Setup:
There are a couple of options for setting up the A-250 speakers. One of the biggest selling points of the A-250 system is the 2.4 GHz RF wireless connection. Windows 2000 or XP is required for the wireless (think Bluetooth) to function, and both of these operating systems have native drivers and no other software is required. Simply plug the wireless transmitter into an open USB port, and turn it on by holding down the blue button in the middle of the transmitter. Windows will automatically detect it and load the drivers. The on/off button will blink on and off until the speakers are powered up and a connection between the speakers and the transmitter has been established. Once the connection is established, the button stops blinking and glows blue constantly.
The other option for connecting the A-250 system is a hardwired connection via a standard 3.5mm audio cable, which is supplied. You can connect the A-250 system to your computer or other music source such as an MP3 player with this method.
To power the A-250s we have two options, by four AA batteries which are not included or by an A/C power adaptor which is included. Use of the A/C adaptor poses some limitations on the system other than being tied to a wall outlet, and we will discuss that later in the review.
Performance:
With any speaker system the first question generally asked, and the biggest concern, is "How good do they sound?" In the case of the Saitek A-250 I was pleasantly surprised. Now I am not saying I am ready to ditch my 5.1 Dolby surround sound system for the A-250 system, but that is just not a realistic comparison. For a relatively small and very portable speaker system, the A-250s delivered fairly crisp sound and adequate bass.
Using the A-250s is a very simple task. Once the wireless connection has been made from the transmitter to the speaker system you simply open your favorite media player (I used both Windows Media Player and Winamp), load a play list, and click the play button in the media player or push the play button on the speakers! That is right you can control the music right from the speakers, with a couple of small caveats.
