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The Shape of Speakers to Come

Flat speaker panels produce impressive, simulated 3D sound at a moderate price.

By Rex Farrance, PCWorld   

Since their invention early this century, the shape of speakers hasn't changed much: They're still the same basic, cone-shaped devices they've always been. While their spray-pattern sound projection is efficient for filling a room, these tried-and-true speakers are less than perfect for use with computers. PC operators, especially gamers, want sound delivered to the area where they're sitting--and they want to be able to enjoy accurate, simulated 3D sound without having to buy the additional satellite speakers it takes to provide true 3D audio Surround Sound. To address these needs, audio vendor Sonigistix has introduced a new breed of flat computer speakers.

Great 3D--From Flat Speakers
Sonigistix's new Monsoon MM-1000 speakers do an impressive job of projecting 3D effects--at a $229 cost that's competitive with other good-quality PC speaker setups. Each MM-1000 package includes two slim, paperback-size flat-planar satellite speakers along with a hefty subwoofer. The jet-black satellites look clean, futuristic, and eye-catching, and their construction is impeccable. A thin mylar membrane vibrates, using what Sonigistix calls "planar focus technology" to drive the sound unidirectionally, rather than in the spray pattern you get with conventional speakers. Crosstalk between the two speaker channels is dramatically reduced, and according to Sonigistix, more-accurate virtual 3D is a result.

To check out these speakers, I set them up flanking the monitor and placed the subwoofer under the desk--next to a comparably priced Boston Acoustic MicroMedia set. As I tested, I switched back and forth to get a good idea of how the Monsoons stacked up. In every case, I found the Boston Acoustics very good--and the Monsoons noticeably better.

To evaluate 3D sound, I enlisted the help of my local games expert--my 11-year-old son Sterling. We launched a session of Wing Commander Prophecy. Before long, missiles were flying; but, when I turned the controls over to Sterling, he was able to dodge missiles that quickly blasted me into an early "game over." We were both wowed by the terrific fidelity of the speakers. As each missile shot past, we'd hear it flash by to the left or right and fade away behind us. Closing our eyes only emphasized the experience. The MM-1000 projects the best simulated 3D I've heard from a two-speaker setup.

Not All Fun and Games
3D sound is all well and good--but as I said, I'm not a gamer. To see how CDs would sound, I popped in Eric Clapton's latest album. By the time I had finished with the first cut, I was convinced I was into something special. The bass response from the subwoofer was fantastic, and the flat-planar speakers produced more realistic highs than the conical speakers in the Boston Acoustics. Seeking a second opinion, I sought out Alex Jorge, who regularly evaluates PCs in the PC World Test Center. Alex listens to more speakers in a month than many reviewers see in a year. We both agreed that these were the best PC speakers we've seen in this price range. He was particularly impressed with the accurate virtual positioning of the instruments, and he also noted the impression that the band was playing right there in the room in front of us.

The general fit and finish of the subwoofer was on a par with typical good-quality computer units, but we thought the well-designed wire connectors on the back could have been positioned lower so the wires wouldn't show. Like most subwoofers of this size, the compressed wood used isn't of high density.

However, compared with the overall value of the Monsoon MM-1000, these are quibbles. If I were in the market for speakers, I'd put the Monsoons at the top of the list.