We kick off this Mega Test with two linked but very different categories: build and looks. How well built your speakers are is vital. The construction of your kit will often mirror how well it performs, and poorly-built equipment can vibrate terribly, affecting sound quality, and ultimately your enjoyment. Also, in the long run, the system may prove to be a poor investment if it breaks.

The styling of players and amps is usually less important - after all, if a DVD deck isn't great looking it doesn't really matter as it's hidden away under your TV or on an equipment rack. However, when it comes to subwoofer and satellite (sub/sat) surround sound speaker packages, looks are more important; even small speakers are going to have an impact on a room when there are five of them.

On the construction front, we are happy to report that all of the speaker systems in this test are solid and well built, but, three of the products are particularly worthy of mention...

Built to last

The JM Lab Sib and Cub package immediately stands out, as its satellite Sib speakers are the by far biggest here. The large size certainly doesn't make them ugly though, and the impressive finish coupled with the concave metal grill on the front makes them a very attractive proposition for a decent sized room. The subwoofer is also, in our mind, the best looking of the bunch. Its attractively finished exterior and reasonable size means you can keep it on display, even though, as with all of the subwoofers here, you can also hide it behind a sofa.

We reviewed the KEF KHT2005AV package in HE90 and praised its solid build and attractive looks. But this is the first time we've had our hands on the black version of the 'Eggs', and it has to be said, we reckon these are even more appealing than the standard silver models. The matt finish is easy on the eye and feels good to the touch; and dotted around a room they look amazing. They are also pretty chunky, and just like the JM Labs, this extra size enables the manufacturers to make slightly smaller subwoofers than are partnered with some of the more diminutive satellites on test here.

But we're not being sizeist here. The small satellites of the Bose Acoustimass 10 package are most attractive. The brand is well known for its design kudos. The Cube satellites may look simple, but that's a good thing, and once in place they really do seem to disappear into the background, leaving you free to concentrate fully on the sound.

Looking good

The Quadral package is no slouch on the looks and build front either. It comprises four sizeable satellites, a chunky subwoofer and - rather cleverly as you'll read later - a double size centre speaker. All are finished in an attractive, metal-sheen casework.

The Tannoy is the least well finished system on test, but it's also the cheapest by some margin. And we certainly reckon the supplied metal stands are a thoughtful touch. The satellites are very small and silver, but unlike the KEF and Quadrals, they are made of plastic rather than metal. Still, positioned around a room the Tannoys fade into it - although the largish silver plastic sub takes more thought to hide.

There's not much to say about speaker packages' features, apart from to continue to praise the Tannoy system for coming supplied with stands. They are tall, thin poles that screw into a circular plinth and are excellent value-added additions. JM Lab is renowned for its innovative products, so it's fitting that the Sib satellites come with clever platforms that can be turned round for easy wall mounting. The KEFs also have a similar system, and can be placed in a variety of positions. A nice touch.

What is more important is how easy it is to set each package up as a convincing surround sound system. While we wouldn't say that any of the products are problematic, the Bose
does have an interesting little quirk.

The American company usually attempts to break the mould, and this product is no different. Rather than powering the satellites directly from a home cinema amplifier or receiver - the standard method used by all of the other systems in this test - Bose uses a propriety method. This involves taking the signal from the speaker outputs of a receiver and feeding it into the subwoofer before sending it to the speaker with the supplied cables.