Home > Consumer Reviews > Monsoon MM-1000 2.1 Flat Panel Computer Speakers (3-Speaker, Black)

I bought the Monsoon MM-1000 system when it first came out in late 1998 and have nothing but the highest praise for it. The bass is deep and rich, but more importantly the mid and high tones are produced with extremely fluent and precise imagery through the flat panel speakers. This is something a lot of traditional computer systems fall down in. If you want the most heart pounding bass possible for games like Quake but don't really care about musical quality then go for the Klipsch Promedia. But if you do care a lot about the way music sounds, the way instruments remain clear and how the acoustic environment says "unmuddy" then the Monsoons are definitely a top choice.

Besides the excellent sound, these speakers look awesome; they might not have all the fancy indicator lights like Altec systems, but the space age flat panel design is sure to get wows. The subwoofer is also very attractive, enough so they you might not even want to put it under your desk! You can't really see to well from the picture, but there are two LEDs by the front buttons that light up red and green. The controls on the subwoofer are extremely smooth and precise, although the remote "puck" tends to add some noise when you change the volume. I got mine replaced and it worked fine after that, so maybe it was just an early model problem.

Overall, if you want a high tech look and great sound I can't recommend a better 2.1 system.

These speakers are the best I have heard for gaming and digital music. However, they are very directional so you can't just stick them anywhere you have room. You have to get those 2 perfect spots to the right and left of you to get the full high quality 3D sound. Believe me, there is a difference. The monsoons do have a lot of power too. I usually like extra base (a lot extra) which these are a little lacking in but that balance is probably why they sound so good. The volume control and mute on that seperate little puck thingy are pretty handy too. I have had mine for over a year and would definately buy them again.

No gamer should be without this system. The sub moves some serious air while the flat panels pick up the subtleties in the mid and high ranges. The remote volume control + immediate mute button is a great feature - especially if your subwoofer is in a non-accessible area. The manual controls - volume, bass, and bass boost work just fine - but it's hard to tell a major differences between bass and bass boost when it's cranked.

The mega transformer seems a bit chinsy - but hasn't detracted from the overall quality and reliability (1 year). Minor peeves include static when you change the volume quickly and lack of wall mounting for the speakers. But overall great looking speakers that create a great 3D surround sound affect - even for medium/large sized rooms.

Compared to the Microsoft's USB Sound System 80 - I'm still staying with pure digital rather than out my sound card. 4-stars for the lack of USB option and the slightly premium price.

I have one set and am on the prowl looking for another. Sounds better than many home stereos and most "blasters" You could plug in your portable CD player to the Monsoons to make a "college" system

Forget what you've heard about computer speakers. The MM1000's come as close to bridging the gap between dedicated home audio speakers and desktop speakers as I've heard. I've listened to the Klipsch Promedia series, the Logitech Z560's, models from Harman Kardon, Altec Lansing 621's, Altec Lansing 641's and numerous others. The MM1000's sound more natural to my ear than the others. They reproduce voice more naturally than the others, the highs are smooth and sweet. The sub reproduces the lows smoothly, without audible distortion and blends well with the satellites. About the only area the Monsoons can't compete with the Klipsch Promedias and the Logitech Z560's (the two benchmark's at the moment) is in absolute output. The Klipsch's and Logitech's will go louder but both lack that last little bit of refinement of the Monsoons. In short, Monsoon answered the call for an audiophile desptop speaker at an affordable price. Well done Monsoon.