Subwoofers are usually brutish-looking things that are best kept tucked out of view, but this one looks quite stylish. The satellites are smart and compact, but the wired remote lets the side down. At 15W, power consumption after switching off is higher than some sets when in use. A USB port accompanies the usual trio of mini-jack inputs, and is welcome for use with laptops that don't have surround audio outputs. The speaker cables are colour coded for easy installation, but the 4m cables for the rear satellites will be a problem except in the smallest of rooms.
Our tests revealed finer precision and greater high- and low-frequency extension than Logitech's entry-level X-540 set, but the G51 was even better in all respects. The FX5051 failed to match the warmth of both Logitech sets, as the compact satellites failed to reproduce lower-mid frequencies with as much power as higher ones. As long as the USB input isn't essential, Logitech's G51 will provide better sound for less money.
By Ben Pitt
SPECIFICATIONS:
89W power, 4x 3.5mm stereo (5.1, stereo), USB inputs
