| Product: |
Dell MMS 5650 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers |
| Date: |
23/03/07 (2388 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Excellent Sound Quality/Inexpensive
Disadvantages: Dell Technical Support only available if used on Dell PC's
The Speakers on my PC were getting a bit battered. They were the original Sony Speakers that came with the PC when it was new. So, I thought, about time for a new pair. I was fully intending to pick a pair up from Maplin's ( an inexpensive chain of electrical retailers) costing about a tenner. I happened to mention to a friend that I was going to get some to be told that she had some that had come free with her PC, that they'd never been out of the box and, (most importantly) did I want them free, gratis, for nothing. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth.
I am not technically minded, so for the purists among you, sorry if this review isn't particularly technical.
Anyway she dropped them off. I couldn't believe it when I picked the, rather substantial, box up. They weighed a ton. Up to this point my PC speakers have been fairly basic. I eagerly opened my new toys. It was a bit of a shock to discover (in addition to the usual polystyrene and plastic bags) the contents:-
4 - I think very trendy looking - surround sound satellite speakers
1 big (well 275mm x 160mm x 270mm and it weighed a ton) - sub woofer
1 (rather dinky) centre speaker, with metal stand
A cable which had three outputs and one input
Rather bizarrely a spare fuse….
An instruction manual
The Subwoofer is in a black MDF case, the others are all black with metal/metal effect stands. They look very contemporary, even trendy.
This could be difficult I wasn't quite expecting this much kit, and did I have room to set it all up in the small room where my PC lives.
First job read the instructions. I have to say idiot proof is not the word. The instructions are so clear that almost anyone (except perhaps my ex - no we won't go there) could set it up. The First Job, to rearrange my desk to fit the subwoofer on it. Basically all the speakers plug into the subwoofer which in turn plugs into the mains and into the PC Then to plug it all in. I have to say that Dell have an excellent truly idiot proof system. Not only are all the cables colour coded to the relevant connection but also the connections are designed in such a way, they have little knobbly bits, which make it impossible to plug a speaker into the wrong connection on the subwoofer. Then plug the subwoofer into the cable that goes into the PC. Its' the Cable that reduces from 3 to 1.
Set the speakers up. I have to say that something else that really impressed me about the surround sound speakers is how much cable they have. I could literally position them anywhere. Fortunately my main stereo has an excellent surround sound system, that I set up, so I have a reasonable idea how to position the speakers. That said the Dell instructions were pretty comprehensive. Then to switch it on and play
The Controls are dead easy. Power switch at the back of the Subwoofer then on/off and volume control on the centre speaker (which is actually quite nice looking). There is another control on the sub at the front for level.
Over the past 72 hours I have experimented with varying types of medium, from CD's, to DVD's to downloaded stuff, to digital radio. I'm not really a PC games person but I've even borrowed a couple to have a play. I can say that the sound quality is awesome, not quite as good as my Pioneer speakers ( but then it costs a lot less than they did) but not far off. The sound is crystal clear. Not to mention fairly loud (100w). The sound effects on the games, I borrowed an army type thing with tank noises and gunfire. It sounded real If I were into games these speakers would be ideal. Even at quite high volume there is no loss of tone. It gives an added something I can't think of the right word, you can hear noises you couldn't hear before. Got it, the phrase is depth, it's sharp and precise and crystal clear. No matter what I have played and no matter how loud there has been no distortion.
I thought that I'd better check out the cost. Dell is a manufacturer that supplies online direct to the public. Their website is www.dell.co.uk. I checked the speakers, including
VAT and delivery retail at £78.73 They are a 5:1 system (that means there are 5 satellite speakers to one subwoofer - its' one of the better sorts of surround sound system). Connected by cable and with magnetically shielded satellites and centre ( that means its' safe to put them near other equipment such as TV's). They have a 40hz to 20khz bandwidth (which means they are incredibly responsive and able to produce sound at lots of different frequencies and wavelengths)
So what do I think of them, a doddle to install, exceptional sound quality. Even if you buy them under £80 delivered, although Dell do say that they have only been tested on Dell Equipment and that their technical support is only available if used with a Dell System, They seem to work OK on my Sony PC. I think they are great and good value. I'm not sure if I actually need speakers this good, for gaming they are outstanding, I really only use them to play a bit of music through and for that they are exceptional. One other thought, my PC has a rally good sound card. I think that to listen to their full effect you would need a good sound card.
In terms of volume its' loud enough for me - for the technies it is 100w combined system - the 4 Satellite speakers are 9w each, the Centre is 14 watts and the subwoofer is 50 watts. More than enough volume quality and depth
Do I recommend them - course I do.
Summary: They Turned My PC into a Surround Sound Stereo
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