We looked at a few studio monitors in 2005, but M-Audio’s Studiophile LX4 surround system is the first one we can enthusiastically recommend as both a tool and a toy—albeit a cheap tool and an expensive toy.

This speaker system actually consists of two packages: a subwoofer and stereo speakers that sell for $350, and a three-speaker expander system that goes for $200. Put them together and you get a helluva 5.1-channel, self-powered audio system for the money.

Thick MDF cabinets (4.5 pounds for each satellite, 22 pounds for the sub) ensure that you hear your source material, and not the enclosures resonating with the beat.

A 125-watt amp in the sub sends 60 watts to its own 8-inch woofer, and 27 watts to each of the five satellites (which house 4-inch polypropylene cone woofers and 1-inch Mylar dome tweeters). Before you scoff at the 125W spec, remember that total amplifier power is much less important than accuracy and efficiency—and the LX4 delivers those crucial attributes in spades.

We paired the LX4 system with Creative’s new Sound Blaster X-Fi ExtremeMusic System and tested a variety of games, audio CDs, MP3 files, and DVD-Audio discs. We absolutely dug what we heard. The speakers proved equally adept at delivering energy, excitement, and enough thundering bass to fill a small room whether we were playing X-Men Legends 2 or the acid jazz of LTJ Bukem’s DTS surround-sound disc Planet Earth.

The LX4 Surround System isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It doesn’t have a built-in decoder, so it’s not appropriate for hooking up directly to a game console or a stand-alone DVD player. And it’s a near-field system, so it won’t fill a cavernous living room with sound. But if you’re looking for surround-sound speakers for mixing and recording, playing games, and recreational music listening, you should give this triple-threat a try.
—Michael Brown

Note: You'll need three sets of special cables for connecting this speaker system to the typical PC's onboard audio or soundcard. They'll have 1/8-inch stereo connectors on one end and two 1/4-inch mono connectors on the other. These are available at any store that caters to musicians. You can also buy them online at retailers such as Sweetwater or Musicians Friend

Month Reviewed: December 2005

Verdict: 9
kickass=yes

www.m-audio.com