{"id":32682,"date":"2013-01-29T05:27:52","date_gmt":"2013-01-29T05:27:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=32682"},"modified":"2013-08-02T16:12:16","modified_gmt":"2013-08-02T15:12:16","slug":"genius-sp-hf800a-wood-speakers-look-great-with-any-pc-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/genius-sp-hf800a-wood-speakers-look-great-with-any-pc-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Genius SP-HF800A Wood Speakers look great with any PC system"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ < ![CDATA[\ngoogle_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\/\/ < ![CDATA[\n\n\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><br \/>\nGenius\u00a0has been\u00a0making its way into the US market by\u00a0designing and importing\u00a0innovative yet well-priced\u00a0PC\u00a0peripherials.\u00a0 The SP-HF800A\u00a0&#8220;3-Way Hi-Fi Wood Speakers&#8221; are created to look great and sound good while taking up little space as they will probably sit to either side of your display in what is especially recommended for a compact PC system.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/StereoSystem.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33591\" title=\"StereoSystem\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/StereoSystem.jpg?resize=480%2C253\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/StereoSystem.jpg?resize=480%2C253 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/StereoSystem-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>What is impressive\u00a0are the SP-HF800A&#8217;s good\u00a0looks.\u00a0They are a miniturization of classic-looking floor-standing loudspeakers, and the Maple wood\u00a0as\u00a0well as\u00a0the copper speaker cones\u00a0and inserts\u00a0are an elegant touch &#8211; all for only about <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836110064&amp;nm\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836110064&amp;nm', '$50 for the set at Newegg.com']);\" >$50 for the set at Newegg.com<\/a>.\u00a0 You can find them online as well as\u00a0at Sears, Walmart\u00a0and at Best Buy and perhaps you can even\u00a0audition them before you buy.\u00a0 Of course, usually the most important thing about any speakers\u00a0is their sound and we have been able to audition these speakers for well over a month\u00a0from a variety of sources.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Spkr-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33602\" title=\"Spkr-1\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Spkr-1.jpg?resize=384%2C417\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Spkr-1.jpg?resize=384%2C417 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Spkr-1-276x300.jpg 276w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Genus calls these speakers, &#8220;three-way&#8221; although there is only one crossover for a single tweeter and two identical midrange speakers.\u00a0 Technically they are three-driver, &#8220;two-way&#8221; speakers although there\u00a0is no standard and some car audio speaker manufacturers call similar speakers, &#8220;2.5-way&#8221;.\u00a0 The reason for using a second midrange speaker is to reinforce the bass, and there is also a port on the back of each speaker which makes them &#8220;bass reflex&#8221; also &#8211; the port is tuned to maximize whatever bass is produced inside the speaker box and to reinforce it for the listener.\u00a0 The cables on\u00a0the back keep one from placing the speakers directly against the wall, so you don&#8217;t have to worry about covering the ports.<\/p>\n<p>The SP-HF800As are bookshelf speakers which means that they are designed to sound better sitting on a bookshelf &#8211; ideally in some sort of corner placement.\u00a0 That is where you will get the most effective bass response and the\u00a0best imaging.<\/p>\n<p>The SP-HF800As do look great and their style sets them we\u00a0above most plastic-looking generic PC speakers in their price-range.\u00a0 However, it is important that PC speakers sound decent &#8211; one does not expect audiophile quality from fifty dollar speakers nor should one expect thundering bass from even multiple 2&#8243; drivers without a subwoofer.\u00a0 We have had these speakers for well over a month as our main PC speakers and we have listened to all of our music, watched movies and played many PC games on them.<\/p>\n<p>Genius duplicated their shipment to ABT and we\u00a0received two pairs of the same SP-HF800A speakers to evaluate.\u00a0 That brought up the idea of using them in a Quadraphonic 4.0 array in surround for movies and for PC gaming, and also &#8220;stacked&#8221; &#8211; each pair placed next to each other in a stereo configuration (as above)\u00a0to see how they image and also if the bass response will increase with a total of 8 drivers devoted to the midrange and mid-bass as the speaker is specified to reach down to 80Hz (at -20db and 10% THD).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We used it together with our\u00a0Compaq notebook&#8217;s integrated sound, our desktop PC with an\u00a0EVGA Z77 motherboard with integrated sound as well as with a Diamond Xtreme Sound 7.1 USB Sound card.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-24663\" title=\"TheDevice-1\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/TheDevice-1.jpg?resize=384%2C219\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/TheDevice-1.jpg?resize=384%2C219 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/TheDevice-1-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Although the next standard for BluRay is 11.1 audio, the very best audio systems in the world &#8211; genuine audiophile systems &#8211; are stereo. This editor got to evaluate and own many high-end systems in the 1970s.\u00a0 A\u00a0favorite stereo system included two pairs of stacked, mirrored and imaged Dahlquist DQ-10 speakers, a Mark Levinson modified Harmon-Kardon Citation tube pre-amp, Great American Sound amplifiers bridged to 1000W per channel, a Thorens turntable and a Grado Signature cartridge. Many years ago, this kind of system was far more affordable; nowadays a similar system might cost a hundred thousand dollars.<\/p>\n<p>Working as a consultant in high-end audio, this editor soon found that most specifications for audio are ridiculous over-exaggerations as most speakers and other audio components never come close to their advertised specifications. A genuine audiophile system has no tone controls &#8211; the preamp is a straight wire with gain and neither are there balance controls which would add distortion to the pure sound. CD audio is still quite deficient sonically when compared to analog vinyl records according to audiophiles.<\/p>\n<p>There are no shimmering transients to hear from CD as there is with analog as CDs are under-sampled and\u00a0some of the sound is left out and the imaging\u00a0may be\u00a0gone. From listening critically to a high-quality analog recording of a good live performance played back on a high-end system, you can not only tell where the piano is on the audio stage, you can tell its orientation and its\u00a0size as the sounds become fully 3-dimensional. And MP3s are\u00a0no use\u00a0to the audiophile as the compression is annoying, exhibiting aural artifacting and &#8220;breathing&#8221; even at the highest bit rate. \u00a0Only DVD audio has finally caught up with the analog recordings of decades past.<\/p>\n<p>Eventually this editor lost some of his ability to hear the extreme high-frequencies\u00a0and\u00a0returned to playing music in the background\u00a0without listening\u00a0critically.\u00a0 A Cambridge SoundWorks quadraphonic system has been used for gaming since 2001 (below, connected to a\u00a0notebook) and is still in use.\u00a0 As you can see, the typical PC speakers\u00a0are &#8220;hidden&#8221; because\u00a0they tend to look cheap, plastic,\u00a0and generic.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/CambridgeStereo2.11.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-24665\" title=\"CambridgeStereo2.1\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/CambridgeStereo2.11.jpg?resize=432%2C315\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/CambridgeStereo2.11.jpg?resize=432%2C315 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/CambridgeStereo2.11-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0A Klipsch v200 PC\u00a0audio system\u00a0lasted this editor\u00a0for about 10 years.\u00a0 It looks much nicer than the Cambridge system but is also very expensive in comparison.\u00a0 Klipsch&#8217;s speaker faults include a very bright and almost shrill tweeter and somewhat of a &#8216;hole&#8217;\u00a0in the midrange although the bass is impressive for a PC speaker system.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/Klipsch2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-24669\" title=\"Klipsch\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/Klipsch2.jpg?resize=432%2C205\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/Klipsch2.jpg?resize=432%2C205 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/Klipsch2-300x142.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sound systems tend to last a long time and one should have a system that is not only pleasing to the ears, but to the eyes also, and they should fit in with the decor.\u00a0 Getting the &#8220;look&#8221; right is something Genius has excelled at with the SP-HF800A speakers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/sbs1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33594\" title=\"sbs\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/sbs1.jpg?resize=432%2C424\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/sbs1.jpg?resize=432%2C424 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/sbs1-300x294.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle:Introduction--><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Specifications, Features &amp; Important Information--><\/p>\n<h2>Specifications, Features &amp; Important Information<\/h2>\n<p>Genius classic wood speaker set, SP-HF800A has an\u00a0elegant design which\u00a0delivers clear and balanced sound.\u00a0A maximum of\u00a020-watts RMS total output (at 10% THD &#8211;\u00a0Total Harmonic Distortion)\u00a0is\u00a0generally sufficient for\u00a0an MP3 player or iPad, a tablet PC, desktop or for a notebook. The 2-inch high-performance speaker units cover the full-spectrum of sound down to about 80Hz and the one-inch tweeter gives these speakers\u00a0clean treble.<\/p>\n<p>The copper coating is primarily for looks and Genius suceeds.\u00a0 The following images are\u00a0from the Genius website:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.geniusnet.com\/GeniusAdmin\/gipadmin\/site\/public\/Data\/\/geniusOnline\/upload\/images\/Product_Functions\/\/SP-HF800A_f.jpg?resize=539%2C655\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/>The SP-HF800A speaker pair\u00a0just looks great\u00a0beside\u00a0a PC\u00a0because of\u00a0its classic look.\u00a0 There is some customization for changing the tonal balance by diminishing the treble or the midrange in relation to each other.\u00a0 For real convenience, the SP-HF800A also has a secondary line-in jack on the front panel for connecting to any playback device with 3.5mm jack without disconnecting the speakers from the PC.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>FEATURES<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Total output power 20 watts (RMS)<\/li>\n<li>Ultra-rigid MDF board cabinet<\/li>\n<li>1\u201d tweeter for soft and smooth treble sound, 8 Ohms<\/li>\n<li>Two 2\u201d woofer drivers for extended bass, 4 Ohms each<\/li>\n<li>Adjustable Volume and Tone controls<\/li>\n<li>Secondary line-in jack, 3.5 mm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dimensions: each satellite: 94x224x130 mm<\/li>\n<li>Box: 165x262x268 mm<\/li>\n<li>Weight: 2,142 g<\/li>\n<li>pcs.\/ctn.: 4<\/li>\n<li>Genius item-no.: 31730997100<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h2>3-Way Hi-Fi Wood Speakers<\/h2>\n<div id=\"2\">\n<table summary=\"data table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\">RMS (Watts)<\/th>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\">Driver unit-Satellite<\/th>\n<td>Two 2\u201d, 4 Ohm; One\u00a01\u201d, 8 Ohm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\">Signal-to-Noise Ratio<\/th>\n<td>75 dB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\">Frequency Response<\/th>\n<td>80~20K Hz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\">Bass\/Tone<\/th>\n<td>Tone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\">Volume Control<\/th>\n<td>YES<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\">Line in jack<\/th>\n<td>YES<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Package Contents:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>One pair of speakers<\/li>\n<li>Multi-language user\u2019s manual<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let&#8217;s unbox\u00a0them and then audition the SP-HF800A as a pair and then in a quadraphonic array.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Unboxing, Setup &amp; Listening Tests--><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>The Speakers, the Setup and the Sounds<\/h2>\n<p>Here is the SP-HF800A box.\u00a0 Dual inputs, enhanced bass, tone controls\u00a0and 20 watts are emphasized:<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33552\" title=\"front-box\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/front-box.jpg?resize=480%2C412\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/front-box.jpg?resize=480%2C412 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/front-box-300x257.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Here is the other side of the box which has the the speakers&#8217; features in English and several other languages.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33548\" title=\"box-obv\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/box-obv.jpg?resize=480%2C404\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/box-obv.jpg?resize=480%2C404 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/box-obv-300x252.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And the end flaps give you a further illustration of connecting to a portable unit:<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33550\" title=\"flap-1\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/flap-1.jpg?resize=307%2C379\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/flap-1.jpg?resize=307%2C379 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/flap-1-242x300.jpg 242w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">One end has the specifications which includes the frequency response of from 80Hz to 20,000Hz (at -20db).<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33551\" title=\"flap-2\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/flap-2.jpg?resize=288%2C373\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/flap-2.jpg?resize=288%2C373 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/flap-2-231x300.jpg 231w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/flap-2-789x1024.jpg 789w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The contents are well-packed for shipping and both pairs arrived in perfect shape and ready to plug in and listen to music.<a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/packing.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"packing\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/packing.jpg?resize=480%2C263\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">There is a quick installation guide which shows the end user how to set up for music.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33553\" title=\"Manual\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Manual.jpg?resize=480%2C171\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Manual.jpg?resize=480%2C171 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Manual-300x107.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The two speakers compliment each other and the right side has the tone control, volume knob and line in as it contains the amplifier which powers both speakers.\u00a0 The\u00a0back of the right\u00a0speaker has the power cord, input RCA plug as well as an RCA plug for connecting to the left speaker.\u00a0 The right speaker is much heaver than the left.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33549\" title=\"cords\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/cords.jpg?resize=480%2C506\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/cords.jpg?resize=480%2C506 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/cords-284x300.jpg 284w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The bottom of the speakers have plastic grips which keep them from sliding and from scratching the furniture.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33547\" title=\"bottom\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/bottom.jpg?resize=480%2C501\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/bottom.jpg?resize=480%2C501 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/bottom-287x300.jpg 287w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/bottom-980x1024.jpg 980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>The back of the speakers have the bass reflex ports &#8211; they are cardboard tubes about\u00a03 inches long and they act to reinforce the bass produced inside the speaker boxes with the bass produced outside by the speaker directly.<\/p>\n<p>The left speaker has the RCA plug to connect from the right speaker.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33546\" title=\"back\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/back.jpg?resize=480%2C508\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/back.jpg?resize=480%2C508 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/back-283x300.jpg 283w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/back-966x1024.jpg 966w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Installing\u00a0the speakers\u00a0is simple as it is plug in, turn on\u00a0and play music,\u00a0a movie,\u00a0or a\u00a0game. Check out your setup and make sure that you have the highest quality sound available. Here is\u00a0this editor&#8217;s\u00a0notebook&#8217;s integrated sound at\u00a0its highest settings.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/Conextant2.0Notebook.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-24685\" title=\"Conextant2.0Notebook\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/Conextant2.0Notebook.jpg?resize=438%2C467\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/Conextant2.0Notebook.jpg?resize=438%2C467 438w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/Conextant2.0Notebook-281x300.jpg 281w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 438px) 100vw, 438px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Next set up your speakers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/manual-explanation-win7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-24686\" title=\"manual-explanation-win7\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/manual-explanation-win7.jpg?resize=464%2C240\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Here is the 5.1 configuration we chose on the left for our two pairs of SP-HF800A&#8217;s plus an additional powered Diamond speaker for the center speaker so that we could get the full benefit of DVD movies. On the right, you can see what a 7.1 system looks like; you would need two additional speakers over\u00a0a 5.1 setup.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/manual-explanation-5.1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-24687\" title=\"manual-explanation-5.1\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/manual-explanation-5.1.jpg?resize=453%2C295\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/manual-explanation-5.1.jpg?resize=453%2C295 858w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/manual-explanation-5.1-300x195.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 453px) 100vw, 453px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Generally we used a quadraphonic setup for gaming, an additional powered\u00a0speaker for 5.1 movie sound, and stereo for music &#8211; &#8220;stacked&#8221;, a pair of\u00a0SP-HF800A&#8217;s right speakers side-by-side\u00a0and a pair of the left speakers also side-by-side.\u00a0\u00a0 There is a noticeable increase in overall\u00a0volume and\u00a0a lesser but audible increase\u00a0with the bass response\u00a0from adding a\u00a0second pair of speakers.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-33593\" title=\"2xStereoSystem1\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/2xStereoSystem1.jpg?resize=384%2C163\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/2xStereoSystem1.jpg?resize=384%2C163 600w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/2xStereoSystem1-300x127.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There is one issue that we discovered that may be a problem for some users.\u00a0 The speaker wire and the connecting cables are quite short for a quadraphonic system, only a little over six feet, and they may limit placement even with a stereo setup.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Listening Tests<\/h2>\n<p>For our listening tests, we used the well-recorded DVDs of Steely Dan and Carlos Santana that this editor is very familiar with. We also\u00a0compared with our old Cambridge 4.0 system. Of course, we ran the usual audio synthetic tests and naturally they showed some differences but they absolutely cannot tell you how either of the\u00a0speaker systems\u00a0actually sound like\u00a0when playing music. That is what trained ears are for!<\/p>\n<p>First up, we used our Cambridge quadraphonic system; it is 4.1 which means that\u00a0four surround\u00a0speakers are used:\u00a0the Front-out and Side Speakers-out are used on the USB Diamond soundcard&#8217;s front; the .1 stands for the subwoofer, a fifth speaker. We then decided to make our 4.1 into a 5.1 system by using\u00a0a Diamond self-powered mini-speaker as a sixth speaker &#8211; for the front center channel missing in Quadraphonic systems and sometimes important for 5.1 channel DVD movies.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/center-speaker.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-24691\" title=\"center-speaker\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/center-speaker.jpg?resize=440%2C178\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/center-speaker.jpg?resize=440%2C178 550w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/center-speaker-300x121.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Next we compared\u00a0our\u00a0Cambridge\u00a04.1 (and 5.1)\u00a0PC audio\u00a0with two pairs of\u00a0the SP-HF800As also in a 4.0 quadraphonic system for games and a 5.0 system (using an additional self-powered Diamond speaker for the center channel but without a subwoofer) for movies.\u00a0 Both systems provided decent surround sound and positioning but the overall sonic edge went to the system with the subwoofer as the Genius speakers\u00a0simply did not provide\u00a0deep bass.<\/p>\n<p>For music, the Genius speakers sound better overall depending on what kind of music that you play.\u00a0 If it requires heavy bass, then you would probably prefer a system with a sub.\u00a0 For Jazz and for\u00a0general listening, the Genius speakers were clear and not tiring.<\/p>\n<p>For gaming, the 4 Genius speakers in a quadraphonic configuration provided good positional clues although again, bass is on the light side.\u00a0 &#8220;Stacked&#8221; with the speakers side by side, they gave a good stereo stage with fair imaging and\u00a0slightly more bass than that\u00a0provided by a single stereo pair.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, neither of these systems are &#8220;audiophile&#8221; and are not even close to high-end, yet the Genius speakers did reproduce music very decently over their range with no bad surprises.\u00a0 For a fifty dollar pair of great-looking PC speakers, we would have to say they sounded very good.<br \/>\n<!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Conclusion--><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<h3>Pros<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The looks are extraordinary for small PC speakers.\u00a0 The Maple wood side panels, the black and copper on the face give these speakers a classic look<\/li>\n<li>Good\u00a0sound for their size and price<\/li>\n<li>The additional line in on the front of the speakers is very useful &#8211; you can listen to your MP3 player without unplugging from your PC.<\/li>\n<li>Use of a second pair for a quadraphonic system for movies or games is possible and sound positioning is good.\u00a0 They also sound good &#8220;stacked&#8221; &#8211; the bass increases and the music&#8217;s imaging doesn&#8217;t suffer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Cons<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>SP-HF800A speakers are\u00a0perfect for a compact PC or tablet system but the cords and wires may prove to be too short for a large PC desktop system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you want to listen to music with a very good looking pair of PC speakers that &#8220;fit in&#8221;\u00a0with almost any decor, these speakers are a good choice.<a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/sbs-21.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-33600\" title=\"sbs-2\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/sbs-21.jpg?resize=272%2C300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/sbs-21.jpg?resize=272%2C300 272w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/sbs-21.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 272px) 100vw, 272px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0Genius\u00a0SP-HP 800A\u00a0retails for $60 and is available at\u00a0Best Buy, Sears and online\u00a0for $50 and you can check them out before you buy if you wish.\u00a0 They sound as good as any other similarly priced PC speaker with the additional value of looking great!\u00a0 Recommended.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/Recommended_thumb.png?resize=150%2C251\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Next up, expect a Newer Technology USB 3.0 dock mini-review.<\/p>\n<p>Happy Gaming!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Please join us in our <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/abt\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\">Forums<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Become a Fan on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142', 'Facebook']);\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Follow us on <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech', 'Twitter']);\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For the latest updates from ABT, please <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?feed=rss2\" target=\"_blank\">join our RSS News Feed<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Join our Distributed Computing teams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Folding@Home &#8211; 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