The market for quality speakers is flooded with everything from basic computer speakers all the way up to elaborate 7.1 THX-certified configurations. Heavy hitters include everyone from Logitech and Harmon Kardon, and even Bose produces high quality sets to help you get the best sound from your computer and audio devices.

In this review we will look at a brand new product from ASUS... the Cine5 PC speaker, which ASUS touts as the "World's most compact five channel speaker." In addition to the Cine5, ASUS sent over their XONAR D2X 7.1 channel PCI express sound card to use in conjunction with the Cine5. We looked at the XONAR D2X previously and gave it our "Highly Recommended" award, so we're hoping that the Cine5 speaker sounds great considering how well the D2X fared.



The promotional image above provides a quick glimpse of what the ASUS Cine5 is all about. Before we take a closer look at the sample provided for review, let's check out some of the features and specifications taken from the official product page on the ASUS website.

Features:

» True 5 channel surround sound
» Space saving compact design
» Up-mixing 2-channel sound to 5-channel sound
» Warranty: 1 year parts/labor

Specifications:

I/O and Control:
» 3.5mm jacks for multi-channel inputs
» Headphone output
» DC in / Power switch
» Volume knob / Mute button

Output Level:
» 28W max, 15W RMS

Frequency Response:
» 80~20KHz

Product Size(W*D*H mm):
» 373 x 100 x 100 (With metal stands)14.7" x 3.94" x 3.94"
» 373 x 100 x 80 (With rubber stands)

Package Contents:
» Cine5 Sound Bar Speaker x1
» Power adapter (12V/3A) x1
» 5.1 channel audio cable x1
» Rubber pad speaker stand x4
» Metal speaker stand x1
» User manual