Razer/THX Mako 2.1-Channel Speaker System

[Rob Williams]

Razer is well-known for producing high-quality peripherals, but audio can be an entirely different bag. Our concerns over their new found venture can be set aside though, as the tag team effort between them and THX helped build an amazing 2.1 system that's actually worth its $400 price tag.

You can read Rory's full review here and discuss it here!

 

[madmat]

Do those speakers not come apart? The technology of the sats is intriguing enough that I'd like to see just exactly what's involved in it.

 

[madmat]

I guess it's too much to hope that you'd actually answer the question.

 

[Rory Buszka]

The satellite speakers don't come apart without some work, and I didn't attempt disassembly because I wouldn't be able to return the product to Razer in like-new condition like they had requested. However, if you're curious, I'm sure I can draw you a picture.

 

[madmat]

Sweet! Yeah a picture is definitely worth a thousand words. It's too bad that they didn't come apart easily but I can understand fully your reluctance to damage them.

 

[Unregistered]

Mako subwoofer

Hi there all.

Has anyone compared the subwoofers from this system to the Logitech's Z5500's sub?
Ok, I know it's a 5.1, but "satellites" aside for now.

On paper, this sub should out-pound the Z5500's? As they're rated 180W RMS and the Razers rated at 200W RMS?

I'm asking cos I'm on the verge of purchasing a set of these for my "study" room, but I want low bass that can compare to my Z5500's.

Anyone?

Thanx

Kappa

 

[Rory Buszka]

For those wishing for a picture of the inside of a Razer Mako satellite, your wish has been granted -- the opening splash page of their new website for the mako, www.redefiningsound.com, depicts an X-ray view of the Mako satellite speaker. In the picture, the 'front' of the speaker is oriented to the left -- note the additional "slot speaker" tweeter. This image is far better than the one that I'd drawn in Microsoft Paint.

Unfortunately, our own review of the Razer Mako was not quoted in their marketing brief on the new web site, since it wasn't gushingly complementary (like some reviews from sites that aren't known to apply a particularly critical ear in their audio reviews), but it's clear that Razer is about to step things up when it comes to marketing this system to enthusiast and gaming consumers. Their new marketing effort also includes hands-on displays at some Best Buy stores, so check out the web site to see if a Best Buy store in your area has such a display.

 

[ginbong]

Interested in speakers for my PC

Hi, I have been using a old Altec Lansing 221 system since January 2004 I bought second-hand of my cousin and it's getting old.

I have been browsing for speakers for a couple months now and I would like a fairly high-end setup.

I don't have a "good" soundcard though just a SupremeFXII that came with my ASUS Maximus Formula X38 motherboard.

I do intend to buy a ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 soundcard down the road though as I wanted my PC to be capable of playing the Blu-ray audio codecs.

I originally was thinking of getting a 7.1 HTiB setup from Yamaha or Onkyo but I don't think it's worth it at the moment.

So my question is: Is this the best 2.1 system for PC's at the moment? I am aware there is a Logitech Z Cinema aswell.

I am just a casual music listener and I game alot although with headphones for FPS games.

I watch anime, DVD movies and TV shows casually.

I hope i explained my situation so you can understand my audio needs.

Thanks to anyone who replies

 

[Rory Buszka]

At this point, the 'best' 2.1 system for PCs at the moment would be the Audioengine A5 speakers, mated with the Audioengine A8 powered subwoofer. I think the combination of the two systems would blow away any other speaker system currently marketed for PCs. Though I have heard rumors that NuForce plans a subwoofer for their Icon range of audiophile PC audio and personal audio products.

My review of the NuForce Icon-1 integrated USB DAC/integrated amplifier and S-1 speakers will be forthcoming shortly.

 

[ginbong]

At this point, the 'best' 2.1 system for PCs at the moment would be the Audioengine A5 speakers, mated with the Audioengine A8 powered subwoofer. I think the combination of the two systems would blow away any other speaker system currently marketed for PCs. Though I have heard rumors that NuForce plans a subwoofer for their Icon range of audiophile PC audio and personal audio products.

My review of the NuForce Icon-1 integrated USB DAC/integrated amplifier and S-1 speakers will be forthcoming shortly.

Thanks for that, are those speakers even released?

And will they be in the price range of the Mako or Z Cinema?

I wouldn't want to pay more than the Mako or Z Cinema for a 2.1 system as they are close to the price of a HTiB 5.1 system from Onkyo or Yamaha here in Australia.

If i was to choose between the Mako or the Z Cinema which do you think would be best for my needs?

Thanks alot for the reply

 

[Rob Williams]

I believe the NuForce speakers either came out recently, or will be out soon. Rory can definitely fill in the blanks here though...

 

[Snugg]

This is an odd question, but does anyone know the height of these speakers? I am trying to get them to fit under my monitor and I was wondering how tall the sat's are to see if they fit. If they do, then this is the perfect sound system.

 

[Unregistered]

Razer Mako vs. Audioengine a5+s8 Subwoofer

Hi,

You've mentioned that the Audioengine a5 & s8 subwoofer are the best 2.1 solution, and I was wondering if it is worth the cost difference (a5-$349.00 + s8-$399 = $748) vs. the Razer Mako ($449.99). My goal is to have a good listening environment that can get to some decent volumes while maintaining as much detail in the music as possible. I also like to have some heavy weight to my bass, but nothing that really distorts the low end.

Thanks