All in all, sound equipment is a vortex that can get sucked in for a long time. Comparing technology, finding the perfect sound, getting frustrated, selling out and building everything from scratch ā it has the same mystical appeal as when medieval alchemists tried to create gold from lead. But gold, as everyone knows, was never created in a test tube. But many other useful elements have been discovered.
For example, phosphor. Itās the same with acoustics: instead of chasing after a warm tube sound, letās have a better look at a couple of workhorses from the budget segment. And letās find out if itās possible to reach Nirvana for just a thousand or two Dollars. So, on the left track beats the Top-Device TDM-200, on the right track ā Top-Device TDM-205. Letās go!
Design
There is a fundamental difference in the design of these closely related 2.No 1-channel acoustic systems. A pair of satellite speakers and a subwoofer with the control knobs on the front panel.
Model Top-Device TDM-200 due to thin blue lettering and strokes on the black background looks more futuristic and will go well with blue backlight of home computer, for example. And the model TDM-205 is more conservative and calm. So in this case the fans of TRON movie are to the left, the followers of the classics ā to the right.
Top-Device TDM-200
Note the considerable difference in dimensions of the subwoofers. At Top-Device TDM-200 it is small and narrow 70 x 195 x 72 and easily fits on any table, while the ābass playerā TDM-205 is a brutal cube 200 x 200 x 190 almost perfect shape. Of course, the dimensions were increased for a reason, but we will talk about that below, for now we will only note completely different requirements for free space on the desktop.
And just a little bit about the design of the satellite speakers. Their surface is slightly tilted back for better sound wave propagation in the room. Under ideal conditions, this creates a āsurround soundā effect, but that, again, is a topic for the section below. But for now letās just note, that despite the slant of the lines, the mice are standing even and arenāt prone to spontaneous falls.
In terms of cabinet materials, the test subjects, again, parity. The subwoofers are made of MDF, the satellites ā of plastic. These are standard solutions for this class, and for mahogany please go to the next window, pre-prepared with the appropriate bundle of money.
Top-Device TDM-205
Controls
Design subtleties aside, the controls in both systems are also the same. Separate volume knobs for subwoofer and satellites continuously turning from side to side. Far left position mutes the speakers, far right position automatically calls indignant neighbors to your front door.
Sound
The combined power of Top-Device TDM-200 and Top-Device TDM-205 are slightly different. The 200 model is a bit lighter and produces a total of 12 watts, compared to Top-Device TDM-205ās 16 watts. In reality, this is reflected in the fact that the older model plays louder at maximum sound volume.
But the question of the importance of volume is ambiguous and, first of all, depends on our natural environment. If the acoustics will stand in a small room, the volume level of Top-Device TDM-200 is enough. And for a living-room shower, most likely, the more powerful Top-Device TDM-205 will request.
Speaking of sound quality, let me remind you that weāre talking about budget home solutions, not studio gear. And all the nuances associated with the playback should be perceived through the prism of this secret knowledge. We extract phosphorus! But very useful.
The sound in both systems is pleasant and balanced. Itās about the same in both systems, except of course for the difference in volume.
Top-Device TDM-205 produces more powerful bass at maximum, and TDM-200 has slightly more interesting middle part maybe just because of less pronounced low frequencies . I was pleased with the absence of distortion in the highs and no extraneous noise from the subwoofers. For the latter we should thank the built-in sound insulation, which leaves the hum and rattle inside the box ābass speakerā without letting them out.
Usage scenarios
How these systems are with music, we have already understood. Now letās talk about other scenarios.
While watching movies, both models proved to be good. And the possibility to turn up the bass more in TDM-205 perfectly combines with the action movies, rich in special effects. For melodrama, any of the systems studied will do.
With games, the situation is not quite so simple. Outputting sound on two channels for a good shooter is very little ā a foe can sneak up behind and cynically shoot at point-blank range. But for more relaxed games, where the sound is only a set of effects yes the soundtrack, the speakers are suitable. And Top-Device TDM-200 would fit even better: the design is more authentic, it doesnāt need much power for such work, and on the saved money you can buy something interesting in Steam.
Conclusions
Despite similar results in testing, there are certain nuances between these speakers. And when choosing speakers for your home computer, they are bound to come to the fore. First of all, you need to determine the free space on the table.
Remember that besides the monitor, the system unit and the speakers there should be a place for computer peripherals, a cup of coffee and a plate with something appetizing. Secondly, estimate the volume of the room which is supposed to be filled with marvelous sounds of music. Similar to similar: small to small, big to big and the āgoldā variant is practically guaranteed.
As for sound quality, in this case, itās secondary to the choice, as itās almost identical. The story is not about the sound, but about the choice between ālouder or cheaperā?ā(1300 Dollars for 200 model, 1400 for 205 model . And a little more about the battle for a place for your favorite mug in front of the monitor.
Are the Acoustics Top-Device TDM-200 and Top-Device TDM-205 designed to prioritize louder sound quality or affordability?