Original Link: https://www.anandtech.com/show/525
Cambridge SoundWorks Digital 2.1 Speakers
by Jason Clark on April 8, 2000 8:04 AM EST- Posted in
- Smartphones
- Mobile
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Today's computer speaker market leaves the end-user a bit out of breath. You have a multitude of features to choose from. Cambridge Soundworks has been one of the top players in this market for quite some time now. Offering everything from 2-channel to 5.1 channel speaker solutions. The demand for more power and more speakers has been met with an onslaught of 4 and 5 channel-based solutions. But what about the user that just needs a couple of speakers and a sub? The user who doesn't care about 3D audio or playing DVD movies on their PC? You may think that there aren't many of this kind of user. There are plenty of people out there who are content with a 2.1 channel solution. |
Cambridge SoundWorks has been making solutions for the 2 channel market for awhile. The market has changed a bit - users are a bit more demanding about their sound quality, and volume. Cambridge met this need in November, 1999 with the SoundWorks Digital computer speakers. These speakers offer a very decent level of sound quality and volume for a very low price. The SoundWorks digital speakers are based on the ever-so-popular DTT2000 design.
Cambridge SoundWorks was initially co-founded by Henry Kloss in 1988. Henry Kloss has been a major player in the home audio market since 1952, when he co-founded Acoustic Research. Since then, he has been involved in such companies as KLH and Advent, which are both successful players in the audio market. What does all this mean? Well, essentially you have a solid foundation of audio knowledge (i.e. Cambridge Soundworks) behind some very good marketing (Creative Labs).
Specifications
| Available in black | |
| Satellite Power Output: 8.0 Watts/Channel | |
| Subwoofer Power Output: 22.0 Watts | |
| Frequency Response: 30Hz - 20kHz |
Package Contents
| One wooden subwoofer | |
| Two satellite speakers | |
| 9ft/3m speaker wire, bared at both ends | |
| 6ft/2m stereo-to-stereo cable | |
| 6ft/2m RCA-to-RCA cable | |
| Volume control | |
| RCA bracket | |
| Documentation | |
| AC Adaptor |
Sound Quality
These speakers produce very clear and crisp highs & mids, with adequate punchy bass. For a two-channel solution, the sound is very well balanced.
Treble
The treble is provided by a 3" long throw driver. Power is rated at 8 Watts per satellite. This is, of course, shared with the mid-range since they use the same woofer. The result is a crisp clean reproduction of the treble range all the way up to 22kHz.
Mid-range
The mid-range is provided by the same 3" long throw driver as the treble. This 3" driver is based on the driver used in the 2000 and 2500 models of the Digital line. Cambridge seems to have a good setup with this driver; it gets the job done and keeps the price low. Of course, separating the two would provide for a bit better sound out of the mid-range. But then
the price starts to go up, and takes the speakers out of the market for which they are intended.
Subwoofer
The subwoofer is a 5 ¼" woofer with a power rating of 22 Watts. The subwoofer is crossed over a little lower than the 2000 and 2500, which starts at 30Hz instead of 50Hz. The bass is adequate - it's punchy and clean. It would be nice, however, to see a more powerful sub in future product lines.
Amplifier
Amplification for the SoundWorks Digital is accomplished by a Class AB amplifier. There are three separate amplifier channels and two integrated IC's. The first IC handles left and right for the satellites, and the second IC is bridged to handle the subwoofer. Overall, the sound is good. For the price, you are getting a decent set of speakers - no question there. It should be interesting to see what Cambridge comes out with this year, in order to compete with the hunger for higher quality audio for the PC.
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Performance
Gaming
The SoundWorks Digital performed well in this area. The sound quality is consistent with Cambridge SoundWorks quality. Even though the system consists of only two satellites and a subwoofer, the advances in 3D Audio do a pretty decent job of simulating positional audio.
Music
The speakers performed exactly on par with the 2000 and 2500 models here. The slight changes in the subwoofer were noticeable, and
the bass was definitely more predominant. At higher volumes, there was a bit more distortion than was present in the 2000 and 2500 models,
but nothing to be concerned about.
Movies
Sure, you can play a movie on the SoundWorks Digital, but that's not really what these speakers are for. If you want to watch DVD movies on your PC, then it's time for a 5.1 speaker system. Movies were enjoyable on the SoundWorks Digital, but these speakers were not designed for that use.
Functionality
As always, Cambridge has a well-rounded package. You have a choice of a Digital input and two analog inputs. To control volume, Cambridge used the same controller as in the FPS2000, with the wire coming from the subwoofer to a volume knob and an On/Off switch. Another plus is the fact that Cambridge used standard speaker connectors, which should be a PC audio standard. It leaves the user with so much more freedom to lengthen cable, or buy better quality cabling (i.e. high gauge wire). Design is another area Cambridge excels at. The sleek black look of these speakers is fantastic.
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Conclusion
Cambridge hit the mark on these speakers for quality, performance, and price; it meets all of these criteria.
The SoundWorks Digital can be purchased for as low as US$70, a fantastic price for these speakers.
There are so many cheap 2.1 solutions on the market that sound like a pebble inside a tin can. It's not
easy making a set of speakers that have to compete with the price point of these 2.1 channel solutions.
Overall, Cambridge did a commendable job of putting together a quality set of speakers for a low price.
For the user who isn't fanatical about having 4+ speakers, this is a quality 2.1 channel solution that you should definitely consider.
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