As we all know, the speakers on modern slim TVs leaves quite a lot to be desired. Thankfully there are some really good options out there to increase your systems audio prowess. Scott Reviews one option, the Rockus 3D 2.1 Speaker System…
BRAND – ANTEC
PRODUCT – SOUNDSCIENCE ROCKUS 3D
TECH – 2.1 SPEAKER SYSTEM
AMAZON – HERE
There is nothing worse than getting a new HDTV with crispy crisp 1080p picture all set up in your home and slipping on a Blu-Ray and being underwhelmed by how it sounds. I know I have done it, recently in fact. I got a new TV for the bedroom so I could get in some guilt free game time, but I was so upset by the quality of the sound I ended up with using a headset!!
But there is another problem. Do we go and get a HIGH END 5.1 or even 7.1 set of speakers and AV Receiver, or do we settle for something cheaper and less appealing? Luckily there is a third option.
These days manufacturers are cottoning on to the fact that we like a more consuming media experience. One such company is Antec. They have brought out a great set of speakers that kick some serious butt, and also give great sound definition. Whether you are listening to Music, or out there on the battlefield on your generic console, or even relaxing watching a film these speakers are perfect for you.
What is in the box?
After finding my way into the very heavy (yes I can vouch for the weight, I carried it half way across London!!) you find yourself with two sections. In one is the Active Subwoofer which also houses all of the trickery, the other houses all of the wires needed to get you up and running and the pair of satellite speakers.
First impressions are that for a first entry into the home media speaker segment, Antec mean business. The satellites are meaty and very well constructed. Made entirely from anodized Aluminum and feel like you could get a good work out if you used them as dumbbells, It is a small shame that they opted for a fixed angle on the stands though. Lastly we have a very cool looking volume control. The sub is a nice size and would fit nicely under a desk or beside a TV stand.
My only upset in examining the contents of the box is the fact that a TOSLINK (optical) cable is not provided. Considering that this would be a big selling point for the speakers, the Bring your Own Cable attitude is slightly annoying. Also the cables are fairly short. You would not be able to fit them to a very wide listening angle, but either side a TV they are perfect.
When it comes to the connection side of the system for the price I was pretty pleased. It has an Optical input, so you can plug-in from the digital output of your DVD/BlU-RAY, Xbox, PS3 without having to downgrade the signal, a stereo RCA input (the red and white one) and also a standard 3.5mm input for MP3 players. All can be connected at the same time, which stops the annoying swapping of cables when you go from one source to another.
How do they sound?
Out-of-the-box the ROCKUS 3D sound fantastic. The satellites can handle 25 watts of power each and the SUB offers 100 Watts, with a passive radiator to give us even more depth to the lower frequencies.
When the speakers are turned on they start-up automatically in MUSIC (stereo) mode. This is really for everyday use and offers an extremely crisp and full representation of sound when music is played. I went through the standard test of chucking on some dubstep and I was blown away by the depth of the sub-bass, and also the tinkles that came from the top-end.
SoundScience have also added a very clever feature. With a button press on the volume controller you can go from true stereo to 3D sound. With some very clever algorithms their 3Dsst ™ converts the stereo input into a virtual surround sound. And it is this setting that was the biggest surprise. I stuck on the beach landing scene from SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and let me tell you I was ducking and looking over my shoulder as the bullets started flying. Very cool indeed. The only draw back with this setting is that because it throws the sound around you at a wider angle the vocal track, which is generally centre is slightly fainter. But this is only a slight problem, and is evident with lots of higher priced surround sound systems.
In conclusion the Antec SoundScience Rockus 3D speaker system is a great little system that retails at a great price, with only a few niggles that stop them from being perfect. Now retailing for little over £125 this is not a system to turn your nose up at!!
FOR
- Punchy Sound and Deep Base
- Solid Contruction
- Fantastic design
- The PRICE!
AGAINST
- The length of the cables
- The effect on dialogue in 3D mode
- The Fixed ‘angle’ of the satellites.
FRC Rating
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Are you looking to upgrade your TVs sound? Are you a fan of Antec? Did the review help? Comment below….
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16 comments
January 31, 2012 at 10:44 am (UTC 0)
They sure look good, and I really like that puck volume controller. If I was in the market for computer speakers I would consider those. But right now I’m happy with my Klipsch Promedia 2.1′s
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February 1, 2012 at 2:21 pm (UTC 0)
They certainly do BT. They also sound very good too!!
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January 31, 2012 at 1:34 pm (UTC 0)
looks to me like the work of the Borg….
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February 1, 2012 at 2:21 pm (UTC 0)
HAHA I guess they do!!
thanks Dezzy
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January 31, 2012 at 2:20 pm (UTC 0)
So would this fix my quiet talking problem over the background sound?
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February 1, 2012 at 2:22 pm (UTC 0)
I think they would matey. If you want a demo, you are welcome down to Brighton anytime!
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February 2, 2012 at 11:22 am (UTC 0)
I might take you up on that offer one day bud!
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February 1, 2012 at 6:05 am (UTC 0)
Looks like a decent option but I don’t really see the point of getting 2.1 system. Might as well go the whole way or none at all
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February 1, 2012 at 2:23 pm (UTC 0)
I understand your thoughts Castor, but some people just do not want speakers all around the room, and this would suit them
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February 1, 2012 at 7:32 am (UTC 0)
Not really a fan of their look and like Castor I wouldn’t want a 2.1 system, they might be good to hook up to your PC.
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February 1, 2012 at 2:24 pm (UTC 0)
I can understand matey. But actually they sound and look pretty good in my bedroom set up
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February 1, 2012 at 2:27 pm (UTC 0)
5.1 would be a bit too much in the bedroom. The site is called FRC for a reason!
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February 1, 2012 at 2:31 pm (UTC 0)
HAHA I get ya!! But You have to be flexible my friend!
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February 1, 2012 at 10:24 am (UTC 0)
Not in the market for new speakers, but they sure do look good and from your review sound good too. Cheers!
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February 1, 2012 at 2:25 pm (UTC 0)
No problem Raghav, I am glad you enjoyed the review
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February 1, 2012 at 3:11 pm (UTC 0)
I like the design of these speakers, but usually I leave the tech buying to my hubby
Thanks matey!
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