We've seen countless 2.0 channel speakers pass through our test lab but none yet from a top-tier manufacturer like Sony. Is that an indication of sorts that established brands just don't bother with 2.0 systems? Maybe and maybe not. Either way, the SRS-Z100 is a refreshing change of pace from the mostly teeny 2.0 speakers we've come across. It has a tall, slim design, with a height figure of 23cm and just 8.4cm wide. Despite the absence of a subwoofer, it has a full range bass reflex system that produces quality bass. Each speaker also carries a 21mm tweeter unit that enables the SRS-Z100 to handle high notes very well. Both units are also magnetically shielded as per the custom which means interference with your PC's display is less likely if placed close by. The SRS-Z100 has volume and power on/off controls, dual input and a headphone jack if you don't want to let the bosses know you're actually playing DoTA in the office as opposed to working. It also has a 'Mega Bass' function that lets you turn up the bass for thump-thumping beats. It manages a total output power of 20W - better than most 2.0 channel speakers we've seen. What it lacks though is the ability to be powered from a USB port, requiring an AC adapter instead whereas most 2.0 speakers can be powered via a USB port. It's also pricey but if you're looking for quality sounds in a small package, the SRS-Z100 doesn't fall far off the mark.

The SRS-Z100 looks very good on a desk and with its tall, slim design. The sound quality complements its premium looks, as does its price tag.

• Value: 4/5
• Performance: 4/5
• Features: 4/5
• Score: 8/10

You're sitting at your PC, there's a Live Music Convert DVD in your PC drive and a bowl of chips in your lap. You sit and anticipate that strong, impressive sound, but instead you hear only what seams to be a fractions of the intended audio capacity. If you're one to experience that, the Sony SRS-DB500 PC Speakers will probably make you a much happier person.

The Sony SRS-DB500 is capable of delivering layers of audio lucidity for every scene. Though evidently bulky for PC speakers, it'd make a pleasant companion if you've the extra space to fit it in.

Ideal for the passionate gamer, the ardent movie buff and the one whose hard drive is immensely overidden with audio tracks, this set of PC speakers can do wonders. It's built with easy, separate controls that allow the volume bass, and treble to be adjusted effortlessly as you switch from revving your race car to relishing melodic Motown grooves. Goodbye rigid audio controls, hello flexible audio happiness.

The remote control comes in useful for moments when walking is an overstatement and reclining against couch is the order of the day.

If you don't wish to share the notable audio quality that these speakers deliver, there's always a headphone output for private listening.

Seemingly enormous, the audio feast is made possible with two 75 watt speakers and a 150 watt sub-woofer with bass reflex. Cheers to the power of three.

Sony SRS-DB500

Immense, loud, and over the top. These are attributes you would associate with a gaming rig, and it's no surprise that Sony's SRS-DB500 system possesses these attributes as well. It boasts 300 watts RMS of power, with a whopping 150W dedicated to the sub-woofer alone.

As the SRS-DB500 was designed for gamers, it would be equally unsurprising to know that the speakers take on a classic black appearance as well; lending itself well for display alongside the classic black monitor or your Playstation 3. The subwoofer is accentuated by a matching ring of orange light which outlines the main control knob. Operating the bass and treble is a fairly straightforward affair although there aren't any indicators as to how much adjustment you're making, apart from your ears as a reference. Sony has thoughtfully included a front-accessible second input jack for a secondary input source.

With so much power at your disposal, it's no surprise that the SRS-DB500 delivers that irreplaceable chest-thumping bass ever-so craved by gamers who chase that adrenaline rush. Even at high volumes, the satellites hold up to wattage abuse and don't crack up, although it has to be said that these are not exactly the most subtle speakers ever designed. The trebles are slightly harsh at high volumes in a musical context, though it is spot on from a gaming perspective. The woofer is massive for a desktop-bound device, so interested parties will do well to make space for this behemoth.

Matching Colours

Speakers are like a dime a dozen these days, with many different models from many different manufacturers. Most of the time, the consumer is left standing in front of the speaker hall at PC Fair pondering over the many choices available.

Sony has made this decision easier for its VAIO owners with the release of its cute SRS-D25 system. Available in the multiple color hues of the VAIO notebook, these speakers are meant to compliment your computer by offering the same design language and cheeriness that accompanies most VAIO's.

They are adequately sized for a 2.1 system which is meant to be placed on your desk; the speakers are not too large for a regular-sized desk n the office or at home and they are attractive enough for permanent display.

The only gripe with the SRS-D25 is the small mass of cables running out of the rear of the subwoofer. These cables are not detachable, and unless you have some magic cable tidying capabilities, they will interfere with a clean desk. The volume and power controls as well as the headphones jack are located on the front of the subwoofer, squashing any chance of hiding it.

Even if it's meant to sit on your desk, the SRS-D25 will not interfere with your monitor or other magnetically-influenced items as the speakers themselves are magnetically shielded despite their size.

We found that the system is rather portable, and possessing 25W of power it can be loud enough for a party. With its universal inputs, users are able to attach a multimedia player to the speaker system for quick entertainment.

Sound quality from these speaker units was adequate, considering that they only offered sound between 70Hz to 16Hz frequency band. Other than that, they're perfect for situations and places where you are not able to listen to your music at more than 50% of the volume at any given time.

The sound progression is smooth and it does not exhibit major signs of distortion even when nearing its loudest, playing heavy metal tracks from Black Sabbath.

When we tried our music library on the speakers, the genre that seemed to suit it best was light jazz or lounge music, matching its disposition and capabilities perfectly. Gaming on the speakers seemed slightly out of the question, but it did well with more casual titles such as the Sims or even browser-based games.

It also is a big improvement over regular laptop speakers, largely due to its subwoofer. With this, DVD movies are given added depth; something which is inconceivable on regular laptop speakers!

The Sony SRS-D25 is a speaker system which can be a pleasant addition to your desk; its design and audio quality is more than adequate for most music - from pop to rock to rap.

The better sound quality is a great boost for your multimedia. Portable enough for temporary audio setups at an event or presentation, it also matches the fun side of your VAIO laptop, making it a must-have accessory.