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The Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100 5.1-Channel Speaker System is a good quality, well constructed set. But these speakers may be undersized for many home theaters. I happened upon the Horizon MCS set as I was helping somebody just starting their home theatre. They had already purchased a Yamaha receiver with high power output. Along with the high price, that was my main reason for advising other alternatives. Ultimately, after testing this set out with them they returned it in favor of another. You should do your research to make sure your speakers fit your space and other components.
THE PROS
In terms of durability, the speaker cases are really pretty good. The body style is not one of my favorites, but many will find them attractive and nondescript. The case construction is solid. The connectors and binding posts make nice strong connections. The sound clarity is also nice and responsive. So there are some positives.
PERFORMANCE
While the bass response of this set may be adequate for some, bass-heads will not be satisfied. The overall output is only enough for smaller spaces and starter AV systems. More disappointing to me is the performance of the center channel and satellites. Even if you have a receiver that will allow you to add speakers and grow it to a 7.1 setup, it's easier to scale up when your satellites are adequately sized. These speakers do not have enough amplitude to fill most living rooms.
CONSIDERATIONS
1. The list price of this set is excessive for what you get. BA is a good brand and this is a nice starter set, but this is a premium price. Even at half of list, there are comparable sets.
2. The sound output is crisp and clean but only enough for a smaller living room 150 square feet large or less. If you have a larger room, the output may not be enough. Even in small spaces some may just want more pop.
3. If you already have a receiver, check the specs on it. 10 - 100 watts may fit those with basic needs. But be careful not to push more power through these speakers than they can handle. And definitely work them in before pushing them towards the top end of their range.
4. In 5.1 speaker sets, many alternatives offer a better value or better sound. Total beginners and non-audiophiles may get a better value elsewhere. Most beginners can't distinguish good quality from great quality and should save their cash.
6. Decide if you want a 5.1 set-up or plan to grow to 7.1. Also consider if you are setting up a full high-definition home theatre with BluRay or full HD sound. Some of those configurations are based on 7 channels of sound. You can always add-on speakers to this set. But others like the 130 are sized better for adding on. If you mix different satellites the smallest ones become your weakest link. So consider all your options.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Some won't mind paying a premium for the Boston Acoustics brand but you can get a lot more for your money, even from other BA sets. It might make sense to pay a little more if you are getting more. Most people with a high quality receiver probably want and need more output.
The Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS130 5.1-Channel Surround Speaker System costs about 20% more but gives you a lot more sound for your money. The center channel and satellites are only slightly larger, but the output is much nicer. It should probably be the baseline for 5.1 systems.
Even as somebody who is not a huge Polk enthusiast, the Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System is a quality set that performs better and tends to sell for about half of this BA set. The construction is about equal but that set has much richer more powerful sound.
The Klipsch Synergy Quintet III Home Theater Speaker System and Harman Kardon HKTS-18 5.1 Channel Speaker System also deserve comparison. Prices fluctuate but each gives you more for your money. As another option, the Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System is a 7 channel set that has more power and a better price point.
An integrated AV speaker system may allow some beginners to save their money for a better surround sound speaker system in the future. Sets like the Harmon Kardon CP40 Home Theater System offer novices better value and an easier install. Once again, most beginners won't notice the nuances of what is given up in quality.
If you're going to spend your money somewhere, get the best receiver you can first. It is better to add on fewer better quality speakers as your budget allows than to buy an entire set of speakers that you may quickly outgrow.
Many people will buy this set based upon BA's brand name and reputation for quality. I would rather spend a little more and get a set that won't be as easily outgrown. If you just want an entry level set, you can get close to this level of performance for less money. If cost is no issue, it may make sense to start with something with more output. That's why even though this is a decent set it is kind of poorly targeted for many buyers' needs.
CONCLUSION
This is a nice set but do not expect to be blown away by the output. Make sure you plan out what space you need to fill and how this set fits with your home theater equipment. But if it does fit your needs and you can get it on sale, then go for it. Just do your research before you pull the trigger.
Enjoy.************************
Update - February 2009: The price of this set has fluctuated a lot due to promotions. It is now selling at list price. At the time I wrote this review it was about 15% less than list price. The price was then discounted several times to less than 50% of list price, making it a much better deal for some people. However, at any price I still feel that making sure you have the right set for your needs is more important than cost. These are far from a *one size fits all* speaker set. Hope this puts things in context.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS100MDNT 5.1-Channel Speaker System (Black)
Small enough to hang on a wall, but powerful enough to bring down the house, the new Boston Acoustics Horizon MCS100 5.1-Channel Speaker System takes all the complexity out of multi-channel audio without sacrificing any of its impact. With four 3" matched satellite speakers, a 3" center channel speaker and an 8" 100-Watt powered subwoofer, you can let Hollywood pile on the excitement. Its all in a days work for the Horizon MCS100.
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