The sirocco Crossfire is a very solid audio system in the higher price range,  which deliberately uses conventional audio technology instead of high-tech gimmicks and gadgets. The seperately housed amplifier alone (an unusual choice in itself, considering it's a PC component) makes for some clear advantages. Despite the problem of placement, it allows you to change your sound settings without having to crawl underneath your desk and fight your way through the cables everytime you need to adjust the bass level. Also, you don't have an extra remote control lying around. Considering the rather high price, I find it relatively disappointing that the Sirocco leaves the entire 3D sound decoding to the PC, soundcard or an external decoder.

Also, the overall impression of quality is rather mixed. While the satellites and the subwoofer seem quite solid, the amplifier's lid tends to rattle and the fabric used to cover the satellites' front seems downright cheap. Also, using the system with a TV is not an option, due to the lack of a remote control. DVD fans will probably find themselves wishing for a center speaker. If that's something you can't or don't want to do without, you're most likely better off with another system. Both Videologic and its competitors offer 5.1 systems. In my opinion, 4 speakers and a sub are sufficient for the PC, since you'll be sitting very close to the front speakers and can place them optimally to create a good stereo/center channel. Besides, I for one prefer watching DVDs on a real big-screen TV. :-)

Translation by Ben "Iggy" Kraft