Page 4: Testing Protocol, Testing And Use, Conclusion
Testing Protocol
Remember that testing sound devices is a very subjective thing. Make sure you read reviews from many different sites to really gauge how something that deals with sound actually is. A sample size of one site is not enough to make an intelligent decision on which product to buy since there is no 'standard' way of testing something like audio equipment.
Our sound quality testing was done on a Dell Latitude D420 using Ubuntu Linux as well as various other portable devices including an iPod Nano, a Blackberry Storm, a Sansa SlotRadio Player, and others. Power was provided by USB on the laptop or with the C1 Mobile.
Testing And Use
The S111 setup is easy to do. Plug all the wires in and go. The problem is that the S111 gives no indication that there is power going to the speakers. You need to pump some audio and check it to see if it works. It isn't that big of a deal, but a status LED would be very helpful. Sure, it may draw some power, but it is good to see some type of indicator.
One thing that is clearly evident over competing, thin, speakers is the sound quality. Since these speakers are bigger, they'll provide a much richer sound quality than the tiny and tinny sound you'd get from thin speakers. This is particularly noticeable in the low frequency range. The bass on the S111 is phenomenal for portable speakers. It won't beat out a standard 2.1 speaker setup, but it will provide ample bass for listening to music on the go. The speakers get quite loud, as well. Using the volume control produced no distortion. The sound was clear at all levels of listening (at my tolerable levels).
The real problem with the S111 is the size. They are just too large to recommend someone to buy and carry along with them. See our video to find out more information.
Please leave us some feedback on our video reviews. Do it now.
Conclusion
While the Arctic Cooling Arctic Sound S111 speakers produced excellent sound, compared to competing products, the size of the speakers leads us to recommend true road warriors to stay away from this set. If you are all about the smallest possible bag, these speakers aren't for you. That being said, if you have a large laptop with enough space for a bigger speaker set, the S111 provides excellent sound and volume at a great price. The MSRP is about $16 (Retail should be cheaper) and this puts it in-line with the standard 2.0 speakers that many computers are using right now. They work well and get the job done. They might not be as portable as thinner speakers, but the sound quality is clearly superior. It is all a trade-off.
ASE Labs would like to thank Arctic Cooling for making this review possible.
Remember that testing sound devices is a very subjective thing. Make sure you read reviews from many different sites to really gauge how something that deals with sound actually is. A sample size of one site is not enough to make an intelligent decision on which product to buy since there is no 'standard' way of testing something like audio equipment.
Our sound quality testing was done on a Dell Latitude D420 using Ubuntu Linux as well as various other portable devices including an iPod Nano, a Blackberry Storm, a Sansa SlotRadio Player, and others. Power was provided by USB on the laptop or with the C1 Mobile.
Testing And Use
The S111 setup is easy to do. Plug all the wires in and go. The problem is that the S111 gives no indication that there is power going to the speakers. You need to pump some audio and check it to see if it works. It isn't that big of a deal, but a status LED would be very helpful. Sure, it may draw some power, but it is good to see some type of indicator.
One thing that is clearly evident over competing, thin, speakers is the sound quality. Since these speakers are bigger, they'll provide a much richer sound quality than the tiny and tinny sound you'd get from thin speakers. This is particularly noticeable in the low frequency range. The bass on the S111 is phenomenal for portable speakers. It won't beat out a standard 2.1 speaker setup, but it will provide ample bass for listening to music on the go. The speakers get quite loud, as well. Using the volume control produced no distortion. The sound was clear at all levels of listening (at my tolerable levels).
The real problem with the S111 is the size. They are just too large to recommend someone to buy and carry along with them. See our video to find out more information.
Please leave us some feedback on our video reviews. Do it now.
Conclusion
While the Arctic Cooling Arctic Sound S111 speakers produced excellent sound, compared to competing products, the size of the speakers leads us to recommend true road warriors to stay away from this set. If you are all about the smallest possible bag, these speakers aren't for you. That being said, if you have a large laptop with enough space for a bigger speaker set, the S111 provides excellent sound and volume at a great price. The MSRP is about $16 (Retail should be cheaper) and this puts it in-line with the standard 2.0 speakers that many computers are using right now. They work well and get the job done. They might not be as portable as thinner speakers, but the sound quality is clearly superior. It is all a trade-off.
ASE Labs would like to thank Arctic Cooling for making this review possible.