I’ve a confession: I’ve been utilizing the identical desktop audio system for practically 20 years. This set of price range Logitech audio system have, miraculously, served me properly since 2004. When I began testing SteelSeries’ new Arena 7 audio system, that they had an virtually unfair hurdle to clear.
They impressed me sufficient to think about completely upgrading, which is excessive reward, contemplating the near-archeological significance of my Logitechs.
The System
Photograph: SteelSeries
The Arena 7 speaker system is the center possibility of SteelSeries’ new desktop speaker line. (*7*) is an easy stereo set, whereas the Arena 9 comes with 5.1 encompass sound, a devoted quantity management knob accent, and RGB LEDs on the 2 entrance audio system. The Arena 7 I examined is a little bit of a hybrid of each.
The set comes with two audio system geared up with RGB LED backlights and a considerable 6.5-inch subwoofer for the low finish. You can join the system by way of USB-C, optical audio, 3.5 mm, and even Bluetooth. This offers you a surprisingly big selection of choices for desktop audio system. I’ve used them as the first audio system on my desk for the previous few weeks, however I’ve additionally often used them to play audio straight from my cellphone.
This latter use case is surprisingly handy. When paired by way of Bluetooth, the audio sign will combine with no matter is coming by way of the desktop/console. So, for instance, you don’t have to decide on between enjoying music by way of your cellphone when you’re up and about and listening to a ping out of your boss on Slack.
The audio system themselves are squat, bulgy little guys, related to the subwoofer by decently thick cables. (On the Arena 9, the rear audio system are wi-fi.) On the fitting speaker, you’ll discover a quantity knob, in addition to a multi-function button that can be utilized for muting or pairing Bluetooth gadgets.
Sound
As I discussed above, my bar for desktop audio system hasn’t been significantly excessive. When I must edit movies or simply wish to get actually good sound from a film, I’ll pull out a set of headphones which can be technically able to significantly better sound. But the desktop audio system don’t have to be one of the best on the planet. My Logitech X-530 audio system weren’t that spectacular even once they got here out, however for $80, they supplied impressively wealthy sound on a price range.
Photograph: SteelSeries
