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Introduction
Home theater systems, especially home theater in a box systems
are becoming more and more popular. The problem with the home theater
in a box systems is that the speakers and am just are not up to pr for
superior sound. The mission FS1 is not one of these all inclusive systems,
it is a six piece speaker system you can pair up with your favorite receiver
and DVD player. This is not just any ordinary speaker system though, the
Mission FS1 is based off of NXT's Distributed Mode Loudspeaker.
NXT is a UK based company that specializes in flat panel
speaker applications. Instead of using a conventional cone and magnet
to excite air into creating sound waves, NXT has produced speakers that
excite a thin sheet of material to create sound waves in the air. This
allows for more a much smaller speaker for the same output.
Specs
FS1 sound panels
Enclosure type Open back with acoustic filter
Frequency response +-3dB 265Hz – 20kHz
Nominal impedance 8 Ohms compatible (min 4.2 Ohms)
Sensitivity SPL/m/2.83v 88dB
Recommended amplifier power 30 -100W
Crossover frequency –6dB 220Hz
Cabinet dimensions (HxWxD) 317 x 80 x 41 mm (exc. Stands)
12.5 x 3.15 x 1.6 inches
Weight 700g 26 oz
Finish Satin Silver
FS1 subwoofer
Enclosure type Reflex loaded
Frequency response +-3dB 38Hz – 180Hz
Crossover frequency –6dB integral active design at 220Hz
Amplifier 100W (PPMS) with overdrive protection
Cabinet dimensions (HxWxD) 400 x 485 x 335 mm
15.75 x 19.1 x 13.2 inches
Weight 15kg 35lbs
Finish Satin Silver
Installation / Setup
In general a 6.1 speaker system requires a lot of wires, and there is
just no way around it, you need to get a signal to each speaker independently
and unless you want to invest in a self powered wireless system you have
to deal with lots of wires.
However, the FS1 makes dealing with wires as nice and hassle
free as possible. All the connections from your home amp will go into
the subwoofer via a shrunk wrap and labeled cable. On one end you have
a black connector that goes into the sub and on the other end is some
silver bare wire that you plug into your receivers speaker out jacks.
Short of having matching single connectors for your receiver setup could
not be simpler. From the subwoofer to each individual speaker Mission
has developed their own plug type connectors. These connectors allow for
you to put your own extension wire between the connectors which helps
keep the back/bottom of the speaker looking clean.
Performance
One of the big points of this home theater system is style. The all silver
and slim design help to keep the speakers looking small and appealing.
And unlike other speakers of similar size (though not as slim) the Mission
FS1’s produce a more full sound.
These speakers will beat out most compact speakers you find
in today Home Theater in a Box deal however they still have yet to match
the sound you get from full-fledged woofers and horns. Compared to a full
size system there seems to just be some sound elements lacking. In the
mid to low range frequencies ie. overdrive guitar and some of the higher
frequencies ie. cymbals there seems to be a bit of inaccuracy and clarity.
This bit of an accuracy problem can be noticed in music if you are used
to listening to something on a high end system however these speakers
have plenty of response to not degrade your listening experience especially
when it comes to movies.
Conclusion
Overall the Mission FS1 is an impressive implementation of new technology
that allows for a much sleeker smaller design outputting the same quality
sound.
Mission has developed its own feasible solution to
the mess of wires that generally are associated with complex home audio
systems. The manufacture suggested retail price of $999 is on the steep
side but new technology always comes at a price. As NXT technology establishes
more and more of a presence on the west coast I am confidant that price
will decline to a more affordable level.
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8 / 10 |
OVERALL SCORE
76%
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8 / 10 |
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7.6 / 10 |
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