Need New Speakers?
A Review of Midiland Crescendo Speaker System
Ron Enderland
The average speakers that come with a PC system are, shall we say . . . lousy? They manage to produce stereo sound, but at a quality that approximates a $19.95 KMart portable radio. It may be adequate, but certainly not impressive.
So, the PC user who desires a bit more punch for his dollar is forced to upgrade. The primary means of doing this is by obtaining a subwoofer system. This can take a medium-to-large bite out of the user’s wallet, depending on what kind of performance is desired.
Midiland offers the Crescendo system as a budget-priced alternative to cheapo stock PC speakers. You get a subwoofer and two satellite units that provide good sound for the dollar.
Installation is a no-brainer, simply a matter of plugging into a 110 volt outlet and tying into your sound card via a standard cable connection. You place the subwoofer at your feet and the satellites at either side of your monitor. There is a volume control on the subwoofer. Obviously, you would prefer this at the more convenient satellite level, but this is a budget system, remember? You also don’t have bass or treble controls, although these adjustments might be available via software, if you have it. No software is included here, however.
The most important question here is "How does it sound?" Well, fair-to-middlin’. The bass is decent, though not earth shaking. The system’s main shortcoming is in its lack of treble response. The satellite speakers cover the midrange decently, but high-end treble is absent.
The speakers that I received had a noticeable buzz present at middle-to-high volume ranges in one of the satellites. The system has a five year limited warranty that should cover such a problem, but we would prefer a perfect product out of the box, right?
I’m listening to Ravel’s "Bolero" blasting while I’m writing this review, and the bass thump is not bad. The aforementioned buzz is annoying, but not too shocking considering that this is a low-end system. I still wish that it wasn’t there, though.
All in all, if you’re wanting to get a better speaker system for the least money possible, the Midiland Crescendo is not a bad choice. Just don’t expect perfection.
MultiMedia Cafe Scorecard
| Product: | Midiland Crescendo Speaker System |
| Company: | Midiland |
| Cost: | $79.95 |
System Requirements:
Specification RMS:
Satellite Speakers: 4W + 4W
Subwoofer: 17W
PMPO: 380W
Frequency Response:
Satellite Speakers: 200Hz - 20kHz ± 3dB
Subwoofer: 20Hz - 350Hz ± 3dB
Input Sensitivity:120mV-450mV
Driver:
Satellite Speaker: 2" x 3½" full range
Subwoofer: 5 ¼" woofer
Impedance: 4 ohms
Power Supply: AC Adapter
Master Controller:
Power ON/OFF, sub.volume, master volume w/ Toshiba 3D sound
Dimension:
Satellite Speakers: 3 x 7.25 x 4.75 (inches)
Subwoofer: 10 x 6.5 x 6.75 (inches)
Breakdown:
Ease of Installation 5
Ease of Use 3
Concept 4
Promises Kept? 3
Overall Score:
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