Here we take a look at the new Speedlink Jugger 2.1 subwoofer system. Can it live up to our expectations and stand out against the competition?
Product on review: Speedlink Jugger 2.1 Subwoofer System
Manufacturer: Speedlink
Street Price: £45.99
When at home gaming, there is nothing that quite captures the immersion of being surrounded by the sounds of your favourite game. There are many tools available to gamers, be it a gaming headset or surround speakers. 2.1 systems are popular for those who have no real noise constraints to deliver suitable stereo sound that packs that cinematic bassy punch. Jumping into that foray, Speedlink enter with the Jugger 2.1 system that has designed for gaming and cross platform entertainment, let’s take a closer look.
Overview by Speedlink
Take your games’ sound quality to the next level and transport yourself to a powerful dimension in sound with the JUGGER 2.1 Subwoofer System. It combines the quality of cutting-edge audio technology with the high standards you place on your speakers’ performance. The high-volume subwoofer with its superior quality driver unit and wooden housing delivers powerful, gutsy bass. Experience spectacular sound effects, such as bombs going off or shots being exchanged, in all their glory. The JUGGER 2.1 Subwoofer System won’t just get gamers’ hearts racing: besides the high-fidelity sound of action-packed gaming scenarios, it’s perfect for action movies and music. Simply connect the system to your PC, games console or TV, and use the practical desktop remote to connect an MP3 player, a microphone or a gaming headset.
Specifications & Features
– Active 2.1 speaker system
– 35 Watt RMS output power, 70 Watt peak power
– powerful subwoofer with a wooden housing and high volume for extreme bass
– satellite speakers angled for optimal audio projection and with metal grill protectors
– separate practical volume and bass controls on the subwoofer
– on/off switch and auto power-saving mode for zero power wastage
– practical desktop remote with connectors for rapid switching between additional audio sources, a microphone or a set of headphones
– impressive symphony of sound for games – perfect for multimedia use
– easy installation
– rubber feet for acoustic decoupling
– audio adapter cable (1m) for connecting to a PS3, Xbox 360 or TV
– dimensions: subwoofer: 190 × 210 × 210mm (W × D × H), satellites: 130 × 105 × 130mm (W × D × H) x 2
– 35 Watt RMS output power, 70 Watt peak power
– powerful subwoofer with a wooden housing and high volume for extreme bass
– satellite speakers angled for optimal audio projection and with metal grill protectors
– separate practical volume and bass controls on the subwoofer
– on/off switch and auto power-saving mode for zero power wastage
– practical desktop remote with connectors for rapid switching between additional audio sources, a microphone or a set of headphones
– impressive symphony of sound for games – perfect for multimedia use
– easy installation
– rubber feet for acoustic decoupling
– audio adapter cable (1m) for connecting to a PS3, Xbox 360 or TV
– dimensions: subwoofer: 190 × 210 × 210mm (W × D × H), satellites: 130 × 105 × 130mm (W × D × H) x 2
Packaging & First Look
The packaging
The packaging shows an image of the product as well as listing some features and compatibility.
Included cable
Included is a relatively long stereo RCA to 3.5mm jack, this is what will be used to connect to an external output device such as your sound card.
RCA Splitter included
Should you wish to use this product with your games consoles, Speedlink have included a 3.5mm female jack to stereo RCA splitters.
Wired remote also included
A wired remote can be handy for desktop volume access as well as including jacks for a headset. The microphone port too doubles as a line in for portable devices. Considering that this is a modular design, you don’t need to use it should you not want to.
The satellites and subwoofer together
The Jugger comes in a choice of black or white, here we have the white version. The red colour is a slighter darker hue and may appeal to younger gamers.
Closer Look
The satellite
The speakers are large and conical with an intentional slightly upward angled orientation.
The stereo pair together
At the rear
Interestingly, these satellites come with their own bass port, which is likely a good thing.
Soft rubber feet to curb those vibrations
The sub woofer
The subwoofer is fairly light in consideration to others, but it features a large driver and a decent sized bass port.
At the back of the sub
We find a dial for bass volume and master volume as well as the various input/output, on/off switches.
Performance Testing
Setup, Design & ObservationsThe weight of the subwoofer and satellites is fairly light compared to some, though cutting down on material costs is likely part of why this 2.1 system is priced quite well. The aesthetic of the speakers is decent, nothing too out of the ordinary in regards to gaming orientated peripherals, though the red colour used could have been more vibrant, regardless the Jugger isn’t likely to be something many would choose to use in a living room area. Overall the conical satellites and the cube like subwoofer is attractive and pleasing in their contrasting yet complimenting form. The remote works well, though isn’t essential to be used considering there is a dial for bass and master volume on the rear of the sub.
Multi-Media
Listening through various music playlists it became apparent that these speakers were producing some good, clear balanced audio. Turning the volume up to the max there is little distortion, the same story is said for the bass. In various tracks I started to notice that the bass was not as accurate and defined as it should be. This could become a downside for those who enjoy bass heavy music but considering the price, the bassy warmth is still pretty impressive. Gaming told a similar story of good, clear high and mid tones with decent bass giving that cinematic lift.
Conclusion
There are many 2.1 speaker systems on the market and the average buyer may just as easily be swayed by the aesthetics as they are the promise of good sound. The Speedlink Jugger 2.1 system delivers both interesting aesthetics as well as competent sound at a very good price point. The output of this speaker set is enough to fill a small room with good sound but beyond that, this is no party piece, nor is that its intention. Using the speakers for any general media use, be it watching a film or gaming you can be confident that you are going to get good clear audio quality. The bundle included will enable versatile use of the Jugger system, whether you want to connect to a games console or your mobile devices and TV, as well as a handy desktop remote.
The flaws of the Jugger are very filmsy but worth noting regardless. The subwoofer does lose some definition in the bass, however, the bass is largely distortion free without being muddy so could be an oversight. Ultimately the Speedlink Jugger is a good speaker system at a fair price with very little to complain about, maybe just lacking in that X-factor? For the reasons we have discussed above, we happily present the Speedlink Jugger 2.1 system with our Silver award.
The Speedlink Jugger 2.1 speaker system is a great all round choice for games and entertainment. Recommended!
Pros.
+ Clear balanced audio
+ Price
+ Good supporting bundle
Cons.
– Bass lacks definition
+ Clear balanced audio
+ Price
+ Good supporting bundle
Cons.
– Bass lacks definition
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net. Thanks to Speedlink for providing today’s review sample.
