The Inspire 5.1 Digital 5500 system looks like a typical Creative speaker package with the added bonus of an standalone Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder.

Up to three devices, such as a DVD player, games console or PC, can be attached to the decoder via optical, co-axial or line-in ports.

Connecting your various boxes of tricks using the optical or co-axial ports should come with a warning (or at least one for your neighbours) - it really is that loud - while, unfortunately, the subwoofer doesn't sound meaty enough using the line-in source (although the five satellite speakers sound clear enough).

It's possible to adjust the sound of each speaker, which is a nice touch and vitally important for odd-shaped rooms. So, if the bass is too loud, you can just turn it down without reducing the volume of the whole system.

There's also a remote control to adjust volume, change the input selection or trigger a "dynamic mode" for a bigger sound.

It looks good and sounds good and is a great starting package for anyone wanting to pump up the (quality) volume of their PC, DVD player or games console.

Rating: 9 out of 10. Price: £149.99. Contact: 0800 3767954 or www.europe-creative.com