I first experienced home theater sound sometime in 1995. While 5.1 amplifiers were not yet commonplace, the implementation of mono rear speakers with Dolby Pro Logic provided a compelling experience. Fast forward 24 years, and I now have access to 7.1 Dolby Atmos at the office and a 6.1 DTS system at home. Home theater sound significantly enhances the immersive quality of entertainment.
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When a 5.1 system from Trust became available, I was eager to evaluate its performance. Upon unboxing the components, the lightweight and plastic construction of the satellite speakers was immediately apparent. However, the combined subwoofer and amplifier unit exhibits a more robust and substantial feel. After connecting all the cables and establishing a connection to the office’s Xbox One X via the optical audio cable, I proceeded with a thorough test….
Initially, no sound was produced. After consulting the quickstart guide for the appropriate Xbox configuration, audio remained absent. Utilizing the remote control appeared to have no effect. However, upon selecting the correct “source”, the room was immediately filled with sound. The initial sound quality was surprisingly impressive. The remote allows for individual speaker and subwoofer level adjustments. The absence of a visual level indicator necessitates relying on auditory perception, which is a notable drawback. A reset button is included to revert to the default settings.
The testing commenced with Gears 5, a game familiar in its Dolby Atmos presentation. The Torro GXT 698 immediately demonstrated its capability, delivering a credible 5.1 experience with substantial bass response. The sound was direct and often exceeded expectations given the system’s compact size. In-game character rotation resulted in a convincing surround effect as gunfire dynamically shifted around the listener. This was particularly noteworthy.
Playback of The Greatest Showman (a film with a familiar sound profile) revealed limitations compared to the gaming experience. Dialogue clarity was somewhat diminished, and while the bass remained impactful, the overall experience was less satisfying. The front speakers appeared to lack the necessary power to accurately reproduce the film’s complex mix of dialogue and effects.
To maximize the potential of the Torro GXT 698, a dedicated sound card capable of 5.1 output is recommended for computer use. While any audio source can be connected, achieving a true surround effect necessitates the discrete channel information provided by a compatible sound card. The system can be directly connected to Playstation 4 and Xbox One consoles for genuine surround sound.
In conclusion, the Torro GXT 698 is a cost-effective system that excels in gaming applications but remains adequate for film and music playback. An initial concern was the inability to disable the RGB lighting on the subwoofer, which may not appeal to all users. While visually engaging, the sound-reactive lighting can be distracting in dark environments. However, holding down the control button disables the lighting, a feature not immediately apparent. While the Torro GXT 698 may not be a definitive must-have, it represents a strong value proposition, delivering capable surround sound at an accessible price point.
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