If you?re in the market for some new speakers for your bedroom or study computer, the SP2200 PC speaker system from California-based Corsair can be a good option. This provider of innovative, high-performance components to the PC gaming market arrived on the audio scene with the HS1 USB gaming headset, expanding their product range further with the introduction of two new 2.1 PC speaker systems. While we have looked at the high-end SP2500 model previously, it is time to review the mid-range SP2200 2.1 PC speaker system. This is because it is making a lot of buzz in the market these days and given its price at R5,500, it is sure to draw in consumers with its interesting features.
The entire package, comprising a sub-woofer, twin satellites, audio cables and the in-line power supply, came to us in a large cardboard box, featuring specific specification information and product images on its sides. Basically, there is a 3.5 mm stereo cable integrated into the right-hand satellite designated for the PC; a separate twin ended 3.5 mm stereo cable is included for use with the front AUX port so that we can attach a portable audio device to them. Also included is a RCA cable for hooking the speakers directly to a DVD player, television or games console.
Installation was a seamless affair. I simply connected the left speaker via RCA to the sub, the right via DIN and then connected the SP2200 to a range of audio sources ?laptop, iPod Shuffle, mobile phones, DVD player?via the RCA cable or 3.5 mm connectors. I plugged in the power and waited for the magic to begin.
With a healthy 46 watts, including 30 watts dedicated to the sub-woofer, the SP2200 2.1 PC speaker system delivers. The side-firing sub-woofer employs a true 6-inch powered driver?no passive or pressure drivers here?for serious gaming punch, and the satellites give you precise stereo imaging and a generous sweet spot.
If desk space is important to you, then nothing should be bigger than it needs to be. The compact satellites are acoustically tuned for detailed audio reproduction without
relying on large enclosures. The sub-woofer has a wood construction with dimensions of 23.1 x 25.2 x 18 cm. It is small enough to put on your desk?or, put it out of the way on the floor, but will definitely be heard.
Ditto for each satellite, which is of light-weight construction with dimensions of 12.7 x 9.1 x 14.2 cm. They have a plastic outer shell, a metallic finish to the front panels and each driver has a circular piano black surround with a mesh covering. The 5 cm drivers in the satellites are rated at 8 watts each, bringing the total system power to 46 watts RMS with a frequency response of 40 Hz ? 20 kHz (+5/-5dB, -10dB @ 35Hz).
Strictly at a user level, I believe that the SP2200 is meant for gamers who want a compact system. I am myself a big fan of motor racing games and thus it was obvious for me to check out SP2200 on the Gran Turismo 5. While GT5 is a brilliant game in its own, I was able to recreate close to the real sound emanating from a traditional racing circuit. The SP2200 does a fantastic job of reproducing the audio from cars, which range from the humble VW Golf GTI to the Pagani Zonda to the Lamborghini and even NASCAR ones. The speakers were able to handle everything the game threw at them.
The overall design of SP2200 is very good. Be it gaming, watching movies or enjoying music, they produce quality audio with plenty of clarity. Techies at Corsair have indeed done a good job while designing the speakers.