Home > Consumer Reviews > Creative Labs PlayWorks 5.1 DTT2500 Digital Gaming Speakers for the PC and PlayStation2

The Playworks DTT2500 is an awesome deal for the current 5.1 surround systems available. Its easy to use control box allows you to switch from 4 point to 5.1 surround easily, and the cables that are included are long enough so that you can put the fronts and rears virtually anywhere. You'll also get a Digital DIN cable, which you can use if you have an SBLive! and would like all digital sound. Even though this is a small system, it is still able to pack a punch. Music sounds great on this system, clarity from the satellites with powerful bass from the subwoofer. Sound is very realistic as you move around in games. A realistic feel. As for movies, the DTT2500 system incorporates the 5.1 dolby digital sound, setting it apart from old technology such as pro logic. Movies, Games, Music: all sound great on this system...A real treat for anyone.

After comparing the Creative Playworks DTT2500 with the Yamaha TSS1B and the Altec Lansing ADA890 for a 5.1 Dolby Digital system for the PS2; the DTT2500 was my choice. This compact desktop theater is very compatible with the Sony PS2, using the optical audio connector.

I also have a mono VCR connected to the line in 1/8" input using a single regular RCA cable with an attached stereo 1/8" adapter (mono 1/8" will not work). By setting the CMSS mode to Music and the Digital Surround mode to Digital In, it uses simulated surround sound well from a mono VCR/CableTV. This method uses all 6 speakers. Having a stereo VCR should give much better sound.

If you play audio CD's from the PS2, it is best to use CMSS mode at Stereo (Digital Surround mode automatically is disabled). This method only uses the main left & right speakers and subwoofer. Of course, you can play cd's with the same settings as my mono VCR and use all six speakers; the resulting sound will be expanded stereo.

The main purpose of the DTT2500 is for the PS2 games, and here it excels. Twisted Metal Black supports Dolby Surround, and Dead or Alive 2 Hardcore sounds great in simulated Dolby. I just hope that more games are made with Dolby. We can definitely hear effects that were nonexistent when formerly using the RF adapter from the PS2 to TV speakers. Just make sure that you have the CMSS turned off and Dolby switched on.

I have not yet used any DVD's, but it seems unlikely that any issues will arise.

The sound quality is good for a low power system. You can overcome the louder center channel by adjusting its volume lower and the surround speakers volume higher. I find that I must also run the subwoofer at a slightly lower than normal volume or it seems to have a "thump" (could be due to room charasterics). Due to the small size of the left and right speakers, you can notice the lack in upper bass frequencies. If you like extra deep bass, the DTT2500 does come with a line level subwoofer output that will connect to a powered subwoofer and can be used simultaneously.

Don't worry about not having a DTS decoder with the DTT2500. If you need to have it, then you need a larger, more power packed home theater system. The Dolby Digital 5.1 and Creative's Multi Speaker Surround (for simulated surround from mono/stereo sources) does the job just fine.

The control unit is easy to understand and figure out what settings work best for the type of input used. One setting does not work for all formats, tweak it for your personal needs. All the adjustments are easy to make.

Overall, its a great value enhancement for PS2 gamers; has good TV/VCR performance; and average audio CD sound. It missed out on 5 stars because I believe that the main left/right speakers should have been a 2way so it could include better upper bass response.

I got this system to hook up to my PS2. At first I hesitated to get it because(at this time) it seems that the description listed above is for the Creative Labs *Desktop* 5.1 DTT2500, which does not have the optical input needed to hook up to the PS2. I took my chances and gambled that this was the one that I wanted and bought it anyway. Well it paid off because this IS the one with the optical input and man does it sound great. The first thing that inpressed me was the the packaging of the system. Every single component was bagged and taped up neatly; it kinda shows this companies attention to detail...it may sound weird but if you get it you'll see what I mean. It comes with everything you to get started, cables, adapter cables, speaker stands, etc, etc. The sound is amazing! I put on FIFA 2001: the crowd was chanting in the background thru the four satalites, the commentators were talking thru the center speaker, and you could feel every hit of the ball thru the subwoofer.

DVDs sound great too, true Dolby Digital SurroundSound. Overall, I think this is the best deal out there. It sounds just as good as a Sony or Kenwood home theater system at a fraction of the cost. I am very inpressed with the quality.

I hooked these babies up to my PS2 yesterday and the sound is incredible. Though the satellites are small, they still pack a great punch and don't even distort at high levels. The subwoofer is only 20 watts so you might not get a really good output but I am satisfied with the results (you can always buy a separate powered sub anyway). Everything from the packaging to the instructions are conscientiously packed and written. If you have a small room or on a tight budget, get this system.

When I saw these speakers on the net, I thought,"These look fine."
(I mean for the money I make,they were perfect!)When they arrived and I hooked them up to the good 'ol PS2. I WAS AMAZED! When I heard them for the first time, I was very impressed! For about 150 bucks, It's well worth every penny!!!!