MCM Custom Audio's $100 5-channel speaker system gets the nod from Audioholics

by Steven Kim posted Feb 24th 2009 at 2:37PM

It's easy to lust after multi-kilobuck speakers, but when it comes to audio, most people are pretty happy grabbing a HTIB system off the shelf, running some lamp cord and calling it a day. No doubt, convincing people of the value in good, discrete multichannel speakers is an uphill battle. Kudos to the MCM Custom Audio 50-908 5-channel speaker system, which comes in at just over $100 bucks -- for all five channels! This little system made up of four 50-9085 bookshelf speakers and one 50-9080 center earned itself a pretty favorable review at Audioholics. When used within the limitations of its faux-metal plastic drivers and sealed MDF cabinets (as opposed to blow-molded plastic), the small speakers filled a modest sized room with a wide soundstage and good tonal balance at moderate volumes. Before you put that HTIB in your cart, check out the full review; the $100 entry ticket might just get you hooked on this whole audio thing, but at least you'll have a good place to start upgrading from.

Filed under: Reviews, Speakers, Others

Tags: 50-9080, 50-9085, audioholics, mcm custom electronics, McmCustomElectronics, review

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

tony @ Feb 24th 2009 4:09PM

Buyer beware! In the world of audio you usually get what you paid for.

Highly Ranked

ElCabri @ Feb 24th 2009 4:24PM

I think the original poster's point is that it provides an opportunity to set up a system with a fully spec'd receiver, real speaker cable and five speakers for about the same amount that one would pay for a HTIB. The difference is that you can upgrade from there, letting experience drive your priorities between adding a subwoofer, upgrading the front speakers, getting a new receiver compatible with a new digital format or i/o that appears in the future, wiring your walls with speaker cable, etc. I think it's a pretty smart package. It might even end up good enough for a small room.

Neutral

Kumar @ Feb 25th 2009 9:57AM

This is great news for scores of people with HDTVs and blu ray players, yet now sound system to speak of to get the benefit of blu. In this economy, any bit helps.

Overall looks like a great starter set. I'd suggest that before dropping coin on a higher priced receiver and speaker setup to see if you care about 5.1 anyway.

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