Mini systems consisting of a base and two speakers, which playbacked cassettes, disks and radio, had a great vogue in the late ‘90s. Now such systems it is practically impossible to find on the shelves of shops. And the topicality of cassettes and disks dwindled to nothing. However, similar combines return in the form of 2.1 systems with extended functional. Today we will test SVEN MS-1820 speaker system, after considering similar systems.
Package content
The speaker system is supplied in a soft cardboard carton with traditional white-blue colors. There is the photo of a device, as well as detailed specifications on the carton.
The package content consists of a subwoofer, two satellites, RCA-audio jack cable, radio antenna, remote control, batteries, the warranty card and Operation Manual.
Appearance
SVEN MS-1820 is a 2.1 speaker system consisting of two satellites and a subwoofer. The case color is only one – it is black.
Dimensions of satellites are 90×130×83 mm, subwoofer – 164×233×250 mm.
The main element of the system performs the subwoofer function. Speakers have black MDF cases with plastic insertions.
Control elements are located on the front panel, this surface is glossy. It is quickly stained with fingerprints.
There are two buttons to control low and high frequencies there, combined buttons to control volume and rewinding are located below, mode button is more to the right. There are problems with volume control during operation, because not the most optimum solution was used in this system; for want of habit there are often false rewinding of tracks or radio frequency changes. The volume control button would look much better, as well as high and low frequencies control buttons.
A slot for memory cards and a USB port are located lower. The power button is on rear surface.
The remote control compensates the control inconvenience partially, the whole set of control buttons is there. Actually, after the system installation the remote control will be the most easy-to-use solution to control SVEN MS-1820.
Information is displayed on the compact LED display. It displays not too much information, but it is quite enough. There is the opening of a phase inverter on the side wall of the main unit.
Connection jacks are located on the rear panel. They are RCA jacks for connection of satellites and RCA jacks for connection of an external sound source (PC, player). An antenna jack is located there as well.
The front panel of satellites has glossy insertions also; ideally, it is desirable not to touch the speaker system after its placing on a shelf. Each satellite has only one loudspeaker.
Rubber legs are envisaged on the lower part. Speakers are connected using non-removable RCA cable. If its length is not enough, you can buy an extender in any radio sales outlet. The system assembly is of good quality, traces of glue, gaps or notches have not been noticed.
Stuffing
The total power is 40 W, 11 W per satellite and 18 W per subwoofer. The frequency range of the front speakers/ satellites: 150 – 20,000 Hz. The frequency range of the subwoofer is 40 – 150 Hz.
Testing
В SVEN MS-1820 has balanced audio-signals frequency in spite of its cost effectiveness. But it is rather a universal speaker system, not a world-beater. It can gladden unpretentious users only.
Maximum volume level is good, it is really high. But before frightening neighbors I recommend to decrease the level of basses, in some musical compositions the system choked with low frequencies.
The availability of the built-in FM tuner is an obvious advantage. It tunes in on radio stations confidently, there is an aerial of sufficient length in the package content.
Summery
SVEN MS-1820 is a universal speaker system, which is able to operate off-line without PC. It can be recommended as a main system when selecting a speaker system for PC, as well to save money during purchasing if desired. The system will be interesting not only as a speaker system for PC, it can be purchased also as a portable system, as well as an addition to a media player or TV-set.