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.

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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:

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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.
 
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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.

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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

Click on image for larger picture 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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