Monsoon Planar Media 9 - 2.1-channel PC multimedia speaker system - black

by Monsoon Multimedia

Product Details

• ASIN: B00006BADM
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Experience the difference of PFT Planar Focus Technology with the Planar Media 9 - a powerful, affordable way to let your multimedia-capable computer drench you in sound. From the combined surface area of a sheet of paper (and about the same thickness), these Planar ribbon transducers create big, accurate music. Aided by a high-excursion subwoofer with a flared port tube to reduce compression, the satellite panels feature a dipolar design. This lets them radiate sound forward and backward; for every signal pointed at your ears, a duplicate, phase-shifted signal is reflected off the wall behind the speakers. Net effect: a spacious and detailed soundstage, right on your desktop. And you can control it absolutely with a redesigned control center, which fits neatly on your desk, in your palm, or into one of the satellite bases.

What's in the box

3 speakers, cords, manual

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good value for the money, October 31, 2002

By 

Martin Rogers (Alabama, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Monsoon Planar Media 9 - 2.1-channel PC multimedia speaker system - black (Electronics)

I got the Monsoon Planar Media 9 (PM-9) setup to replace an old Altec Lansing ACS-31 2.1 system on my home computer. I only have room for a 2.1 system; the PM-9s have been a good upgrade for me.

I don't claim to be an audiophile. I like my music to sound good, but spending beaux coup bucks on top end sound has never been high on my priority list. "Good enough," for a decent price, has been what I've looked for, and the PM-9s fill the bill.

With tonal quality set neutral via the computer sound properties and remote settings, the treble is clear without getting harsh at high volume levels and the bass is tight -- plenty of thump, but not "boomy," which I can't stand. The system makes a good illusion of the bass coming from the satellites, and the sound stage is well defined and reasonably wide for a desktop system. There does seem to be a small bit of emphasis, maybe around 500Hz, that is not just like what I want to hear. What the PM-9s put out may actually be closer to a flat response, but it's not totally what I "like." A slight cut at 500Hz per the Windows Media Player EQ improves things, especially for male vocals. But overall, the sound is a great improvement. Comparing the sound from the PM-9s to our current home sound setup, I like the home system just a bit better. But that uses much larger 3-way speakers, which are running off a 10-band EQ, with the sound adjusted to what I like.

Now that I've heard the PM-9s, the ACS-31s are just about unlistenable to me -- no amount of playing with bass and treble render them clear enough to compare well with the PM-9s -- and the ACS-31s, adjusted for inflation, would be higher cost today.

The power transformer in the sub unit makes a low hum when running, which I notice sometimes during silences between tracks. But normally it's not noticeable over the computer fan noises, and cuts out when the "mute" switch is pressed on the remote (the main power switch is on the back of the sub). The remote is nice, and has a headphone jack in it (there is noticeable hiss at low volume levels -- the hiss seems independent of volume level, which becomes not-objectionable at higher volume levels when music is playing, when listening with my Sennheiser HD-280 Pro headphones through this jack). Sub adjustment is on the remote, and allows plenty of bass emphasis away from the neutral setting. The PM-9 has a single line input (which under normal circumstances is plenty, but the ACS-31 had two line inputs -- useful for adding a portable unit on occasion).

Hope my ramblings will help somebody's decision. These are worth a listen.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Planar Media 9 - Wonderful Speakers!, December 21, 2002

By 

Michael Preyer "mailmanx" (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Monsoon Planar Media 9 - 2.1-channel PC multimedia speaker system - black (Electronics)

PROS
Wonderful sound, loud without distortion, strong tight bass, quality construction, re-designed controls.

CONS
No treble control.

SUMMARY
The PM-9 speakers have clean sound, tight bass and very high volume capability. I believe they are as good as the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 at just half the cost. Very highly recommended!

FULL REVIEW
I've had these speakers for a month and have used them daily. I loved them from the start and the feeling hasn't changed. I purchased these speakers to use for watching DVD's on my computer. I intentionally chose not to buy a surround speaker set because I'm in an RV with limited space.

These speakers are well built and have a very unique look. But their real strength is THE SOUND!!! I haven't found any weaknesses. The bass is never muddy. It can be cranked without distortion. The mids are strong and the highs are pure. The overall balance of sound is, in my opinion, just about perfect. I just finished watching my T2 DVD with the volume loud and the bass boosted. No distortion - no regrets.

At first I didn't think I'd like having the controls on a separate wired remote (my last speakers had controls on the right speaker). But now that I've used a remote for a month, I actually prefer it. And this particular remote is EXCELLENT. It contains volume, bass and mute. I wish it had treble, but that seems to be left off a lot of computer speakers these days. The volume control is large and easy to control. The feel as it moves is perfectly fluid. The bass control has a distinct center detent and plenty adjustability. It can add some serious kick to the bass! The mute button can be used as an on/off button (the actual on/off is on the back of the subwoofer). The remote also has a headphone jack which too many computer speakers are missing these days.

For those of you looking for digital input, this speaker set has it. However, I don't use it so cannot comment on it.

I spent over two weeks auditioning computer speakers in various stores and at friend's houses. The only other speakers I liked as well were the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1. In my opinion, the Planar Media 9 speakers sounded every bit as good as the Klipsch, but for only half the price. EASY DECISION! My advice - BUY THESE SPEAKERS!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Monsoon is out of business!, December 20, 2004

By 

Charles A. Russell "Charles Russell" (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Monsoon Planar Media 9 - 2.1-channel PC multimedia speaker system - black (Electronics)

There is no support for these speakers or any other Monsoon Speaker sets. I got these speakers which gave me an excellent sound right out of my laptop, but I was sitting in my room one day and bumped the plug on the included wired remote and it pulled right out and stripped the input. They are now sitting at my home unable to be used because I can't get a replacement control. If you buy this product you will not be able to get accessories. I purchased this at Circuit City after the company was out of business and they did not tell me that! Be extra careful if you chose to get monsoon!