Is this for real?

[Shadow_Ferret]

http://www.soundmatters.com/mainstage.html

I'm wondering if this can even improve on the sound of the speakers one gets with the TV.

And I'm just curious, but has anyone heard of this "audio legend" Dr. Godehard Guenther?

 

[jaxvon]

Wow. That's..."awesome". At least it isn't that expensive. I love the THD specs on the amps alone (3%). Not to mention the two 4" "subwoofers" built into the unit. That reminds me of the "subwoofers" that Apple puts in their Powerbooks (cute lil 1" poly inverted domes). If anyone wastes money on that, they deserve to be out of the $250.

And don't forget the frequency response specs that are curiously missing! Hmm! I think we all know of another company that doesn't publish such specs.

 

[JJMP50]

And don't forget the frequency response specs that are curiously missing! Hmm! I think we all know of another company that doesn't publish such specs.

It does kinda resemble a certain expensive clock radio...

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

I thought I read somewhere on the website that it got down to 50hz, which I find near impossible in a unit that's only 2.5 inches high.

I was thinking it would be a good deal if i could get it off of ebay for $20 or $30.

Besides, look at the critical acclaim:

“scores a perfect 10 on the
Wife Acceptance Factor meter.”

- Marc Horowitz, Sound + Vision, Nov 2003

“you won't believe your ears”

- Michael Fremer, Stereophile Guide to Home Theatre, Dec 2003

“When our friends listened to the Mainstage, they were knocked out. Most of them thought we were using our sub/sat system. Everyone said something like, Wow, all that sound is coming from that little thing?”

“The Mainstage maintained the authority of bluesman R. L. Burnside's big, booming voice, and the energy of our Rolling Stones tunes gave us plenty of satisfaction. Buzzing occurred occasionally at high volumes but never with bass-heavy CDs. In fact, we didn't detect any problems as we blasted through the Pearl Harbor DVD. The Mainstage again surprised us by flattering dialogue with rich, full sound.”

". . . potent 4-inch woofer already has enough oomph to fill small rooms with bass, so you don't really need bass augmentation, but a sub will also lighten the woofer's load, thus allowing the little Mainstage to play more loudly without distorting”

- Steve Guttenberg, CNET September 2003

“The virtual surround mode is nice. In effect, it expands the soundstage width and height with amazing depth and clarity. The bass is actually pretty good as well. My setup placed the unit on top of a TV in the corner, thus giving better extension to lower frequencies. I was highly impressed by the sound output and quality from the MAINstage.”

“I couldn’t help but to think that if the Soundmatters MAINstage was wearing a Bose logo, it would easily retail for two or three times the price. At $300 the MAINstage is a sweet addition to any simple audio setup.”

- Clint Walker, DVDETC. Magazine, Oct 2003

Soundmatters must really be paying those guys good!

 

[jaxvon]

That thing is really sad. Of course, I was at CVS pharmacy the other day and while I was waiting for my prescription to be filled, I noticed a "5.1 DVD Surround Sound" package for $69! Of course, it was like, 25 Watts total and uhm...yeah. I wonder which would sound better? The 25 Watt system at CVS, or the MAINstage and it's pounding dual 4" subwoofers?

 

[brian32672]

It does kinda resemble a certain expensive clock radio...

It damn sure does, I wonder why they didn't go ahead and add a lcd clock on this wonderful, must have item...

MAINstage and it's pounding dual 4" subwoofers?

LOL, imagine 3.5"....

 

[rgriffin25]

I have installed the mainstage for one of our customers, and I must say it was mediocre at best. I was suprised when I couldn't find our favorite speaker company stamped on it.

Maybe its company trying to cash in on the Bose market?