Test 2: Gaming
In the music listening arena, we tested the sound range of sound the SP2500 is capable of. For our gaming section, we ran through Counter Strike as well as a Chapter of Dead Space 2. In each run, Creative SVM, Bass, Treble, and Crystalizer are enabled and at 100%.Creative Console Launcher was set to Game Mode for these tests.
Counter Strike Source:
In CSS, the SP2500 series proved capable of accurately positioning sound. The crossover points on the SP2500 are very refined, the ringing of flash bangs smoothly transitions from driver range to driver range, which is something we have not experienced on other speakers. Most of the time, a keen listener can detect when the driver switches over from the sub to the midrange. Another satisfying part of using the SP2500 speakers in CSS is practically feeling bullets and grenades go past, as it really ads to the immersion of the game. The SP2500 Speakers provide a level of immersion the other speakers tested cannot get close to.
Dead Space 2:
For the review we ran through Chapter 13 of Dead Space 2. In Dead Space, the SP2500s are as much friend as enemy, because every time a necromorph comes storming down a corridor, you will feel it running at you. It is a very nerve-wracking experience.
Test 3: Movie playback
For our movie section, Creative SVM, Bass, Treble, and Crystalizer are enabled and at 100%, and Creative Console Launcher is set to Entertainment Mode. The tests were also run with Crystalizer and other enhancements disabled and various EQ and Mod X™ combinations enabled in order to test the listening experience for users who may not have the options of an X-fi product.
For this test we watched Carentan, the third episode of Band of Brothers, on Blu-ray. Where the SP2500s really shine for movie playback is with extremely dynamic listening experiences. Band of Brothers really brings this to the fore, because it goes from loud battle scenes to quite delicate scenes where soldiers go to clear a room that has a family in it. The SP2500s were able to deliver both artillery fire and hushed dialogue with equal aplomb and clarity. On this play though enhancements such as Mod X™ had little impact, and modes such as night mode did not seem to do anything you could not do by turning down the volume to the subwoofer.
On the second play through without xfi enhancements, these eq settings and and Mod X™ settings really came to fruition, the SP2500 was able to play rich, deep bass without xfi sound enhancements, making the SP2500 an amazing choice for users with computers that do not have a dedicated sound card.
10 Comments
[...] The Corsair H100 comes in Corsair’s signature Blue and White packaging that is present throughout Corsair’s other products such as the Corsair SP2500 Speaker system.. [...]
I don’t know if you are referring to using x-fi enchantments or the eq profiles provided wit the SP2500+. In either case they are both relevant. Not every user will have a high end sound card for their speaker set. Our tests were designed with all users in mind. Not just those with a $600+ budget for their sound systems.
You call this a review?
No respectable reviewer turns on software enhancements while reviewing speakers.
That sounds like a terrible experience Mike! I actually bought the SP2500 after the review, I have not had any issues because of the C17/C18 non-grounded choice thus far. If I were you I would repair it, I myself lack the required skills.
Hi,
I bought the SP2500 in November. It lasted 4 months.
I was very impressed with the sound, and I liked the little remote
control that allowed turning the bass on and off and muting the
sound when I was on the phone.
However, this turned out to be a disaster. I had a major esd event
when I took my coat off and reached for the remote. The left channel
started squealing and hissing. I turned the SP2500 off and installed
my original speakers.
The left channel from the computer is now dead, so it not only blew
the Corsair, it killed my motherboard.
I believe the reason is they do not use a 3-wire cord, so instead of
shunting the energy to ground through the line cord, they dump it
into the line out jack on the computer, and let it go all over the
motherboard before it hits the power supply and goes to ground
through the computer’s line cord.
This is extremely poor design. As an electronics engineer, I know
how difficult it is to protect semiconductors that connect to the
outside world against esd events. You really have to think things
through and provide strong paths for the esd event to discharge
without harm. But their design forces the esd through the line
output jack on the computer, and the resulting destruction is
inevitable.
It is not worth sending the unit back for repair, and I will have to
buy another motherboard to replace the destroyed unit. But if I ever
decide to repair the SP2500 by tracing the schematic, you can be
certain I will add the proper grounding and esd discharge
protections.
Thanks,
Mike Monett
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Thanks Neuro,
Enigma I was certainly surprised by the performance at higher output ranges. At this point I am wondering if they are considering developing a 5.1 equivalent.
I have to say that after this review I am looking at my THX Klipsch 2.1′s in a complete different light.
These Corsair speakers look great.
Excellent review Levi. I want a set of these now!
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