MS-1085 three-piece speaker system is an affordable solution designed for the user who has overgrown plastic wheezers and laptop integrated speakers. The distinguishing feature of the system is the eye-catching design matching well with its classically-shaped outline.
Package Contents
The system comes in a small-size cardboard box. Inside you’ll find:
- Subwoofer;
- Two satellites;
- 3.5 mm to RCA signal cable;
- 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm mic cable;
- Operation manual;
- Warranty card.
Sure, the device is equipped with a wired remote control, but it’s attached to the subwoofer, and so we view it as an indispensable part of the main component.
Appearance and Design
The satellites look unconventional because of the unique front panel finish. Their classically shaped cabinets are made of small MDF boards glued together and coated with faux wood film. On the front side, there is a glossy, mirror-smooth panel of black plastic. The speaker drivers are silvery though. The paper diaphragm of the mid-range driver is painted, and the dust cap is made of plastic. The tweeter diaphragm is plastic, too, and, for better looks, it’s framed with a metal-imitating circle.
On the bottom of each cabinet, there are rubber feet for desktop placement. The cabinets have no wall mounting holes. Each wire is 1.6 meter long, so it’s hardly possible to locate the satellites far from the subwoofer.
The sub has a slightly flattened straight-shaped cabinet. The front panel is glossy black plastic with a decorative circle in the center. You won’t manage to see the sub driver without disassembling the box, as it’s performed as a bandpass enclosure. The speaker is fixed on the inside wall. Let’s recall that it helps achieve the highest efficiency, which is really important if the driver is so modestly sized.
The wired volume controller reminding of a hockey puck has a rotating upper part stylized as chromed metal. In the center, there is a decorative ring lit up with blue LEDs. They’re not too bright, so the element looks quite soft. Here you can also see two headset jacks. When you’re using a headset, you can connect another mic to the input on the subwoofer rear panel.
The remote wire length is quite enough for comfortable desktop placement, even if the sub itself is located on the floor. The remote doesn’t weigh much because it’s plastic, but has a special anti-slip layer on the bottom.
MS-1085 electronics is quite standard for a system like this. Power supply is performed through a transformer with secondary windings of about 43 VA. Taking two 4700-µF capacitors into account, the claimed power of 46 W seems pretty realistic. The amp is arranged conventionally on three 2030-class microchips.
Тesting and Listening
According to the test, the satellites’ frequency response is normal with a ±6 dB curve range. The middle is a bit jagged, and at the top, there is a specific raise giving the sound its special shade, but after 15 kHz it changes to an abrupt fall. The satellites cohere with the subwoofer well. However, the response at the lows has a view characterizing most low-cost bandpass enclosures. You can clearly see distinct peaks, and the bottom limit lies at 70 Hz.
The sound of the system makes a good overall impression. The satellites produce lively and dynamic sound. As the volume increases, the music acquires harshness developing into distortions at the maximum. Though, to give it proper respect, the undistorted volume in store is absolutely enough for a modest-sized room. The subwoofer’s sound is patchy, so it copes with simple music well. At high volume level, you can notice slight blasting. However, these defects are easily overcome with a separate bass adjustment knob.
Conclusion
To sum it up, SVEN MS-1085 is not the sharpest tool in the shed, but it proves to be a reliable consumer-grade speaker system for $50. Its undeniable competitive advantages are stylish appearance complying with general trends in modern audio equipment design and a handy wired remote. The sound is pretty decent: both the power and the looks will satisfy any listener.