Cambridge Soundworks getting out of the PC speaker business

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UMASS

Gawd
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Jan 17, 2008
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Just an FYI. I know this forum is more for receiver/speaker scenario. But for those of you that like a simple/easy 2.1 set-up Cambridge Soundworks is getting out of the PC speaker business. Too bad because they'll produced some decent speakers. The "Microworks II" system is on sale for $139.99 which I think is a pretty solid deal. I've owned the Klipsch 2.1 that I liked well enough, but failed after 2 years.

I still own the older (& better) Cambridge Soundworks (THX version) that still work like a champ! I now this isn't for everyone here on these boards, but I thought I would mention it just the same. Links:

http://store.cambridgesoundworks.com/Cambridge-SoundWorks-Amplified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B0098NJNYO

http://store.cambridgesoundworks.com/Cambridge-SoundWorks-Microworks-Speaker-Computer/dp/B00345FI14
 
Surprised they are still around at all still. They were always kind of a boutique brand. Not mass market enough like Polk or Infinity to be in shops like Best Buy, but not high end enough to be in the (now dying) audio shops. To me at least they were one of the "in the know" brands like NHT or Atlantic Technologies.
 
westrock2000 said:
Surprised they are still around at all still. They were always kind of a boutique brand. Not mass market enough like Polk or Infinity to be in shops like Best Buy, but not high end enough to be in the (now dying) audio shops. To me at least they were one of the "in the know" brands like NHT or Atlantic Technologies.
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I was under the impression that Cambridge Soundworks was closer to Bose than Polk. By that I mean relatively heavy marketing and advertising, so-so performance. Perhaps you're mistaking them with Cambridge Audio which is completely different company and has a better reputation.
 
Cambridge were just another Bose wanna be. Artificial bass with absolutely no resolution in the mids and highs made these sound worse than a Bose IMHO.

Today only the successful speaker companies exist and we keep losing more each year.
 
I would buy those speakers...if they were $20. At $180 + tax and ship for tweeterless 2.1 with a 6.5" woofer? meh. An old Klipsch iFi or Logitech Z-Cinema on craigslist or ebay would blow these away.

The only decent Cambridge Soundworks speakers were the Gigaworks S750s and those were kinda pricy at $499, $150 more than the Klipsch 5.1 Ultra.
 
See also Logitech and Creative, though...every so often, Cambridge got it right (the Gigaworks), but most of the time...

It's still a shame, though. We're pretty much down to Creative, Klipsch--somewhat---and Logitech at this point. I'm going to be pissed when my TSC 5.1 set bites it...
 
i dont know if soundworks are related to cambridge audio but their 751r is a very good sounding reciever far better than most generic japanese brands.
 
genkifd said:
i dont know if soundworks are related to cambridge audio but their 751r is a very good sounding reciever far better than most generic japanese brands.
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Cambridge Audio is a UK company who makes nice high end home audio. Cambridge Soundworks is out of NJ and are NOT the same company. Like I mentioned above, they are nothing more than a basic Bose knockoff.
 
Redshirt #24 said:
See also Logitech and Creative, though...every so often, Cambridge got it right (the Gigaworks), but most of the time...

It's still a shame, though. We're pretty much down to Creative, Klipsch--somewhat---and Logitech at this point. I'm going to be pissed when my TSC 5.1 set bites it...
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Why is that? There are hundreds or thousands of combination setups you could build. There are also dozens of companies that make speakers marketed directly for PC with minijack input, you don't even have to use a rca to minijack adapter or use hdmi with a receiver. I don't understand how some people are so capable of customizing their PC internals but cant imagine customizing their audio setup beyond buying a pre-built multimedia system from pc peripheral makers.
 
dragonageinquisition said:
Why is that? There are hundreds or thousands of combination setups you could build. There are also dozens of companies that make speakers marketed directly for PC with minijack input, you don't even have to use a rca to minijack adapter or use hdmi with a receiver. I don't understand how some people are so capable of customizing their PC internals but cant imagine customizing their audio setup beyond buying a pre-built multimedia system from pc peripheral makers.
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Funny you mention that. I've been building my own PC's for over 10 years now. Can't understand why more people don't do it themselves. On the sound side, I always purchased pre-made sound systems (see my signature below) I have an older Marantz receiver (SR-4600) & some AR 226 PS that I could use as a PC set-up.

Links:

http://us.marantz.com/DocumentMaster/US/SR4600specsheet0506.pdf

This is only real link I could find for the (Old) AR speakers:

http://edsgoodstuff.com/edscart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2675

I may try & make this happen in my next build. BTW...My current (older) Cambridge Soundworks speakers are the best 2.1 ever! Love them.
 
Venomous said:
Cambridge Audio is a UK company who makes nice high end home audio. Cambridge Soundworks is out of NJ and are NOT the same company. Like I mentioned above, they are nothing more than a basic Bose knockoff.
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cool go to know - dont know about Cambridge Audio being considered as high end though???
 
Cambridge Audio is more of a well regarded budget brand than a high end outfit.

This is to say that their speaker pricing is more in line with middle range of Polk Audio than with, say, Bowers & Wilkins (just to pick another UK brand). I have not dealt enough with the brand to say anything as to how they compare on audio quality. And I would also note that their electronics are generally more well known than their speakers, at least here in the US, with their electronics generally being priced above their speakers as well.
 
Venomous said:
Cambridge were just another Bose wanna be. Artificial bass with absolutely no resolution in the mids and highs made these sound worse than a Bose IMHO.

Today only the successful speaker companies exist and we keep losing more each year.
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I completely disagree with Venomous reply. Cambridge Soundworks has made some pretty damn good 2.1 set-ups over the years. They had a wonderful 2.1 set-up years ago that was $79.99 that would put to shame any Bose, Boston Acoustics offerings @ the time. Yes...Can you do better with more money with a dedicated receiver & a pair decent speakers? Yes you can. Not everyone has the room for that type of set-up. Also...My current 10+ old Creative/Cambridge Soundworks 2.1 is flat out wonderful!
 
UMASS said:
I completely disagree with Venomous reply. Cambridge Soundworks has made some pretty damn good 2.1 set-ups over the years. They had a wonderful 2.1 set-up years ago that was $79.99 that would put to shame any Bose, Boston Acoustics offerings @ the time. Yes...Can you do better with more money with a dedicated receiver & a pair decent speakers? Yes you can. Not everyone has the room for that type of set-up. Also...My current 10+ old Creative/Cambridge Soundworks 2.1 is flat out wonderful!
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Lol ok
 
I heard some Cambridge soundworks a long time ago and thought they sounded tinny.
 
Venomous: I would like to think I know a little about audio equipment. I wouldn't consider myself a true audiophile, but I here is my 2-channel music set-up.

Rogue Audio 66 Magnum Tube Pre-Amp (Using NOS Mullard tubes from the late 70's)
NAD C270 Amps x2 (Bi-Amped)
NAD C542 CD Player
Music Hall MMF-5 TT
Onkyo DX-RD511 CD Burner
NHT ST4 Tower Speakers

Not the best system in the world, but solid just the same. I really wish you could hear my Cambridge Soundworks 250D 2.1 computer set-up in person. It's really very good. These were made by Creative (under the Cambridge Soundworks name) about 8-9 years ago. Yes...It only has 4" satellite drivers & a 8" subwoofer, but it gets in done & them some! The fact alone it's been almost 9 years & they are still working like the day I bought them, tells me it's well made.

To be honest, I don't know how the build quality of CS speakers are today, but mine I'll keep until the day they die.
 
UMASS said:
Venomous: I would like to think I know a little about audio equipment. I wouldn't consider myself a true audiophile, but I here is my 2-channel music set-up.

Rogue Audio 66 Magnum Tube Pre-Amp (Using NOS Mullard tubes from the late 70's)
NAD C270 Amps x2 (Bi-Amped)
NAD C542 CD Player
Music Hall MMF-5 TT
Onkyo DX-RD511 CD Burner
NHT ST4 Tower Speakers

Not the best system in the world, but solid just the same. I really wish you could hear my Cambridge Soundworks 250D 2.1 computer set-up in person. It's really very good. These were made by Creative (under the Cambridge Soundworks name) about 8-9 years ago. Yes...It only has 4" satellite drivers & a 8" subwoofer, but it gets in done & them some! The fact alone it's been almost 9 years & they are still working like the day I bought them, tells me it's well made.

To be honest, I don't know how the build quality of CS speakers are today, but mine I'll keep until the day they die.
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I think NHT make some very good speakers, including the ST4s being one of the biggest 3 way bang for the dollar you can find. However I know they are punchy for as small as they are and that's maybe why you like those Cambridge's because of the 8" sub.
 
Venomous: The downside of the NHT ST4's were their binding post (super cheap) They crapped-out of me & I upgraded to some solid posts. As I recall, I paid $1000.00 for the pair from a dealer called "State Street Discount" in Portsmouth, NH (tax free) I purchased some great speaker cables from a company called "Cobalt" that's now out of business.

On the CS works side, these are really good computer speakers! I can crank them to full-blast on the volume & there is NO distortion @ all!

I should simply upgrade to a receiver & speakers for my PC set-up. I have the receiver & speakers now, no subwoofer @ the moment.
 
UMASS said:
Venomous: The downside of the NHT ST4's were their binding post (super cheap) They crapped-out of me & I upgraded to some solid posts. As I recall, I paid $1000.00 for the pair from a dealer called "State Street Discount" in Portsmouth, NH (tax free) I purchased some great speaker cables from a company called "Cobalt" that's now out of business.

On the CS works side, these are really good computer speakers! I can crank them to full-blast on the volume & there is NO distortion @ all!

I should simply upgrade to a receiver & speakers for my PC set-up. I have the receiver & speakers now, no subwoofer @ the moment.
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NHT are great bang for your bucks, no doubt. Their ST line was pretty competitive with the Paradigm ref series back in the day.

I think you should get some stands for the ST4s and use them on the desktop. Hell with 8" drivers you won't need a sub immediately depending on what duties they are tasked for. Pick up a decent but cheap avr and you're in business. Your only real dilemma will be finding replacement speakers for your separates setup :)
 
Venomous: I can't use the ST4's in my computer room as there isn't enough space. I think I may jump into these NHT Classic Three bookshelf speakers & use my older Marantz SR4600 receiver. Maybe it's time for me to step-up the computer audio.

http://us.marantz.com/DocumentMaster/US/SR4600specsheet0506.pdf

http://www.nhthifi.com/Three?sc=12&category=3772

Quick question....Would a 15'-20' Optical/Toslink cable degrade the sound with such a long cable?

Example:

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022904&p_id=6271&seq=1&format=2

The way my room is set-up is tough to keep the receiver near my computer. Thanks for any insight!
 
Those are pretty decent speakers but they do have issues hitting lows, so you might want to consider picking up a used sub to go with them. You know NHT has those near field powered bookshelves too, so that's an option.

I just upgraded my PC audio this year after deciding on a nice sony STR DN840. Silly me thought I would miss out going from 5.1 to 2.1... Not missing a damn thing on that upgrade :)

A 20 ft optical cable will not degrade the sound, so don't even feel concerned. I use the same monoprice optical but on my sb zxr, that cable wouldn't fit the daughter board optical out because of the way the board screws into the case. I had to leave it loose to use that cable which isn't a big deal.
 
Venomous: I didn't know that those "NHT Classic Three's" are $449.00 each! I thought they were for the pair. Too rich for my blood for computer speakers. I did notice those powered NHT Super-Powered 2.0 set up. I went to my local speaker dealer & auditioned some PSB Alfa B1's that weren't bad for $200.00 for the pair. But I really liked the Boston Acoustics A26's for $300.00 for the pair.

Links:

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/bookshelf-speakers/Alpha-B1-Bookshelf

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-9iWz8oh0Pg8/p_065A26B/Boston-Acoustics-A-26.html

Subwoofer sometime down the road when the wife isn't looking! I think the BA's are for me paired with my older Marantz receiver. I'll follow-up.
 
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I still have a 10 year old (maybe more now) cambridge 4.1 system running as a 2.1 (couple speakers aren't working too well) on my wife's pc and the remaining speakers still sound pretty good.
 
UMASS said:
Venomous: I didn't know that those "NHT Classic Three's" are $449.00 each! I thought they were for the pair. Too rich for my blood for computer speakers. I did notice those powered NHT Super-Powered 2.1 set up. I went to my local speaker dealer & auditioned some PSB Alfa B1's that weren't bad for $200.00 for the pair. But I really liked the Boston Acoustics A26's for $300.00 for the pair.

Links:

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/bookshelf-speakers/Alpha-B1-Bookshelf

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-9iWz8oh0Pg8/p_065A26B/Boston-Acoustics-A-26.html

Subwoofer sometime down the road when the wife isn't looking! I think the BA's are for me paired with my older Marantz receiver. I'll follow-up.
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If you like this Boston's you may find some Mirage OMD5s for much cheaper as they sound identical to me with even a smaller footprint and no bass roll off sitting on the desktop. Since VANNs went out of business, ebay is your only hope finding NOS Mirage speakers.
 
HTM200s would be my choice over the HLVs. Looks like they mellowed out the resolution on these wavecrests. Ascends are great speakers so it's a win win... Just depends on if you like a more neutral sound compared to something more lively.
 
Venomous: I'm really intrigued with those Mirage OMD5's I can find them for $200.00 each on ebay & amazon. Question..is Mirage still in business? Or did I read that Klipsch bought them out? If there is no warranty, then it's a tough scenario for me to purchase.
 
Give the Klipsch Group a call during business hours and ask. Bear in mind that Klipsch typically has an authorized dealers list. Not on the list? No warranty.
 
Guys...I came home with a pair of Boston Acoustics M25's an hour or so ago. I paid $425.00/pair & I'm digging them already. State Street Discount (in Portsmouth, NH no sales tax BTW) is less then an hour from our home in Gloucester, MA. & they can give out some great deals. They had two sets left (one was the demo) & they aren't planning on bringing the BA line in anymore (I still receive the 5-year warranty), hence the discount. These are going for $299.00 each @ Crutchfield right now.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_065M25...27345&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=22969169785&awdv=c

I was almost going to pull the trigger on the PSB Alfa B1's in a nice "Sienna or Light Cherry finish" for $200.00/pair, but the Boston's sounded so damn good going thru a NAD intergraded amp @ the store. What's weird is the PSB Alfa B1's in the "Black Ash" was $49.99 more. The salesman said they a lot of stock on the Sienna finish.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/PSB-Alpha-B1-Bookshelf-Speakers/productinfo/PBALB1/PSIE/#.U0rixThOWUk

Right now I'm running the BA M25's thru an older Nakamichi RE-10 receiver, but plan on moving my Marantz SR-4600 which I think will be smoother/softer then the RE-10. I ordered some cables from Monoprice this afternoon.

I have to admit, the PSB Alfa B1's sounded damn fine for $200.00/pair. If anyone is looking into a decent budget speaker, then the Alfa B1's seem really solid!

Venomous: I started this thread with happy with my Cambridge Soundworks 2.1 set-up, but I'm sure I'll be happier with my current set-up. Now I'll need a semi-budget subwoofer any insight/suggestions? Thanks for your help on the Mirage OMD5's, but I can't buy speakers from ebay without a warranty.
 
UMASS said:
Guys...I came home with a pair of Boston Acoustics M25's an hour or so ago. I paid $425.00/pair & I'm digging them already. State Street Discount (in Portsmouth, NH no sales tax BTW) is less then an hour from our home in Gloucester, MA. & they can give out some great deals. They had two sets left (one was the demo) & they aren't planning on bringing the BA line in anymore (I still receive the 5-year warranty), hence the discount. These are going for $299.00 each @ Crutchfield right now.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_065M25...27345&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=22969169785&awdv=c

I was almost going to pull the trigger on the PSB Alfa B1's in a nice "Sienna or Light Cherry finish" for $200.00/pair, but the Boston's sounded so damn good going thru a NAD intergraded amp @ the store. What's weird is the PSB Alfa B1's in the "Black Ash" was $49.99 more. The salesman said they a lot of stock on the Sienna finish.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/PSB-Alpha-B1-Bookshelf-Speakers/productinfo/PBALB1/PSIE/#.U0rixThOWUk

Right now I'm running the BA M25's thru an older Nakamichi RE-10 receiver, but plan on moving my Marantz SR-4600 which I think will be smoother/softer then the RE-10. I ordered some cables from Monoprice this afternoon.

I have to admit, the PSB Alfa B1's sounded damn fine for $200.00/pair. If anyone is looking into a decent budget speaker, then the Alfa B1's seem really solid!

Venomous: I started this thread with happy with my Cambridge Soundworks 2.1 set-up, but I'm sure I'll be happier with my current set-up. Now I'll need a semi-budget subwoofer any insight/suggestions? Thanks for your help on the Mirage OMD5's, but I can't buy speakers from ebay without a warranty.
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It's understandable. I've ever had any issues with mine but seeing mirage was bought out after I had my original setup, it's risky.

Glad you're enjoying those Boston's. What is your budget for a sub? Any preference of it being sealed or ported?
 
Venomous: $150.00-$250.00 max. My computer room isn't that big (maybe 12'x10') The room isn't that cluttered, so I could do sealed or ported. Doesn't have to be over the top as I'm not a big bass person. I'm not well versed in the subwoofer world. I have a Klipsch RW-10D (bought from Newegg on a "Shell Shocker" day) that get's the job in my very modest HT set-up.

http://www.klipsch.com/rw-10d-subwoofer/details

Something tight, but not overwhelming. Any insight would be appreciated!

Thanks a bunch!
 
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OP, it looks like you have likely moved on, but Mirage's OMD line has been making semi-frequent appearances on woot.com:
http://www.woot.com/plus/mirage-home-theater-speakers

(They are currently sold out, however.)

Also, Mirage has, as per my experience this past year, been honoring warranties for the OMD line via Klipsch support, assuming that said speakers are purchased via an authorized distributor (woot.com counts). I was able to request an OMD tweeter assembly replacement at no cost under warranty for one of my speakers.

I handled the tweeter replacement myself, so I am not sure if they have technicians on hand to handle repairs. But getting the tweeter assembly is the difficult part, replacing the entire assembly is a quick job for any qualified repair tech. So I would not worry too much about finding a tech.

Lastly, while Klipsch does have stock remaining of the OMD line drivers and other parts, they do not appear to have replacement part stock for earlier Mirage lines.
 
How often do they come back into stock? Or when was the last time? I really liked the look of the speaker & Venomous really digs them. I would have snatched them up @ $300.00 for the pair. Thanks for the link!
 
I'd watch techbargains for a sub deal. I got this bad boy below for my computer setup and it works amazing.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003V...c=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

Hits real low... Can be tightened up.


OMD line is an amazing value when you can get them at their cheap discounts. I had a pair of OMD28s in gloss black for 899 each. The center was 900 hundred and the OMD5's for $125/piece.

Great speakers if you can find them.
 
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The last time woot.com had the OMD line in stock was last month (March ~15 through to early April for some models). Before that, it was maybe a few months ago. The recent deals were mostly for the tower and bookshelf speakers. Center and surround channels from the OMD line (OMD-C1, OMD-C2, and OMD-R) appear to be far less common. So I am not sure if those channels are still available new.

Manufacturing for these speakers (all varieties) has ended. These deals are generally selling off remaining stock, but judging from the number of deals recently, there was quite a bit of stock remaining after Mirage was closed as a brand. So them appearing for sale again is a prediction. No one really knows what stock is left, but it is safe to say that Amazon bought it out. (Woot is an Amazon company.)
 
I'm leaning towards this discontinued Boston Acoustics 50 amp subwoofer here:

http://www.onecall.com/boston-acoustics-pv350-8-inch-50-watt-powered-subwoofer

or this Klipsch Synergy Sub-10 here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882780012

I can get the BA Sub (in Cherry finish) for $120.34 shipped. The Klipsch would cost me $182.98 with shipping. I know the BA isn't a monster sub, but then again I'm not looking for a hi-powered one.

PS: I had to use the "One Call" link for the BA sub, as BA website always brings a semi-broken link.
 
I went with the Boston Acoustics sub. Malacoda: I spent some time looking into HSU subs & speakers & they get really solid reviews. The BA sub was discontinued & I got a good deal on it (Tiger Direct of all places!) I was close to buying the Klipsch sub from Newegg, but I didn't want "booming" sound. I think my little system is pretty sweet:

Marantz SR-4600 Receiver
BA M25's Speakers
BA PV350 Sub

A big upgrade over my Cambridge Soundworks 2.1 system. All m cables are coming in from Monoprice tomorrow, so by the weekend, I'll be all hooked-up! Chime back when it's done.
 
Well...The Boston Acoustics subwoofer was delivered today damaged from UPS. The driver said "You might want to look at the box" Looks like to was kicked, thrown & got a solid beat down from UPS. I refused delivery & back it goes. I cannot understand how it was damaged as bad as it was. I should have taken a picture & posted here.

Anyway, I called Tiger Direct & told them not to reorder. Funny I bought my Klipsch subwoofer (2+ years ago) from Newegg & it came in perfectly from FedEx. I might look @ that HSU sub even though I didn't want to pay $300.00+ May go back to State Street Discount to look & see what they have to offer. Sucks having to send something back that I was hoping I could hook-up this weekend.
 
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