Creative Labs Inspire 5.1 Digital 5700 DTS Speaker System

I bought this system for living room use only, and didn't know if they would be as good as if I was using them on a PC. I started to set them up and came across the problem of speaker cable lengths, as discussed in another review. My living room is approximately 2.5 x 2.5 metres, so it isn't that big. But you will need extra phono cable lengths (at least for the rears) and female adapters as the speakers are pre-cast and do not have clip wires. (with the exception of the sub-woofer) I then started to try and hang the speakers on existing mounts, and found the hanging section of the speakers are inset quite deep, so extended fixings maybe needed here too.
The other problem I thought I would have was the rear speakers are right behind my ears as the settee is against the wall where the speakers are fixed. But there is a rear surround knob, which can be increased and decreased. So that problem evaporated rapidly.

Eventually I got everything clipped in place and connected my DVD Pioneer 525 to it, via a digital cable. (Supplied) and switched on the digital out, and DTS. The existing scart cable I left in the TV for picture only. I took a few discs off the shelf and was pleasantly surprised at the results. If you have a choice of 5.1 and DTS you pick it on the disc, it gives you the little DTS intro and off it plays. Even though these speakers don't have the wattage of expensive systems, they are ideal for small living rooms. There was very little distortion, but on some frequencies and if the unit is too high, volume wise, there are some raspy noises. But these are very rare. I also picked up on "drop outs" but I put this down to dust or scratch on the discs. Overall I was impressed. No more straining to hear voices over loud music!

As for games consoles, I have a PS2 and Game Cube. I Connected the Game Cube via the diagram supplied, but cannot achive true surround so far. I have had to connect via an analogue setup, which consists of two phonos to one jack plus duel female connectors. (THESES ARE NOT SUPPLIED) The jack inserts into the Front input on the back of the amp. (Rogue Sq II uses Pro-logic II, which gives surround.) I only managed Dolby Pro-logic, via analogue connections. Sound is thrown into each speaker, but at the rear the balance remains the same in both on the game audio test. A connection from the Cube via the special digital output to a digital din or coaxial may sort this as these are the extra inputs on the amp. I have not found a cable to suit, so far. The PS2 connects in a similar way, but I suggest using the optical cable for best results.

If you are in a similar situation to me, and want speakers on a budget, and something, you don't want to really upgrade later on, these are worth their weight in gold. The sound is impressive, and gives a new dimension to my DVD watching. Even the games sound good as analogue and if I find the correct connections I may enjoy surround on these at some point. (Depending on game) I have not been able to connect the TV to this amp. But there are many cables for other multiple connections. Good work Creative!