Table of Content
- Page 12: Finalizing Your Installation
- Seller information
- Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble IV Home Theater System Home Theater Speaker Systems
- Cambridge Sound Works The Surround II 5.1 Multipole L & R Surround Speakers
- Cambridge Soundworks PSW1 Powered Subwoofer 12”
- CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS SERIES P500 REMOTE WIRELESS POWERED SUBWOOFER - $125 (CEDAR PARK, TEXAS)
I do not think that I am getting response all the way to 20kHz but the way these speakers are, you can't really expect that anyway. For relatively large cones, these speakers are still somewhat detailed in the high end, and the frequencies all seem to be present. I have no major complaints, given the limitations still imposed on the satellites by their small enclosures.
The full-range drivers aren't as extended in the treble as many would prefer, so these speakers may sound midrange-heavy to those who prefer a forward or 'zingy' treble presentation instead of a laid-back one. The woofer module doesn't go particularly deep, and can sound a bit boomy at times. Delivery time is estimated using our proprietary method which is based on the buyer's proximity to the item location, the shipping service selected, the seller's shipping history, and other factors.
Page 12: Finalizing Your Installation
One of the most surprising things from this system is that there was actually some imaging and ambience from the satellites. The only real complaint I have with the system is that the woofer module still features a high crossover point, probably between 200 and 250 Hz, causing some skewing of the stereo image. I found that the best way to minimize this was to place the subwoofer in the corner with the port facing along the wall behind the satellites. The woofer module has quite a lot of "go" for such a small enclosure, but I would estimate that this enclosure is not hitting anything below 50 Hz. Maybe having a powered sub in my main system has made me spoiled, but these speakers are not as deep-voiced as I would have liked.
Single-cycle burst tests at 1 kHz and 100 Hz indicated that the drivers of the Ensemble IV can take just about any conceivable input without damage. Our amplifier reached its limits (at about 1,200 watts!) without any damage to the speakers. The system’s sensitivity was 88 dB sound-pressure level at 1 meter with a 2.83-volt pink-noise input.
Seller information
The bass module they include only goes to about 50Hz, so if you like movies or music with bass then you'll want a powered sub. Add a $139 Sony WM-40 sub and you should be very happy. Overall, if you are looking for a set of speakers for the office, these are worth considering, but don't pay more tham $50.
Delivering accurate, realistic sound, including deep bass, The Cambridge SoundWorks Ensemble IV Home Theater brings the thrill of great surround sound to small rooms. Home Theater magazine says Ensemble IV Home Theater outperforms most subwoofer/satellite systems we've tested -- at half the price of many. In fact, we've heard far more expensive home theater speakers that don't hold a candle to this rig. Ensemble IV Home Theater also recently received a Best Buy from a leading consumer publication. I bought the Ensemble IV for my bedroom sound system after reading the reviews here.
Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble IV Home Theater System Home Theater Speaker Systems
Each satellite incorporates a long-throw mid-bass/midrange speaker and a 1 ¾" direct radiator tweeter. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. The white version of this system includes one black satellite for use as the center channel.
I've owned the Ensemble IV for about 2 years, now, and am still impressed with these speakers. Don't let the small size fool you, they deliver great, clear sound. Even though the subwoofer is passive, it creates excellent bass. These speakers have to be heard to be appreciated. I highly recommend them to anyone with not a lot of money spend, but want to start their own home theater system. Quality of sound is highly dependent on placement of the passive woofer, satellites have small "sweet spots", mid - high range has a single driver.
Cambridge Sound Works The Surround II 5.1 Multipole L & R Surround Speakers
Welcome to the ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main, a member of the global SABIS® Network. Founded in 1995, ISF is a private school offering a world-class education to over 800 students from 50 countries around the world. Due to their small size, the satellites can be hung on a wall using their supplied keyhole slots, or placed on shelves or stands, making them blend into most decors. The Ensemble IV Home Theater truly fits into any small room -- and any budget. The spring clips on the speakers are kinda cheesy too, but they're affordable and sound good for a reason. I never had any trouble with these speakers, though I understand Cambridge Soundworks's customer service is fantastic.
The trial and error placement is what makes this difficult to do. The bass is awful if the woofer is not placed well, and the satellites need to be on stands, because they have somewhat small sweet spots which make listening outside of the "Zone" lackluster. If you think this is bollocks, please don't wait untill you get home and have the speakers screwed onto the walls. The bass driver operates in a sealed cavity, firing into a second cavity that serves as a tuned band-pass filter in order to exclude unwanted higher frequencies from its output.
The satellites, which have perforated metal grilles, are finished in dark gray Nextel, but they are also available primed for painting in a color of your choice. Selling a Cambridge Soundworks three-piece speaker system in white. Sale includes two Cambridge soundworks cubes with stands a subwoofer and the wiring. Cubes can also be mounted directly on the wall.
Like I said though, these can be GREAT speakers for the money if you work at it. The satellites are so small, that you can place them in almost any room without changing the character of the room too much, which is cool. The value is great, especially during the annual march madness sales at HIFI.com.
We measured the frequency response of the bass module with the microphone at its port. Its response was even more impressively flat than that of the satellites, varying less than ±1 dB from 65 to 170 Hz. Each satellite speaker is barely large enough to contain a single long-throw 3-inch cone driver whose response extends down to 150 Hz.
I had heard that cube systems have an advantage in imaging, because of the single driver. I had also heard that having five identical speakers is the best approach to surround sound, hands down. I am immersed in the best sound that I've ever experienced, and I used to own audiophile speakers. I recently came into a set of the 2-channel version of the Henry Kloss-designed Ensemble IV speakers from Cambridge Soundworks.
Since there have been some questions asked about small speakers, I thought I would write about this set. This set has been discontinued, but can still be found on eBay. I will be evaluating this set in appearance, output levels, and sound quality. I watch a lot of movies and the system sounds great, though I do have to turn the bass on my amplifier all the way up. Placement in a corner when I moved into a new house helped the bass problem greatly.
If there is any damage, do not discard the shipping carton, and do not install or use the system.
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