Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I got these speakers for half the price than a certain "big box" store sells them for. Great speakers, great sound, Bass is a little big and awkward looking. Satellites have a real good sound...for the price, (I got them for $250.00!!) you can't beat the Boston Acoustic MCS 100.

These speakers are truly capable of great sound. However, remember that this is a speaker system only, and needs to be driven by a separate receiver/amplifier unit.

Any speaker's output is no better than that speaker's input! Understand this FACT before accepting anyone's verdict of any output device being weak or inadequate for whatever reason! Frequently when people say that a speaker has weak output, it is more often than not a function of the basic system power, and/or their surround sound system's speakers being properly balanced, inclusive of the subwoofer.

Even if directly replacing one speaker with another, a change in the audible sound pressure output is not a measure of better or worse quality. Speakers may have different sensitivities by design. In my own opinion, I am more concerned about the quality of sound at a certain level than I would be about how loud they respond at a certain volume control setting. It is of little importance to me if one speaker takes 5% more turn of a volume knob for an equivalent sound level. I have plenty of power to spare on the amplifier to achieve sufficient listening levels. What matters is that when the volume reaches my comfort level, how good is the sound quality that reaches my ears.

I have these speakers in a theatre system in a room approximately 12 by 16 feet (190 square feet). They are powered by a DENON AVR-899 700 watt 7.1 channel AV surround receiver specified for 100 watts per channel into 7 channels. It is presently configured for 5.1 playback by choice. I play Blu-ray dvd's constantly, of which most are of uncompressed, master, PCM or True HD sound quality specifications.

I was totally impressed that these relatively small speakers can produce fine quality, powerful, clean sound at levels that would... "make a baby cry" if you put them to the task!

Regarding any warning to not over power THESE speakers, I will tell you to ALWAYS avoid overpowering ANY speaker! ANY speaker may be subject to being possibly damaged by being "over" powered! Sometimes, it is unavoidable. Use good common sense and judgment to listen at good listening levels and not just simply try to see how much of the neighborhood you can impress with your over driven noise.

The trick is to have enough power to drive them without getting into the higher distortion levels of the receiver/amplifier which normally come when the receiver/amplifier is straining to deliver dynamic output. If your receiver/amplifier normally operates well below the rated output levels while delivering sound in your comfort zone, it will allow your system plenty of reserve power to answer the demands of dynamic high fidelity sound content.

I like to explain this power thing something like this: a weak car doing 55 mph and a muscle car also doing 55 mph. You need to pass on a two lane highway RIGHT NOW, and expect to reach 80 mph. The muscle car should perform wonderfully, delivering the power needed to rapidly reach the desired speed and not strain getting there, and can return to normal without so much as even a whisper of effort. The power reserve is there for the special needs and demands of the road. However, a much weaker car may not have the power reserve required to perform well at higher speeds as fast as demanded, if at all. After the effort, it might even overheat from the excessive workload.

Now think of crescendos, explosions and good bass response as demands of your receiver/amplifier. They might demand that your receiver/amplifier power race upward in power to twice your normal listening level. If already operating at 75% power for normal level, expect the quality of sound to suffer when the dynamic event happens. Your speakers can only give you the best they are given by your receiver/amplifier.

Cautiously listen when ANYONE declares, without qualification, that any speaker system sounds a certain way, especially when they say a speaker sounds "weak". What might be weak and lacking when coupled with an under powered receiver/amplifier, might be magnificent music to your ears when matched with a receiver/amplifier capable of the sound dynamics you so desire.

All that said, I find that these speakers are fantastic in my own listening environment while playing my Blu-ray disc, listening to HD television broadcast, and televised HD music programs on my TV. My DENON receiver is NOT underpowered for my room's needs and is a brand model known for clean, crisp, pleasant to hear output quality when coupled to good speakers and good source material. This speaker system matched up perfectly for me in my house.

And just because a speaker "looks" small does not equate to small sound capability. In fact, in my case, I replaced a pair of old Sansuii SP-3500 speakers with 14 inch woofers for bass, and 6 speaker elements in each bass reflex ported enclosure, weighing in at over 60 pounds each, and this Boston Acoustics MCS100MDNT system actually sounds better and even more powerful!

I paid $199 for my set in November, 2008. I would venture a guess that you would be seriously challenged to find a better speaker system of this type for even twice the money that I paid.

Hope this helps. :o)

Siggy2321 From Ohio,This Boston Acoustics MCS 100 speaker package is an awesome deal and a steal at what is now $199.00. This set -up at circuit city went for $599.00. One day after being at Circuit City they droped the price down to $549.00. I just want to say you are not going to find a set this cheap that has really great sound for the size and the price. Granted the speakers fill my family roon with great sound even though for now I am using a Old Sony 5.1 100 watt receiver. I reccomend the Onkyo Tx-606 series. In my living room, my main room for my home theatre Im using an Onkyo receiver I bought back in 2002, and nothing beats the quality of sound it puts out. Rating each speaker, be carefull how you set the 5 satelite speakers up as not to use bass through these speakers. The speaker are mainly for treble and very low mid range speaker, but the sub-woofer will make up the difference. The center channel puts out really great sound at a low decibel. The sub-woofer does a good job,though it could do a little better job with the high frequencies, it still has enough good bass that sounds good and isnt to clanggy. This is definatly a great starter system or for a small to medium sized room, but once again i have a totally much more exspensive system in my living room. Lastly, they say you get what you pay for, but this isnt the case, you should be charged with theft because this is a steal!!!!!!!!!!! Hope this review helps.

This set of speakers puts out a nice smooth clean sound... the surround is sweet! Someone complained about it not having a power switch on the monster bass speaker (and it is monster!), but I have not found this to be a problem - it has auto off/standby mode when not in use. This is better than a switch I have to manually turn if you ask me. Also, had some troubles with the sub and Boston Acoustic repaired it - per the Warranty. Very solid, heavy duty speaker ports and boxes. I would buy this speaker set again... and it can't be beat for the price!

Are these the best speakers you can get? No, not exactly. But for $200, you will not find a better deal out there. True audiophiles will tear these speakers a "new one". But for your everyday Joe there is nothing wrong with this system for your living room. I fall into the catagory of "upper" everyday Joe. I bought these speakers for my other living room. Before hooking them up, I wanted to compare them to my Polk Audio satilites that I have in the other room. The BAs were a little more "tinny" than the Polks, but did not sound BAD by any stretch of the imagination. I've often wondered what my Polks would sound like up against other speakers (I don't think my Polks are the "Mack Daddy"). My girlfriend turned me on to these speakers after she bought a set for herself. We both bought the same Denon avr-888 receiver. My new room is larger than the room with the Polks, so I swapped out subs. I put the 100 watt Boston Acoustics sub in the room with the Polks. And I paired up the BA satilites with my 250 watt Velodyne sub, so my new system rocks harder than Colleen's. When you compare the build quality and features of the 2 subs... that when you see the Boston Acoustics MCS 100 are not the BEST speakers out there... but for $200, you can't NOT buy them! You won't be sorry!!!

Couldn't beat the price, bought them as a gift...(my son loves his new surround sound speakers!) The shipping was free and they made it here (to Alaska!) within a week. Awesome!

After much looking I decided on this B/A system. I had seen at one of our local retailers (Circuit City) and liked it. When checked Amazon and found for over $170 LESS my decision was made. I have owned a number of B/A products (in wall, subs, , and main) and have always been very satisfied. (as a point I have never had a problem my SW-10 sub still works and performs)great in my home in Mass) Packaging was first class, set up well documented, build quality great and most important sound quality very good. Could you get better - sure, but you would spend at least 3 times the money. In my estimation it is as good as it get get for less than $500. I was so please I have since ordered the system for a friend in Annapolis - he likewise is very impressed for the money. I give it 5 STARS.
Jack