Home > Consumer Reviews > Benwin ECCO 5.1 DX - Home theater speaker system

I recently purchased the Benwin ECCO 5.1 DX - Home theater speaker system and found myself very pleased. Being a college student on a budget, I wanted to find a cheap alternative to my stock speakers on my 26in Westinghouse HDTV. Having such little reviews and information on the Benwin speakers, I was hesitant on purchasing them. I assure you, with the price point of 44 dollars and 8 dollars shipping, you can't go wrong. Setup is very easy and takes no time. It took me a little longer than expected, because I had to add more speaker wire to the rear speakers, which wasn't a big deal. The speakers come with a decent amount of wire; I just needed more to fit my setup. Even with the purchase of extra wire, this setup is still well under any other 5.1 setup price wise. Everything is plugged directly into the sub, which powers all the speakers. The speakers can be setup in an array of different ways. I have mine directly hooked to my TV, which simulates 5.1 surround sound. This was the easiest way to hook it up, which allows my ps3 and cable television to be heard through the speakers. All you need, is to hook the provided RCA cable to the sub and directly to your TV......it's really that simple. Like mentioned above, there are other ways of setting the speakers up. It can be hooked directly to your DVD player, or computer if needed. If you are going to hook the speakers up through the RCA jack, make sure you have an RCA audio out port on your tv. Overall I am very satisfied with these speakers. The only complaint I would have, is everything is controlled through a wireless remote. If the remote is ever lost or damaged, there is no way to access the speakers. Granted you can turn the speakers on from the back of the sub, but as far as controlling the volume, you are kinda out of luck. The remote has very bare simple features, but is expected with the price. From the price, setup, quality, and look of the system, I highly recommend these speakers to anyone looking for a cheap upgrade to their stock TV sound.

This is an amazing product. You don't even need a receiver to use these speakers. Just hook it up to your DVD player and it delivers good sound. Only "good", yes, more or less. I'd say great, if it wasn't for a little kookiness in sound "direction".

I've tried it now on two DVD players, one a standard, the other an Upconverting 1080P. Neither player has 5.1 channel output, so the Benwin Ecco 5.1 system automatically creates a simulated 5.1 sound. It is close most of the time, but sometimes I question if a sound effect is coming from the right direction. At least I think it is getting it right, whether it be flying bullets, a pesky cricket, incidental dialog from extras. I can hear distinct sound effects coming from all corners of my room, which is what I wanted in a Home Theater system. Nothing so far has been noticeable missing or distracting as far a sound goes.

Also I don't know if this is a design flaw or not, but the built-in microprosessors spreads the dialog out equally into all speakers, including the rear speakers. From my experience and knowledge of surround sound, dialog is suppose to come almost exclusively from the center speaker. With the overall design of my great room (cathedral ceilings and all) this flaw isn't really a nuisance, but something of an advantage to my listening experience.

As for the speakers, they deliver wonderful sound with no squeaks, hisses, or pops. Bass is not an issue here. This system is bigger than it appears and in my mid-to-large sized great room, I have to turn down the subwoofer. The other speakers also provide ample bass as well. With my standard DVD player, there was a slight treble issue, as I actually wanted more and I'm typically a big bass guy. My Pioneer Upconverting DVD player has built in sound controls which helps the treble issue, but really wasn't necessary, as the presets were adequate enough to deliver great sound.

I did have to do a lot of playing with remote control to get the right sound balance. The remote is limited in function. I wish it did have controls for treble and bass or even better an equalizer. More, I wish the remote control had an on/off button. The only power button is in the rear of the subwoofer. If you want to leave it on all the time, no problem. But for those, like me, who are becoming energy conscience, an easier accessible power button would be nice.

However, for a little over $44, I'm not sorry in the least for buying the Benwin Ecco 5.1. In fact, I feel like I've saved hundreds of dollars.

First off, you can't beat this for the price. Sound quality is pretty good. I am no expert, and have only owned one other 5.1 sound system before, but for [...] bucks?!?...its awesome. There is only a couple small things that were missing to make this product a five star.

1. The wiring is too short - Everything is fine for the front two speakers and the center, but the rear speakers need WAY more length. Be prepared to extend the wires, unless you live in a dorm room.

2. No wall mounting holes - I wish there was a hole available on the speaker so that you may choose to mount it on the wall. As it is, the speakers are designed to stand. Maybe Velcro will work...dunno yet.

3. The remote - Ok, it is cool that it comes with a remote, I just wish that it had a power button on the remote. I don't want it vampire sucking my power when its not in use and the only way to turn it off is with a switch on the back.

Again, these are small areas of disappointment. Other than these three things, its a f'n awesome product.

Oh yea, fast shipping too.

These speakers are absolutely useless for a newer tv, No way of connecting them to a digital audio out on most hi-def tv,s. Did,nt pay much, did,nt get much, oh and benwins website is even more useless. Click a link and all you get is "Oops".So much for support.

Sounds great. Looks great. Works with my iPhone. I mean, what else can I ask? I only paid $50. You can't go wrong. Get it. You will love it. The remote control is super. Works perfectly with music. I have it in my bedroom. I love it.