Flat Panel Fun
Written: Sep 04 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Clear sound, great price
Cons: Sub isn't as spectacular as satellites
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| callous's Full Review: Level 9 Sound Designs MM-700 2 Speakers |
My existing computer speakers were really beginning to flake out so I upgraded to the Monsoon MM-700's. I had been eyeing these for about half a year now, and was pleased to see they now have a manufacturer's rebate.
They are a typical sub+satellite set up, with a 1/8" stereo phonoplug input, in-line volume/mute control, and subwoofer level control. The sub looks to be a pretty conventional bottom-firing ported unit, which pumps out an adequate but not copious amount of bass. You will not have "The Cubicle of Boom" with this unit. The satellites are flat, Magneplaner-type units, and surprisingly heavy for their size. Build quality was excellent, especially for the sats. Set-up was no problem, and there was lots of length in the speaker and volume-control cords.
The sound quality is quite good - certainly excellent performance for this price range. I will refrain somewhat from describing their sound beyond a few general characteristics, as they are driven off the SB16 in my PC, which is a somewhat suspect audio source. Normally, this isn't a problem as most PC speakers are incredibly awful, but these little guys deserve better.
They are very sibilant and clear, perhaps to a fault when considering the placement scenario beside most PC monitors. Still, if you have the desk space to back them away and off to the sides a bit they sound very, very clear. Note that they are bi-directional satellites, so fooling around with angles and reflective surfaces are very important for a quality setup.
My opinion of the sub is more reserved. The unit does an adequate job of supporting the sats for most listening, and isn't horribly boomy as many ported speakers can be. But if you like your bass, you'll probably discover there isn't the quantity you want.
The control on the volume puck was a little small to use easily until I stuck it to the side of my monitor with double sided tape. One problem with the in-line volume control is at low volumes the right and left channels aren't balanced - a typical problem not unique to Monsoon.
Now for a word of warning - if you are in the habit of listening to MP3's on your computer, these speakers will make every little flaw with the MP3 ripping and encoding process painfully obvious. My own experience is that it may be too much to take in some cases.
Don't get me wrong - I love these, and they're the best PC speaker I've heard. They would be a great buy even if they didn't come with the sub. I wholeheartedly recommend them, but please be aware of the limitations.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
callous
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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