Monday, September 2, 2013

Boston Acoustics Sound Ware XS 5.1 - User Review


First look

This is an ultra compact and pocket friendly Home theatre system from Boston acoustics. XS stands for extra small! The 5 satellites are literally very small with only 2.5" woofers set edge to edge. Though it has a nicely built  sub woofer with a 8" driver, where no compromise done.

Technical Aspects

Though the speakers are tiny but Boston acoustics has not made any compromise in their built quality, designing or mounting procedures. Ergonomically also they are good enough. They can be mounted anywhere, even the ceiling. rubber feet are provided, in case you want to place them on floor.  

As expected the cross over frequency to the subwoofer is set to 180 Hz, about 100 Hz greater than recommended. Many critical voice and instrument frequencies fall in this range. So you should keep the sub woofer close to your TV set, otherwise there will be spatial confusion!

Bottom line

The movie sounds are excellent, considering the cost of the system but real challenge it face while delivering the music.
The resolution is high for higher frequencies but there is hiccups at the bass or, midrange frequencies, though you cannot say it is absolutely bad. Yes it has its limitations.

Those who are on tight budget and looking for a small home Theater system with some non serious music listening, this is a good buy.