HI All,
Have any of you heard of Monsoon speakers? Probably not. They are a little out of the main stream here. They were marketed as computer speakers. Not excited yet? Well you should be at least after you know what they are. Let me describe them.
They are panel speakers using magnetic technology. Designed by Bruce Thigpen, they are a miniature version of Eminent Technnology's LFT speaker series. The panels measure 8 1/2 inches tall, 4 1/2 inches wide and 5/8 inch thick. Several models were made. I am concentrating on the ones I have which I think are the best. The panels have small adjustable stands so the listening angle can be adjusted. The total height with the stands is 9 1/8 inches. The panel screens and the sub box are finished in matte black. It's a turnkey system with amplification and crossovers built into the included remote subwoofer woofer box. It is a biamped system with sub having its own amplifier. There is a remote controller that can sit on your desk with Mute, Volume and Bass Level controls. All cabling is included. To make it work, you simply plug the main panels in the subwoofer box and then plug into the wall. You do need to connect the sub box to the stereo audio output on your computer.
The basic panel driver technology uses the LFT style push-pull arrangement meaning there are magnets both in front and back of the diaphragm, a basic Bruce Thigpen design. The audio signal is applied to a matrix imbedded in the diaphragm.The subwoofer uses a ported design and is about 6 1/2 inches in diameter.
The performance of the system is astounding. It sounds like a real, expensive hi fi speaker if it's used within its limitations. It has very little in the way of coloration's. It flat sounds real. The sub goes down to about 50 Hz. The high end is excellent as is the midrange. This speaker has little to apologize for. It's hi fi! And it images like a Maggie or LFT. Resolution is outstanding.
But the Monsoon's do have some limitations as you would expect. While it will play plenty loud enough for an office, it won't cut it in a living room. Of course, it is intended for an office, not a primary sound system.
I have a friend who lives in a mobile home. He uses the Monsoons as his primary speaker system and it does very well. In fact, he was the person who introduced me to Monsoon. I use two systems in my computer room, one for each computer. Monsoon also made a surround sound version with four panels and a larger subwoofer. There is no center channel. I use this one in my travel trailer. Again, first rate.
The speakers I have are no longer being made. I bought my three systems off eBay used. The most astonishing part is they were originally sold for about $250. I paid about $80 at auction. Even at full price, these speakers are a great bargain.
When we think of Computer Speakers we automatically think bad things. And that is usually correct. I know I did. But, the Monsoon's completely shatters that preconception. They are fun to listen to. I'm am listening to The Firebird Suite off iTunes right now.
Sparky
Edit: See post #12 for a picture of my model.
Have any of you heard of Monsoon speakers? Probably not. They are a little out of the main stream here. They were marketed as computer speakers. Not excited yet? Well you should be at least after you know what they are. Let me describe them.
They are panel speakers using magnetic technology. Designed by Bruce Thigpen, they are a miniature version of Eminent Technnology's LFT speaker series. The panels measure 8 1/2 inches tall, 4 1/2 inches wide and 5/8 inch thick. Several models were made. I am concentrating on the ones I have which I think are the best. The panels have small adjustable stands so the listening angle can be adjusted. The total height with the stands is 9 1/8 inches. The panel screens and the sub box are finished in matte black. It's a turnkey system with amplification and crossovers built into the included remote subwoofer woofer box. It is a biamped system with sub having its own amplifier. There is a remote controller that can sit on your desk with Mute, Volume and Bass Level controls. All cabling is included. To make it work, you simply plug the main panels in the subwoofer box and then plug into the wall. You do need to connect the sub box to the stereo audio output on your computer.
The basic panel driver technology uses the LFT style push-pull arrangement meaning there are magnets both in front and back of the diaphragm, a basic Bruce Thigpen design. The audio signal is applied to a matrix imbedded in the diaphragm.The subwoofer uses a ported design and is about 6 1/2 inches in diameter.
The performance of the system is astounding. It sounds like a real, expensive hi fi speaker if it's used within its limitations. It has very little in the way of coloration's. It flat sounds real. The sub goes down to about 50 Hz. The high end is excellent as is the midrange. This speaker has little to apologize for. It's hi fi! And it images like a Maggie or LFT. Resolution is outstanding.
But the Monsoon's do have some limitations as you would expect. While it will play plenty loud enough for an office, it won't cut it in a living room. Of course, it is intended for an office, not a primary sound system.
I have a friend who lives in a mobile home. He uses the Monsoons as his primary speaker system and it does very well. In fact, he was the person who introduced me to Monsoon. I use two systems in my computer room, one for each computer. Monsoon also made a surround sound version with four panels and a larger subwoofer. There is no center channel. I use this one in my travel trailer. Again, first rate.
The speakers I have are no longer being made. I bought my three systems off eBay used. The most astonishing part is they were originally sold for about $250. I paid about $80 at auction. Even at full price, these speakers are a great bargain.
When we think of Computer Speakers we automatically think bad things. And that is usually correct. I know I did. But, the Monsoon's completely shatters that preconception. They are fun to listen to. I'm am listening to The Firebird Suite off iTunes right now.
Sparky
Edit: See post #12 for a picture of my model.
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