright for some

I listened to several computer speaker systems at large retails stores. Most places had the Cambridge PC Works, only a few had the SoundWorks SoundWorks. I was able to play different speaker companies against each other. These SoundWorks SoundWorks could not be matched by others. The awards which Cambridge has won with these speakers is well justified in my view. I like the volume control on a cord, this allows the option to place the speakers farther back of the computer screen. The speakers might be a little bright (plenty of tremble) for some, I do get a little tired of this and find myself not listening to music as long as I normally would. Purchased my set from HiFi.com for $79 w/free shipping.

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Bostons

The MegaWorks 210D delivers audiophile "quality" sound !
270 Watts hybrid amplifier/150Watts 8" subwoofer.
High quality drivers, amplifier circuity, beautiful enclosure.

Inexpensive

I owned the Cambridged SoundWorks (CSW) Micro Works III for almost three years. Then, recently I purchased the new CSW Sub/Sat multimedia speaker system "MegaWorks 210D". I hooked it up to my home PC and I was immediately "stunned", audiophile-dream-come-true "high-end audio" in a PC environment ? YES, YES ! It's true.

I owned other CSW products; Model 88 clock radio, PC Works speakers, MusicWorks audio center; all CSW products are unbelievable. The founding father of CSW, Henry Kloss is an American legend in hi-fi. It's unfortunately the average consumer is not familar with CSW brand name.

I listen to music on the PC 60% of the time; thus the MegaWorks 210D is a welcome addition.

I encourage everyone to replace their PC speakers with Cambridge Soundworks multimedia speaker system. If you are an audiophile give the MegaWorks 210D a test drive. Trust me you will not be disappointed.

Happy listening,

steve

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Cambridge SoundWorks Micro Works III Sub-woofer/Satelite system.

I purchased this sometime last year (around May 98'). I was really impressed by the sound quality that this little setup had to offer. The amount of base that came out of the 4" woofer (I believe it is 4", but don't quote me on that). I can honestly say that the value is high (high quality relative to low cost). I cannot relate its quality in a relative sense since I have not sampled any other systems of this caliber and purpose, however in an absolute sense - AWESOME! This product sometimes goes for $99 from CSW, so try it if you can obtain this price.