Compact Speakers

Best-sounding systems with tiny speakers

Reviews say that small satellites like those in the Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 and the NHT Super Surround 5.1 do a really good job disappearing into a typical viewing room. But if even those are too large, the Cambridge Audio Minx S215 (*Est. $800) might be your tiny cup of tea.

Weighing in at less than a pound apiece and measuring just larger than 3 inches square, you might not expect much from such minuscule speakers -- but reviewers say you'll be surprised at the big sound the system throws out. Unlike a traditional cube speaker (which uses a cone-shaped driver) or two-way speakers (which use a separate tweeter and woofer), the Minx S215 uses a single flat diaphragm called a balanced mode radiator (BMR) driver. The BMR technology allows the speakers to radiate sound in all directions, as opposed to the fairly straight-ahead sonic structure of traditional speakers. This eliminates the need to locate a sweet spot for the best sound experience. Low frequencies are handled by a subwoofer that measures only 8 inches square and features a 6.5-inch driver with two side-mounted 6.5-inch passive radiators.

Reviewers say the audio handles itself well as long as the Cambridge Audio Minx S215 is placed in no more than an average-sized room. Music and movies sound good on the system, although critics say the speakers lack the presence of larger two-way models, especially during high-octane action scenes. "The Minx system seemed to hold back during scenes that a larger speaker would have fearlessly attacked," says Brent Butterworth at Sound + Vision magazine. But CNET (Australia) counterpoints, saying, "We were impressed just how composed the system remained even when cranked up to quite antisocial volume levels." Both Butterworth and Mark Fleischmann at Home Theater magazine say male voices seem a bit light when heard through the Minx S215.

Despite those drawbacks, the Cambridge Audio Minx S215 was given Sound + Vision's 2011 Certified and Recommended award as well as Home Theater magazine's Top Pick award. About.com, Britain's What Hi-Fi? and CNET (Australia) all give the system high marks as well. Dialogue sounds crisp and distinct, and the BMR technology works well at conveying accurate sound throughout the room. The X200 subwoofer included with the system does a good job of playing low bass notes without suffering from much distortion, although About.com's Robert Silva noticed some dropoff at extremely low frequencies. Reviewers also praise the Minx S215's multiple wall-mounting options. The general critical summary can be summed up by Butterworth's closing notes at Sound + Vision: "The Cambridge Audio Minx S215 is the best little cube-shaped speaker system I've heard, and the first that I liked as much as larger, two-way sub/sat systems."

Another miniature option is the Mirage MX 5.1 ( *Est. $1,000) . Its 800-watt mini-subwoofer and Mirage's Omnipolar technology, which is similar to the Cambridge Audio Minx S215's BMR capabilities, combine to produce surprising, room-filling sound -- as long as the room isn't too big.

Reviewers say the MX 5.1's big sound is great for both movies and music, and the system's high-gloss black finish exceeds the appearance of speakers from most other manufacturers. CNET's Steve Guttenberg reports that the Mirage MX 5.1 delivers top-notch performance from the smallest satellite speakers and subwoofer CNET has ever tested. In Guttenberg's opinion, innovative engineering propels the MX 5.1 to the top spot in the small system/big sound sweepstakes.

Sound + Vision magazine also extols the performance of the MX 5.1, but reviewer Daniel Kumin is equally impressed with its attractive black-gloss finish, which he describes as having "pizzazz." He sums up the MX 5.1 as being truly a class apart from other all-in-one ultra-compact speakers.

Such small speakers are certain to have some drawbacks, and the MX 5.1 is no exception. CNET's Guttenberg warns that imaging isn't as precise as that of larger box-type speakers. Kumin thinks they're a bit expensive for such tiny units, and cautions that it may take a bit of trial and error to place the speakers for best performance. Experts say you shouldn't expect high-volume sound to fill any room larger than 300 square feet.

The Mirage Nanosat 5.1 home theater speaker system (*Est. $600) also features tiny satellites that easily disappear even in a small room, yet are powerful enough to fill a fair-sized room with sound. Even the 75-watt powered subwoofer is diminutive compared to the competition, but it's also less powerful.

Most reviews predate a refresh of the Mirage Nanosat 5.1. CNET, however, looks at the latest version and comes away impressed. While the Nanosat 5.1 uses the same technology as the MX 5.1, the satellites and subwoofer are larger, which could be a negative if you want the smallest compact speaker system. Yet Guttenberg says that while he was highly impressed with the sound quality of the MX 5.1, the Nanosat 5.1 actually sounds a little better to his ears.

Those on a budget might want to consider the Energy RC-Micro 5.1 (*Est. $600) . At 4.7 inches tall by 3.5 inches deep and wide, the satellites might not be the smallest ever, but reports say they still do a great job disappearing in a room.

According to Guttenberg, the secret to the RC-Micro 5.1's success is how well the tiny satellites and just slightly beefier center-channel speaker mesh with the 8-inch, 100-watt subwoofer. The major failing in most small-speaker systems -- including those with satellites notably bigger than those found in this Energy system -- is a gap in the frequency response between the subwoofer and the rest of the system. CNET says this shows up as thin sound when listening to movies and music.

In tests, there's no thin sound with the RC-Micro 5.1. Movie special effects come through with reality and clarity. Music also sounds good for the most part, although CNET says the highest treble frequencies lack "sparkle," and the satellites and sub suffer when stressed to play at very loud volumes.