TL;DR
The Trust GXT 698 Torro 5.1 speaker system offers an impressive and affordable entry into surround sound, particularly shining in gaming with its robust bass and convincing directional audio. While its plastic satellite speakers might seem lightweight, the main unit feels solid. It connects easily to consoles like Xbox One and PS4, but a dedicated sound card is best for PC gaming to unlock its full potential. However, dialogue clarity in movies and music can be a bit muddy, and the lack of visual level indicators on the remote is a minor inconvenience. The RGB lighting, though initially unchangeable, can be turned off. Overall, it’s a strong value for gamers seeking an immersive experience on a budget. Curious about its full capabilities? Dive into the complete review!
I first experienced home theater sound sometime in 1995. While 5.1 amplifiers were not yet commonplace, the implementation of mono rear speakers with Dolby Pro Logic provided a compelling experience. Fast forward 24 years, and I now have access to 7.1 Dolby Atmos at the office and a 6.1 DTS system at home. Home theater sound significantly enhances the immersive quality of entertainment.
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When a 5.1 system from Trust became available, I was eager to evaluate its performance. Upon unboxing the components, the lightweight and plastic construction of the satellite speakers was immediately apparent. However, the combined subwoofer and amplifier unit exhibits a more robust and substantial feel. After connecting all the cables and establishing a connection to the office’s Xbox One X via the optical audio cable, I proceeded with a thorough test….
Initially, no sound was produced. After consulting the quickstart guide for the appropriate Xbox configuration, audio remained absent. Utilizing the remote control appeared to have no effect. However, upon selecting the correct “source”, the room was immediately filled with sound. The initial sound quality was surprisingly impressive. The remote allows for individual speaker and subwoofer level adjustments. The absence of a visual level indicator necessitates relying on auditory perception, which is a notable drawback. A reset button is included to revert to the default settings.
The testing commenced with Gears 5, a game familiar in its Dolby Atmos presentation. The Torro GXT 698 immediately demonstrated its capability, delivering a credible 5.1 experience with substantial bass response. The sound was direct and often exceeded expectations given the system’s compact size. In-game character rotation resulted in a convincing surround effect as gunfire dynamically shifted around the listener. This was particularly noteworthy.
Playback of The Greatest Showman (a film with a familiar sound profile) revealed limitations compared to the gaming experience. Dialogue clarity was somewhat diminished, and while the bass remained impactful, the overall experience was less satisfying. The front speakers appeared to lack the necessary power to accurately reproduce the film’s complex mix of dialogue and effects.
To maximize the potential of the Torro GXT 698, a dedicated sound card capable of 5.1 output is recommended for computer use. While any audio source can be connected, achieving a true surround effect necessitates the discrete channel information provided by a compatible sound card. The system can be directly connected to Playstation 4 and Xbox One consoles for genuine surround sound.
In conclusion, the Torro GXT 698 is a cost-effective system that excels in gaming applications but remains adequate for film and music playback. An initial concern was the inability to disable the RGB lighting on the subwoofer, which may not appeal to all users. While visually engaging, the sound-reactive lighting can be distracting in dark environments. However, holding down the control button disables the lighting, a feature not immediately apparent. While the Torro GXT 698 may not be a definitive must-have, it represents a strong value proposition, delivering capable surround sound at an accessible price point.
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Review Highlights: Q&A
How does the sound system perform during gaming?
The Torro GXT 698 delivers a credible 5.1 experience with substantial bass response. In games like Gears 5, audio shifts convincingly around the listener as the in-game character rotates, exceeding expectations for its compact size.
How well does the system handle movie playback?
The system is less satisfying for films than for gaming. In movie playback, dialogue clarity is somewhat diminished, and the front speakers lack the power needed to accurately reproduce complex mixes of dialogue and audio effects.
Can the RGB lighting on the subwoofer be turned off?
Holding down the control button disables the sound-reactive RGB lighting on the subwoofer. This prevents it from becoming distracting in dark rooms.
What devices can connect for true surround sound?
The system can be connected directly to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles via optical cable for genuine surround sound. For computer use, a dedicated sound card capable of 5.1 output is recommended to achieve discrete surround channels.
What is the build quality of the speakers and subwoofer?
The satellite speakers have a lightweight and plastic construction, while the combined subwoofer and amplifier unit exhibits a more robust and substantial feel.
