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Sonigistix Monsoon MM-1000 flat panel speakers

ITEM	Monsoon MM-1000 flat panel speaker system
MANUFACTURER	Sonigistix
MSRP	$ 199 US $ 299 CDN
RATING	7.4 /10

CATEGORY	Personal computer sound system
COMMENTS	Flat planar speakers offer surprisingly good sound, but the system has its flaws.
Pro	· Creates sensation of 3D audio · Bass subwoofer unit puts out great sound · Looks cool

Con	· Mid-range sound is flat · Remote volume control "puck" suffers from a number of flaws · Sweet spot is relatively small -- slight changes in head position create substantial differences in sound experience

Additional information	· Two lower-end models (MM-700, MM-500) are also available

REVIEW DATE
First look	August 1999
Update	February 2000
Long term	September 2000

Style & design	8 /10
Fit & finish	8 /10
Ease of use	7 /10
Functionality	7 /10
Documentation	8 /10
Value	7 /10
Reviewer's ranking	7 /10

Whatever else you may think about the Monsoon MM-1000 speakers, you can't deny they have style.

Simple, elegant black slabs wrapped in wire mesh -- how can you go wrong? And they look even better on your desktop when complemented by an Aeron chair.

The MM-1000s use Sonigistix's proprietary magnetic planar technology. Magnetic planar speakers were previously available to megabuck-laden audiophiles who just had to have flat, wall-mounted speakers for their home audio sysems. Now you can have a smaller version of those speakers for your home computer.

Magnetic planar technology relies on the use of a flat membrane sandwiched between two layers of magnets. When a current passes through the speakers, the membrane vibrates back and forth, producing sound. The speakers' design lets them generate bi-directional sound, projecting the audio output equally to the speakers' front and rear.

The MM-1000's twin satellite speakers sit on the desktop and connect to the powered bass subwoofer unit that resides below the desk.

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