In the digital world of today, laptops, MP3 players, and even a growing number of cell phones (such as Sony Ericsson’s Walkman series or HTC’s G1 Google phone) are 3.5mm audio jack compatible, whether it’s a built-in capability or made available via an included adapter. What this means is that you can simply plug in a set of headphones or mini/portable speakers to get better sound out of your device than what the built-in speakers can natively deliver. These portable devices are obviously designed with user entertainment in mind – even if it’s only simple entertainment – and here’s where the new Eagle Arion 2.0 Soundstage Speakers really shine.

The Design
From the packaging look-and-feel to the speaker design itself, the Eagle Arion 2.0 Soundstage Speakers evoke the sense of affordable class and refinement, basically something that would fit the modern home or lifestyle. It’s definitely not an unsightly piece, and will look right at home nestled next to your iPod or Apple–esque netbook.

What’s also great about its design is there are only two parts to plug in – the two-prong plug and the line-out audio cable. This keeps everything very simple, without the bulky three-prong plug and extra wires that connect the left and right speakers to one another like some competitors’ offerings.

The one caveat here is while I really like the all-black design, with glossy look on the front and wood-grain look everywhere else, the speakers are very light – a bit too light for my tastes. While it’s not such a bad thing overall (it’s meant for portable devices so it should be portable too), it does make the set feel less sturdy and stable than what I would prefer.

The Sound
The 2.0 multimedia speaker set is on par with what you would expect for the money. It’s not the best sound that money can buy, but quite reasonably, that also should not be expected given its entry-level price point. Any set that is audiophile quality (or remotely close to it) would require the addition of an amplifier – or subwoofer at the least – and will definitely cost you an arm, if not a leg too.

That being said, let’s get right to the audio test results. The speakers were tested on a mainstream-level laptop without any fancy sound cards, while shuffling through various genres of my favorite music (yes, my favorites, but it might be yours too) on CD and through YouTube.

Quite honestly, my first impression of the sound was not all that great. I played a song on that had a mix of pop and rock elements, and I had to turn the volume down from 75% to 25% in order to not frighten those around me. The sound was quite distorted for an external speaker set and it felt like I was listening to music inside an aquarium. I tried another song, one with less bass, and the sound was only marginally better (disappointing), so on to the CD test.

Compared to what I heard on YouTube, I was literally blown away by the sound of these speakers when I popped in a CD of some of my favorite early 2000s music. The music sounded like it should, and even a bit good, at times. I tried some R&B, pop, hip hop, rap, and even rock. Everything sounded pretty great given the earlier experience.

The Bottom Line

While the material choice and “heavy dutiness” of the speakers could be a bit better, the speakers are indeed an attractive set for the price overall. All the speakers in its price range on Newegg.com appear to be of lesser quality – looks-wise, at least.

And price difference aside, the only two speakers I would choose over this set are the JBL/Harmon Kardon Duet White speakers and the Creative GigaWorks speakers. However, that’s if someone is looking to spend $40-$90 more for a 2.0 speaker set just for the slightly better looks.

The verdict: I would not hesitate to recommend the Eagle Arion 2.0 Soundstage Speakers to anyone looking for a sub-$20 multimedia speaker set that you won’t be too embarrassed about to leave on your desk for friends to see. The set is now available on Newegg.com for $19.99.

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