Bowers and Wilkins Hi-Fi speakers, once again raising the standard even higher for brilliant sound quality. The MM-1 speakers are the latest product in their tradition of excellence. The difference between these and their other speakers lies mainly with the fact the MM-1s are designed for desk use. Before we start, let’s begin with the breakdown:
- Dimensions: 3.9 in x 3.9 in x 6.7 in
- Connection type: USB
- Includes: Speakers, Remote, Audio Cable, USB Cable, Power Supply
- Weight: 1.9lbs
Point Scaled Grading
Style: 1-25 Given: 23
Price: 1-15 Given:12
Quality materials: 1-15 Given: 14
Brand name: 1-10 Given: 9
Modern technologies: 1-15 Given: 15
Compatibility: 1-15 Given: 13.5
Ease of use: 1-5 Given: 3
OVERALL: 89.5
Set up: Setup for the MM-1s is simple, just plug and play. In the box, a small, black, pebble shaped remote is included for easier control, which is a very useful tool.
Style: Needless to say, the MM-1s have style. Jet black, and chrome silver, they truly are a statement to the way quality speakers should look. In addition to being known for their Hi-Fi sound, Bowers and Wilkins are also known for the appearance of their products.
Price: At the retail price of $500, the MM-1s are definitely pricey. Although the MM-1s have incredible sound quality, you have to ask yourself, do you really want to pay $500 dollars for a set of desktop speakers? If the answer is yes, then go for it. But for the average consumer $500 seems to be way too much.
Quality Materials: Quality materials? Yes. The MM-1s are very sturdy speakers, and have a nice weight to them. They do not have that light and cheap feel that many other speakers have, but they sport a very solid build.
Brand name: It’s Bowers and Wilkins, what else is there to say?
Modern Technologies: The MM-1s use new technologies, such as the USB connection, which gives better quality fed through the speakers. They also boast two drivers, one for bass, and one for treble. The MM-1s also use digital signal processing, that keeps the bass and music sounding good at whatever volume played at.
Compatibility: There’s nothing really here to complain about, these speakers are compatible with Macs, as well as PCs. They also include an audio jack on the back for headphone compatibility.
Ease of Use: The MM-1s are unique, in the way that they are specifically designed to be desktop speakers. The audio from the two speakers converge at around two feet from the speaker, ultimately giving the user musical bliss. The downside to this is if you move away from the center of the speakers, the sound seems faded. One solution is to move the speakers according to your position in the room. Although this seems to work, it still is an inconvenience to reposition every listening session.
Continued Evaluation
Bowers and Wilkins MM1s have crisp vocals, strong bass , but they cost the hefty price of $500. The MM-1s are truly revolutionaries to the field of desktop speakers, giving Bowers and Wilkins’ signature Hi-Fi sound. I would recommend the MM1 speakers for hard core audiophiles, as well as any consumer wanting great quality speakers and is willing to pay $500 up front.
