Subjective Testing Methodology:

We tested these speakers with a variety of music generas that include gaming and classical music for precision in sounds. Games like Unreal Tournament 2004, Battlefield 1942, Doom III, and FarCry were tested for enviormental sounds while music from Metallica and Hard Rock was selected to test volume levels, bass levels, and noise clearity.

Gaming Performance:

We gamed heavily with the XA2021, as the packaging boldly displays "Gaming Audio". And thankfully, the system failed to disappoint us. It became obvious, while testing, that the subwoofer and satellites are tuned for recreating explosions, sound effects and screaming engines with precise accuracy. In game music sounded quite well and the overall experience was rather pleasing. This is not a system that will rattle the windows, but with 17watts of power available ?the system is more than effective. And when considering the price of the unit, there is little to complain about as far as gaming reproduction is concerned.

Music and DVD Reproduction:

In our subjective music listening tests, the XA2021 was acceptable. We did enjoy listening to these speakers, but for our ears we would have liked a bit stronger offering. Let?s say we give them an average rating here. Music reproduction is just not its strongest summit. Once again, we have to consider the low price of the XA2021, which is quite decent.

Watching DVD?s was more enjoyable as the XA2021 does so well with sounds effects. Music, of course, takes a background role in a movie and the speakers do a reasonable job there. Overall, the movie experience was adequate, but with only 17watts of power, it was not earth shattering in any sense.