INTRODUCTION

    It may not be the most popular opinion in the PC gaming industry but for me nothing can replace a good speaker system and that's something I've stood behind ever since I got my very first 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound speakers in the late 90's. Yes, it's better to have a good headset in case you need it than need it and not have it (especially if you're into online games) but again, for me nothing beats a good speaker system. Not only can a good speaker system (even a stereo one) produce far more accurate positioning audio, but it also allows end users to be a lot more aware of their surroundings (and if you have kids or pets, that's quite important). Back in 2022 SteelSeries announced their Arena line of gaming speakers and even though it took a very long time I finally have the Arena 7 model here in the lab.

    SteelSeries is the original esports brand that fuses gaming & culture, leading the way in defining a gaming lifestyle, and we have the power to help gamers through our brand, our vision, and our products. The role that gaming plays in moving culture forward is essential, and our worldwide brand creates industry-defining gaming and lifestyle peripherals with a focus on premium quality, innovation, and functionality. SteelSeries is obsessed with helping make a difference by enhancing performance through first-to-market innovations and technologies that empower gamers and fans to push boundaries. Founded in 2001, SteelSeries was the pioneering supporter of esports and competitive gaming tournaments and continues to connect gamers and foster a sense of community and purpose. The SteelSeries family of professional and gaming enthusiasts, entertainers, and athletes is the driving force behind the company and helps influence the design, craftsmanship, and engineering in every piece of gear we create, as well as the brand’s software ecosystem (SteelSeries GG, Moments video clip service, and the Sonar Audio Software Suite). The SteelSeries family of brands includes KontrolFreek, the industry leader in high-performance controller accessories, and Nahimic, the leader in 3D sound solutions for gaming. In 2022, SteelSeries joined the GN family, a global leader in innovative and intelligent audio and video communications solutions sold in approximately 100 countries around the globe.

    The Arena line of gaming speakers consists by 3 models, the 2.0 channel Arena 3, 2.1 channel Arena 7 and the 5.1 channel Arena 9. The Arena 7 which I'll be testing today sports a maximum power output of 150 RMS and includes two satellite speakers (two-way design, base with adjustable tilting) featuring 3" organic fiber woofers and 0.75" silk dome tweeters and a subwoofer housing a 6.5" down-firing driver. This combination allows the Arena 7 to cover a wide frequency range of 35-20kHz with 89dB sensitivity and 100dB max SPL. SteelSeries has also equipped the Arena 7 with a USB DAC, rear RGB lights (4-zones, PRISMSYNC reactive), multi-function button (audio mute, headset toggle, Bluetooth pairing, LED toggle), volume dials (both for the speakers and the subwoofer) and as for available connectivity they pack Bluetooth v4.2, USB-C, S/PDIF (in/out), 3.5mm aux and an 3.5mm headset output.