Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Cambridge Soundworks MovieWorks 408 Speakers by chych

Model:	MovieWorks 408
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$499
Description:	All in one 5.1 setup
Manufacturer URL:	Cambridge Soundworks
Manufacturer URL:	Cambridge Soundworks

Review by chych ( A ) on February 28, 2002 at 17:48:14
IP Address: 24.45.236.124

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for the MovieWorks 408

Just thought CSW should get a review here... I mean, Bose has one... > :)
Anyways, I got the MovieWorks 408 for $350 ($300 now I believe) as I was first getting into HT/audio... now that I consider myself an "audiophile", I can give some fairly honest impressions on the setup. Considering the price, I think it was a good deal, five identical one-way 3" drivered speakers and one 8" subwoofer. I still think it is a good deal at the $300 price point.
As for sound, well, it is a low end setup so it does not sound as refined as the upper level speakers. However, since all speakers are identical and single driver, it tends to image pretty well and sound very balanced. Midrange is pretty good, really the best this speaker system produces... Treble is lacking due to the lack of a tweeter, but whatever is there is smooth and relaxed. Bass isn't too impressive (at least on the basscube 8, new 408s have the basscube 8S), I do not like the subwoofer at all. Don't expect it to shake the house (unless you really want to hear some really bad bass)... the subwoofer is acceptable at not-so-high volumes and at it's lowest crossover point (80hz).
It cannot play music well, don't even bother. Movies/TV is enjoyable, though it is clear that something is missing in the performance. However, I really like the sense of balance and consistency produced by the speakers. At this price I think it is a good value.

Product Weakness: Bass gets boomy at high volumes, treble is lacking, not very refined in sound
Product Strengths: Good value, very balanced, decent midrange/imaging/soundstaging, looks okay (all black)

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Onkyo 575x (70W x 5)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Onkyo 575x
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pioneer DV-343
Speakers:	Movieworks 408
Cables/Interconnects:	Acoustic Research
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	TV, Movies, Classical, Rock, various
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 years
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Bass gets boomy at high volumes, treble is lacking, not very refined in sound
Product Strengths:	Good value, very balanced, decent midrange/imaging/soundstaging, looks okay (all black)