Playing a selection of music CDs provides the same sort of smooth and non-fatiguing sound that I get from movies, although here I found myself missing some of the discrete separation and spatial abilities of a conventional system a little bit more acutely. The sound is certainly pleasant and easy to listen to over a long period, but I feel that it is just a little harder to sit down and get truly drawn into the music the way you can with a good stereo rig.

Whether it’s due to the spouse, the decorator, or simply the room layout, installing a conventional 5.1 surround-sound system just isn’t in the cards for many people. That fact, however, shouldn’t confine you to a life listening to the lousy built-in speakers on your TV.

The SurroundWorks 200 can turn any regular TV set into a complete home entertainment system, while taking up a minimal amount of space in the room. Even if your idea of the perfect movie snack is a bag of those fat-free potato chips, the SurroundWorks can deliver a good helping of the seemingly impossible.

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RATING: ELEVATED
Description: Cambridge SoundWorks SurroundWorks 200
 
High Points: Super easy setup; sounds better than you might expect

Low Points: Five speakers will still give you a much more convincing surround effect; fiddly remote

Contact: Cambridge SoundWorks, 800.367.4434
www.cambridgesoundworks.com

Price: SurroundWorks 200 Virtual Home Theater System $999.99