Labtec Turns Up the Volume

Labtec is turning up the heat with its new line of speaker systems, intended to appeal to all types of gamers and audiophiles. For the past few days, we've been listening to Labtec's systems and finding out what these latest offerings have in store for gamers.

At the high end of its lineup is the Audio F/X Theatre Series ATX-5820. The three-piece system comes with two monitor-mounted satellites with a 6" Max-X progressive suspension subwoofer. Labtec has refocused its efforts to best the competition by building its subwoofers in wood casings and directing the woofer itself at the ground. While the concept is relatively simple, the large subwoofer has enough energy to rattle the nerves of anyone living under your setup. The system also toots other features, like Virtual Dolby Surround and Spatializer 3D Imaging. On the right speaker, you'll find knobs for volume, treble, bass, and 3D stereo. You'll also find a button that will change the sound from stereo to surround, another button to alter surround sound, and jacks for a headphone and microphone. The system sounds amazing for what it is. But considering that this is the high-end offering, we were sad to see that the system didn't offer an option to connect rear channel speakers. Don't get us wrong - the system sounds amazing but for those looking to maximize their gaming, it would have been nice to be able to plug some rear channel speakers into the system's larger-than-life subwoofer. You can find the system on shelves for about US$199.99. For a full review of this set of speakers, you can also check out Loyd Case's in-depth review.

For those looking for surround-sound feeling from four speakers, the LCS-2514 offers four satellites, each with 4-watts RMS of power. And for bass, a 4" Max-X subwoofer driver with 15-watts RMS encased in a wood housing has enough power to give ample boom to your games (although you'll have to adjust the bass in your sound card's software, since the subwoofer lacks a level control). The company is offering its patent-pending, Real-Time Dynamic Bass Equalization technology to optimize bass with minimal distortion.

The 2514 system was developed for sound cards with the ability to output to four channels. It lets users control volume levels for the front and rear speakers with two volume controls on one of the front speakers. Instead of stands for its rear speakers, Labtec offers wall-mounting brackets to make sure users don't trip over the wires. For those without a wall close behind them, this may come as a slight problem, but the speakers definitely do sound more powerful than their closest competitor, so if you're looking for more power, these might fit nicely with your system. They sell for about US$79.99.

The high end of Labtec's three-speaker system, the LCS-2422, combines two 6-watts RMS, 3" satellites with a 20-watt, 5 1/4" Max-X subwoofer driver. The 2422 has power to burn for those looking to show off the power of their sound card, and the nice weight of the satellite will undoubtedly keep them in place on anyone's desk for $79.99.

For the technophile, Labtec also offers its own flat-panel system, the LCS-2416. Two 5-watts RMS satellites are matched to a 15-watt, Max-X subwoofer. Bass on the unit is as intense as the others in the company's lineup, but the satellites - like other flat panels - lack the aural depth of standard cone speakers. But for those looking for a minimum of desktop footprint or those who have deemed themselves purveyor of gadgets, the 2416 system is a good option for only $79.99.

From what we've seen, Labtec's new look and new speaker systems have ample sound for all your gaming and entertainment needs.