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The satellite speakers are tiny when compared to the subwoofer. They each feature two drivers and are rated around 50W each (40 watt midrange amplifiers and 10 watt tweeter amplifiers). The appearance is rather stylish, with blue drivers standing out against the plain black plastic and metal surroundings. These include ferrofluid cooled silk diaphragm tweeters.
The satellites are attached to the subwoofer via colour coded ATX cables, these are keyed to ensure a correct fit. These are biamped for improved sound quality.
Corsair have supplied little rubber grip held stands which can be placed either under the front of the speaker to fire the sound slightly upwards, or at the rear of the speaker to fire it slightly downwards. This can help to create a better soundstage, especially if the speakers are positioned very close to the listener.
Overall, the SP2500 is rated to 232W RMS and Corsair are using the standard rating by the Federal Trade Commission (rule 39 FR 15387) which requires accurate levels of power with minimal distortion. When analysing the specifications, the SP2500 speakers can be used at maximum volume for 48 hours solid, although we are pretty sure the neighbourhood might be lodging a few noise related complaints a short time into the ‘test run'.
The remote control features a full colour display and feels great in the hand. The buttons feel strong and give sensory feedback to enhance the experience. The navigation wheel has a tactile feel while offering a little bit of weight between the fingers, this is also pushed down to issue commands.
The setup menu offers language options, as well as a ‘day' and ‘night' colour mode and a back light time out setting.
The full colour display offers full control over the volume, sound IQ settings and subwoofer volume level. There are a plethora of program and equaliser settings to fine tune the speaker system to suit personal tastes and desires. The subwoofer can be disabled completely from the remote, but with the reduction in sound quality and depth we can't see this being used.
The ‘Late Night' mode is particularly useful, as it mutes the bass response from the subwoofer and directs it to the satellites – it also applies dynamic range compression to help prevent any sudden volume changes. Mod X is another interesting mode which reduces the high end output
The controller also allows for headphones to be connected, as well as an auxiliary input which will prove handy to many people. No fumbling around the back of the subwoofer to hook up your iPod. There is also a USB connector on the control pod which may be used in the future for firmware updates. This is not used otherwise and Corsair have yet to announce any firmware updates, but it is good that the option is there, if they wish to use it.
I love the audio reviews on Kitguru. bravo. (nice setup too, and I cant believe many people forget the audio card side of things too).
I will have to look at this sound card, I bought these speakers a few weeks ago and I found the sound to be ok, but not great. im using a crappy realtek onboard controller.
The sound is only as good as the source people. I keep telling you all that on the forums !
Very nice speakers indeed, like the blue accented cone design, very classy lookin
Excellent, i used an auzentech sound card, so I think these speakers would make a good pairing. I have the makos. had them for years, might treat myself. at least if they sound worse Zardon I can blame you. 😉
Just ordered the exact same setup. im out £400, but what the hell 🙂
Corsair rock my world !
Thanks to Corsair for getting Logitech off their behind and to update their highest end speaker! They announced the Z906, the successor of the Z5500 shortly after the release if this speaker. Better wait.
The z906 are 5.1 speakers. I’ll pass.
Nice Review…and nice speakers too…:)
@ william: You must be intending to use those for music, otherwise 5.1 is where gaming’s @.
@ Wiliam. why would you pass on 5:1 speakers? its ideal for ‘gaming’. I dont know why corsair opted to make 2:1 speakers for gaming. 5:1 would have been better especially for this audience.
So, for someone that already has the Razer Mako … is this a worthy upgrade or … just keep the Mako’s and when they “fry” i get these?
@Pedro: The Meko speakers are hard to beat – I think you keep them until they fry. BUT, it’s always a good idea to find a local store that offers both speakers and getting a side-by-side demonstration 🙂