Speakers&Amps by stefan @ 2011-06-03
The Soundscience Rockus 3D 2.1 Speaker System from Antec comes with one unique feature: 3Dsst™, which is a suite of DSP algorithms that create a virtual surround sound experience from 2.1 stereo speakers. The subwoofer is rated 100W, and the sattelites 25W; the speaker system packs quite a punch and can be connected easily on optical to our preferred sound sources.
At first I would like to thank Antec for offering me a sample of their Soundscience Rockus 3D 2.1 Speaker System for reviewing.
"Antec, Inc., is the leading global brand of high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) markets. Founded in 1986, Antec is recognized as a pioneer in these industries and has maintained its position as a worldwide market leader and international provider of efficient, quiet, and reliable products. Antec has also achieved great success in the distribution channel, meeting the demands of quality-conscious system builders, VARs and integrators.
Antec’s offering of enclosures includes a large range of cases, such as its technically advanced Performance One Series, cost-effective New Solution Series and server grade cases designed for the needs of all workstation and server markets. Antec’s products also include front line power supplies such as its TruePower Trio series, Quattro series, and EarthWatts, the most environmentally friendly power supplies available. PC gamers are an increasingly significant consumer of performance components, and many Antec products are geared toward the gaming demographic, like the Nine Hundred, the premier gamer enclosure. Antec also offers a computing accessories line comprised of many original products, including its patented LED Fans and Notebook Cooling solutions.
Antec is headquartered in Fremont, California, with additional offices in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, as well as in Germany, China and Taiwan. The company’s products are sold in more than 40 countries throughout the world. Please visit www.antec.com for more information."
"soundscience™, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Antec Inc., designs and creates audio- and video-enabled lifestyle products and accessories for the PC and home entertainment markets. Founded in 2010, soundscience brings Antec’s expertise and reputation in PC enclosures, cooling and power systems, to speaker systems and multimedia components.
The soundscience brand is built around the following core principles:Technology leadership:
Our 3Dsst™ audio technology is designed to deliver an audio experience that complements the visual immersion of the latest 3D video technologies.
Cutting-edge product design:
Products should look as good as they sound; soundscience speakers stand out from the crowd. Plus by using only high quality materials (anodized aluminum, wood) soundscience products are built to last.
Faithful and accurate stereo playback:
soundscience products have a dedicated music mode to ensure you hear your music as it is meant to be heard.
Best-in-class audio quality:
soundscience designs products to be best-in-class in terms of audio quality and delivers on its promises without compromise."
Anodized aluminum satellites that reduce vibration and minimize distortion, resulting in clear mid and sparkling high-range sound plus 3D-tuned drivers to deliver audio optimized for Soundscience's 3Dsst™ Technology
Remote control pod for volume adjustment, 3D/ music mode selection, muting and digital/analog input selection
Optical input for playback of digital audio from game consoles (PS3) and other, similarly equipped devices
Active subwoofer with passive radiator technology:
1. passive radiator allows your sub to achieve deeper lows
2. internal resonance delivers multi-directional bass output
3. active woofer is the source of the rumble
3Dsst™:
3Dsst™ is a suite of DSP (digital sound processing) algorithms that create a virtual surround sound experience from 2.1 stereo speakers. The technology analyzes the frequency content and pan/positioning of sounds in the incoming audio stream, and then uses certain types of filtering and phasing to widen the sound stage and create the effect of listening to a much larger surround speaker system.
The Soundscience Rockus 3D 2.1 audio system from Antec is shipped inside a large cardboard box, with the product logos on all sides:
This box can be opened on one of the laterals and is sealed with duct tape:
The outer box was included only for added protection; inside it we can find the actual product packaging, with a photo of the satellites on the frontal side:
Also here we can locate the product logo, along with the 3dsst proprietary technology one:
On one of the laterals, we can find the full product specifications listed, in multiple languages:
The operating modes are also explained on the package:
On the opposite side we can find the main product features listed, along with pictures and explanations:
Like the external plain cardboard box, this one also opens on the lateral; the first thing that we will see are some cables inside molded Styrofoam:
After removing the first Styrofoam block, we will discover the satellites, along with the remote, all wrapped in protective transparent plastic bags:
When we remove the last block, we will uncover the large subwoofer:
The cables that are offered are 3.5mm to 3.5mm, remote cable (8-pin to 8-pin), RCA to 3.5mm and 2x RCA to open-end which connect the satellites with the subwoofer; there is also a small manual included, which tells us how to set up the system:
The Soundscience satellites are made of anodized aluminum, for vibration reduction and have a solid build; each of them has a plastic collar in front (covered initially with a transparent protective film) with a chrome finish, which gives an overall futuristic look:
The central speaker zone has a grill which is covered with a black fabric:
Each speaker foot has an interesting logo drawn on it:
On the top of each satellite, we can also find the Soundscience logo:
Here is also a look from the back of the satellites' plastic collar:
On its back, we can discover the central RCA connector, along with the casing screws
As the satellites, the subwoofer is also wrapped inside a plastic back, for added protection:
The front of the subwoofer is fully covered by a black cloth which gives it a clean look:
A nice Soundscience logo can be also found here:
When looking in the back, we can find that this audio system comes with a lot of connectivity options:
The speaker is 6 inch and features passive radiator technology:
On the left side, we can find the power cord, along with the On/Off button:
We are instructed on the back where to connect the open-end speaker wires:
The subwoofer comes with multiple inputs; we can connect external audio sources through analog connections (3.5mm or RCA) but also digital (TOSLINK); the bass level can be adjusted with a help of a switch and we can choose between 3 separate levels. The last port is the one where we have to connect the remote cable:
The bottom of the subwoofer has 4 rubber feet, each located in one of the corners:
The pod allows us to control most of the speaker set functions and preserves the design style with the rest of the product:
The top of the pod can be rotated, which has the function of modifying the volume levels, but also for muting/unmuting the system:
The pod also has a small lateral button, which allows us to switch between Music and 3D modes, but also for switching between analog and digital sound sources:
The Soundscience logo is also present on the control pod:
On the back of the pod, we can locate the port in which the cable will get to be connected:
The cable which links the pod to the subwoofer has 8-pin mini-din connectors:
The system installation can be done in a snap, even if we haven't worked with such devices before; we can first connect the satellites to the subwoofer with the included RCA to open-end cable; then, depending on the sound source, we can choose from either the 3.5mm connection, RCA or Digital (TOSLINK). Finally, we can connect the pod with the provided mini-din cable to the subwoofer. After the system is turned on, it will default on analog sound source, muted, in Music mode:
For hearing sound in the speakers, we always have to disable the mute function by pressing the top of the pod:
In case we are watching movies or playing games, we can choose the provided proprietary 3D mode:
By pressing the lateral button for 3 seconds, we will be able to switch to the Digital sound source; for confirmation, a green LED will light up:
CPU: Intel I7 Retail @ stock
Motherboard: Foxconn BloodRage with G42 BIOS
RAM: 3x2GB Patriot PVT36G1600LLK 1600MHz
Video: Sparkle GTX 470 with stock and OMNI A.L.C.
Power Supply: Nexus RX-8500 850W modular
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 7200.11
Case: Thermaltake Armor+ LCS, stock cooling
Sound card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD
Being curious about the proprietary 3Dsst™ technology these speakers come with, I have powered and connected them to the Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD sound card on the optical interface; it is needed to mention that enabling Dolby Digital Live or DTS connect from the software interface of the sound card simply resulted in getting absolutely no sound from the speakers; it is recommended to feed the Rockus 3D 2.1 speakers stereo signal through the optical cable (in the X-FI Titanium HD case, we have to leave the Encoder menu with the Off option selected).
When starting listening to some FLAC audio files, I have used at first the Music mode, with the EQ deactivated. Both satellites could be heard right away, with clear high and medium frequencies; however, the bass level was not at optimal levels, even when raising the volume. This problem has been solved quickly by accessing the bass level switch from the back of the subwoofer. The 3D mode is not recommended for Music but I have decided to try it anyway; I could experience even a punchier bass in the songs, but most of the music fidelity was gone (the sound was muffled).
The 3D mode was made especially for movies and games, so I have started up the 1080P version of TRON: Legacy; the difference between 3D and Music mode is pretty big, this big so when I jumped back to the Music mode in the action-heavy scenes like the fight on the Grid, most of the sound felt lifeless and it was like I have exited a full sized cinema and put on some regular headphones to watch the same movie scene.
During games, with 3D mode on, cars in DIRT3 sounded more realistically thanks to the enhanced bass and 3D sound emulation from the satellites. However, when trying the same game with 3D mode off and the CMSS3D option on, a similar experience could be achieved, but this time will weaker bass levels (also the bass can be customized from the Titanium HD interface).
In COD:MW2 the situation was similar to the previous game, the 3D mode produced an interesting sound effect, but did not manage to beat the well known spatialization effects from the Creative sound card. However, if we are running on an onboard sound codec, an older sound card which is not equipped with the latest EAX version or even a gaming console, 3dsst effects offered by the Rockus 3D 2.1 speakers are more than welcome.
When running in 3D mode, it is not recommended to add extra effects through the sound card or another sound source, because we would only get a worse sound quality; the speakers are designed to work well right out of the box, without the need of extra sound quality tweaks.
However, I have some small observations that I would like to point out. The Rockus does not remember, unfortunately, in which mode we were working previously (analog or digital), after it is power cycled. A good addition would have been the inclusion of a wireless remote, with the IR sensor placed inside the wired pod; this way we could mute/unmute the system, set the volume levels, jump between the Music and 3D modes, but also switch between analog and digital sould sources from a distance, without the need to stress out the pod every time.
Also as an added bonus, it would have been nicer to see the optical cable included in the package.
The Rockus 3D 2.1 Speaker System price has fallen quite a bit and can be now found in stores for a reasonable sum of 136 Euros.
I would like to thank again to Antec for making this review possible!