One-Box Audio Upgrade

Compact stereo speaker system packs big sound in a small footprint.

Eric Dahl

Aiwa's UZ-US201 USB speaker system.

Here's a speaker setup that can be heard but not seen: Aiwa's $150 UZ-US201 USB One-Point Stereo Speaker System is designed to hide behind an LCD or laptop screen. I tested a preproduction unit of this compact one-piece speaker system and found that while it's a great option for tight spaces, better values exist.

The UZ-US201 carries the capability to make some fairly decent sound in its small but hefty package (10.5 by 4.1 by 7.6 inches, width by depth by height, and 4.1 pounds). It features three 5-watt drivers arranged in a line on top of the device, plus a front-firing 10-watt subwoofer.

A USB connection provides an easy way to hook the speakers up to a notebook or desktop PC--bypassing your existing audio hardware. Stereo RCA inputs also let you hook the UZ-US201 directly to your current sound card.

Music sounded crisp and detailed when played at a healthy volume through the UZ-US201. The top-mounted speakers are set up to create some separation--each speaker plays a different set of the stereo channels--and while the soundstage is very narrow, it is fairly accurate. Movies and games didn't fare quite as well, as they rely more on positional audio, which is hard to create when sound is emitted from one point.

Still, the sound you get from the UZ-US201 is pretty good. If you have the room, a more traditional 2.1 speaker set with a good subwoofer will give you better bass response and a larger soundstage, but if space is at a premium, you might want to give this system a shot. The compact design and USB connection make it an excellent, if pricey, fit for a small work space where you're docking a notebook.

UZ-US201 USB One-Point Stereo Speaker System

Aiwa

Preproduction (not rated)

Capable but slightly overpriced one-piece speaker system.Price when reviewed: $150Current prices (if available)