Introduction

Introducing the S4-7100

A few years ago, MidiLand impressed the computing community with their S2 series of multimedia speakers. The S2-4100, also reviewed here at FiringSquad, set the standard for high-end powered speakers. Instead of taking the PC speaker and putting an amplifier behind it, MidiLand took the technology from recording studios and home speakers, and specialized it for our computer desktops.

At last year's Comdex, MidiLand announced their new S4 series of multimedia speakers. Today, we take a listen to the S4-7100 speaker system. The S4-7100 is a 5.1 speaker system with 5 identical satellites and a powered subwoofer. We previewed the S4-7100s in our S2-4100 review. Back then the specifications alone impressed us, that doesn't happen very often.

One of the main selling points of the 7100s is their price. At a retail price of $199, the S4-7100s are one of the lowest priced multi-channel powered speaker systems. Some of this price savings comes from the absence of a digital processor, so you will need an outboard DTS or Dolby Digital processor to feed the MidiLand speakers the analog signals.

Front of the box

The back

Great sounding speakers at great prices, such as the Klipsch ProMedias and Cambridge Sound products, have spoiled the gaming and computing community. We have become accustomed to getting multi-channel positional sound with extended bass response from our computer speakers. DVD playback on our PCs is no longer a technology demonstration, but a way to enjoy DVDs in our often cramped offices and bedrooms. Does the MidiLand S4-7100 deserve the precious space on your desk?