On with the testing...

 

Test System:

MP3/CD Playback:

I chose a variety of music as testing material, using both mp3 and CD sources.  Switching the sound card driver settings between 2-channel and 5.1 modes was done to test the impact of the surround and center effects on normal music.  The satellites, being identical to the previous models, sound good for their size.  The flat-panel design creates crisp treble, with the mid-range frequencies being the challenge.  The size of the speakers are most likely the limiting factor, and music played loudly can become muddy due to the mid-range weakness.

Surround Effects:

Surround sound was once again (as compared with the 4.1 system) "subtle" in its overall effectiveness.  The speakers perform the same in this arena as they provide a full, but definitely not extreme, surround experience.  The volume of the rears is easily overpowered by the front/center speakers.  I prefer louder surround effects to increase the immersive experience, but that is my personal preference.  Surround sound is, by design, only meant to fill in ambient sounds and offer echo, etc for hall effects.  This is done adequately.

Center Channel:

Standard music can benefit from a center channel by allowing the listener to hear sounds from directly in front, increasing the imaging of the sound.  Some people prefer this effect, others do not...again, a matter of preference.  As I switched between 2 and 5.1 modes I found the center channel smoothed out the sound.  By this, I mean the left and right front speakers are not alone in creating the stereo image, and the center gives a subtle, direct front source for vocals.

Sound Level Meter Testing (max dB output):

A fun toy I purchased from Radio Shack for my home theater tweaking, a sound level meter, came in useful for this review.  The analog device measures the volume of sound (decibels) on an analog meter.  Playing standard rock music and sitting in front of my computer monitor (normal location for listening to pc music, games, etc) resulted in 90-92dB before distortion in the mid-range became noticeable.  Of course, the normal listening level is well below this, around 80dB (for me).  The maximum sound output I could get was 100dB (without worry of damaging the speakers), but that was extremely distorted and uncomfortable to listen to.  To an audiophile, these dB results would be humiliating, but to the average pc user and gamer, the maximum sound volume is more than enough.

Gaming:

Can I copy and paste from my 4.1 review for this section?  Ok...just kidding.  The results ARE almost the same, however.  Playing my usual Unreal Tournament and Quake 3 (hey, use what everyone is familiar with! hehe) gave excellent immersive sounds with 5.1 enabled in the sound card settings.  The subwoofer is not a beast like the Logitech Z560's or Klipsch Promedia systems (different price range as well), but it does offer decent punch at a rating of 50W.  

Movies:  

Here is where the 5.1 system can step away from the previous models by Philips.  The center channel offers a home to vocal and front effects in movies, instead of being split up between the left/right front speakers.  The center speaker could be a bit louder (perhaps a separate volume control or dB boost option on the remote?) to increase the imaging for dialog and front effects in movies...but is still a welcome addition.  I had to adjust the center volume to maximum in the sound card settings to get the best impact.

External Input Sources:

As said by Philips:

"Multi-channel Processing!
Connect any stereo source, and the MMS306/A3.600 will process the sound and spread it over all the satellite speakers for a rich surround effect. The settings movie, stereo and concert are available."

"The MMS306/A3.600 also incorporates Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to turn even ordinary stereo sound into a 5.1 channel surround experience. 6 distinct channels make gaming more immersive and give movies new depth and impact."

Using the included audio cable (left/right RCA--->mini-jack connector), I connected a portable CD player to the system (Input 2 or 3).  The wireless remote gives the option to have either 5.1 or standard stereo sound for the input device connected by the additional inputs.  Simply select Input 2 or Input 3, then "Movie" or "Concert" for 5.1 sound....or "Stereo" for 2-channel sound.  The result was the same as listening to MP3's and CD's through the pc.  Nice bonus for people with PS2, XBOX, and other gaming systems as well.

Pros:

 

Cons:

 

Summary:

Aesthetics and desk space are going to be a major factor in helping Philips get these systems into consumers' homes.  The internet prices at the time of this review linger in the $120 range, with cost of shipping to be considered.  The small footprint is excellent for cramped tabletops, and the appearance of the flat panel speakers will get positive comments from friends.  The sound is good for standard listening, movies, and gaming...but will not spark awe in friends looking for ear-shattering power.  Choose these if you want a unique look on your desk and clean, crisp sound.

 

OVERALL RATING: 7 out of 10

review by b-man1

 

Links:

Philips Global

Philips PC Sound

PC Abusers Homepage

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