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Soundmatters MAINstage Audio System

Provided By: Soundmatters
Retail: $300.00
Review Date: July 1st, 2004
Written By: Daniel W.

The big buzz with computers these days is the convergence between the computer and the home theater system. While the latest focus is on integrating a computer into a theater system, this convergence can go both ways implying integrating home theater equipment around a computer. Whereas there are numerous reasons for the former, the main reason for the latter is usually sound quality.

Soundmatters MAINstage
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Those who are familiar with home theater equipment may know about the soundmatters MAINstage. For those unfamiliar with the MAINstage, it is a high fidelity surround sound system built into a single sleek compact unit. This review will be mainly dealing with the use of the MAINstage around the computer.

Packaging:

Soundmatters MAINstage
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The MAINstage comes packaged in a colored retail box. The front of the box displays the name of the product across the top followed below by an obsequious quote and a small list of features. The right side of the box features a three step setup guide and the list of contents. A specifications list is featured on the left side of the box. The back of the box has another flattering quote along with a list of places the MAINstage can be used. Also, on the back is an introduction and description of the featured product.

Soundmatters MAINstageSoundmatters MAINstage
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Inside, the MAINstage is enclosed in foam and a plastic bag. It is sandwiched between two cardboard egg crate framing (more environmentally friendly than Styrofoam). All the included accessories are individually bagged.

Soundmatters MAINstage
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Contents:

  • MAINstage unit
  • IR remote control
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • AngleEase TV-top leveling feet
  • 2 meter optical cable
  • 2 meter stereo 1/8” mini-jack cable
  • Power cord
  • Owners manual
  • Quick setup-up guide

Soundmatters MAINstage
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Features:

Features for the MAINstage can be seen on Soundmatter's web site.

  • Surround Sound: 5.1 channels, digital
  • DSP Processor: Zoran 38601-50M IPS
  • Surround algorithm: Zoran VMD
  • Class-D amplifiers (4): two 10WRMS < 3%THD into 4 Ohms (satellites) (40W Music) two 10WRMS < 3%THD into 4 Ohms (subwoofer) (40W Music, subwoofer)
  • Maximum SPL@1m: 95dB
  • Main Speakers: 2 each 50x70 mm with Neodymium-sandwich magnets
  • Internal Subwoofer: 1 each Super-4” with Neodymium-sandwich magnet
  • Power Supply: Digital, 130kHz 95-265Vac 50/75Wdc
  • Inputs (4): Analog One: 125mV/10V Switch selected, Analog Two: 125mV for 80 dB SPL, Digital One: SP/DIF coax, Digital Two: Optical / TosLink
  • Outputs (1): Analog: Sub-subwoofer out
  • Accessories: IR remote control, AngleEase TV-top leveling feet, one 2m optical, one 1/8” mini phone jack cable
  • Controls: System volume (IR), Subwoofer level (local), Source select, mute (IR and local), Surround/stereo (IR only)
  • Modes: On/Off/Standby
  • Standby Power: Less than 4.5W
  • Display: Four color LEDs
  • Chassis color: Silver or charcoal gray
  • Weight: App. 2.2kg (4.85lbs)
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 425 x 65 x 230mm (16.7" x 2.5" x 9")

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