Kick-Ass sound any way you listen to it!
Written: Dec 20 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Sound is excellent, size is tiny, they look real cool, the cost is fair and reasonable for quality of output and construction
Cons: No master power switch, read the directions
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| muolo's Full Review: Level 9 Sound Designs MM-1000 2 Speakers |
The Monsoon MM-1000 satellite speakers and subwoofer and the king of 3-D sound and depth. I was originally interested in these speakers after reading a review on the VooDoo Extreme web site (a gamer's site). The review talked about how real the sound coming from these speakers was - plus they looked real cool with their VERY flat shape.
I checked around more and decided I needed them right away. The Monsoon website was terrific - it was clear and easy to navigate around. I was able to check out some stats, and purchase the speakers on-line - hassle free.
The speakers arrived as promised, in a small to medium sized box weighing in around 20 or so pounds.
The 2 satellite speakers are flat and tall (4" x 8" x 1"). They also come on a sturdy base. They don't appear to have the power they actually possess - a whopping 12.5 watts each. The subwoofer is light and looks weak (11" x 10" x 11"), however the rumble it generates will rock you @ 25 watts with a 5.25" cone. After hearing a game load for the first time in 3-D sound and clarity, I was a fan for life. I even enjoy listening to music on these speakers more than on my stereo.
The 2 satellite speakers should be setup in equal distance from the monitor and from you. They should point even so slightly inward. This gives the best perception of sound. The speakers lure you in - you end up listening for the most subtle of noises and sounds in your favorite games and music CD's. I can honestly say that when I play games and I crank these speakers up, I can feel my heart pound and race because everything seems so real. The sound we take for granted in the real world is now available from your computer and it kicks ass!
There is a small power supply that gets plugged into a 2-prong wall outlet. This plugs into the subwoofer. The subwoofer also houses the master-volume and the bass level and a bass boost switch.
There is also this neat "puck", as they call it, which allows you to turn the volume up or down (but only up to the max level the master volume on the subwoofer is turned to) and mute the volume. It's real convenient and it works well - it's not at all hard to adjust the volume to that perfect level.
The only downside I've found so far is the lack of a master power switch. The subwoofer unit says on at all times. I would much rather like the ability to shut it off with the rest of my computer and monitor.
Finally, be sure to read the pink handout which accompanies your manual and documentation. This clears up something the manual misstated. The manual reads that there is a 3rd input where the sounds card connects to - and how you should never plug the sound card into the main 2 inputs. The handout explains how there are 3 ports but in a different configuration - 1 port is for the puck, 1 is for the sound card, and a third is for any other competent you wish (using a mini-stereo sized adapter). Other than that, there is no problem getting everything hooked up and ready to rumble.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
muolo
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Member: Brian Muolo
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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