Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

More and more I have been using my PC as a home entertainment system. I don't really watch TV, but I love movies and listen to a lot of music. I am also a musician and have been experimenting with electronic music creation software. Being on a limited budget and not wanting to invest in a 5.1 yet, I started looking at quality 2.1's. These speakers are being phased out and I just picked up the last set at my local circuit city for [cheap]. I feel like the cat that ate the canary!! I had no idea flat panel technology was so good. These things are absolutely amazing. If you are looking for a 2.1 set and don't want to spend the big bucks, look no further. Don't even worry about it, these things rock. Remote has headphone jack on it (great design) and separate bass volume (great for apartment dwellers like me that want to be considerate to the downstairs neighbors.) Also the wattage on these things is twice what I was finding on comparably priced sets. Anyway, I'm pleased...They are PC speakers, so if you know what you are shopping for don't waste anymore time reviewing, ...

The quality of the sound is superb. I could write about the sound qualities, however, everyone is different as it pertains to what they hear. All I can say is that I don not listen to Rap, or country. I listen to classical rock, oldies, classical, jazz and celtic music. Each music style have wonderful responces in the low, med, and high audio ranges. I have found the subwoofer provides more than enough bass for the music that I listen to. Conclusion: these speaker will provide you a wonderful range sounds with little to no distortion. If you want the loud thumping bass that blow your ear drums, this will not do it.

These things are mind-blowing. Not long after getting them, I put on a recording of some Haydn Piano Sonatas I'd had literally for 15 years. I had always thought the sound of the piano was not that great on the recording. Through these things, it was as if I'd never heard the disc. I disagree about a lack of midrange. They are by far the best speakers I've ever had and at the price, an insane value.

these are the best computer speakers i have ever owned. they make everything sound great. the base on these speakers is unreal. the only down side is the amp is big. other than that they are great

The Monsoon Planar Media 9 speakers are an incredible deal. For the money you get 2 flat panel speakers (Monsoon is known for its flat panel technology) and one subwoofer. The subwoofer rolls out smooth bass with any type of music and cranked all the way up. Surprisingly when the volume was all the way up the bass did not distort. The flat panel speakers also did not distort at any volume level. They produced awesome highs and very decent mids. I would say this system surprised me because I would expect flat panels to distort at high volume levels. Overall the system rocks and its strong points are some types of music and games.

I took a chance on theses and couldn't be happier. The sound is full regardless of what I'm listening to and I love the remote with volume, mute, and bass. For less than [money] it's a steal.

When I bought these speakers I was very, very pleased with the quality of sound and the sleak design. Unfortunately, after about three months I started getting distortion even at very low volume levels. I talked to a speaker salesman that said I probably just got some lemons. A contributing problem is that I cannot get in touch with Monsoon. Their site is down [www.monsoonpower.com] and their new site has been "coming soon" for several weeks now [www.monsoonaudio.com]. Now I am stuck with once awesome, but now terrible sounding speaker.