Sonigistix Monsoon MM-1000 flat panel speakers [3]

The biggest problem with these flat panel speakers is that some of the sound they produce is just as flat. While the lower range is well-served by the subwoofer, and the upper frequencies are handled nearly as well by the satellites, mid-range audio suffers. The full, rich sounds typical of musical recordings are muffled and devoid of life when reproduced by the flat panels. While the MM-1000s' sound is adequate and unlikely to be noticed by casual listeners, audiophiles may want to look for another solution.

Another problem is that the sweet spot where the 3-dimensional sound sesnation is greatest is relatively small. Even slight head movements create dramatic differences in the sound experience. Consider what this means to your gameplay when the minor movements you make while playing translate into significant shifts in the audio perception of your virtual surroundings.

Many of the complaints about the MM-1000 system relate to the so-called remote control volume 'puck', which feels cheaply built. It is attached to the computer by means of a cable instead of being wireless, which leaves ample opportunity for trouble. Short circuits in the volume control cable (and possibly other parts of the system) cause speakers to cut out intermittently, and can add static to an otherwise clear sound quality -- problems that arose during geartesting.

The mute button on the remote does not completely eliminate sound output from the speakers. Instead it appears to merely dampen the signal or reduce sound levels to the lowest setting.

Notably absent from the volume controls on both the subwoofer and the remote control are markings to indicate the volume level.

  Related Links
 MM-1000 review, page
 · 1,  2,  3,  4 

 Sonigistix site
 · www.sonigistix.com
 Monsoon site
 · www.monsoonpower.com 
 Benwin site
  (competing product)
 · www.benwin.com