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This is a printable version of the article found at http://onepc.net/reviews/0024/ To print, press CTRL + P on your keyboard now. |
By Tikkler (tikkler@onepc.net) - December 1, 2000
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However, there are those rare occasions where one can get lucky and find that perfect deal; the product that we're reviewing here today, the S4 MidiLand 3050M (which will be mentioned as the 3050M from here forth for the sake of some typing strokes), seems to be aimed partially at that purpose. At $69.95 USD (Street; $99.99 MSRP), the 3050M isn't the cheapest set of speakers on the block, although it's already cheaper than most, but it sure packs a lot of punch when one looks at the spec sheets for the price.
Much like the S4 MidiLand 4060M speaker system that we reviewed earlier, the 3050M is a 2.1 channel speaker system that is based on the design of older siblings-this time, the S4 MidiLand 3050. Both the 3050 and the 3050M are essentially the same set of speakers: both with 2.5" satellite speakers, both with a large 6.5" subwoofer and both with 50w of total output power, but the 3050M is part of MidiLand's "relaunch" of their products, which also includes the S4 MidiLand 4060M and 7100M systems. The changes made to these newer versions of MidiLand's successful speaker systems? If you read my review of the 4060M, you'll know that the "M" versions boast a new metallic finish.
So, how do these speakers really perform when one looks at their sound quality and not what's on the surface (although, a very attractive on)? Let's not waste any time, shall we?
Features 3-piece, 50 watts speaker system 3D RSS Wooden enclosure subwoofer LED display Ergodynamic 15 and 25 degree satellite speakers Wall mounting capability Quality dynamic sound Major sound card and audio system compatibility 100% Magnetic shieldingRMS Power Total 50W Satellite 10W + 10W Subwoofer 30WFrequency Response 180Hz - 20kHz+/-3dB Satellites 20Hz - 180Hz+/3dB Subwoofer
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Input Sensitivity N/A P.M.P.O. N/ADrivers 2.5" Full range satellite speakers 6.5" SubwooferPower Supply External AdapterS/N Ratio 52dBFunction Controls Power/volume, treble and subwoofer
control, LED displayDimensions (WxHxD) 3.30" x 3.90" x 4.20" Satellites 7.63" x 8.50" x 13.75" Subwoofer
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A quick glance at the total output power of this system tells us that the 3050M packs quite some punch. What's impressive about this system is that MidiLand managed to include a large 6.5" subwoofer in a system that costs about $70.
Much like it's bigger brother, the 4060M, the 3050M also includes support for MidiLand's 3D RSS surround sound technology, which basically enhances the mid-high tones so that sounds have the appearance that they are coming from behind the listener. We had agreed that the 3D RSS feature was an effective and useful addition to the 4060M, so it will be interesting to see if it provides the same effectiveness on the 3050M.
First Impressions
Included in the package was the 2 satellite speakers, the subwoofer and a HUGE power adapter, that, unlike the one included with the 4060M, will take up MANY plugs on a power bar unless plugged into the plug closest to the edge of it.
The subwoofer was built of solid wood and was quite heavy, two important qualities for a good subwoofer, and the 2 satellite speakers were visually identical to the ones that are also found on MidiLand's more expensive 4060M that we took a look at earlier, except for a slight variation in the tint of the finish. This means that these satellites feature the same capability of placing them up side down or right-side-up, giving a listening angle of 15 degrees or 25 degrees, respectively. It will be interesting to see if they are capable of outputting the same quality of mid-high tones that I had praised the 4060M for.
The audio controls were position at the top of the front face of the subwoofer for easy access if you place it underneath a table. There is a power LED, a 3D button that enables/disables MidiLand's 3D RSS mentioned earlier, a volume control and both treble and bass controls.
Also included were the necessary cables required for installing the unit and a large, yet thin manual that explains all that's necessary to installing the unit.
Missing, however, were rubber feet for sticking underneath the subwoofer unit to protect the metallic finish underneath the unit. This may not seem like a big thing, but after using the unit for a month or so, the underneath side of the subwoofer is already badly scratched (partially caused by my hardwood floor-carpeted users should not worry about this).
Installation
The installation of the complete system took all of 10 minutes, max. All that's required is to plug in the cables where they seem fit for and, voila!
There are, however, some minor annoyances that I had encountered. Much like the 4060M, MidiLand had color-coded the audio jacks (and also labeled them "L" and "R") at the back of the subwoofer, but didn't include color-coded cables. This could confuse inexperienced users when figuring out which cable goes to which jack. Unlike the 4060M, however, was that the audio cable, albeit a little short at 4', for connecting the entire system to your sound card or audio source was color-coded green, which should simplify that portion of the installation for some users.
Powering Up...
I was quite impressed overall with the sound quality that the 3050M can produce, but, unfortunately, feel that there are some areas where it can be improved on.
In general, both mid to high level sounds were reproduced very clearly and accurately, except for some minor cases where high notes would become too harsh for my ears (Christina Aguilera's high notes can be a worst-case scenario for this), but that's not enough to be disappointed about the speaker's sound quality.
The bass, however, is: although I felt that the subwoofer is capable of providing a powerful bass, I don't feel that it provides enough oomph for the majority of the time, even when the bass setting was turned up to max using the audio controls. This is quite disappointing since the 3050M has such a large subwoofer (6.5") for this purpose.
As I mentioned earlier, the 3D RSS implementation in the 4060M was very impressive-the 3050M follows that trend. Enabling the 3D feature really made sounds sound like they were coming from all around me. Unfortunately, I also felt that a portion of treble sounds would become too harsh for one's listening pleasure, much like what I had reported with the 4060M.
MidiLand has, in general, an impressive set of speakers going for them at only $69.95 USD. It includes some simple, yet useful innovations such as the dual listening angles. Installation was very easy and the metallic finish (brought to you by the "M" in the name) is a sure winner. Sound quality-wise, the 3050M produced some great sounds, but I felt that the bass was somewhat lacking for such a large, 6.5", subwoofer unit.
This system would be an excellent choice for those who don't wish to empty their pockets for a multimedia sound system, but would still like to be able to experience quality digital audio.
Pros
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