Incredible value when on sale
Written: Nov 10 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Incredible value, stereo imaging, size, frequency response
Cons: Stereo only, bass isn't terribly accurate, treble extension
The Bottom Line: Excellent choice for stereo-only computer speakers, and better performance than you'd get from most "mini" or "micro" stereo systems, too.
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| sunspot42x's Full Review: Cambridge SoundWorks CSW MicroWorks |
I live just a few blocks from a Cambridge Soundworks store, so over the years I've become quite familiar with their products. The MicroWorks system has been available from them for quite some time - indeed, I expect them to be phasing it out of production pretty soon in favor of multichannel surround setups. Although the MicroWorks boasts a list price of around $250, they're currently on sale at the hifi.com website for only $128 (I bought mine at that local Cambridge store for a similar price).
It'll be a pity when Cambridge replaces the MicroWorks though, because it's one of the best sounding speaker systems designed for use with a personal computer that I've ever heard. I've owned my MicroWorks setup now for a couple of years, and am continually impressed by their performance.
The main unit contains the system's bass driver along with its amplifier, two stereo inputs, a bass volume nob and an on/off switch. The two stereo drivers plug into the main unit. Signals are fed to the system via a cable that includes an attached volume control knob - I believe Cambridge may have improved the design of this knob since I purchased my system, although they've also increased its size.
I suspect the MicroWorks is performing some tricks with equalization in order to get this diminutive "sub/sat" system to sound as good as it does. I doubt components this small - particularly the sub - could produce such apparently wide, flat performance across the audible spectrum without some electronic assistance. That having been said, the results are quite impressive. Stereo imaging is striking (due in large part to the small size of the stereo drivers) while the bass is thunderous for such a tiny box and blends amazingly well with the satellites. The crossover is pretty high - you can easily localize some mid-bass sounds to the sub - but that's a forgivable flaw at this price and anyhow, I've heard worse from far more expensive (and larger) sub/sat combos. The bass isn't terribly accurate, particularly the low bass at high volumes. Still, the unit's inaccuracies aren't annoying or grating, the bass is never "boomy", and cabinet resonance is surprisingly constrained. Treble extension isn't great – I suspect there's a slow, gradual decline above 15kHz – but again it's impressive given the satellites' excellent midrange (and even upper bass) performance.
Cambridge includes a couple of small, sturdy metal stands for the satellites that angle them upward for listening. I've found these to be inadequate - for ideal placement, I ended up Velcroing the speakers to the sides of my monitor. Makes the monitor look a bit like it's wearing Mickey Mouse ears, but their pale beige color blends almost perfectly with most PC equipment (I believe they're also still available in black). The system has a tastefully restrained and somewhat plain look, in contrast with the truly tacky disasters available from other manufacturers at this price point. It doesn't look quite as good as the systems offered by Harman/Kardon for Apple's Macs, but unlike most PC equipment these days, it also doesn't look like it's trying too hard to be "kewel".
This is one of the few "multimedia" systems that I'd recommend for general use as a main speaker – it's that good. In fact, Cambridge sells a combination called the MusicWorks 300 that makes such a system a snap to configure. It couples the MicroWorks with a small $149 cube called the MusicWorks that contains a CD player, a radio, auxiliary inputs for things like DVD players or VCRs, a dedicated computer input, a clock and a full-function remote control. That system currently lists for around $400, which is fairly steep, but can often be had on sale for closer to $300. At that price, it's cheaper than many mini-systems from other manufacturers and sounds much, much better. It's also smaller, which can be a big consideration in places like dorm rooms, and would be easier to move (for example, if you're on a temporary assignment working out of town). Of course, you could always just couple the MicroWorks speakers with your own portable CD player or MP3 jukebox (such as the iPod), or your laptop computer.
If you're in the market for PC speakers *or* a miniature stereo system, I'd strongly encourage you to audition the MicroWorks speakers while they're still available. Unless 5.1 surround is a requirement, I haven't encountered a better alternative at this price.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sunspot42x
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Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 1 member
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