Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100MDNT 5.1-Channel Speaker System (Black)

by Boston Acoustics

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 20.8 x 19.4 x 19.4 inches ; 20 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 47 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000W9DO7U
• Item model number: MCS100 System Midnight
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,140 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer

Horizon MCS 100 5.1-Channel Speaker System Takes the Complexity Out of Home Theater

With the same Deep Channel® Design (DCD) woofers and soft-dome tweeters found in all Boston Acoustics Horizon speakers, this MCS 100 speaker system is an ideal solution for getting great sound in any room. The satellites are equipped with 3-inch mid bass driver and .75-inch soft dome tweeter as well as Reduced Baffle Diffraction Design (RBDD) for wider, smoother sound dispersion. Add the included 8", 100-watt powered subwoofer and you've got a system that's music to your ears.

Racetrack-shaped rear ports, adjustable footing, and integrated mounting keyholes make these speakers attractive for any space (shown here in black)

Technology is Key

All Horizon speakers share certain key technologies. They all use 1-inch Kortec® soft dome tweeters, for smooth, extended high frequency response out to 25kHz. The woofers feature Deep Channel® Design, or DCD, providing increased bass output without the risk of bottoming out. The woofers all have phase plugs for smoother midrange response and increased power handling. With Horizon, Boston introduces RBDD which stands for Reduced Baffle Diffraction Design. The result is wider and smoother dispersion and more life-like sound. Please click on the hyperlink to learn more. Finally, these models feature MagnaGuard® video shielding, making them safe for use near any type of display.

Features to Please

All Horizon speakers share certain key features. They all have a racetrack shaped, rear port that is flared on both ends. The shape helps reduce the footprint of the port, taking up less room on the back of the speaker. The combination of the flared opening on both ends of the port tube and its rear location virtually eliminates chuffing, or audible port noise. They all have 5-way binding posts to accommodate the use of any thickness of speaker wire or style of termination. They all come with an adjustable footing, allowing them to sit securely on a flat surface either vertically or horizontally and to be angled toward the listening position. They all have an integrated keyhole for quick and easy wall mounting. The keyhole and standoffs on the back of the speaker keep it far enough off the wall to not block the port, maintaining the sound quality that the Boston engineers intended they have. They all feature a soft-touch finish, giving them an elegant high-end appearance and terrific feel.

Sized to Surprise

With many of the same technologies that drive Boston Acoustics' most powerful speakers, this compact speaker system is sized to surprise.

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Technical Specifications

• Recommended Amplifier Power: 10-150 watts
• Satellite Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
• Satellite Frequency Response: 120Hz-20kHz
• Crossover Frequency: 3000Hz
• Satellite Dimensions (HxWxD): 7.38 x 4.38 x 4.69 inches
• Sensitivity (1 watt (2.83v) at 1m): 88dB
• Satellite Tweeter: .75-inch Kortec Soft Dome
• Satellite Bass Unit: Dual 3-inch copolymer DCD with Phase Plugs and MagnaGuard
• Subwoofer Cone Diameter: 8 inches
• Subwwofer Power: 100 watts
• Weight: 2.5 lbs

Product Description

Small enough to hang on a wall, but powerful enough to bring down the house, the new Boston Acoustics Horizon MCS100 5.1-Channel Speaker System takes all the complexity out of multi-channel audio without sacrificing any of its impact. With four 3" matched satellite speakers, a 3" center channel speaker and an 8" 100-Watt powered subwoofer, you can let Hollywood pile on the excitement. It¿s all in a day¿s work for the Horizon MCS100.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

173 of 190 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Boston Acoustics Horizon MCS 100 - A Nice Starter Set, But Definitely Not For Everybody, November 26, 2008

By 

Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" (East Coast) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)   

This review is from: Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100MDNT 5.1-Channel Speaker System (Black) (Electronics)

The Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100 5.1-Channel Speaker System is a good quality, well constructed set. But these speakers may be undersized for many home theaters. I happened upon the Horizon MCS set as I was helping somebody just starting their home theatre. They had already purchased a Yamaha receiver with high power output. Along with the high price, that was my main reason for advising other alternatives. Ultimately, after testing this set out with them they returned it in favor of another. You should do your research to make sure your speakers fit your space and other components.

THE PROS

In terms of durability, the speaker cases are really pretty good. The body style is not one of my favorites, but many will find them attractive and nondescript. The case construction is solid. The connectors and binding posts make nice strong connections. The sound clarity is also nice and responsive. So there are some positives.

PERFORMANCE

While the bass response of this set may be adequate for some, bass-heads will not be satisfied. The overall output is only enough for smaller spaces and starter AV systems. More disappointing to me is the performance of the center channel and satellites. Even if you have a receiver that will allow you to add speakers and grow it to a 7.1 setup, it's easier to scale up when your satellites are adequately sized. These speakers do not have enough amplitude to fill most living rooms.

CONSIDERATIONS

1. The list price of this set is excessive for what you get. BA is a good brand and this is a nice starter set, but this is a premium price. Even at half of list, there are comparable sets.
2. The sound output is crisp and clean but only enough for a smaller living room 150 square feet large or less. If you have a larger room, the output may not be enough. Even in small spaces some may just want more pop.
3. If you already have a receiver, check the specs on it. 10 - 100 watts may fit those with basic needs. But be careful not to push more power through these speakers than they can handle. And definitely work them in before pushing them towards the top end of their range.
4. In 5.1 speaker sets, many alternatives offer a better value or better sound. Total beginners and non-audiophiles may get a better value elsewhere. Most beginners can't distinguish good quality from great quality and should save their cash.
6. Decide if you want a 5.1 set-up or plan to grow to 7.1. Also consider if you are setting up a full high-definition home theatre with BluRay or full HD sound. Some of those configurations are based on 7 channels of sound. You can always add-on speakers to this set. But others like the 130 are sized better for adding on. If you mix different satellites the smallest ones become your weakest link. So consider all your options.

THE ALTERNATIVES

Some won't mind paying a premium for the Boston Acoustics brand but you can get a lot more for your money, even from other BA sets. It might make sense to pay a little more if you are getting more. Most people with a high quality receiver probably want and need more output.

The Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS130 5.1-Channel Surround Speaker System costs about 20% more but gives you a lot more sound for your money. The center channel and satellites are only slightly larger, but the output is much nicer. It should probably be the baseline for 5.1 systems.

Even as somebody who is not a huge Polk enthusiast, the Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System is a quality set that performs better and tends to sell for about half of this BA set. The construction is about equal but that set has much richer more powerful sound.

The Klipsch Synergy Quintet III Home Theater Speaker System and Harman Kardon HKTS-18 5.1 Channel Speaker System also deserve comparison. Prices fluctuate but each gives you more for your money. As another option, the Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System is a 7 channel set that has more power and a better price point.

An integrated AV speaker system may allow some beginners to save their money for a better surround sound speaker system in the future. Sets like the Harmon Kardon CP40 Home Theater System offer novices better value and an easier install. Once again, most beginners won't notice the nuances of what is given up in quality.

If you're going to spend your money somewhere, get the best receiver you can first. It is better to add on fewer better quality speakers as your budget allows than to buy an entire set of speakers that you may quickly outgrow.

Many people will buy this set based upon BA's brand name and reputation for quality. I would rather spend a little more and get a set that won't be as easily outgrown. If you just want an entry level set, you can get close to this level of performance for less money. If cost is no issue, it may make sense to start with something with more output. That's why even though this is a decent set it is kind of poorly targeted for many buyers' needs.

CONCLUSION

This is a nice set but do not expect to be blown away by the output. Make sure you plan out what space you need to fill and how this set fits with your home theater equipment. But if it does fit your needs and you can get it on sale, then go for it. Just do your research before you pull the trigger.

Enjoy.


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Update - February 2009: The price of this set has fluctuated a lot due to promotions. It is now selling at list price. At the time I wrote this review it was about 15% less than list price. The price was then discounted several times to less than 50% of list price, making it a much better deal for some people. However, at any price I still feel that making sure you have the right set for your needs is more important than cost. These are far from a *one size fits all* speaker set. Hope this puts things in context.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Sounding system. Money well spent., February 21, 2008

By 

Mr. "manauta" (NW Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100MDNT 5.1-Channel Speaker System (Black) (Electronics)

Purchased the MCS100 system and it made a night and day difference for my First attempt at a Home Theater System. My system consists of an Onkyo 705 and a 50 inch Panasonic Plasma. Needless to say I am a happy camper. I auditioned these speakers at a local Circuit City, and compared them against the MCS130 and a $1,400 KEF system. I have to say that the MCS130 sounded more much fuller, but not the $300 MSRP difference fuller, and definitely no the $900 MSRP difference the KEF was. As far as the fuller difference when compared with the MCS130, it was not much of a concern to me, because I intend to use the MCS100 as mainly the surrounds for a 7.1 system. I am going to use a Boston Acoustics HS225 for the center speaker and 2 HS450 for front main speakers. I would have to say, do not hesitate on the purchase of a MCS100 speaker system for a decent 5.1 system. Well worth the money, and considering I got it for about $350, with a saving of $150, I say buy it.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Theatrical Sound - Low Price!, November 25, 2008

By 

Martin A Hogan "Marty From SF" (San Francisco, CA. (Hercules)) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100MDNT 5.1-Channel Speaker System (Black) (Electronics)

With a 5.1 receiver system, this speaker system is one of the best, especially for the price. Each of the speakers contains a 3" mid-range speaker and a ¾" tweeter giving a superb well rounded sound that many speakers don't have. The 100-watt heavy-duty subwoofer rounds out the sound to give you a truly theatrical sound experience. You can install these on your walls using the mounting keyholes, place them on a flat surface or put them on a stand. There is an integrated port in each speaker that is designed to ensure the balance of air-flow for a great sound. This system truly gives you that specific speaker surround sound exactly like what you can hear in your local movie theater.

Prices for surround sound have always been high until now. Boston Acoustics has a great reputation for quality and there is no reason to settle for simple stereo when you can have a completely encompassing sound experience with a powerful bass (subwoofer) that makes you feel like you are in the movie. If you are into SACD, DSD, dts or surround sound music, you will hear the music as if you were at that concert or in the studio when it was recorded. Stereo is history. The Boston Acoustic Sound System will turn your movie/sound system experience into another level of sophistication.