Cambridge Soundworks-A sound decision without the cost!
Written: Feb 27 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Can be connected to other devices. Small size, economical
Cons: Lots of twist-ties
The Bottom Line: For those without speakers-consider it, for those looking to junk old ones-consider it.
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| boden11's Full Review: Cambridge Soundworks C1MWBWEE 2 Speakers |
I've never been much for expensive computer speakers. My first set was a little $12 jobbie that were self-powered by the current running from your soundcard. After blowing out one of them due to their pathetic treble/bass handling I then moved up to a set I got for $5 from a guy in my dorm.
And up until a few weeks ago that's been the story of my computer-sound experience--cheap speakers, but decent enough to not make me desire anything else.
Cambridge SoundWorks
I managed to pick this computer speaker set off of Amazon.com for about $35. I really didn't plan on buying them, I just had a lot of Amazon gift certificates that I needed to use up and couldn't really decide on anything. I wasn't really expecting much, but then again I've been living with mediocre computer speakers my entire life.
Initial Feelings/Installation
After receiving the quite large package (well at least larger than I expected) in the mail I was pretty impressed. Inside the professionally boxed package included was a small sub-woofer (more bounce to the ounce, don't mind the size), two small satellites (about 3 inches on each side lxwxh), a control switch, AC adaptor cord, and other small goodies.
The installation was easy even, Cambridge even has the correct wires labelled on the satellites (they use ordinary speaker wire, unlike the $5 computer speakers I'm used to) so you could make sure the speakers would be in-phase. All the cords (satellites to the woofer, woofer to the computer, AC adaptor to the power supply) are very long (this is a good thing, don't worry!) so it will support even the strangest computer setups.
Within about 10-15 minutes it was done. I didn't even break a sweat. The installation manual is easy to read and understand and has pictures along with about 7 different translations for the instructions. The hardest part about the installation was removing all the dang twist-ties they included in the box (about 15).
I threw my old computer speakers in the closet (banished for life) and booted up my computer.
Experience
Ahhh, what sweet sound. All the tones/pitches I was missing was truly a sight (or sound...). Instant messages, MP3s, everything plays SOOO much clearer and without any distortion or wash. The woofer kicks with enough power in the low range that I'm afraid to turn it up...
There did seem to be more hiss when no sound was being played, but this was quickly remedied by adjusting the bass/treble selections within Windows.
Conclusion
For $35 I don't think better computer speakers exist. The sound quality is excellent, much more crisp and clear than those regular, mundane speakers I grew accustomed to. Also, I can connect the speakers to other audio sources (such as my DVD player or Walkman), however there is only one input, so one cannot connect more than one device at a time.
The speakers are small, much smaller than most (think the size of those cube BOSE speakers you always see) but still do the work of speakers 2-3x their size.
All-in-all this would be an excellent purchase for anyone thinking of getting rid of their generic computer speakers. Now I know that this wouldn't be a replacement for some people, but for those looking to upgrade what they have, or looking to save some money on their first set of speakers, this would be an excellent purchase.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
boden11
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Location: California
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boden11 loves gambling...errr investing in the stock market and and doing his own taxes
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