1. Cambridge SoundWorks MicroWorks 3-piece speaker system

To add real powerful sound to your computer, you’re definitely going to need something like this. With a total output of 67 RMS, this 3-piece system by Cambridge SoundWorks delivers outrageously high-quality sound for $199. If you’re looking for raw, pure power, this is it.

Microsoft, a newcomer to the speaker arena, have, for once, managed to get their act together remarkably quickly. The Digital Sound System 80 delivers a total output of 80 RMS, and has the best overall audio quality of any speaker system under the $200 mark. At $180, Microsoft look set to take a bite out of this market too.

Cambridge is now offering a low-cost 5-piece speaker system for 
$79- the PCWorks FourPointSurround. This may not be able to 
match the raw power or exquisite sound quality of the more expensive systems, but its decent performance and power make it a true bargain for users who cannot afford the high-end systems.