Over the past few weeks we have reviewed a range of 2.0 computer speakers to compact systems, powered speakers left and right exist. In these reviews, we noted that compared with 2.1 systems, which are smaller left and right satellite for higher frequencies, plus a larger subwoofer / amplifier component that sits under your desk and produces a low-frequency 2.0-system takes significantly less space to use but usually can not offer similar bass performance.
But there is another type 2.0 system out there: studio monitors, which are essentially powered bookshelf speakers are designed for use in recording and production studios. Studio monitors are generally larger than the traditional 2.0 speakers to the computer and considerably larger than the compact satellites used in most 2.1 systems, but larger size lets them provide good bass without the need for a subwoofer.
While professional studio monitors can cost well over $ 1,000, M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 offers a taste of the studio monitor performance and features for only $ 200. If the space on your desk, you should consider the AV 40 when shopping for computer speakers.
Each of the 40-AV speaker is a solid 8.5 inch, 6.2 inches wide and 7.5 inches deep. Instead of the commonly used plastic enclosures for computer speakers, enclosures are ported from the AV-40′s made of vinyl coated, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), like many quality home speakers. The plastic face of each speaker hosts black-metal grilles protect a 4-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter. The system provides 40 watts total power (20 watts per channel).
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On the back of the left speaker are two sets of left / right stereo inputs, one set uses RCA connectors, the other uses TRS (1/4-inch) jacks for pro-audio sources, a set of speaker terminal outputs (for connecting the right speaker, a matching set of speaker terminal inputs sport), a bass boost switch, a replaceable fuse, a voltage selector (for use of the AV-40 countries with 220 – 240V outlets), a power switch and a jack for the supplied power cord.
The front of the left speaker has a volume control surrounded by a blue power indicator light, and an extra 1/8-inch input and a 1/8-inch headphone jack. You can connect to all three sources of inputs of the system at the audio signals are mixed.
This is a nice array of features for a set of computer speakers. Furthermore, using standard speaker cables to connect the left and right speakers means you can space the speakers as far apart as you want, and because the AV-40′s power supply is housed in the left speaker, there is no bulky power brick or wall wart sit on or under your desk.
Also included in the AV-40 is a 6-foot run of speaker cable, a minijack-to-RCA cable for connecting your computer to the main entrances of the AV-40′s, and a set of adhesive, anti-slip pads you can apply to the bottom of each speaker, if desired. (The manual suggests you also a mini jack-to-mini jack cable for the use of front-mounted input, but that cable is not included in our test unit.) Finally, unlike most computer speakers , the AV-40 contains a detailed and readable instructions, as well as a solid guide for studio monitors and speaker technology speaker setup and installation tips for feeding.
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This guide included is excellent, but accidentally designate an accessory and not with the AV-40: State of a kind. For best sound quality, you want a tweeter speaker pointed roughly at your ears when listening. Most computer speakers to achieve this by designing the speaker settings so the tweeters are slightly upwards. The AV-40 bookshelf speaker’s design, however, means that if you directly on a typical desktop speakers, the tweeters pointed directly at your chest or stomach. So unless you AV 40 speakers on the wall at the right height, I recommend raising or angling them, for example using DS1 Audioengine desktop speaker stands. (Unfortunately, the speakers do not wall mounting holes and connectors.)
Based solely on the construction, features and accessories, the AV-40 is an impressive package. Fortunately, the sound produced is very good: the AV-40 is the best sounding 2.0 speaker systems we’ve tested recently. Compared with excellent Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II, the AV 1940 provides a slightly warmer, richer sound that sounds a bit more natural and accurate. Drums, bass and vocals, for example, all sound more realistic, the AV 40.
AV 40 offers more kick and bass extension than the T40, without sounding boomy or Thumpy at normal volume. While the bass begins to run off around 90 Hz, it’s still pretty good down to about 75 Hz, and still audible, although very weakly at 60 Hz. (The Bass Boost function has not improved bass extension, it just increases the level of the lower frequencies.) But we’re talking about 4-inch drivers here, if you have lots of bass, you have a 2.1 system.
My complaints in the audio department is small, given the size of the speakers: The first is that the AV 40 is not the obvious highlights of the systems we’ve tested-high frequencies can sound ever-so-slightly recessed. The second is that if you crank the volume too loud, you can get some boominess in the upper bass to hear, especially if you use the Bass Boost function. (Unless you’re a devil bass, I recommend using bass boost just to listen at lower volumes, which is most effective.) The system is remarkably balanced and accurate overall.
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For some users, the largest AV-40′s “wrong” are the very thing that allows it to perform so well: its size. But if you have room on your desk received (or your wall or shelf), the AV-40 is an excellent speaker outside the traditional 2.0 computer speakers we’ve tested performance, and even records a lot of 2.1 systems when it comes to sound quality (although it can not compete with a good 2.1 system at lower frequencies). The AV 1940 provides impressive flexibility with three entrances, a convenient headphone jack, and using standard speaker cables, and excellent build quality which distinguishes it from most of the “computer” speakers. The AV-40 is a complete package, and the street price of around $ 200 can be an excuse to clean up your desk.
