Related Articles

The overall S4 4060 package is similar to the S2 4030 package. The specs are similar, save that the S4 4060 has a more powerful subwoofer output rating, and that is also reflected in its larger size. Our test unit came in a cream-beige color that pleasantly graced our table top. The new satellites are compact, and are very handsome in their beige casing and elegant dark graphite cloth coverings (a black set is available as well). Each 10W satellite houses a single 2.5" driver, and is equipped with a special wallmount socket (wallmount adaptors are required and sold separately). As with MidiLand's S2 series, these new satellites have different angled tilts that allow the user to choose between having the speakers fire at a 25 degree or 15 degree upwards angle.

The subwoofer is quite a piece of work. While the S2 4030 subwoofer was compact and reserved, the S4 4060 subwoofer is larger, more imposing, and overall more impressive. The power button is now located at the front of the subwoofer in the form of a quaint but somewhat gaudy glowing S4 insignia, and the connections at the back are nice and simple: there's really only just the bare minimum in connectivity. As befits MidiLand's forefront series of speakers, the subwoofer is a solidly built wooden enclosure that weighs enough to convince you of its quality. Powered by a significant 40W of juice, and housing a large 6.5" woofer, the subwoofer is also quite impressive from a technical standpoint.

The trademark control module has been updated to include a headphone jack but lacks the "loud" button (which was virtually useless in any case). Those familiar with MidiLand speaker systems will find the controller to be nearly identical in form and function to the older models: the small module, sized for installation within a drive bay (if desired), still allows full control of volume, balance, bass and treble and toggle control for mute, and MidiLand's own 3DSP 3D stereolizing effect. Sadly, the S4 4060s only allow a single input source (as opposed to the dual A/B input capacity of the S2 4030s), but this also allows MidiLand to offer the speakers at a lower price point.

Setup of the system is simplified by the use of single plug connectors between the satellites and the subwoofer (as opposed to bare wire connectors). The rear of the subwoofer is bare compared to MidiLand's previous S2 speakers: since the additional inputs are no longer available, and thanks to the plug connectors for speaker connections, the overall rear facade is not so cluttered after installation.

There is one thing that remains unchanged, and this is the external adaptor: personally I (and many others) would have much preferred an integrated power supply to save us the hassle of dealing with the brick like external power adaptor.

send article   hardware newsletter   article comments (1)   Lowest prices check

Submit our article to: Digg this! del.icio.us