Energy Power EM-2.1

With left and right speakers small enough to get lost behind a coffee cup and a subwoofer that's intended, unlike most subs, to sit on your desktop, the Energy Power EM-2.1 speaker system is not your typical computer set. At $99.99 (list), it's also priced lower than most systems with a subwoofer. Some clarification is necessary, however. The subwoofer for the EM-2.1 is more of a regular-woofer, covering frequencies 80Hz and above, and not the lower frequencies a sub typically handles. For the price it offers clear, enjoyable audio at low and moderate listening levels. Distortion rears its ugly head on deep bass tracks at top volumes, but if your tastes veer more towards classical, jazz, or folk and less towards hip hop and electronic, this may never be an issue. If you want a space-saving, affordable audio system, the EM-2.1 offers quality performance at typical listening, but for a little more money, far more compelling 2.1 options exist, such as the Editors' Choice Harman Kardon SoundSticks III ($169.95, 4.5 stars).

Design
The design of the Energy Power EM-2.1 speaker system is about as no-frills as it gets, both visually and in terms of special features or connectivity. The two glossy black plastic satellite speakers measure 4.3 by 2.3 by 2.8 inches and feature built-in stands that angle them slightly upward. I'd still prefer more of an angle that meets more directly with the listener's ears, but at least the angled stand exists?it's a necessity given the speakers' diminutive height.

The satellites are hardwired in the back with cables that connect to the rear panel of the also tiny (relatively) 4.5-by-5.3-by-5.8-inch subwoofer. The connection is an RCA output and the only other jack is a 3.5mm input. The power adapter connection is situated to the right of the input. That's a pretty barebones set-up, but it helps keep the system's cost down. The sub's front panel houses the Power/Volume knob, as well as a Bass knob, a nice inclusion that also proves handy depending on what type of music you're listening to and at what level. The drivers on all speakers are covered in black metallic (for the satellites) or cloth (for the sub) grilles. A 3.5mm speaker cable for your computer or mobile device's output is included.

Performance
In the $100-and-under price range, you have to adjust your expectations for audio performance accordingly. Speakers this size and this price are simply not going to be able to muster the power required to remain distortion-free at high volumes on songs that have substantial bass. The Energy Power EM-2.1 is no exception to this rule. At moderate volumes, the system sounds quite pleasant?you can adjust the Bass knob on the sub to deliver just the right amount of resonance that makes most rock, folk, and jazz sound multitudes better than it does coming out of your built-in laptop speakers. Classical pieces, like John Adam's "The Chairman Dances," present a bit more of a challenge?at lower levels, the system can sound tinny, so you might find yourself boosting the bass all the way. Even at higher levels, boosting the Bass knob to maximum for classical music seems to improve the sound?which would not normally be the case. This is because the "sub" is really just a regular woofer, and at moderate levels, you are missing out on several of the more subtle low-mid range frequencies an orchestra produces.

Problems arise when pushing the EM-2.1 beyond medium listening levels with music like The Knife's "Silent Shout," which has a tremendous amount of low-end. Well before you hit maximum level, you'll find yourself fiddling with the Bass knob in tandem with the Volume knob to decrease the system's distortion. Simply put, if deep-bass tracks are your thing, this is not the system for you, though not many budget systems will be.

Which brings us to a basic problem: Inexpensive speaker systems are rarely going to sound spectacular. While the SoundSticks III may have an MSRP of $170, they can be found online for as low as around $130, and saving up for them is highly recommended if you want increased bass response and overall power and clarity from your system. Of course, if your main priority is saving money and sound is far lower on the list, you can always go even cheaper?the Altec Lansing Orbit USB Stereo iML247 ($49.99, 3.5 stars) is half the price of the EM-2.1, though the sound quality is expectedly not on the same level. And finally, if you are actually willing to spend significantly more money for a great 2.1 computer speaker system, we highly recommend the Antec SoundscienceRockus 3D 2.1 Speaker System ($199.99, 4.5 stars)?even at twice the price of the EM-2.1, it's still a steal (and an Editors' Choice). Overall, however, the EM-2.1 is fairly priced and delivers performance in line with expectations.

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