Corsair SP2200 2.1 Gaming Speakers Review

Rob Williams · May 3, 2011

In our look at Corsair's SP2500 high-end speakers back in March, we were left impressed by the quality offered - especially for the company's initial offering. With its mainstream SP2200, priced at $100, the company had quite a job at hand to make sure that users received a perfect balance of features and audio quality. Has it succeeded?

Take a look through Jamie's in-depth look at Corsair's SP2200 speakers, and then discuss it here!

Doomsday · May 4, 2011

why are Razer and Corsair Gaming speaker 2.1 when 5.1 gives better surround sound and immersion!?
These are affordable, so i might consider these if they become available!
I am kinda in the market for a new speaker system! For gaming ofcourse!

Tharic-Nar · May 4, 2011

It mainly comes down to space. 5.1 only works if the speakers are setup properly and are balanced to create an accurate envelope of sound. If it's not setup correctly then you're often left with a ball of sound, rear sounds like side, center to the left, and so on. It gets even more tricky when you throw phase matching into the equation (it's possible for 2 speakers to cancel each other out, removing a directional cue), since it's not just about volume and distance that can determine the accuracy of a given direction.

Headsets are becoming more popular for 5.1 and 7.1 because you have better control over the environment. Plonking the two rear channel speakers in a surround sound set behind you and expecting accurate rear audio is wishful thinking. Plus, a lot of people either have a wall or empty space behind them, so you either need mounts or stands for the rear speakers, sticking them on the floor does little good.

Then there is a matter of audio quality. Which is going to sound better, a 2.1 or a 5.1 system for the same $100? Personally, i'd pick better sound quality over directional cues.

As for the marketing as a 'Gaming' set of speakers, then yes, you have a point, and one I raised in the last article with the SP2500's. Gaming really is about surround sound and spatial awareness, can't fake that with a 2.1 system. However, you can still get a pretty good grasp of your surroundings with stereo, since you end up with 3 channels; left, right and the combined center. If you hear something to the side, but can't see it, you know someone's sneaking up on you. Movies and environmental ambiance, then yeah, the rear speakers really add to the immersion.

As for these speakers in particular, they are more in line with a 'Desktop' set of speakers, due to the smaller profile. For the price point, these blow a lot of other speakers out the water. They are a lot more forgiving as well when it comes to integrated audio Vs. a dedicated card. But they are very niche, you can't use them for a home theater setup, the midrange just doesn't carry well enough over the distance. Put them on the desk, listen to music, movies, etc, in front of a monitor and you're golden. Go outside that comfort zone, then it will show its weaknesses.

Doomsday · May 4, 2011

very well explained!

I have a wall behind me and i have 2 of my rear speakers at the back. I really like having sounds and explosions coming from the back speakers, it really immerses me well! especially in movies!
Till some good set of speakers become available i'll just stick with my current ones!

Do any of the below listed speakers worth the upgrade from my current one?!?
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LOGITECH Z5450 DIGITAL