Build Quality

Quality, please.

When it comes to audio, build quality is often more important than the technical specifications. For example, if a speaker enclosure is not stiff enough, then your music will be resonant and unnatural.

The Sirocco Crossfires are very well constructed and are easily as impressive as the Midiland S2-4100 in terms of build quality.

The Amplifier

One of the first things you'll notice is the weighty amplifier. Unlike many other multimedia speaker manufacturers who integrate the amplifier into the subwoofer, VideoLogic has opted with the more traditional approach by having a separate unit. Weighting at a little under 10 pounds with the width and length of an average mid-tower ATX case, the aluminum unit houses all of the amplifiers for the speakers.

Visually, the jet-black unit has a professional and functional design, but the beauty of the unit is not in its elegance -there is no faux wood veneer nor any modern sparkle. Instead its aesthetic is one of a mechanical engineer, everything is black except for small text descriptions of the control knobs in white and an oh-so-cool blue LED on the front panel. It may sound like I'm trying to be an art critic, but the amplifier is undoubtedly cool looking and must be seen to be appreciated. Having the VideoLogic amplifier on your desk will draw the same attention as say a 20" TFT flat panel display -almost.

The attention to detail doesn't end there, the big-fat old school knobs (think McIntosh amplifiers) have an unbelievable tactile response that surpasses any consumer device you'd be able to find at the Good Guys or Best Buy. It feels so good that all you want to do is turn the knobs back and forth. I'm not joking, the amplifier design is that good!

Amp Front

Amp Back

A key feature of this amplifier is its multiple inputs, with different sensitivities. A more sensitive input is useful for a sound card, while the less sensitive input is great for a stand-alone CD player. Matching input strengths and sensitivities is key to preventing distortion. The discrete input for the subwoofer also allows you to attach a dedicated Dolby Digital/DTS decoder to the unit.

The Sub

A Satellite

Satellites and Subwoofer

The satellites are smaller than the pictures would suggest. The satellites are barely over 4 inches tall and only marginally wider than 3 inches. VideoLogic obviously appreciates high fidelity sound and they have chosen to forgo the protective grills which can color the sound. While the lack of grills may be a problem for those of you with younger siblings or careless friends, you shouldn't have to worry as long as you're careful. The satellites do have one unique feature though - they fit perfectly in your hand and so there will be a natural impulse to throw them around (don't).

The subwoofer included in the Sirocco Crossfire is identical to the original Sirocco subwoofer. The subwoofer is front firing with a front port as well and the enclosure is constructed of medium density fiberboard which is stiffer than regular wood. The woofer is protected by a non-removable metal grill and weighs about 25 pounds. It's about the size of a mid-tower case, just a little bit shorter and wider.