Physical Features (continued):
And, last but not least, we have a look at the cables used with the system.
The system is attractive with one minor flaw... The control panel. It is a little awkward to place on a desk due to the size of the unit, and because all of the cables from the speakers, sub, and the sound card come into it. While this may or may not present a problem for you, it is something you need to keep in mind.
Performance:
How does one represent the performance of speakers? I have seen many reviews of speakers for both computers as well as audio systems, and they generally will use all kinds of numbers involving frequencies, sound levels, distortion, etc. These are all very valid ways to do a review. However, they many not be the best. While in college I worked at a large electronics retailer for a few years (think red, not blue). For about a year I worked selling home audio, and it was there that I learned an important lesson. What sounds good to me, may not sound good to you. For example, I do not like the sound of Bose speakers, while others think they have the greatest sound they have ever heard. So it is armed with this knowledge I proceed with this review.
To compare the sound on the DHT-819Cs I used both a "standard" 2 speaker system, and another 5.1 surround sound system.
Test System:
• MSI Mega 180
• Athlon XP 3000+
• 512MB PC2700 RAM
• Seagate 200GB ATA HDD
• NEC ND-3500A DVD+/-RW 16x
• Integrated nForce2
• nVIDIA SoundStorm
• Intel Pro 2200BG Mini-PCI Wireless NIC
• JVC 27" TV
Speakers compared against:
• Yamaha 2 speaker sound system
• Logitech Z-640 5.1 Surround Speakers
To test all the speakers I used a variety of sound sources. First I played a store bought CD in the CD player, next I played a 128K MP3, and finally I used a game that takes advantage of surround sound (Call Of Duty). Needless to say, on all of these tests, the sound was very much improved from the 2 speaker system. The bass is much deeper, and the sound is a lot fuller. Comparing the sound from a 2 speaker system to a 5.1 system in a game that supports surround is like comparing a 7-11 hot dog to a Ruth's Chris Filet steak. Your immersion into the game, and therefore the enjoyment of the game, will be many times better.
The battle between the 2 speaker system and the DHT-819C was as lop sided as any battle that has ever been recorded. Yet this changes when comparing them to the Z-640 speakers. While the speakers are similar in size, the DHT-819C mid's and high's are much more "tinny" sounding than the Z-640's. The Z-640 speakers also have a larger sub and it's apparent in the depth of the bass, as well as quantity of bass being produced before distortion occurs. They both were able to produce enough sound to make the wife tell me to turn it down, though.
Conclusion:
The DHT-819C system is able to produce a reasonably loud and full sound, especially considering the low price. The overall sound quality is a little tinny in the mid & high range, and the bass is good overall, but not able to produce clean loud "thumps". If you are on a budget, and looking to upgrade from 2 speaker stereo sound, or looking to purchase speakers for a new system, then your money may be well spent on these speakers.
However, if you already have a quality 5.1 surround system, or are looking for a high end entertainment system, then your best is to keep looking. When buying speakers it is very important to set realistic expectations. You can not expect to match the sound quality from your local Mega-Theater complex on any thing but a high end, and expensive audio system. You can however expect to get reasonable sound quality and volume from a budget speaker system. If $35 sounds like a good budget for you to spend on speakers, then you're going to be hard pressed to find another set of speakers that can match, or beat, these. Just remember to set realistic exceptions of the system, and you shouldn't be disappointed.
Given the performance and price, I give the DHT-819C 5.1 Channel Surround Sound Speakers a final rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Final Rating (4 out of 5 stars): 
Pros:
• Low Price.
• Attractive System.
• Ability to control front, rear, center and sub volume separately.
• Reasonably loud.
• Decent sound quality.
• Great upgrade from Stereo speakers.
Cons:
• Control system awkward to place on desk.
• Mid/High ranges are a bit tinny sounding.
• Bass is a little weak.
Special thanks to Geeks.com for providing the DHT-819C 5.1 Channel Surround Sound Speakers to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to discuss this review.
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