With the arrival of DVD the interest of DD 5.1 has increased significantly and unlike those who own laser disc players or have a standalone DVD player in the living room, most computer owners doesn't want to spend $1000 on speakers. That's why Cambridge SoundWorks, a wholly owned subsidiary of Creative in late 1998 decided to put together a very inexpensive ($300) DD 5.1 system targeted at computer buyers, called Desktop Theater 5.1 (DTT 5.1). While many audiophiles just laughed at the tiny speakers and low power output many PC users found it offered a great sound experience for their DVD movies when used with a PC. While many liked the system most still wished for a system with more power and better sound quality using some of Cambridge SoundWorks better quality speakers.

In the fall of ‘99 Creative decided to do a major upgrade and released the Desktop Theater 5.1 DTT2500 Digital. The DTT2500 features 7 watts driving each of the 2.5" long throw drivers found in the front and rear satellites, 21 watts driving an identical center channel and 20 watts driving a 51/4" woofer for the subwoofer. This system garnered many positive reviews most thanks to good, but not excellent quality, sound matched with the mostly flexibility and convenience found in a hardware Dolby Digital 5.1 / 4.1 gaming system. This flexibility and convenience even now remains unmatched by other companies. Even so there were many, including us, calling out for more quality, in particular from the subwoofer. Many people also had a wireless remote high on their wish list for Creative’s next system. With the goal of answering those calls Creative has released the DTT3500.

On paper we find the same satellites with 2.5 inch drivers that are found on the DTT2500 with a new 3 inch driver in the center channel. The subwoofer is quite different with a larger cabinet featuring a larger port and a 6 inch driver driven by 30 watts RMS. The output power to the other channels is unchanged from the DTT2500. In terms of features there is a new wireless remote and a bevy of new features on the amplifier/decoder including 5.1 DIN input for gaming with the Sound Blaster Live 5.1, a midnight mode for Dolby Digital decoding. An optical SPDIF input was also added to go with the COAX SPDIF input found on the DTT2500. The best part is the price was held steady at $299.99. As you may have already seen in our early impressions we think the changes were all for the better and are particularly impressed with the new subwoofer’s performance at low to moderate volumes. Now after an extended evaluation we are set to tell you in detail how the system measures up for music, games and movies.

Abit SP50

Altec Lansing ACS 56

Altec Lansing ACS 54

Altec Lansing ADA880 Dolby Digital

Altec Lansing ATP3

Boston Acoustics BA4800

Boston Acoustics BA7500

Cambridge Soundworks FPS1000

Cambridge SoundWorks FPS2000 digital

Cambridge SoundWorks 2.1 Digital

Cambridge SoundWorks DeskTop Theater 5.1 DTT2500

Cambridge SoundWorks DeskTop Theater 5.1 DTT3500

Cambridge SoundWorks MegaWorks 510D

Diamond Audio Technology ProMedia 3205

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1

Klipsch ProMedia 4.1

Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 Initial Review

Labtec APX 4620 Review

Labtec Edge-418 Flat Panel

Labtec's LCS-2514

Logitech SoundMan Xtrusio DSR-100

Logitech Z-560 Initial Review

MidiLand MLi-490

MidiLand S4-7100

MidiLand S4-7100 Plus

Monsoon MM-1000

Monsoon MM-2000

Philips MMS305 4.1 Initial Review

Polk Audio AMR-150

Polk Audio AMR-130

Videologic Sirocco

Videologic Sirocco Pro

Videologic DigiTheatre 5.1

VideoLogic DigiTheatre DTS

Videologic Sirocco Crossfire