Subjective Testing Methodology:

Asus P4C800-E Deluxe Motherboard
Intel Pentium 4 2.4GHz "C" Processor
1GB OCZ PC3200 Platinum Rev 2 
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Gamer sound card

Our test suite consists of various audio samples played at different levels, gaming and watching DVDs to measure the 5.1 gaming and overall listening qualities of these speakers. Our test suite consists of various audio samples played at different levels to measure the true potential of these speakers. We listened to CDs and MP3s of Classical, Country, Hard Rock along with music from other genres to test the ability of the speakers in the general music category.

Gaming tests consisted of Half Life 2, Doom3, Call Of Duty, Medal of Honor and various other titles.

Music and Movie DVDs of various titles were watched to test the 5.1 surround sound capabilities of the system.

Performance [Gaming]:

We gamed quite hard with the GT-5051, ignoring the need for rest on occasion, as all good gamers do. The system did not disappoint us, at all. We were quite surprised at the effectiveness of the Side Firing Dipole technology. We actually used the system in a less than ideal location, as the desk in the test lab is located closer to one wall. Given that sound from the rear channel driver should be bounced off of two walls to allow it to appear as though the sound is behind you, the system worked quite well. We were easily able to tell when something is approaching from the side or rear. Once you get used to the sound placement, it become fairly easy to pinpoint just where the approaching soldier, beast or vehicle is coming from. There is no substitute for actual rear mounted satellites, but the GT-5051?s are a great improvement over 2.1 sound systems.

The center channel does its job very well, placing sounds center stage and it does so without being noticed, meaning that the speaker is a good match for the satellites.

The subwoofer is quite adequate and in games it was powerful enough, but not overwhelming. In our opinion, this is preferable as we feel you should hear realistic sound effects, and not be aware that the subwoofer is actually operating only a few feet away.

Overall, the sound quality was very good and all events sounded as they should. Gunfire and explosions were quite realistic and subtle sounds such as footsteps were easily picked out of the mix.

Performance [Music and DVD Reproduction]:

In our subjective music listening tests, CD and MP3 material was quite enjoyable. Turning up the "surround sound" control allows all four speakers in the main satellites to operate rather well. Combine the side firing speakers with the center channel and the subwoofer, this give a very spacious and natural sound to the program material. The system had very little distortion and noise, even at higher volumes. With the program material off, turning the volume all the way up revealed an almost unnoticeable amount of static, that sounded like RF interference and very little hiss was present.

Watching DVD?s was an enjoyable experience as the GT-5051 does a great job with both sounds effects and music programming. Once again, the music in our DVD concert material sounded rich and spacious. The system might be a bit small for use in a home entertainment system, but as a personal system or in a small space it is more than adequate. Overall, a true 5.1 system with rear satellites will give a higher degree of separation in the rear channel material.