Home > Consumer Reviews > Soundmatters MAINstage HD - Speaker - 80 Watt - metallic silver, charcoal gray

Let's get this out of the way:
This is NOT an HD sorround sound system replacement for a high-end, 6 speaker + receiver option. Simply put, there's no way to completely replicate rear speakers and panning audio channels that the latter provides via a singular unit. The latter option (assuming a robust receiver + quality satellite speakers) will also run you 2.5x the price of the MAINStage HD while creating a wiring monstrosity (assuming you avoid the labor + equipment cost of custom wiring).

With the above disclaimer, I can relay what the MAINStage HD actually IS: an overachieving, well-designed unit which consistently wows listeners with its robust sound. "Where did you get that?," "is that the ONLY speaker...?," are questions that commonly accompany a listener's first introduction to the MAINStage's playing of a DVD or video game.

The MAINStage is a star with mid to high range tones, and competently tackles low end ones as well -- even more so with the HD model's greater attention to this area of the sound spectrum than its predecessor. It likewise does an outstanding job of articulating individual sound elements; I'm consistently surprised at new pieces of audio detail I discover -- ambient noise elements within movies, sound effects in games -- via the MAINStage's processing.

Elaborating on its predecessor, the HD model is a noticeable step up versus the original MAINStage on several accounts. The aforementioned bass is an obvious one, not to mention an adjustable sensitivity setting, more intelligent sorround sound emulation, and substantially more 'oomph' in its pumping out of audio. The MAINStage HD can fill a room...and house!...with powerful, crisp audio. The voice articulation setting likewise provides a nice push for dialog-driven content. Finally -- and a side point but one, nonetheless -- the footprint of the HD is 10-15% smaller than the original MAINStage.

Still -- as someone who owned the original MAINStage for 1.5 years before opting for the Soundmatters upgrade program -- the base MAINStage is a steal at the $200 it's floating around the 'Net for. Worth considering before taking the HD plunge at twice the price for the newer unit...but less than twice the options.

Finally, and worth noting, Soundmatters tech support + customer service is outstanding. They stand by an impressive 2 year Warranty, one powered by an advance exchange program (where they send you the replacement before even seeing your unit in return). They also know their stuff when it comes to very technical, audio-centric questions.

first, be reasonable in your expectations of a single speaker surround sound emulator. Having said that this piece of equipment delivers. I live in a small apartment and have a plasma tv. i wanted a surround like system that was small but didn't compromise too much in sound. the soundmatters is perfect for this. The box itself is small and very inconspicous. more than ample power, i usually have it set for about half level. clarity is excellent especially for dvd movies (dolby encoded discs like matrix is phenomenal). setup is extremely simple. highly recommended for space saving solution, however it is not a substitute if you are willing to spend the time,money and put up with the clutter of a true 5.1 surround sound system

I purchased this as a Surround Sound solution for a small room. I must say I am quite pleased with the sound quality and compactness of the unit. I do think the Surround Sound aspect of this product is a little over hyped. I have not noticed a significant difference in the Stereo mode vs the Surround Sound mode. The room the unit is is small but open with no back wall in close proximity to the unit, this may be contributing to the lack of the surround effect. Overall however it is infinitely superior to my TV speakers. If you want earth shattering Bass you might want to consider an add on sub woofer. I have found the Bass for the base unit to be quit sufficient for my needs. Overall I recommend this product to anyone that is looking for a compact home theatre experience without multiple speakers.

I placed this just under my TV inside the armoire. I used the fiberoptic connections and this thing really works great. What a huge difference between the TV alone and with this speaker. The sound literally is thrown at you and you do get a surround sound effect. I will say it is likely not as good as true surround speakers but this product will not let you down.

If your room doesn't allow for multiple speakers and cables running around the carpet get this product!
It's not as good as a full surround system but VERY good if you don't want cable hell!!!

I use it with my TV, DVD and music system - I'm very pleased with the quality and film experience.