Klipsch Synergy KSW12 12-inch 105-watt Powered Subwoofer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having heard this sub while back, I have to agree with the first reviewer. It's acceptable for HT use, but poor for music; regardless of their nonsense about dynamic power.
Although, movies may get away with "large, short-term peaks of power", many music will demand nearly constant, power. In virtually all movies, special effects and sound tracks last only a few seconds; all most all of it is a dialog between the actors. Certainly, there is no bass in dialogs. Music is different. I mean, how often do you hear a couple note of bass, followed by few more notes several minutes later?
I'm not sure where some of the reviewers get their information, but there is no such thing as a "crisp & sharp" bass. Crisp & sharp implies, fast rise time, which means there are significant higher harmonic(high frequency) contents in the sound. Anyone who understand the concept of harmonics and Fourier series should understand this. The "crisp & sharp" part of the "bass" comes from the satellites. The most common reason why some bass sounds muddy/boomy is because of poor integration between the satellites and the sub or due to the standing waves caused by the sub-room interaction.
I also don't get how anyone can get "imaging" from a mono sub. Even if you use two subs, low frequency sounds are difficult to localize. This is the very reason why you can place the subs significant distance from the satellites.
The rattling of the object in the room has EVERYTHING to do with the bass, regardless of the distortion. Obviously, the reviewer has never experienced the room pressurized by two 15" subs driven by 1000+ watt pro-audio amplifier. You can barely hear it, but you will definitely feel it. If you have never heard/felt a real sub, then you really don't have a good reference point to judge the other subs. All you can do is note the significant improvement KSW-12 made over the original 8-inch "sub".
That being said, the KSW-12's low end of the frequency response is bit lacking for an "almost-high end sub". It seemed to struggle with the loud rap, as well as the classical music. For movies, it wasn't as bad. It handled most action scenes well, but combat scenes with exaggerated explosions, the sub clearly ran out of gas.
Objectively, the specs are some what misleading. Why would anyone spec the subs at 1/8-space? I've seen half and 1/4-space specs, but 1/8-space? Also, how dynamic is the "dynamic power"? This sounds too much like my plastic 2" 100 watt(PMPO) multimedia speakers I had back in college.
In short, KSW-12 has respectable volume, but is unsuitable for continuous music with significant bass content. It also doesn't have the low end impact. It's spec are completely unrealistic and you won't get anything near the listed spec in a typical living/family room playing music, or movies with heavy action sequences. In the end, it's only a bit better than a typical consumer level 12" sub.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Klipsch Synergy KSW12 12-inch 105-watt Powered Subwoofer

REVIEW: Complete a powerful home theater system with the deep, driving bass of the Klipsch KSW-12 powered subwoofer--perfect for combing with high-performance Klipsch Synergy Series surround sound configurations. It couples a 12-inch driver to the floor for optimal performance. This subwoofer's high-output, down-firing design "grips" the air and fills a room with low frequency energy that's heard and felt with undetectable distortion. The built-in discrete MOSFET amplifier and 12-inch fiber-composite woofer are as efficient as they are reliable. It provides 105 watts of FTC-rated continuous power, and it has a dynamic power rating of 440 watts. (Dynamic power indicates the actual power this amplifier will deliver to the woofer under normal operating conditions.)
The woofer is composed of a Santoprene rubber surround with a fiber composite cone which enables Klipsch subwoofers to deliver on their promise of extended bass response and maximum reliability. This subwoofer accepts LFE, line-level, and speaker level inputs, making it easy to add to the Quintet Microsystem, the Synergy System 6, or any other Klipsch inspired arrangement. The KSW-12's jet ash veneer vinyl finish creates a deceivingly subtle exterior for its earthshaking sound capabilities.
What's in the Box One KSW-12 subwoofer speaker

Click here for more information about Klipsch Synergy KSW12 12-inch 105-watt Powered Subwoofer

Read More...

Klipsch Synergy SUB-12 Subwoofer Speaker (Single, Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently replaced a Polk Audio PSW-12 with the Synergy. This is an amazing upgrade. It mixes well with the Polk RTi-8 Fronts, and CSi-3 Center, R15 surround and Infinity Primus 250 Back Surround. All of these speakers are powered by an Onkyo 803.
The previous sub had good bass response, but was very directional. What I mean by that is I could hear the bass coming from the sub. It did not fill the room. The Synergy fills the room, and actually makes the bass sound like it is coming from the individual speakers. If you increase the gain, it will shake the house.
Installation was very simple. I used the LFE connection, and plugged it in to power. It also has an automatic power save mode, and a light on the front to let you know what mode it is in. Over all, a great value!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Klipsch Synergy SUB-12 Subwoofer Speaker (Single, Black)

The Synergy Series SUB-12 subwoofer speaker delivers enough power and bass extension to shake foundations. It uses high-quality materials and the most reliable components to create a rock-solid impact that makes your movies and music come alive. In addition to its ability to play louder and go deeper than anything else in its class, the SUB-10 subwoofer features a newly refined, but aggressive, industrial design. Available in a black finish with titanium accents, this outstanding subwoofer matches the entire Synergy Series lineup in style-and in performance. The Synergy Series SUB-12 subwoofer speaker gets its room-shaking intensity from a 12" down-firing driver, coupled to a highly efficient BASH(R) amplifier that creates 300 watts of continuous power and 650 watts of dynamic power. A phase control integrates the subwoofer with the other speakers in the system for consistent audio quality. An "auto power" feature enables the subwoofer to turn itself on and off (standby) automatically; a color LED display on the front of the subwoofer indicates whether the unit is "on" or in "standby" mode.Wrapping technical superiority and eye-catching cosmetics into one affordable package, the SUB-12 subwoofer perfectly anchors any home theater or two-channel system.

Click here for more information about Klipsch Synergy SUB-12 Subwoofer Speaker (Single, Black)

Read More...

MartinLogan DYNBLD Dynamo 10-Inch Subwoofer (Single, Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a very well built subwoofer with many of the same parts and most of the technology taken from the upper line (Grotto, Depth, Descent) of ML subs. It has the same solid 10" aluminum driver found in all high-end subs. It was designed and engineered in the US by ML and built in China to keep costs down, however, I did not notice any build-quality issue. I compared the Dynamo head to head with the ML Grotto (twice the price) and found that they both sounded great. The Grotto adds a servo circuit, a tad better cabinet and a little more power (250 vs. 200) but in the long run, I could not justify the price difference.
The Dynamo has deep, tight bass with no boom. It blends seamlessly with all speakers that I have tried. If set up correctly and this is easy to do, you cannot tell where the sub is located in your room. I am using it for 2 channel audio but it can work well for home theater as well, just don't expect ground-shaking boom. Although I think you would be wasting its potential. It also has the option of front firing and down firing by just rotating it on its platform/stand, I set it up as front firing since I found it provide tighter bass/more musical/accurate then down-firing on my carpet. I also did not miss the servo circuit on the more expensive ML sub. The servo would have been more important if the Dynamo had a larger driver (12" plus) due to the inherent distortion issues with large drivers. An 8" - 10" driver does not have as many of these issues, hence the servo circuit not missed much.
You cannot go wrong with the Dynamo for some of the best quality bass at the best price available today.
Strengths:
Build quality. Deep, tight bass...no boom here. Blends seamlessly with every speaker I tried. Easy to set up. Great set up instructions furnished by ML. Price. And a product designed and supported by one of the best speaker builders in the world. Call ML anytime and they will answer any question and make suggestions on proper set up, etc.
Weaknesses:
I would have preferred that whether you choose front firing or down firing, the amp controls would be easily accessible. When in front firing position, the controls are on the bottom. However, once set up, this should not be a problem.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MartinLogan DYNBLD Dynamo 10-Inch Subwoofer (Single, Black)

The Dynamo is a versatile subwoofer with a 10" aluminum woofer and a 200 watt internal amplifier.It features a user-configurable design which can be used in either the forward or downward firing position.The advanced control system of the Abyss allows simultaneous connection of 2-channel stereo music and multi-channel home theater.The base response for the Abyss ranges from 25 to 120 Hz.

Click here for more information about MartinLogan DYNBLD Dynamo 10-Inch Subwoofer (Single, Black)

Read More...

BIC PL-200 Acoustech Platinum Series Subwoofer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I posted this "mini review" on a well known forum, seems there are a lack of reviews on this product, so, hope this helps.
Well, I finally got my PL-200 today. I have been testing and calibrating for the last couple hours.
I did a comparison of the PL-200 versus my Axiom EP350 sub. PL-200 = $329.00 and my EP350 = $758.00
The results surprised me, but not so much really. I will just go ahead say this. The PL-200 kicked my EP350's arse!
Now, keep in mind, I have much more testing to do. I first adjusted both subs to 75db using my digital sound level meter. C weighted & set to slow. The first thing that caught my attention was while running my test tones starting at 80HZ down to 15hz for each sub independently, was my EP350 would not even register any decibels at 22hz. The PL-200 easily hit 76db @22hz. I knew then the Axiom sub was in trouble.
Then I went on and ran MCACC at full auto, tweaked my levels, then ran MCACC advanced mode keeping the speaker settings.
I first played a lot of favorite songs, from the deep bass of "Peg" from Steely Dan to Dream Theater to Queensryche to Metallica's Black CD. The PL-200 filled out my room (4500cuft) nicely, no boominess, no muddiness, just clean well rounded tight bass. Kick drums hit hard and in my face. I pretty much compared a lot of songs with and without the Axiom sub.
I have each sub in the far corners of the room right outside my Axiom M80 towers. I must say I'm lovin the PL-200 so far.
Unfortunately, I only have 1 Blue ray disc at this time and it was Twilight New Moon. Not the best movie for lows. But, I'll have to wait for some more movies from Netflix to test the PL-200 further.
But what I did hear (both subs running) was nothing short of amazing. I can't imagine how Dark Knight or Transformers will sound. Because some of the wolf fighting scenes in Twilight rocked the house, everything was shaking. I could "feel" and hear the walls rattle.
So to summarize the PL-200 with just a couple hours of use, I would say this:
If I had to do this over again, I would have just bought 2 PL-200's instead of the Axiom and saved some money. The PL-200 is an incredible value and when cranked up some, will produce test tones down to 20hz and 18hz nicely. The Axiom EP350 just can't do that, and it's more than twice the price. I'll try to report back here when I get some more bass intense movies, plus I need to tweak some more.
As a side note, I'm really thinking about replacing the PL-200 stock amp with the 500 watt Bash amp, just for fun. But believe me, the stock amp rocks! This is more than enough low end thunder that I will ever need. I just can't see investing $1200.00 plus for a high end sub. One of the reasons I went for the PL-200 to begin with was I wanted 2 subs and I can spend the money I saved, on the Velodyne SMS-1 Sub Eq. I should be ordering the SMS-1 in a couple weeks. This will round out my system for awhile.
Below is my gear if anyone is interested: Take care!
52" Samsung HDTV, Axiom M80 fronts, VP100 center, EP350 subwoofer, Samson Surrounds, Pioneer VSX9040 HDMI AVR, Odyssey Khartago Monoblock Extremes,
Xbox 360, Sony PS3

Click Here to see more reviews about: BIC PL-200 Acoustech Platinum Series Subwoofer

Click here for more information about BIC PL-200 Acoustech Platinum Series Subwoofer

Read More...

Velodyne DEQ-10R 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this subwoofer to go along with some these other components: Yamaha RX-V663BL 665 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver and Mirage Nanosat® Prestige 5 Home Theater Speaker System 4 Nanosat Prestige satellites and 1 Nano CC center speaker. Choosing a subwoofer, or any home theater or stereo equipment can be a daunting task. There are so many options out there, most of them way beyond my budget. I did a lot of research and listening to different units. I checked out some of the audiophile forums and asked questions on an Amazon forum. I believe now that I made the best choice within my budget and the amount of space we have for the unit itself.
The first night I hooked up all the parts of the home theater system, I realized that I bought the wrong Y connector to connect this subwoofer to my receiver so we had to watch a movie without it. The sound was good, but the next day, with all the right connectors, this sub made it sound just amazing. You could feel the sounds in the sofa and on the floor. And that's saying a lot because we have probably the worst acoustical setup with a familyroom/kitchen combination that's 42 feet long and 24 feet wide with 10 foot ceilings with a lot windows on one side and a open doorways on the other. but this sub filled all the nooks and crannies with big, bold sound. There was a movie with a plane going across the screen and my sister was upstairs and said it sounded like the plane was going across the room, beneath the floor. She said she could feel the vibration in the floorboards. (Maybe we had it cranked up a little too loud or a little heavy on the bass?)
There's a one-touch Auto-EQ room bass correction with microphone to automatically adjust the sub. This was easy to use and afterward you can still fine tune it to your liking. There are both speaker level and line level inputs and a front mounted 8 segment LED display. You can set up 4 presets for customized listening modes. It's DSP controlled and adjustable (40 to 120) Hz low-pass crossover with subwoofer direct settings. There are a lot of different options and it comes with it's own remote control that features buttons for power, mute, EQ, phase, light, night and volume control. I posting a photo of the diagram of the back of the unit. I like the fact that there are a lot of options and settings, some that we'll probably never need, and at the same time it's easy enough to hook it up and have it sounding amazing without reading the whole manual.
You'll need to purchase a subwoofer cable if you don't have one already and possibly a RCA Y-Adaptor Cable (AH201) if there's only one input on your receiver. (The first Y adapter I bought had the male and female ends reversed).
I was afraid the 10 inch powered speaker wouldn't be big enough for this large room, especially with the little satellite speakers. If I had a little more money...but then no matter what you spend, there's always something bigger and even more amazing. I shouldn't have worried because this sub fills the room with wonderful sound, even though it has the acoustics from hell!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Velodyne DEQ-10R 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Black)

The DEQ-R Series subwoofers are the ideal combination of technology and an intuitive user interface, and they offer incredible value. Quickly and easily add a powerful, feature-rich subwoofer to your entertainment system. Use the included remote control to maximize the bass in your room from any source, while a clearly visible front LED display instantly confirms your choice. The DEQ-R subwoofers deliver great bass...made easy.

Get 13% OFF

Click here for more information about Velodyne DEQ-10R 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Black)

Read More...

Velodyne MiniVee 8-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had quite an assortment of home theater gear in the past, and have even delved into designing my own subwoofers and full-range loudspeakers, but when I finally left college and moved into an apartment, I knew I'd have a hard time living with the bulky speakers and subwoofer I'd used when space constraints didn't prevail. I knew the superlative performance that large-box speakers and subwoofers could give, but I wanted to explore what was possible from some of the smallest speakers available.
I considered a number of small subwoofers, from PolkAudio, Velodyne, and Sunfire, but when I found a refurbished Velodyne MiniVee 8", I knew I'd need to act quickly. I'm extremely happy I did -- this sub is a tiny wonder! It applies a brute-force method to producing bass, eschewing an enormous resonant enclosure in favor of a tiny, rigid box, a beefy long-excursion driver (with a one-piece diaphragm made from a pulp of resin and ultra-strong Kevlar fibers, and with a 12.7 lb. double-stacked magnet assembly), and a 1000W amp that can muster brief 2000W transients.
Right off the bat, this subwoofer's affinity for music shone through. Whether dialed-in for a flat response or goosed for a more thrilling experience, the Velodyne handled the rapid-fire double kick of power metal, the depth and snap of Victor Wooten's Fender Jazz Bass, and the inexorable punch and rumble of Metallica with equal aplomb, while still offering a light touch for pop and acoustic rock when necessary. For movie testing, the MiniVee made short work of the driving bass line and powerful explosions in the final chase scene of The Italian Job. Even when pushed hard, the MiniVee kept its composure, the internal dynamic compression limiting preventing any audible driver strain while still pushing a surprising amount of air.
One thing to keep in mind when considering this sub is the size of your room. It may be the ideal apartment-dweller's sub, but in an 18'x24' room with high vaulted ceilings, it may be outclassed unless you use multiple subs. The MiniVee's maximum output was tested by one online reviewer to be 94dB @ 1 meter with a 32 Hz tone -- by comparison, similarly-priced internet-direct subs can usually muster levels above 110dB, but come at the price of a larger driver and a larger cabinet footprint. For its size, the little Velo generates a prodigious amount of air movement, and delivers exactly the slice of big-budget home-theater performance I was looking for, in a tiny package. Cheers to Velodyne for this feat of miniaturization!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Velodyne MiniVee 8-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Black)

This incredibly compact amplifier has a Kevlar reinforced resin cone and delivers 2000 dynamic watts for an ultra-dramatic sound. Velodyne's exclusive Dynamic Driver Control System assures limited distortion for very clean, tight and accurate bass while its patented Energy Recovery System lets it handle gigantic power.

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about Velodyne MiniVee 8-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Black)

Read More...

JBL L8400P 600-watt High Performance 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer with Digital Amplifier (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This subwoofer is made to produce QUALITY sound. Some reviews here and elsewhere complain that it does not pump out high amounts of booming base.
This is not a car sub. It is a home theater sub. It produces very clean and tight base, at respectable levels, even when playing action movies.
I much rather have realistic base than simply a big box that pumps out low frequency vibration.
I've tested many subs, and for this price point, you cannot get better quality.
That said, if you have a very large room, you may have to turn the volume up high to get the same level that cheaper subs put out.
Also, placement within the room is everything when it comes to subs.
Don't hesitate: If you can get this for 350-450, buy it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: JBL L8400P 600-watt High Performance 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer with Digital Amplifier (Black)

The Studio L8400P is a powerful 12" powered subwoofer with a 600-watt digital amplifier. It is built with a cast aluminum frame chassis that helps give you outstanding bass response.

Click here for more information about JBL L8400P 600-watt High Performance 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer with Digital Amplifier (Black)

Read More...

Clarion CMSW10.1 10-Inch Single 4 Ohm Voice Coil Subwoofer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a more then adequate MARINE grade subwoofer for under $150. The subwoofer has max power handling of 350 Watts which translates into 175W RMS. I am running this with a 200W RMS amplifier and it provides a adequate all around bass sounds at reasonable listening levels. If I push the volume up to the highest settings, the amplifier handles the increase fine, but overdrives the subwoofer causing some distortion. For everyday use this is a great product for the price. I have this subwoofer installed in a custom box (Epoxied MDF closure) installed under the driver seat of my 25 foot express cruiser. I haven't heard the subwoofer in an open air enclosure, but I think it would be more then adequate in this type of setup, and actually may do a little better because the distortion wouldn't be as noticeable in the open air environment.
The only reason for 4 stars is that there are several products which out perform this subwoofer, but they cost more then twice as much. So great bang for your buck.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Clarion CMSW10.1 10-Inch Single 4 Ohm Voice Coil Subwoofer

Click here for more information about Clarion CMSW10.1 10-Inch Single 4 Ohm Voice Coil Subwoofer

Read More...

Polk Audio RTI A7 Floorstanding Speaker (Single, Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been in the process of replacing my HT speakers, moving away from my piecemeal 5.1 setup (old Altec fronts, Bose surround satellites, Boston Acoustics center channel), to an all-Polk 5.1 configuration. From the research I did prior to actually buying anything, reviews seemed to stress that the RTI-A polk line sounds just about as good as other companies' speakers that typically run for twice the price. After listening to a bunch of options at the now-defunct Tweeter, I came to the same conclusion; I purchased this set of RTI-A7s for fronts, a Polk Audio CSI A6 Center Channel, and Polk Audio RTI A3s for rears. I got the RTI-A7s for a song at Tweeter right before they closed, even cheaper than here or other sites.
These were also the first new items I bought as part of my replacement project, so it really gave me a chance to listen to these in comparison with my old Altecs. I did an A-B test, and the detail and sound field these babies put out really blew away the older, more conventional (and aesthetically speaking much uglier) Altecs (running on a Yamaha RX-V1800). Mid- and High-range detail are exceptional on the RTI A7s, really light years ahead of my old dinosaurs, and perfect for HD formats like BluRay or SACD. The only area where the Altecs win by a slight margin is deep bass (

Click Here to see more reviews about: Polk Audio RTI A7 Floorstanding Speaker (Single, Black)

Click here for more information about Polk Audio RTI A7 Floorstanding Speaker (Single, Black)

Read More...

Velodyne Impact-Mini Powered Subwoofer - Small (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I own both the Impact Mini and its more expensive, more well-endowed cousin, the MiniVee. I use the MiniVee in my home theater system, and the Impact Mini provides low-end reinforcement to my high-end PC sound system consisting of the NuForce Icon-1 amp and S-1 speakers.
The MiniVee and the Impact Mini are about the same size externally, but the MiniVee packs a bigger 8" driver with a longer 'excursion' and a 1000W amp into its 0.7-cubic-foot enclosure. Let me start out by saying that if you've got the money, spring for the MiniVee -- you'll get tighter, firmer, and more musical bass, and a bit more of it. That'll seem like an understatement once the MiniVee socks you in the gut for the first time. The two subs are on entirely different levels; the MiniVee is probably twice the sub that the Impact Mini is (which suits their application in my household just fine).
That said, if you're limited both in budget and in the size of the subwoofer that you (or your significant other) are willing to tolerate, the Velodyne Impact Mini deserves your consideration. It's got a 6.5"-diameter woofer driver with an aluminum cone and a long linear excursion (or 'throw') that's borrowed from the more expensive Velodyne MicroVee (smaller brother to the MiniVee) and coupled via a 0.7-cubic-foot enclosure to a down-firing 8" passive radiator. (A passive radiator serves a function similar to a reflex port, but its diaphragm can be weighted to allow deeper bass reproduction from small enclosures.)
One spot where you'll make some meaningful sacrifices is in the power department. The Impact Mini is the most powerful sub in the Impact series at 180W RMS, 300 peak, and it can still sound astonishingly loud, but it begins to sound strained at high output as the amplifier and woofer both run out of juice. Through it all, the amp doesn't get dangerously hot, though it does become warm, and the aluminum cone of the active driver may also become warm as it dissipates the heat from the 2" voice coil -- which is massive for a driver its size.
You'll be impressed with the way this sub can fill bedroom-sized spaces -- it brought a YouTube video of a Saturn V rocket engine test to life with shocking power -- but don't expect it to fill a 18'x24' great room with vaulted ceilings to any great effect; its smaller driver just won't be able to move enough air. This sub needs the right room to really shine, but it's not difficult to mate it to a variety of smaller sound systems. The natural pairing would be to use the Impact Mini with a system of small satellite speakers in a den or small living room.
The other spot where the Impact Mini falls short of the pricier MiniVee is in its musicality. The Impact Mini is refreshingly low in distortion until it's obscenely overdriven, but short, staccato sounds in rapid succession like the speedy double-kick drum on heavy metal tracks can begin to run together noticeably more than they do when played back through a sealed-box subwoofer like the MiniVee. The Impact Mini's performance with most music is fairly satisfying, however, and I've had no qualms about pairing it with the NuForce Icon-1 and S-1 system that I use at my PC.
What makes the Impact Mini something truly special is that it outperforms many of the 10" subwoofers I've heard, while sounding better and doing it all in an enclosure that's half their size. None of my complaints are enough to change the fact that the Impact Mini is an incredible little performer for its price, and if you can't afford the MiniVee or Velodyne's even more expensive Optimum-8, the Impact Mini is a shoo-in. With the Impact Mini, Velodyne has translated their mastery of the small, potent subwoofer product category into an eminently practical, affordable package.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Velodyne Impact-Mini Powered Subwoofer - Small (Black)

The Impact Series are stylish, affordable, high-output, low distortion subwoofers. They feature beautiful cabinets with black gloss lacquer trim that fit easily into your home, while their deep, defined bass brings your favorite movies and music to life - at very friendly prices.

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Velodyne Impact-Mini Powered Subwoofer - Small (Black)

Read More...

JBL ES90BK 4-Way, Dual 8-Inch Floorstanding Speaker - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)See 3/19/2010 update below.
I'll start by saying that my 3 rating would be about a 7 on a 1 to 10 scale. Based on the overly strong midrange and the fact that JBL is having this speaker built in China, I can't give this a 4 out of 5.
Fit, finish, and appearance on this speaker is somewhat mixed. The front panel veneer is attractive and rolls to the top panel via the beveled edge at the top front. The front panel is made of MDF and appears to be either 3/4 or 1 inch thick. It sounds very solid when rapped with your knuckle. (This is a simple and quick test I would recommend for any speaker.) In general the front of the speaker looks very good.
The side panels are thinner MDF and have a plain black veneer with a fine texture. I can't tell whether they are 1/2 or 5/8 inch thick. The entire cabinet tapers from front to back, with the back only measuring 7 1/2 inches wide vs. 10 1/4 at the front. This tapered design isn't my first choice, but others may like it. The speakers have outboard feet pre-installed which yield good stability despite their height. If you don't like the looks you can install a set of inboard feet that is included in the box.
The bass port is fairly low on the back side just 5 inches above the bi-amp capable sets of binding posts for the speaker wire. These posts are really too close together for easy loosening and tightening, and the bottom pair is further hampered in this regard by their proximity to the panel that holds the posts. The posts include a set of preinstalled gold jumpers for when you are not bi-amping.
I'm using a Kenwood KR-V8080 receiver in stereo mode to drive these. I'm just listening to music with them and my source is a PC with HD audio sound built in (Analog Devices SoundMAX) and iTunes. Nearly all of my music is from CDs imported to Apple lossless compression, so I should be getting the same quality as using a CD player. I'm open to comments about possible shortcomings of this setup, but keep in mind that Apple lossless is just that, it gets decompressed on playback to the same bitstream as was on the CD. I'm not basing the review on any compressed material.
I've listened to a wide variety of rock, pop, and country music at this point, including some remastered material with excellent sound quality. (I have not listened to any classical or jazz.) I could go into details on particular tracks but it wouldn't change the big picture, which is that this speaker has a pronounced midrange that must be cut to really be musical.
I am using a 10 band Audio Control equalizer to unlock the potential of these speakers. You should be able to do the same with a software equalizer of some sort if the PC is your music source. What I have found to be the best is to cut the mids (500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) from 4 to 6 dB, and boost the treble sliders (4000, 8000, and 16000 Hz) by similar amounts. The bass needs a boost as well but it will vary based on the source CD and the placement of the speakers in the room. My listening room is fairly large as part of a combined living room / dining room that also joins into the foyer in a very open plan. The speakers are about 16 inches from the wall behind them but quite a ways from the side walls, and 7 feet apart.
The net result in a comparison between equalized and non-equalized is dramatic. The non equalized sound is very flat and overly 'warm', with vocals usually sounding like they're inside a muffled can. It's worth noting that I prefer a human ear sensitivity curve output for most sound systems and source material. I don't know if I've needed to apply 12 dB of difference between the highs and the mids though.
The sound with equalization ranges from good to very good. I can't yet say it's excellent. It is very clean and the bass is tight if you're not trying to shake the house too much. My 4 out of 5 rating on sound quality is based on the equalized version.
What I have noted with these JBLs is that the sliders I am cutting all are in the frequency range covered by the 4 inch midrange transducer. Whether JBL intended for these speakers to have such a strong midrange, or they've had some sort of manufacturing process control issue with their crossover network, I doubt that many listeners would disagree that bringing the mids down a good bit yields a much better sound. If out of the box they sounded closer to what they do with equalization I would give them perhaps an 8.5 out of 10, so consider that against the 3 out of 5 overall rating I'm giving here.
If you're going to use these for a high end home theater system you will need a subwoofer to really feel the low stuff, but for many users these will be enough and a sub won't be necessary. A 36 Hz -3 dB point is going to cover most everything but the low bass and earth shaking sound effects.
I have owned 3 other pairs of JBL speakers (including the L60T from the late 80s) and have listened to a few more, and this is a departure for JBL's normal tendencies in my experience. My L60T's are very bright and clean in the high range and the mids are not nearly as strong. The L60T is a 2 way design with a 1 inch titanium dome tweeter that must cover much of the midrange as well, so I was quite surprised that the ES90's 4 way design (with 2 specialized tweeters) also needs at least 3 dB more treble boost to come close to it. I'm still not sure it equals it. I'll update this review if my opinion changes. (In the past I've also auditioned Infinity, Polk, Boston Acoustics, Klipsch, and Bose. The best speakers I ever heard were some Infinity Reference Standard 4.5's back in the 80s. I've never been impressed much with the Klipsch I've heard, Polks I've heard were laid back and mellow, while the old JBL and Infinity speakers were very upfront and in your face with their pronounced and very clear high end.)
(For the argument against using equalization because it's not 'how the music was intended to sound', I would ask in what room? With the speakers positioned where? And which speakers? With which mastering? If you haven't tried using an equalizer or at least a 3 band setup with Bass, Midrange, and Treble controls, give it a try and cut the midrange. In general it will give the sound more depth and make it more listenable at both low and high volume levels. While it seems logical that simply boosting bass and treble would work, in my experience it doesn't work as well without a midrange control. The general shape of the curve I'm applying with the equalizer is consistent with many software equalizer presets for Rock and other music types, including some of the iTunes preset curves. The ear is most sensitive to midrange frequencies, and less so for the high and low ends. This is true for the audible threshold as well as the max you can listen to. Loudness controls offset this sensitivity for low listening levels by boosting bass and treble.)Update 3/19/2010:
I've just sent these speakers back. In comparison to my 20+ year old JBL L60T's, the old speakers are just clearly better. There is no doubt that the 1 inch titanium dome tweeters that JBL used for many years (including in the L60T, L80T, and L100T from the late 1980s) is better than the two tweeters in the ES90 put together. And the single 8 inch woofer in the L60T (with surrounds just recently replaced on both speakers) is not really giving anything up to the dual 8 inch woofers in the ES90. All in all a big letdown for me as a loyal JBL user.
I'll also downgrade my overall 7 out of 10 to perhaps 6.5 out of 10, and downgrade the equalized score to 7.5 out of 10.


Click Here to see more reviews about: JBL ES90BK 4-Way, Dual 8-Inch Floorstanding Speaker - Black

Get 8% OFF

Click here for more information about JBL ES90BK 4-Way, Dual 8-Inch Floorstanding Speaker - Black

Read More...

Logitech Z680 5.1 Computer Speakers (5-Speaker, Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have wanted to go digital for long time. My Logitech Z-5300 was an amazing set of speakers, however its lack of digital inputs/outputs isolated its potential to the home PC. Finally, the price of the Logitech Z-680 dropped to an affordable price.
I sold my Z-5300s to another student in my dorm, and purchased the Z-680 from Amazon.com. Amazingly, I received the set within 2 business days via UPS Ground. Needless to say, I am immensely satisfied with Amazon.com.
Thankfully, I had recently purchased a Philips DVP642 player as well, and after reading that the video coaxial RCA cable was the same as the digital audio coaxial, I was all set and ready to go.
So far, I have tested the DVDs Matrix: Revolutions and Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King. I was amazed by the quality of the sound. However, I agreed with the other reviewers that the bass was a bit boomy, especially in Matrix Revolutions. This can be easily remedied by lowering the level of the subwoofer.
When playing my DivX encoded AC3 movies, I saw that changing to Dolby Movie Mode 2 was almost the same as having true Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. It did an excellent job of separating the audio tracks among the voice, music, and sound effects.
Edit 9/25/04: Please read my latest update which explains the difference between Dolby Prologic Decoding and Dolby Digital 5.1. Knowledge is Power!
I have yet to hook my Z-680s to my home PC, but there was very little hiss while my set was hooked up to my DVD player. The hiss was certainly not loud enough to warrant annoyance or disturbance.
Update 9/06/04:
I hooked the system up to my PC via coaxial s/pdif. There is no hiss at all. However, when using the analog connections, there was a very noticeable hiss. I could even hear it 3-4 feet away, which became very irritating.
Trust me, if you buy the Z-680s, do yourself a favor and use the coaxial connection. You won't regret it. I have decided to leave the Z-680s as my personal home theatre system as opposed to hooking them up to my PC.
Last note: the Philips DVP642 is the perfect complement to the Logitech Z-680s. You cannot go wrong with them. Having the two items has been a blast.
Update 9/16/04:
Still loving the Z-680s. I have it hooked up to my suitemate's Xbox, TV, and the Philips DVP 642. Since the Xbox and TV both use analog inputs, I used the handy RCA to 1/8 converter included with the Z-680s. I also purchased a 1/8 splitter. I am considering purchasing the Xbox Advanced AV Pack to utilize the optical connection on the Z-680.
Warning: the subwoofer has become ridiculous...after breaking in the speakers for two weeks, normal levels of bass not only shake my whole 5th floor, but the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th floors-no kidding! Surprisingly, the 4th and 6th floors received the most impact--those vibrations go a loooong way! Remember, if you buy this unit, keep the bass at 20%, unless you are watching Star Wars...then pump it up!
Update 9/25/04:
There have been claims that Logitech has been falsely advertising their product as having true Dolby Digital 5.1 when allegedly, they only had Dolby Prologic II decoding.
Now, there is a big difference between the two. The Dolby Prologic decoding technology has been around for a looooong time; I can remember it since 1991 when my family purchased our first home audio set. Dolby Prologic takes stereo channels and converts them into a surround sound environment--to good effect, but nonetheless hardly comparable to true Dolby Digital 5.1, a more recent technology which directs its sound with far greater accuracy to all six channels, frequency, clear separation of effects and dialog, and clarity than Dolby Prologic.
I too, became a concerned consumer after hearing these rumors on forums and consumer reviews on Newegg and here on Amazon. My product box did not dictate clearly whether it had one decoder or the other or both, so I decided to call a Logitech technician. Thankfully, the the Z-680s came equipped with the ability to decode both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Prologic II.
So when you are playing a DVD you should see "Dolby Digital" appear on the LCD screen of the Digital SoundTouch Control Center. The Dolby Music/Movie Mode that you see when you are playing mp3s or watching a DivX movie is the Dolby Prologic II decoder at work and works very well to its credit.
In a side note, screw Dolby Digital and stick to DTS, the other digital surround sound option the Logitech Z-680 offers, when playing DVDs if the option is available. I have had a greater experience with DTS 5.1 decoding with the Z-680s in the 10 movies I have watched in comparison to Dolby Digital 5.1. DTS makes great use of the surround sound even in movies such as Zoolander [which otherwise makes very little directional use of the rear speakers]. Even my five suitemates agree that DTS has a richer, fuller sound and because of the variety of DVDs we watch during the weekends, it is difficult to say that we are influenced by placebo. There IS a difference :-).
New Setup:
Analog Input - from T.V. & Playstation 2 with stereo splitter
Optical Digital Input - from Xbox
Coaxial Digital Input- from Philips DVP642 DVD Player
Update 10/05/04:
Here is a brief comparison between Dolby Pro-Logic II and Dolby Digital 5.1 using two selected movies:
Dolby Movie Mode with DivX encoded movie Man on Fire:
Voice/Dialogue - mostly center channel with slight residual sound from front left/right speakers.
Music/Score - Evenly divided among front and rear left/right speakers
Sound Effects - Non-directional, evenly distributed. During the gun fight scene when the girl is kidnapped, Pro-Logic II simulates a surround sound effect of gun-fire, making it multi-directional.
Dolby Digital 5.1 for Man on Fire DVD collector's edition:
Voice/Dialogue - Isolated to center channel
Music/Score - Directional music: fades from front to rear speakers or vice versa, varying from scene to scene.
Sound Effects - Directional. Isolated use of rear speakers from rear left to rear right when cars drive by. During the gun scene mentioned above, distinct sounds of bullets "whizzed by" from front right to rear left speakers.
Dolby Movie Mode with DivX encoded movie Star Wars Phantom Menace:
Voice/Dialogue - mostly center channel with slight residual sound from front left/right speakers.
Music/Score - Evenly divided among front and rear left/right speakers
Sound Effects - Non-directional, evenly distributed. Surround sound lightsaber effects can be overpowering as a "large hum" especially with the Z-680's powerful subwoofer.
Dolby Digital 5.1 for Star Wars Phantom Menace DVD:
Voice/Dialogue - Isolated to center channel except in large rooms, echoes can be heard in surround speakers.
Music/Score - Directional music: fades from front to rear speakers and vice versa varying in scenes.
Sound Effects - Directional. Spaceship travel from rear left to front right. Close-up light saber swings begin from rear left and travel to front left, front right, and ends with the rear right speaker.
Update 10-24-05:
OMG! I finally got AC3 to work-but I don't know how! Well, I was playing the Casshern DVD back-up encoded with XVID and AC3. I didn't expect the AC3 to work, so I set the audio effect to Movie Mode. However, I suddenly was hearing discrete audio from my surround sound channels. Bewildered, I went up and listened closely to the center channel, and then the front left channel. Hmmm, either I was having a really good Prologic decode or this was playing in Dolby Digital! I glanced at my control pod and I couldn't believe my eyes--it stated it was decoding in Dolby Digital! Wow! Now I am going to check on all of my AC3 encodes...this is too cool.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Z680 5.1 Computer Speakers (5-Speaker, Silver)

The Logitech Z-680 gives you THX-certified theater-quality digital sound. Both optical and coaxial inputs provide for simple connection to nearly any audio appliance, and with the digital SoundTouch control center and the wireless remote, you can sit back, stretch out, and let loose.
The bass pumps through the Z-680's 188-watt subwoofer. Four 62-watt satellites and a 69-watt center channel provide crystal-clear midrange and highs.
The Z-680 includes built-in Dolby Digital and DTS hardware decoding. Connect the Z-680 directly to a PC sound card, Xbox, PlayStation2, DVD player, satellite receiver, or other Dolby-ready source and get true surround sound. You can also get 5.1 surround sound from a stereo input through the advanced Dolby Pro Logic II system. You can also connect up to four audio sources simultaneously, while accessing each one at the touch of a button.

Click here for more information about Logitech Z680 5.1 Computer Speakers (5-Speaker, Silver)

Read More...

JBL ES250PWBK Wireless 400-Watt Powered 12-inch Subwoofer (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The JBL ES250PWKBK is a very good subwoofer for 2 reasons:
1. Wireless is rock solid despite using 2.4GHz band but it disrupted the WiFi signal in the proximity.
2. Clean, powerful bass!I was very impressed with the frequency range of the subwoofer: 25 - 150 Hz. Adjustable crossover knob in the rear lets you scale it from 50 to 150 Hz. Phase (0/180) degree switch in the rear. LFE or Left/Right inputs in the rear to hard-wire.

Click Here to see more reviews about: JBL ES250PWBK Wireless 400-Watt Powered 12-inch Subwoofer (Black)

The JBL ES250PWBK is a powerful 400 Watt RMS 12-inch powered subwoofer that does not require a wire to run between the source and the subwoofer. This version is in black.

Click here for more information about JBL ES250PWBK Wireless 400-Watt Powered 12-inch Subwoofer (Black)

Read More...

Sharp SD-AT1000 600 Watt Home Theater Audio System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)the sharp sd-at1000 is by far one of the best home theater out there for its price(i got mine for 199). it has 600 watts or total power and can decode everything, dts, dolby digital, pro logic and pro logic 2. its also utilizes sharp's 1 bit technology which converts analog signals into digital, while its ultra-high speed sampling rate captures detailed, high frequency sounds that could never before be experienced. it also has 2 digital and 3 line inputs and a nice design. this system also doubbles as a am/fm radio with magnetically shielded front speakers. my only complaint is it does not have a dvd play but for the price i really wasn't expecting one. later models such as the sd-at 3000 and 4000 dv do contain dvd players but for a much higher price. i'd recommend this system to anyone, just buy a good dvd player and you're good to go.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sharp SD-AT1000 600 Watt Home Theater Audio System

The SD-AT1000 home-theater audio system presents an affordable version of a sophisticated digital amplifier from Sharp, which helped pioneer digital-audio amplifiers. The system includes a six-channel surround receiver, five satellite speakers, and a passive subwoofer, all of which are designed to be hooked up with a DVD player, satellite receiver, VCR, or other video sources so you can enjoy exciting music and sound alongside your video programs.The SD-AT1000's amplifier uses a single-bit digital-to-analog converter that switches at an ultrahigh 2.8 MHz, more than 60 times faster than the clock used for CD audio, to deliver 40 watts per channel (x 6) of dynamic, ultraclear power across the entire range of audible frequencies (20 to 20,000 Hz), and up to 100 watts per channel at specific frequencies.A pair of digital-audio inputs accepts Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround signals, which the receiver decodes and routes to each of the system's speakers: one petite satellite each for left, center, right, and left/right surrounds, as well as a passive subwoofer with a 6.5-inch cone (the sub is driven by the same 40 watts as each of the other channels).Dolby Pro Logic II generates 5.1-channel signals from any stereo (two-channel input), and the receiver's other connections include three analog audio (left/right RCA) inputs and a stereo output for feeding, for instance, a CD or minidisc recorder or a tape deck. Should you want to drive your bass to even greater depths (or merely louder levels), the receiver offers a subwoofer pre-amplifier output that can route a variable-level signal to an independently amplified subwoofer of your choosing.What's in the Box Integrated surround amplifier, 5 satellite speakers, a passive subwoofer, a remote control, remote batteries, FM/AM antenna, a user's manual, and all requisite cabling.

Click here for more information about Sharp SD-AT1000 600 Watt Home Theater Audio System

Read More...

JBL ES250PBK 400-Watt High-Powered 12-Inch Subwoofer - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I originally was going to order the ES150PBk 200watt sub-woofer, but it was not going to be shipped until mid April. So I went with JBL's 300watt RMS (500Watt Peak) model. I paid $353.00 with a $30.00 off (for applying for an Amazon credit card) and this brought the price down to $323.00 with "free" super saver delivery. This unit will shake your living room during explosions in action movies (check out Pearl Harbor and Live Free, Die Young) and provides a nice, tight bass in music. I only have it turned up to just passed the mid-point & that is very loud. It is well designed, attractive, and you get more than your money's worth. You can not go wrong for this price! By the way, it does come with a removable black grill that is not pictured. I researched several other sub-woofers and none came close to providing the specs that this one does at this price and from such a well-established company. Last, but not least, JBL has been making speakers since the 1930's and is at the forefront of loudspeakers for the music industry. Because I am a tech savvy musician, I am well aware of JBL's reputation. So, in closing, rest assured that you are getting an outstanding product, through a trusted, reliable and reputable company at an outstanding price!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: JBL ES250PBK 400-Watt High-Powered 12-Inch Subwoofer - Black

Click here for more information about JBL ES250PBK 400-Watt High-Powered 12-Inch Subwoofer - Black

Read More...

Corsair Gaming Audio Series SP2500 High-Power 2.1 PC Speaker System (CA-SP211NA) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought these speakers for both PC and Xbox 360 use, as well as music and movies.
Build Quality: Excellent. The subwoofer is made of sturdy wood and weighs a ton. The satellites are a perfect balance of hefty quality plastic and being too light. It has a total of three inputs which is nice. The desktop controller allows you to switch between them all. The free rca and pc cables are a thoughtful touch.
Sound Quality: Excellent. Its amazing how clear and how 3D this 2.1 setup seems. I've been playing Bioshock 2 and the little sisters singing are awesome. In Halo Reach I can hear where the enemy is. Music has great clarity as well as punchiness. My wife's favorite part is the late night setting shifts the base from the subwoofer to the satellites.
Price: 260 is what I paid (with shipping), but that was the week they came out. If they were closer to 215 this would be on everyone's desk. Ultimately, I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Corsair Gaming Audio Series SP2500 High-Power 2.1 PC Speaker System (CA-SP211NA)


With the SP2500, Corsair has reinvented the PC speaker system. Get ready to experience a revolution.
The Gaming Audio Series SP2500 is the product of a design philosophy that embraces the importance of clean, detailed audio reproduction -- not just for games, but for movies and music as well. Building a great PC speaker system is more than about giving you room-shaking power. You also need optimal imaging and positional accuracy, and sonic depth and detail. Since you have only one speaker system, you don't want to make compromises. That's why we've created the SP2500.

Product Features

Click here for more information about Corsair Gaming Audio Series SP2500 High-Power 2.1 PC Speaker System (CA-SP211NA)

Read More...