Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Velodyne Acoustics SMS-1 Speakers by rkeman

Model:	SMS-1
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$699
Description:	Bass Management System
Manufacturer URL:	Velodyne Acoustics
Manufacturer URL:	Velodyne Acoustics

Review by rkeman ( A ) on December 13, 2005 at 14:31:46
IP Address: 12.168.121.2

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for the SMS-1

The Velodyne SMS-1 is a subwoofer management sytem that offers the ability to equalize and the room response of a subwoofer. It works by digitizing the input signal and applying graphic and/or parametric equalization for six low frequency bands in the digital domain. This allows for effective room equalization at a reasonable cost with maximal flexibility.
Among the many features are a configurable subsonic filter, low pass filter, phase control, level control and six equalization presets (five listening modes and a bypass). A fixed 80Hz 6dB/octave high pass filter is also available. A plethora of input/output jacks provide for nearly any situation, and multiple SMS-1s can be daisy-chained. A comprehensive on-screen set up menu is provided (a video monitor with S-video or composite inputs is required) because the front panel display only indicates the selected preset and level setting. A calibrated microphone and full function remote control are included and allow fast and accurate equalization. The owner's manual is clear and well written.
Set up is quick and painless. Having equalized too many sound systems with analog equalizers and room treatments, the SMS-1 proved to be a revelation. Everything is included in a compact 1RU component - test tones, an accurate sound measuring system, and six bands of glorious parametric equalization! The Auto-Eq mode works quite well, and fully manual control is provided for the more experienced audiophile wanting to tweek the response a bit.
The sound is the big story here, and those unaccustomed to truly smooth bass response are in for quite a treat. Room modes are the bane of most every listening room and the SMS-1 quite literally knocks them out. Up to 12 dB of attentuation and 6dB of boost are available, enough to handle most situations. All that is needed is a powered subwoofer with sufficient capacity (see warning below) and it's off to the races! The SMS-1 is also notable for what it does not do. No noise, no upper bass or midrange coloration, and no high frequency glare are introduced, as is so often the case with other equalizers and signal-processors. Tight and clean bass is only an SMS-1 away!
Warning: Some subwoofers will run out of output cabability when fully equalized at low frequencies and could be damaged if played at high levels, so proceed with caution. The manual for the SMS-1 is very clear about this and should be heeded.

Product Weakness: A video monitor is required for set up.
Product Strengths: Makes real bass possible in real rooms.
Inexpensive, quiet, clean and easy to use.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Theta Dreadnaught
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Anthem AVM-20
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony NS999-ES DVD player and Cox HD Cable Converter
Speakers:	Magnepan MG-1.6 and MG-MC1, custom subwoofers (Adire Tumult in sealed boxes)
Cables/Interconnects:	DIY Belden/Canare
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Pop, classical, and movies
Room Size (LxWxH):	22' x 15' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Normal furnishings
Time Period/Length of Audition:	One week
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	A video monitor is required for set up.
Product Strengths:	Makes real bass possible in real rooms. Inexpensive, quiet, clean and easy to use.