Logitech's X-540 5.1 Speaker System is a 70 watt (RMS) PC audio solution that includes the expected four wired satellite speakers (left and right in front and back), a center channel speaker and a 25 watt down-firing subwoofer (the ".1" of 5.1 systems). Built-in bracketing of the satellite speakers allows them to free-stand and pivot into desired position, or wall-mount with a single screw. The bracket for the center speaker can also act like a clip so as to affix the thing atop a monitor.

The system features "Frequency Directed Dual Driver" technology, which is geek-speak for two speakers pointing in two directions enclosed in each satellite's housing, which allows them to fill a room with sound more evenly... uh, surroundingly.

The system also includes a wired control pad with volume and tone faders, a headphone jack and power on/off button. Also featured on this control pad is a "Matrix" button, a sound mode that will affect a 5.1 surround experience out of just 2 channels of audio input, also known as good old fashion "stereo."

Compared to other systems in its price range, the X-540 is a surprisingly sturdy system that offers clear, clean sound that's plenty loud for the average sized room (within is 70 watt RMS, or the "Root Mean Squared" capacity before distortion kicks up).

It comes bundled with color-coded wires for a quick and easy PC set up as well as an adapter that will allow you to connect it to a game console, television or other sound source.

Some users might find those aforementioned wires to be too short, sadly. 6 feet of wire for the front speakers makes sense - especially considering they only need to go from the source (PC or otherwise) to the three speakers huddling around the similarly short-tethered monitor - but with only 15 feet of wiring for the rear speakers, there's little chance of snaking them discreetly around the baseboards. That Logitech couldn't pony up a few extra penny's worth of rear wire seems absurd, but there it is.

But speaking of pennies, 10,000 of them specifically, a US$100 price tag on the X-540 5.1 Speaker System represents a good balance of price and performance - great, even - and should leave most consumers with enough spare change to pick up some RCA extension cables for the rear speakers.

Unfortunately, Canadians might find a better deal in other speakers elsewhere, as Logitech is still using an exchange rate half a decade old, listing the X-540s at C$140, at which point it's not so good with the price/performance balance thing, but surely appreciated by gouge-happy retailers like BestBuy and FutureShop. On the upside, Canadian internet shoppers can grab the X-540 for $$100 at Amazon.ca.
 

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