The satellite speakers sound very tinny at low volume levels. As you crank up the volume, the overall sound improves. Crank up the volume, move back away from the speakers (about 10 feet), and I'd rate them 4 stars (for the price). But...isn't the reason most people buy PC speakers for working at the PC (close distances) and for background music (lower volumes)? Be prepared to spend some time tinkering with the equalizer settings to get a decent sound at low volume. For that reason, I'd give them only 3 stars.