Moviegoers have come to expect the sounds of planes, trains, and automobiles whooshing by from one side of the theatre to the other. But hearing this same realistic 3D positional audio while playing games or while watching DVD movies on your home computer is something most of us have never experienced. Boston Acoustics hopes to change all that with its RRP AU$499 BA4800 five-speaker audio system.
To enjoy the full capabilities of the BA4800, you'll need a four-channel sound card. We tested this powerhouse of a speaker system with an Aureal Vortex2 SQ2500 and were pleased to find the speakers emitting distortion-free, superb-sounding audio, even with the volume cranked all the way up. The BA4800 will also deliver two-channel sound, but why bother?
The two front satellites rest on small tripod stands on your desktop; the two rear satellites come with 40.6 cm high floor stands. The stands are sturdy, but in cramped quarters it would be nice to have the option of mounting the speakers on a wall. Additionally, the large subwoofer assembly, with a 6.5-inch cone, could easily cramp the available leg space beneath your desk, especially if you already store your PC's tower case there.
Setup is simple, thanks to the colour-coded cables and plain-English instructions. The speakers also come supplied with generous lengths of cable -- a small, but important, consideration when trying to find the best positioning. The controls are conveniently located on the front of the right satellite speaker. One knob controls the power and overall volume, another balances the level of the surround-sound effects coming out of the rear speakers, and the third adjusts the subwoofer's volume. The system doesn't include a headphone jack or a remote-control puck.
For those seeking to add high-quality surround sound to games or DVD movies, the BA4800 is an excellent choice. Hearing bullets whiz by or planes flying overhead is a surefire way to be drawn into the experience and to shut out intruding reality.
Boston Acoustics BA4800
Distributor: Hi Fi & Video Marketing
Ph: 02 9319 6877; Fax: 02 9319 6490
Price: RRP AU$499.
Rating: 4 Star
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