Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100MDNT 5.1-Channel Speaker System (Black)

Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100MDNT 5.1-Channel Speaker System (Black)
by Boston Acoustics

Our Price: $599.98
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Category: Speakers
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Customers in the UK, buy this product at amazon.co.uk for British Pounds

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Manufacturer: Boston Acoustics
Brand: Boston Acoustics
Edition: Electronics
Model: MCS100 System Midnight
Color: Midnight
Publisher: Boston Acoustics
Studio: Boston Acoustics
Music Label: Boston Acoustics
Product features:

One box, 5.1-channel speaker system
Four 3" satellite speakers with .75" soft dome tweeters
3" center channel speaker with .75" soft dome tweeter
8" 100-Watt powered subwoofer
All speakers feature MagnaGuard magnetic shielding

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Customer Review: Capable of Truly GREAT Quality Sound
Summary: 5 Stars

These speakers are truly capable of great sound. However, remember that this is a speaker system only, and needs to be driven by a separate receiver/amplifier unit.

Any speaker's output is no better than that speaker's input! Understand this FACT before accepting anyone's verdict of any output device being weak or inadequate for whatever reason! Frequently when people say that a speaker has weak output, it is more often than not a function of the basic system power, and/or their surround sound system's speakers being properly balanced, inclusive of the subwoofer.

Even if directly replacing one speaker with another, a change in the audible sound pressure output is not a measure of better or worse quality. Speakers may have different sensitivities by design. In my own opinion, I am more concerned about the quality of sound at a certain level than I would be about how loud they respond at a certain volume control setting. It is of little importance to me if one speaker takes 5% more turn of a volume knob for an equivalent sound level. I have plenty of power to spare on the amplifier to achieve sufficient listening levels. What matters is that when the volume reaches my comfort level, how good is the sound quality that reaches my ears.

I have these speakers in a theatre system in a room approximately 12 by 16 feet (190 square feet). They are powered by a DENON AVR-899 700 watt 7.1 channel AV surround receiver specified for 100 watts per channel into 7 channels. It is presently configured for 5.1 playback by choice. I play Blu-ray dvd's constantly, of which most are of uncompressed, master, PCM or True HD sound quality specifications.

I was totally impressed that these relatively small speakers can produce fine quality, powerful, clean sound at levels that would... "make a baby cry" if you put them to the task!

Regarding any warning to not over power THESE speakers, I will tell you to ALWAYS avoid overpowering ANY speaker! ANY speaker may be subject to being possibly damaged by being "over" powered! Sometimes, it is unavoidable. Use good common sense and judgment to listen at good listening levels and not just simply try to see how much of the neighborhood you can impress with your over driven noise.

The trick is to have enough power to drive them without getting into the higher distortion levels of the receiver/amplifier which normally come when the receiver/amplifier is straining to deliver dynamic output. If your receiver/amplifier normally operates well below the rated output levels while delivering sound in your comfort zone, it will allow your system plenty of reserve power to answer the demands of dynamic high fidelity sound content.

I like to explain this power thing something like this: a weak car doing 55 mph and a muscle car also doing 55 mph. You need to pass on a two lane highway RIGHT NOW, and expect to reach 80 mph. The muscle car should perform wonderfully, delivering the power needed to rapidly reach the desired speed and not strain getting there, and can return to normal without so much as even a whisper of effort. The power reserve is there for the special needs and demands of the road. However, a much weaker car may not have the power reserve required to perform well at higher speeds as fast as demanded, if at all. After the effort, it might even overheat from the excessive workload.

Now think of crescendos, explosions and good bass response as demands of your receiver/amplifier. They might demand that your receiver/amplifier power race upward in power to twice your normal listening level. If already operating at 75% power for normal level, expect the quality of sound to suffer when the dynamic event happens. Your speakers can only give you the best they are given by your receiver/amplifier.

Cautiously listen when ANYONE declares, without qualification, that any speaker system sounds a certain way, especially when they say a speaker sounds "weak". What might be weak and lacking when coupled with an under powered receiver/amplifier, might be magnificent music to your ears when matched with a receiver/amplifier capable of the sound dynamics you so desire.

All that said, I find that these speakers are fantastic in my own listening environment while playing my Blu-ray disc, listening to HD television broadcast, and televised HD music programs on my TV. My DENON receiver is NOT underpowered for my room's needs and is a brand model known for clean, crisp, pleasant to hear output quality when coupled to good speakers and good source material. This speaker system matched up perfectly for me in my house.

And just because a speaker "looks" small does not equate to small sound capability. In fact, in my case, I replaced a pair of old Sansuii SP-3500 speakers with 14 inch woofers for bass, and 6 speaker elements in each bass reflex ported enclosure, weighing in at over 60 pounds each, and this Boston Acoustics MCS100MDNT system actually sounds better and even more powerful!

I paid $199 for my set in November, 2008. I would venture a guess that you would be seriously challenged to find a better speaker system of this type for even twice the money that I paid.

Hope this helps. :o)

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Description of Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100MDNT 5.1-Channel Speaker System (Black)

Small enough to hang on a wall, but powerful enough to bring down the house, the new Boston Acoustics Horizon MCS100 5.1-Channel Speaker System takes all the complexity out of multi-channel audio without sacrificing any of its impact. With four 3" matched satellite speakers, a 3" center channel speaker and an 8" 100-Watt powered subwoofer, you can let Hollywood pile on the excitement. It¿s all in a day¿s work for the Horizon MCS100.

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Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100MDNT 5.1-Channel Speaker System (Black)