MS-810 Speakers

From: AOpen

By: Luckee

4/24/01

Most gamers today want to play their favorite game, listen to MP3s or relax watching their favorite action packed DVD. Most sound cards come equipped with the ability to put out riveting 3D audio, but in order to take advantage of this you need a nice sound system.  AOpen is known mostly for their great motherboards and their flawless technology in CD burners and DVD-ROMS, but are now expanding their wings to show us how versatile they can be with their new MS-810 1000Watt Peak Music Power Output three-piece speaker system.  Two satellite speakers, a subwoofer, and a convenient wired remote control are the contents of this system.

Specs

• Subwoofer:
  - Drive Units: 4"Woofer
  - Frequency Response: 20Hz~100Hz
  - Output Power: 18 W RMS
  - Input Sensitivity: 300mV
  - Input Impedance: 4 Ohms
  - Dimensions (WxHxD): 5.5x8.25x10.5"

• Satellite:
  - Drive Units: 3"Full Range
  - Load Impedance: 4 Ohms
  - Output Power: 4W+4W RMS
  - Frequency Response: 50Hz~20KHz
  - Input Sensitivity: 300mV
  - Input Impedance: 4 Ohms
  - Dimensions (WxHxD): 3.75x4.25x4"

• Wired Remote Controller:
  - Power On/Off switch
  - Volume Control
  - Bass Control

• Others:
  - Power Source: AC 110-120V
  - Package Dimension (WxHxD): 16 x 12.25 x 7.5

Price: $39.00

I was impressed when I finally received the AOpen MS-810 speakers.  Most satellite speakers come with a cheap-looking plastic covering, these do not.  The subwoofer case is wood, not plastic, and is a little larger than most PC subwoofers.  On the back of the subwoofer are two outputs for the satellites (left and right), an output going to your PC’s soundcard, and an input for the wired remote control. The power on/off switch, system volume, and bass control, are all located on the wired remote. The satellites are about the size of a softball and can be wall-mounted or easily set on your desktop.  The two rubber strips will keep them in place on your desk during those intense EAX gaming sessions. The wall mount capability of the satellites, and the wired remote were both nice touches. The subwoofer and satellites are magnetically shielded to keep the electromagnetic interference down in the event that you would like to set them close to your monitor.

Testing:

I have a Creative Labs XGamer sound card on my test system.  I feel this sound card has enough power to push these speakers to the limit.  I first listened to a few MP3s to test the bass and distortion.   I was impressed as I turned up the volume because I had little muffle or distortion.  These speakers are obviously not the caliber of a $250 model because as I turned the bass up to the higher levels I got some distortion and the subwoofer began to rattle a little bit.  But all in all, these speakers produce a nice clear sound.  Next I tested the speakers while playing my favorite PC games.  Just like other satellite speaker systems, I‘ve seen similar results, but one thing that was different is the 1000Watt power that is produced.  When playing No One Lives Forever, I could very clearly hear the sounds represented by each weapon or action in the game.  This is a very positive aspect for gamers.  While shooting at the enemy after I cranked the speakers up, I could hear each of the casings hitting the floor from both the satellite speakers.  The highs were clearly represented.  When I shot the bazooka, the subwoofer produced a good boom and wasn’t muffled at all.  For variety, I also tested this with NASCAR Racing 4.  This game really pushed the subwoofer and speakers to their limit with the roaring engines and intense crashing sounds.  I found that in games the AOpen MS-810 really projects nice highs and lows as compared to other speakers in higher price ranges.  Lastly I decided to pop in my DVD of Gone in 60 Seconds.  The action represented with this movie was clearly heard through the system with little distortion.

Conclusion:

While these speakers performed quite well, they are not comparable to my Cambridge Sound Works, by Creative, that I normally use.  To most gamers, the sound and bass produced by the AOpen MS-810 is sufficient, which is enhanced by the fact that they only cost $39.00.  Sure you can get higher quality sound and deeper bass for more money, but some users need a more cost effective solution to pumping up their PC and gaming experience.