New 5.1.2 speaker system offers 400 watts at budget-friendly price

The manufacturer Hiwill-Audio is probably more or less unknown, even though its products are also available on Amazon in some markets. With the Hiwill-Audio N512, a new surround sound system can be ordered on Banggood for a rather low price of $288. As usual, only tests can show whether the system is actually any good. Possible alternatives are available from brands such as Ultimea. 

The Hiwill-Audio N512 should stand out for its rather simple setup, as the rear satellites do not have to be connected to the soundbar or center speaker, but only to each other and to a power source. The front satellites and the subwoofer, on the other hand, require a wired connection, though this should often be easy to manage.

According to the manufacturer, the rear speakers can also be placed in another room. Depending on requirements, this could eliminate the need to buy a second sound system. Hiwill-Audio advertises 400 watts of peak output and 5.1.2 surround sound, meaning the system also uses speakers with upward-firing drivers that effectively bounce sound off the ceiling. The down-firing subwoofer uses a 5.25-inch driver.

Audio content can be sent to the sound system in several ways. In practice, HDMI ARC is likely to be particularly relevant. There is also an optical audio input and a 3.5mm jack, USB is available, and a smartphone can be connected easily via Bluetooth. Dolby Atmos support, for example, is not advertised.