In 5.1 mode, this is far less of a problem. Clarity is the key ingredient of the rear and centre channels in an average movie mix and the Signo 200 and Signo 200 Base (the centre speaker) can deliver.

The .1 LFE channel can then be handled exclusively by the sub. When given a subtle Dolby TrueHD surround soundtrack, like that of The Fountain on Blu-ray, the rear speakers do a fine job of picking out fine atmospheric detail like creaking doors.

Lively system

The centre channel, meanwhile, ensures that dialogue, which is often softly spoken in the dream-like Shamanic sequences, is always loud and clear in the mix.

The 200 Base centre is essentially a 200 surround on it's side, so it matches perfectly and benefits from the same rigid cabinet. It completes the circle of sound to present a particularly lively system that directs audio effects around the room in a very lifelike way.

One thing the centre channel lacks is the weight and depth behind the voice to really place the character in the room. It's a problem that each of the speakers has due to the lack of cabinet volume inside the flattened enclosures.

Although the front pair are floorstanders, which should mean lots of lovely bass thump, they're very thin, and there's just not much air inside them to shift.

But with the Sub 250 woofer, the system still hangs together well enough to impress on the end of the right amplification and with the right material.

Powerful and detailed performance

To avoid a grating, edgy sound, it's best to choose a receiver with some bass warmth and reasonable power output (perhaps a Denon AVR), as the Signos aren't the most sensitive boxes either. Subtle soundtracks fare better than explode-em-ups on the Signo system.

The Fountain is great for showing off its attention to detail and speedy delivery, while the gunfire in Blood Diamond on Blu-ray doesn't quite hit the target. With the bass localising more from the sub than the speaker, the sense of impact and direction suffers.

It's a similar story with music. Classical pieces sound expansive on 5.1 Super Audio CDs but rock and dance music can sound uncomfortable at high volumes - and setting the subwoofer levels becomes a niggling obsession.

An impressive speaker system

The slick appearance and slim build of Quadral's Signo range is undeniably impressive; the front three look great flanking a 42in flatscreen TV.

Sonically though, it's a case of carefully matching them with a warm-sounding amplifier and not standing them miles apart from each other in a cavernous living room.

If you think you can meet these criteria, then the Signos will reward you with an involving and lively home cinema sound - and look great while they're doing it.