M-Audio Sonica Theater

Like the Sonica, M-Audio's last USB audio device, the Sonica Theater adds audio to a Mac or PC by plugging into a USB port.

You can plug up to eight speakers into the Theater's little silver box to get 7.1 sound - seven satellite speakers and a subwoofer, in other words.

The main reason for doing this is to get surround sound if you use your computer to watch DVD movies and, to that end, the Theater has on-board decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX and DTS soundtracks.

Unfortunately, the Theater has 3.5mm sockets for its speakers, which limits you to those sold for PC use and as yet, no one offers a 7.1 set.

The Theater can also work its surround sound trickery with ordinary stereo sound, which adds a new dimension to music and it even supports 3D sound for games.

Best of all, though, is that it works rather well and, as it's USB, you don't need to open your computer to use it.

DETAILSPrice: £99
Contact: M-Audio 0871 717 7100
www.m-audio.com