Good Speakers With Flat Panel Cool Factor
Written: Jan 25 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: good sound quality, flat panel cool factor
Cons: expensive, no advanced sound technology
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| redking's Full Review: Level 9 Sound Designs MM-700 2 Speakers |
Overview:
Monsoon is an experienced manufacturer of flat panel speakers such as the one used in automobiles. One notable automobile Monsoon makes speakers for is the Hummer (seen in the movie, The Rock). Monsoon is trying to enter the market for computer speaker systems but using the Monsoon name to help sell the MX line of flat panel speakers which are really produced by a company called Sonigistix.
Key Stats from the Source (Monsoon's Site):
MM-1000 System Specifications:
Satellites: 4 X 8 inch dipole-radiating planar magnetic
Satellite enclosure: None
Amplifier power*: 25 watts, woofer; 2 X 12.5 watts, satellites
Crossover: Active, third order at 200 Hz
Woofer drive unit: 5.25-inch, Xmax = +5 mm (per DUMAX measurement)
Woofer cabinet: 8.2 liter, tuned to 53 Hz; 11"H X 10"W X 11"D
Controls on woofer: Volume, bass volume and bass punch (6 dB boost at 55 Hz)
Controls on puck: Volume and mute
System frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz +5 dB in workstation environment
System time response: Less than .25 ms dispersion to -20 dB
Maximum SPL at 1 meter: 102 dB RMS using EIA 426B noise
*Short term, continuous average with less than 1% THD over powered driver?s frequency range.
I am not an audiophile, so I don't know what exactly they mean. However, can I tell you...
...What's Good?
- Hey Sounds Good!
I use my speakers for my computer in combination with my Sound Blaster Live sound card and the sound quality it great! I play Half-Life and other first person shooters and the sound produced by the MX-1000 helps me to hear the location of enemies. In additon, I listen to CDs and MP3s on my computer and the MX-1000 produces crisp, clear sound. I've blasted music to wake up my roommate and their is almost no distortion! Kewl!
- Flat Panel Cool Factor
I decided to go with flat panel speakers to compliment my flat panel screen (ViewSonic VPD150). The MX-1000 speakers are definitely a little bigger than I expected. The main space hogger is the base of the speakers. I wish they made the speakers a bit shorter and the base smaller. Despite this, the MX-1000 speakers are still great to look at and very cool! The subwoofer that comes with the MX-1000 is quite large considering the size of the speakers. However, the large subwoofer is very powerful with enough bass to shake the floor!
- Usability
The sound system is very easy to setup. Just plug in some cables and attach the speaker wires. It also comes with a control device call a puck. It is attached to the speaker cable and controls the general volume. This is a pretty useful feature, but I usually never use it because I can remote control the computer volume with my Logitech Cordless iTouch Keyboard!
What's Bad?
- price
The MX-1000 will cost you over $200. If you're using these speakers for simple computer usage, you might want to consider cheaper alternatives. You won't have flat panel speakers, but you'll save money and get the same results.
- no advanced sound
I searched around and learned that the MX-1000 doesn't have "advanced" sound capabilities like Dolby Digital Surround Sound. This didn't really bother me, but I know people want Dolby in their sound systems. In addition, these speakers are analog so don't expect digital sound quality. One last thing, the MX-1000 produces directional sound designed for one or two people. Don't expect the MX-1000 to fill a room with sound for a party or such.
Other Choices?
For a simple computer sound system that offer more features (but no flat panel!) look for Altec Lansing, Harmon Kardon or Cambridge.
Final Words:
The MX-1000 sound system is designed for people who like flat panel technology and want to show off. The sound is great for a computer based sound system, but expensive at $200. It gets three stars because I feel the MX-1000 speakers could be smaller and more advanced with better sound technology.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
redking
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Member: redking
Location: NY, NY
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 48 members
About Me:
computer hacker
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