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Review 2 of 12
Price Paid:
$235.00
from UBid Summary:
I purchased these to be utilized for the computer and setup with a Technics SA-AX6 receiver/5000 decoder. I was quite impressed at first for such a package, but found some pros and cons of my own.
Pros:
1. Good all in one package that doesn't take up too much space (except subwoofer).
2. Good sounding acoustics on audio material from being a matched set. I was amazed at the sound quality when the system was put in Pro-Logic mode playing CDs. The sounds would reverberate through each speaker as I assume as it was intended to be. I also noticed improvements over other sound field settings (theater, hall, club). I couldn't get the same response from my home theater system since it wasn't a match set.
Cons:
1. speaker clips: I use 14 gauge wire, but had to cut that in half and still had a hard time getting any of it into the clips. I ended up tapering the end and stuck as much in as possible. I'm going to have to resort to pin connectors or replacing the connectors as a whole. I think the largest bare wire you can install is 18 gauge. Subwoofer had no problems as the connectors were bigger. One other concern I had that I investigated since they ship such a small speaker wire, was the speaker wire internally of each speaker. It's safe to say they they don't use the same speaker wire inside the speakers. I believe it to be 18 gauge wire.
2. Sound quality: There is something seriously missing in the bass. I believe the subwoofer is cut off somewhere between 80 to 90 Hz as they recommended in their book. However, there is no bass response whatsoever in the satellites. I found this out as I set up the sub-bass unit as a subwoofer. The receiver I have has the capability of outputting bandpass frequency and volume to the sub. So I turned down the volume and raised the subwoofer and played with the bandpass filter. I didn't notice any difference as the filter will work between 50-200 Hz.
I then turned down the sub and turned up the volume for the speakers and played with the bass and treble controls. The treble control was quite noticeable, but there was no difference in tone with the adjustment of bass control.
Therefore, I believe the frequency range between 90 and 400 hz could be missing as I know the center channel has it's own crossover network (the one torn apart to investigate the wiring), but also wonder if the other's could have their own crossover networks.
The main speakers are suppose to be utilized with the sub-bass unit for "proper" crossover frequency response. However, there should be some recognizable bass in the satellites if they aren't connnected. This leads me to beleive there are individual crossovers in each speaker to cut out these bass signals.
Because of the lack of bass, the room doesn't have a "fullness" to it. You hear the midrange, highs, and feel/hear the subwoofer, but altogether, it doesn't fill the room like my HT system does. By cranking up the bass, the sub only makes things rattle more and eventually overpowers the satellites. By cranking up the speakers, you only suffer from ringing of the ears.
3. The sub-bass was bigger than I expected it to be. It isn't powered either, so if you utilize it as a subwoofer as I do, make sure your receiver has an amp output for a sub. If you don't, you can set it up with your front main speakers.
Summary: Fortunately I bought this set for only one purpose in mind: a mini system for a den to go with my computer for gaming, DVD watching, and audio listening. I would not recommend this for a HT system at all. However, if you don't like your music loud and not much of a bass (100-400 HZ) fan, these would be a good starter set. Somehow the system is able to blend the deep bass with the speakers and make something out of nothing, but don't crank it too loud or you could receive ear damage from the highs.
I replaced a couple of speakers with the 301s briefly. Even though I received those lows for the fullness, I missed out on the highs. I even replaced the center channel with the Polk that I had. The Polk had better response to bass also, but it didn't match the rest of the system in tone quality.
I guess with the system and for the price, you gain some and lose some. I gained better sound (surround?) effect for acoustics, but I lost (and missed) the fullness of the music representation.
Hopefully when I receive my Acoustic Research HC-2 speakers (to replace my existing HT system), I'll get the best of both worlds. Strengths:
Price, sound acoustics Weaknesses:
Speaker clips, sound quality (tonal) Similar Products Used:
Yamaha towers, Bose SE-5, Bose 301, Polk center channel.
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