Microlab M1910, 5.1 Speaker System Review

Up Close:  The Sub/Amp

The M1910 comprises of a large subwoofer/Amplifier partnered with four satellites, two of which are intended as front left and right and two of which for rear left and right surround channels.  There’s also a horizontally oriented centre speaker.  All of the speakers are matte balck with matching high gloss piano black fronts.  Out of the box the fronts are protected from dust and damage by removable plastic film.

     

 

Measuring 190x267x400mm and made from 9mm MDF, the amp/sub assembly is reassuringly heavy.  The amplifier is able to output 65Watts RMS over a frequency range of 30-20,000Hz.  While this isn’t exactly a class leading Hi-Fi Specification, it should be plenty for a set up such as this.  Bass, as you might imagine comes via the large inbuilt side mounded driver.  The foam baffle has a ribbon attached to make it easier to remove should you wish to trade a bit of bass clout for clarity. 

         

 

The front of the assembly is finished in gloss piano black with the exception of the left hand side which curves away and is finished in a matte charcoal to match the sides and roof.  A large chromed multi function control knob offers volume adjustment as well as input selection.  In use a small but clear digital read out illuminates below the dial to indicate respective levels in inputs as required.  Below the volume knob there is a mute button and a pair of switches that enable bass and front speaker levels to be adjusted up and down.

    

 

“Connections Sarge…Faaarsands of em”  In more useful terms, you can hook up analogue RCA inputs via the Front Left and Right, Surround Left and Right, Centre and of course Sub Channels.  If you’d rather go the digital route, or are attaching to a device which only offers digital connection such as Playstation or Xbox and the like then both coaxial SPDIF and optical Toslink are catered for.  To the left of the inputs we find the RCA outputs for front Left and Right, Surround Left and Right, and centre speakers.  Along the bottom edge we can also see the master power switch, the fixed power cable and an inline fuse holder.  The fins of the Amp heatisink protrude from the rear of the unit enabling the Amplification circuits within to dissipate their heat whilst towards the top right we find the bass reflex port.  It’s more normal for bass ports to be positioned either at the front or rear of the case, allowing for freer movement of the air, so it will be interesting to see what effect, if any this right angle orientation will have on bass response.