Amiga Computing - Commodore Is Awesome

Yamaha yst-ms Powered Monitor Speaker5
The cheaper of the Yamaha set, the YST offers
only a three Watt per channel output, but as
we've seen before this is usually irrespective of
the sound quality you get. However, in this case
the sound is very feeble and reflects the low
wattage.
Design is rather questionable too. Apart from
looking like an upmarket air freshener, the
speakers don't feel as if they'd survive any
knocks or bumps, The controls are front-
mounted which makes them easy to reach, but
because of the lightness of build you have to
have both hands free to support the speaker
while you make your adjustments. Their size
also makes them fiddly and even those with the
most nimblest of fingers are going to have
problems.
Feature wise it comes complete with an extra
output socket to allow it to be connected to
Something like a very impressrve sub-woofer. A
presence dial allows you to change the amount
of treble you get but unfortunately this wasn't all
that responsive. For this sort of price, you're
better off going for the Power Speakers or the
Aiwa which both feel like they should last a lot
longer and provide better value for money.
Product: Yamaha YST-M5
Price: E49
Supplier: Yamaha Kombals
Tel: 01908 366700
Sound quality
Features
Build quality
Overall
Egdec ay-FI Pro 2
Zydec may not have the brand image that Sony and
Yamaha products carry, but this arguably accounts for
their lower pricing. The question is, can they match the
bog boys in terms of sound quality?
The first noticeable point is their strange. and some
would say tacky, styling, with the pink and wobbly
power button standing out like a sore thumb. However,
their upward tilt makes some sense considering theyll
be set on a desktop well below ear level. Unpretentious but comprehensive controls Include
volume, bass and treble, though they are rather stiff to use Combine this fact with the units
lightweight and not very solid look and feel and the Zydec begins to look less durable than
virile el its more expensive rivals
Sound qua* is not at all bed, and high volumes
re attainable without too much distortion. The
bass has impressive depth and mid-range clarity is
reasonable considering the price. The trade-otf
between bass and size is less impressive, however,
'flan with the more compact Yamaha speakers.
It you're not bothered about looks and ergonomics
and let's face it. it's not as important for computer
applications as with a hi-fi then the Zyli
oilers a perfectly decent sound solution for
standard Amiga purposes
Product: Zy-ti Pro 2
Price: E46.99
Supplier: Special Reserve
Tel: 01279 600204
Sound quality.
Features
Build quality
Overall
4
5
7
5
7
Amiga Computing
OCTOBER 1995
Song (55-0100
HARDWARE II
An all-in-one set designed to fit snugly underneath
your monitor, this unit from Sony is at the higher end
of the computer speaker market. Magnetically shielded
to prevent distortion of your monitor picture and
boasting an unusual array of extras, on paper it
already looks like one of the tidiest audio solutions.
The Sony's large base is designed to support monitors
up to 25 kg. and though it looks big when
removed from the box, it actually takes up less desk
space than having a couple of small speakers wired
up next to the computer. The only passible problem
might be that when used with big box Amigas. the
Sony will put your monitor at a neck-straining height.
In terms of sound quality, the Sony was a strong
performer. Of course it suffered from the same limitations
you'd expect from cheap midi hi-fis, such as a
lack of depth in the sound. but to expect much more
for under £100 would be unfair. At least the bass was
substantial enough to avoid too much linnyness,
providing the bass booster was turned to full.
A downside of having everything located neatly
beneath the monitor is that the speakers are too close
to properly benefit from stereo. In fairness, though.
few computer users will be overly bothered on this
count.
The Sony scores points for efficiency, for although
it has a low wattage, high volumes can be achieved
with distortion only occurring at the very highest output
- which is a lot more than can be said for many of
its rivals_
Connection to the computer is made using the
standard left-right channel audio jacks, but more
unusual are the secondary set of ports hidden behind
a flap mounted on the unit's front. These allow for the
connection of video, a microphone and a Discman or
Walkman. Not only is it good to have these available,
but the fact that users won't have to fiddle around
behind the unit too much is also a welcome feature.
Finally, it has to be said that paired with the right
monitor, the Sony's smart fascia can only make your
kit look more impressive. Strong on sound and features,
this sound system is a high calibre contender.
and only its price will make serious users have
second thoughts about buying.
Product: Sony CSS-B100
Price: E85
Supplier: GEM
Tel: 01279 442842
Sound quality
Features
Build quality
Overall
8
9
7
35