SLIM stage 5.1 Sound Console

Soundmatters is hoping to bring better sound to more people by providing integrated one box surround sound systems, optimized both in style and audio performance for flat panel TVs. At the CEDIA Expo in Denver on 2008, soundmatters unveiled new models in their SLIMstage™ line, the SLIMstage30 and SLIMstage50 join the previously announced model SLIMstage40. The numeric designation suggests which size screen they'd best match (e.g, SLIMstage30 for 30+ inch screens, 40 for 40+ inch screens, etc.). Below is the three model picture: SLIMstage 5.1 Surround Sound Console• Surround Algorithms: Euphony™HD decodes Analog, PCM, Dolby Digital 2.0/5.1,DTS Digital Surround, DTS 96/24• Decoding 5.1 channel: Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, DTS 96/24• Decoding 2.0 channel: Dolby Digital, PCM• 2-channel to 5-channel conversion: Euphony™HD• Power: Class-D Amplifiers (RMS at < 0.8%THD)SLIMstage 30 – Satellites 80W, Woofers 60WSLIMstage 40 – Satellites 80W, Woofers 90WSLIMstage 50 – Satellites 80W, Woofers 130W soundmatters SLIMstage 40 ReviewDigital 5.1 Surround Sound ConsoleIntroduction If you have read many of my reviews of HDTVs , you know that I normally end them with a discussion of the sound system integrated into the TV's chassis. And the final judgment usually goes something like this, "The TV's pair of 10W speakers are fine for every day use. Of course, if you are planning a home theater, step up to a dedicated audio system." Traditionally, to upgrade to a digital 5.1 surround system would include sprinkling six speakers (two front, one center, two rear, and one subwoofer) around the room. And then running wires from all those strewn speakers to an A/V receiver. Once set up, the surround sound can be remarkable, but hiding all those wires can be devilish. Also, because of costs and design considerations, a full-blown 5.1 system may not be appropriate for many TV viewing rooms. In the last couple of years, a more compact and efficient solution has become popular. Sound bars, as they are generically termed, provide multi-channel audio from a single component. The audio company, soundmatters, contribution to this category is the SLIMstage series, which offers a great option for elevating your audio. Of course, superior sonic quality provides the foundation of this stylish all-in-one Digital 5.1 Surround Sound console. But ranking right up near the top of SLIMstage's assets are its ease of setup and the seamless manner in which it matches the design of most HDTVs. (Editor's note: The 40 in the SLIMstage 40 name indicates its width, 40". soundmatters also makes a 30 and a 50 inch model. Basically, the larger the console, the more speakers. As their website says, "While the SLIMstage series models are functionally identical, their size determines degree of bass and sound pressure level (SPL)." With that in mind, this review can be applied to all three units.) Out of the Box When I first pulled this unit out of the box, I was surprised by its heft, 19 pounds. But when I saw this photo of the interior with the three sets of "mini-woofer modules which utilize a Linear Magnetic Drive woofer aided by a pair of like-sized passive radiators in a sealed enclosure," I could see that the SLIMstage 40 is packed with heavy metal. The package also includes hardware for attaching the SLIMstage to a wall. Or if you plan to sit it on a shelf, there are feet with a height adapter. And gratefully, soundmatters encloses four different audio cables that cover almost any connection that you will make: a three meter optical, a three meter coax, a three meter stereo 1/8" mini-jack, and a three meter stereo mini-jack-to-stereo-RCA. To match the look of most HDTVs, the SLIMstage sports a black stippled grille with a glossy piano black edging. At under four inches deep, the unit is skinnier than most flat screen TVs, except for the new ultra-thin LCDs. Therefore, when mounted on a wall above or below the TV, the SLIMstage continues the TV's profile. In the middle is the Front Control Panel with a light grey on dark grey readout, which can be dimmed. The panel provides all the pertinent info like input source, volume, and audio mode. And it displays setup menus for adjusting features like the ten band equalizer. Also on the front are a headphone output mini-jack, an iPod analog input mini-jack, and the basic control buttons for Volume, Mute, and Source Select.The more complete set of buttons are supplied on the remote control, which is rather compact with smallish buttons that thankfully are logically laid out. The graphic designer side of me likes the icons on the buttons, the technical writer side would prefer more written labels On the back is the connection panel with two digital optical inputs, one digital coax input, two analog ins (stereo mini-jack), and outputs for sending signals to rear channel speakers and a subwoofer. Next to the Power connection is an RS232C port used only for factory programming. The power cable is white.