SVEN IHOO MT 5.1P six-channel speaker system looks interestingly at a glance for a variety of reasons. In the first place, this set conceptually one of the most inexpensive with full-size shelf speakers. In the second place, the model is a record-breaking “long-playing”. IHOO MT entered the market more than ten years ago, and the 5.1P version can be named the third substantial remodeling of the popular product. The previous reincarnation brought more qualitative high-frequency loudspeakers, wireless remote control and digital unit. In general, the sound became better still, and the usage – more convenient. The third development loop did not affect its appearance, because the main changes occurred inside. Which once? Let us understand.
Appearance and Design
The set appearance remains the classic one, but SVEN IHOO MT 5.1P design is well familiar to computer sound amateurs. The frontal speakers and central channel are made in valuable full-size cases. In addition, the two-band circuit is used for the sound reproduction. Squawkers have the phase inverter acoustic design; therefore, they can reproduce the highest bass quite perfectly.
Thoroughly familiar domed fabric emitters are used to debug the high-frequency range. Such loudspeakers feature minimum nonlinear distortions and compare favorably with cheaper plastic versions. By the way, the simplest filter, namely, a condenser filter, and not electrolytic one, but quite qualitative streamline filter, is used to divide frequencies.
The rear channels are traditionally made according to the trimmed pattern. In the first place, their cases are much less than the frontal cases. In the second place, there are no high-frequency loudspeakers there. Of course, in this situation the set is quite compromise in the context of the quality of the stage formation, however it does not suffer severely, but the final cost is reduced perceptibly. Let us not forget that at retail you can purchase SVEN IHOO MT 5.1P for USD 160 only and taking into consideration its dimensions it is quite adequate price.
The subwoofer is made according to the bandpass resonator pattern, when a loudspeaker is placed inside the case, but the phase inverter pipe is brought out outward only. Powerful bass efficiency can be attributed to the advantages of such solution, but its sensitivity to the features of a room can be attributed to the disadvantages. The speaker system control is digital, because only first versions of IHOO MT had analog knobs. Buttons on the subwoofer enable to adjust the most necessary regulations only, as input selection, playback mode and volume control. Additional functions, for example per-channel volume control, are available when you use a small remote control.
Electronics
In outward appearance SVEN IHOO MT 5.1P resembles its predecessor – main changes occurred in the interior. Engineers renounced to use a classic transformer in favor of a pulse power unit. It provides ±15 V voltage and can provide potentially high current. As a matter of fact, because of that the amplifying unit was redesigned as well. All channels for satellites are built on 2030 microcircuits as before, but the subwoofer output is now based on two TDA2050 with the bridge switching. Theoretically, we can speak about the higher power and the lower level of nonlinear distortions.
Testing and Listening
Well, as a preliminary let us look at some real specifications. The subwoofer operates within a quite narrow band approximately from 45 to 100 Hz. At that, its amplitude-frequency characteristic looks quite presentable without strongly pronounced peaks. For such acoustic enclosure in a budget-oriented implementation such a result can be considered as the excellent one. The front speakers are characterized by the excellent irregularity ±3 dB. Medium frequencies are smooth, the treble is not cut, and only small sagging of the beginning of high-frequency band spoils the total picture slightly. The rear predictably surrenders at high frequencies. There are no special problems with the central channel at all; it is worth noting only the excess basses in the punch area.
According to subjective sensation SVEN IHOO MT 5.1P wins back its cost completely: the set forms the dense, saturated and scathing stage. The subwoofer, even in spite of its design features, is not inclined to the display of “muttering”. It operates quite smoothly providing the full-fledged bass. Distortions can appear when the volume is high, especially during playing heavy music, but per-channel regulation helps superbly in this case. Satellites play with good tonal balance. We can note quite good attack of medium frequencies and clear transparent treble. In general terms such speaker system will do for playing the majority of musical directions, sound accompaniment of games and movies. The volume level is sufficient for sounding even big rooms.
Conclusion
As a whole, SVEN IHOO MT 5.1P duplicates the success of preceding models. The set looks as a classic one and in spite of the boggling longevity it keeps topicality, because the sound justifies this money really. But the main changes in design affected the power unit, where the transformer was replaced with a pulse unit, as well as the subwoofer channel amplifier. Due to these, the speaker system is louder.