Introduction

Devil has presented at the same time six new sound systems to CeBIT, which took place early March in Hannover, all of which are located in the least pretty sparsely occupied PC sector of manufacturer’s Berlin. The most powerful and most impressive for other reason also introducing is the concept of E 400, which relies on a very voluminous subwoofer, which is probably long seek peer to peer in the PC segment. The low-frequency expert puts on a 300-mm bass chassis and zwackt most of the performance the six power amplifiers from, in order to achieve a respectable lower cut-off frequency 32 Hz. Deeper, it creates any of the devil PC systems, which can be regarded in itself taken as a bass affine.

In addition to the woofer, the Berliners have newly constructed but also the satellite also when you do not so much at this. New chassis – not only in the wide band cases of some of the new concept E systems – as well as redesigned crossover, and a new satellite housing are used. The result of this work is to be a smoother sound pressure level frequency response as well as a slightly higher efficiency. Both should guarantee that devil not only visually rises to a new level, but also acoustically. How is possible with the small size and ultimately but known acting construction, must show up but not before.

Devil wants to have adopted is also the feedback of the customer according to his own statement. Not only the design was so modern, also criticizing in particular the stand by consumption of the devices was taken into account, so treat yourself to this no longer 15 to over 20 Watts in sleep mode. Thus, it is clear that it was not idle in the capital. Test must show the following only whether but it’s enough to justify the 329 euros of concept E 400, which is so at least almost twice as expensive as the well-known and established in its class not concept E Magnum.

Preview

Test system

All tested speakers are connected to a creative X-Fi Platinum; Windows Vista is used as the operating system. Due to the higher stability, Youp-Pax driver used for the sound card. As a player draws 7, as well as the Windows Media Player on PowerDVD. Equalization or upmix mode be disabled entirely, so unless otherwise!

As an alternative to player to the PC, BDP-1400 used the Blu-ray player Samsung, optionally via six RCA outputs or – if possible – also digitally is connected to the speaker system. The Blu-ray player serves as to player for DVDs and Blu-ray discs.

So far tested speaker systems:

• Edifier S550
• Edifier S730
• Creative GigaWorks T3
• Creative GigaWorks T20 series II
• Creative GigaWorks T40 series II
• Logitech Z Cinema advanced
• Devil theme 5
• Razer Mako
• Teufel concept F
• Logitech G51
• Devil Motif 2
• Logitech Z-5450 digital
• Teufel concept E Magnum power Edition

Test environment

The space in which all the tests have taken place, it is about 25 m one m² large and three-meter room on the top floor of a Zweifamilienhauses. The list of boxes was carried out according to the usual orientation of a 5.1 speaker combo. The subwoofer found its place in right of the listener, and had at least one metre distance to each wall. The satellites were aligned on the handset.

Extensive and not only on the basis of a limited number of sources to evaluate the sound quality, several stereo and surround media from music, movies, and PC games were also in this test used. In addition to the sources listed below also Blu-ray discs and quality of different MP3 files are used. A collection of all available titles is not necessary due to space constraints.

&Lt; div > < div > collection of some of the used records

• DVD movies
  • War of the worlds
  • Master and Commander
  • The Lord of the Rings: The return of the King
  • Last Samurai
  • House of flying daggers
  • Mission impossible 3
  • Matrix

• PC games
  • World in conflict
  • Call of duty 2
  • Battlefield 2
  • Overlord
  • Half-life 2
  • Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars
  • Crysis
  • Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance

• Music DVDs
  • Queen – greatest video hits 1 (dts 5.1, stereo)
  • Queen – greatest video hits 2 (dts 5.1, stereo)
  • Eagles – hell freezes over (dts 5.1 DolbyDigital 5.1, stereo)
  • Abba – 16 hits (Dolby Digital sound track – 2 channels!)
  • Animusic 2 (Dolby Digital 5.1, stereo)
    • Animusic samples can be downloaded in their entirety and in HD quality from the official Web site!
  • Pink Floyd – pulse (Dolby Digital 5.1, stereo)
  • In extremo – live 2002 (Dolby Digital 5.1, stereo)
  • HIM – love metal archives vol.. 1 (Stereo)
  • Apocalyptica – the life Burns tour (Dolby Digital 5.1, dts 5.1, stereo)

Detail viewing

Is one of not only the sound of a loudspeaker system, also look and processing facilities should vote, so that the optical stimuli assist the sound fun. Because Devil has newly designed the in-house concept series with the new design, it is also important, looking once more precisely.

Concept E 400

The postman has little to do not, if he must heave the concept E 400 up to the door. A package of significant size and with a total weight of 28 kg will be moved. Responsible for both the weight and the size of the new subwoofer of the speaker system not once removed is reminiscent of its predecessor. Instead to set up a wide, moderately high low-frequency experts such as the concept F or the concept E Magnum, a small Tower on the PC, or in addition to the television space will find now. The subwoofer of the concept of E 400 is almost 60 cm high and almost as deep, but slightly narrower than the well-known PC subwoofer of devil. The unusually large for a multimedia device subwoofer cabinet is then also 63 liters – some adult home theater subwoofer turns out less.

400 SW is also technically the CE, the name of the black tower, not to the even feel. A 300-mm bass chassis is intended to ensure a remarkable bass Foundation and the six power amplifiers spark the complete speaker system with a total output capacity of 300 Watt sine wave. Is that to comply partly not more favourable of the Berlin loudspeaker systems on the part of low-frequency experts, to realize a lower cutoff frequency of 32 Hz (at-3 dB) – significantly less than in older, however. So, the lower cutoff frequency of additional products from Devil’s portfolio is located between 35 to 37 Hz (concept F, concept E Magnum, scene 5) and 39 to 41 Hz (scene 2), both at-3 dB. The satellites also should have a higher efficiency compared to the previous versions; the entire system wise on a creating frequency response than old concept.

Optical is of course little to see here it is believed only the subwoofer that can outdo his ancestors. This is true also with regard to the quality, as well as in terms of look and feel: the subwoofer is made from massive MDF boards and prepared at the front in elegant piano varnish look. Apparently, only three knobs and a powerful bass reflex input dominate the front, actually these are the controls only two knobs for the master volume and bass, and a button for the stand by mode. Unlike earlier the system so directly in the sleep mode can be collected, where it then also no longer up to 20 Watts consumed, but only those two. This is still not top of the world, but a very significant improvement, which is only welcome. The use of an automatic was abandoned. The system moves but still independently in the standby mode, when it receives no signal for 15-20 minutes.

Unlike earlier the 5.1 system can be but also not more control by remote control. Such there is simply no longer, which is why all settings on the to player must be made. This may make sense, if the set of the PC is used, it is convenient for you but even there only if you about has a multi media keyboard and can make to the volume or mute. Already, the individual channels – up on the LFE channel, which can be configured using the bass slider – one levels is no longer possible on the system itself. Devil justified this with a customer survey, according to which the remote control of the previous PC sets is hardly used.

Also new is that the satellites are now delivered including base and a (simple) wall mount. The feet of all satellites are identical, they are so constructed that the center speaker either upright or 90 ° rotated can be mounted. For both purposes a front panel is included in the system, which is also the devil logo so that it is always readable. A simple elbow is included for wall mounting, which can be bolted to an end with the satellite and on the other hand, the screw connection to the wall is attached. The system is simple, but it works.

The satellites themselves are comparatively easy and weigh only about a half a kilogram per piece. In their size, E Magnum differ but not from the satellite of the concept. The exception here is the center speaker that no longer is equipped with two Tiefmitteltönern but remains identical to all satellites. This has advantages in terms of uniformity, because equal sound all front speakers (specifically all five satellites) and result in no sound stains between the front pair, and the Centre loudspeaker. But also a Sonic disadvantage can arise there, because the previously twice tipped Center speaker is theoretically better for the important voice playback in films. Here the new design must only show that dialogs are now not lebloser work as before. The new satellites have a slightly curved front and for the first time have an easily dismountable Grill – a fabric that is stretched on a plastic skeleton. As well as the subwoofer, the cases of small speakers are painted black; However, its front is silver.

There are nothing to gripe to the processing. The set is in uniform gaps on all the components, a good paint, as well as a clean fitting of all chassis. The impression resulting here at least meets the price range.

Technical data

Devil E 400 presented five more new stereo and multi-channel systems of the concept series in addition to the concept. The concept of E 400 represents the in-house performance Crown. In comparison with the competition from its own House, it puts on the largest bass chassis, as well as the most potent power amplifiers of the Berlin manufacturer.

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All new speakers is common is that they were constructed from scratch. Although the two-way satellite of speaker systems so look such as the concept E Magnum (and the similar, but equipped with band-pass enclosures concept F), they differ. So, other chassis, as well as a redesigned crossover were used. In addition, the housing of the small satellite has been revised so that it is now easier with the same size and has a curved front.

Also the subwoofer is no longer a Downfire structure. Instead, the woofer was mounted on the side at the high and narrow casing. Theoretically, the bass this is precise, he can work, but also less powerful, because it becomes not so much in the walls.

Stand by consumption

A major criticism of almost all fully active loudspeakers from the House of the devil was the stand-by consumption, which was clearly in the double-digit range. This want to have reduced the Berlin with the new sets to an acceptable level below two Watts. In our test, the concept E 400 confirmed this value: the Voltcraft ammeter “energy check 3000″ certify a current consumption of 0.9 Watts in sleep mode the 5.1 system. This value but not actual consumption shall, at least not according to scientific standards: the Voltcraft device delivers in a consumption below 1.5 watts not exact values more. It can be but sure that remains the speaker set below just this 1.5 watts.

Abnormalities

Compared to computer base, Devil confirmed that also the noise performance of the new speaker systems should be enhanced. Some of the older PC systems remained at a significant background noise that could upset especially when the speakers play nothing. Usually nothing is of this noise already from a distance of maximum one meter to the satellite or during an active playback to hear.

At the new concept of E 400, the assessment of the situation is less clear. The noise of the system should be at 90 dB, which is quite good and conforms to the level of Hi-Fi components. Yet a gentle is subjective (so no scratch-side), but perceptible noise one, which is still audible from more than one meter distance, provided that you can sit directly in front of the satellite. Above or below the speaker and clear side listening position noise is hardly to perceive.

The noise that the manufacturer with the higher efficiency of satellites the actually higher noise level of the amplifier built into the subwoofer is partially eaten up. However, individually assess the impact of noise on the hearing. Few are likely to interfere on the silent noise, therefore but sensitive natures could have a serious problem with the set.

Sound impressions

Again, the personal impressions of the character of the tested sound system to be acquired in this test. This never objectively to happen to one hundred percent, be anticipated; the described sound impression after all reflects the opinion of the tester. He should be considered only as a recommendation. It is advantageous in addition in any case, hear the speaker always even, to match its sound with the personal preferences.

Music

The question, how the devil concept sounds good E 400 music playback is the setting for the biggest challenge to the sound system at the same time. Typically – and this also applies to the current PC systems of Berlin – the combination of small satellites and a subwoofer can be difficult to conceal. The cases of most PC speaker systems are usually too small, the chassis as well and the general vote is designed that the woofers with transfers parts of the Middle tone area (and about the language). Sterical bass is the consequence and sometimes a rumblings of subwoofer, if strong male voices only from the satellite to come. Many multi channel loudspeaker systems suffer from this principle-related problems, so including that the interaction between the subwoofer and satellite are not smoothly.

Also the devil concept E 400 created externally not just the impression that Berlin wanted to perform miracles here: the satellites are not larger than before, but the subwoofer. That this can provide powerful bass, believes you immediately whether succeeds but also the critical transition to the satellites? In short: Yes, he succeeds. The homogeneity of the new concept sound system is significantly better than about when the concept E Magnum. The small satellite fan on a credible stage and Act adult when they look like. Like best however, that the high frequency range appears not as pointed as before. You can listen to music are also longer at high volume without getting headaches.

That all of this works better than the concept E Magnum or similar systems does not mean of course that the system is the incarnation of the ideal playback. It is rather the case that the concept of E no longer suggests 400 also comparatively demanding listeners to flight. The entire sound is always a tad more credible, closed in itself and at the top nor at the bottom of the frequency lead to effective. Because this is new: the bass is less a brabbelndes Monster than an all-time ready Dampfhammer. He may, if he must because enough holding back but often also as, as it should be. The subwoofer has thereby also slightly differentiated and of course also potent than before: the 300-mm chassis is no ornament but a Titan in the study.

All’ which translates to about at the eagles live concert “Hell Freezes Over”: bass guitar, drums, and almost all percussion instruments have a crispy and staggered deeper than in the past. Gittarenriffs vibrate surprisingly freely in space and also in singing the small satellites are an amazingly authentic character in the voice of the singer. Current pop title but are even more fun. Whether Timbaland, Peter Fox, or Kings of Leon: the dynamics of the sound system is amazing and the bass stand – so he is than required – is unparalleled in the multimedia world. The concept of E 400 has it never overwhelmed and plays everything you gain him completely unimpressed. Depending on the genre, but lacks a certain degree of differentiation. Sometimes it is difficult to resolved herauszuhören individual details such as those of the remaining sound.

This is what is missing demanding listeners: the fine drawing and the elaboration of details. Could also vocals to time appear stronger and firmer. The range is somewhat too thin, as earlier if also not so understaffed. As a whole are sound improvements to feel, they make no musician, but by no means from the multiset media. This is also not the aim of the system. Its area is located on the PC as a gaming and film equipment – as it is there suggests, is clarified in the next section. Apply for it here: the concept attracts E 400, what to expect when the size of the satellite is – and creates something, perhaps even more than that. Better, however the musical translation manages a touch the satellite of the Edifier S550 or Edifier S730, with the difference only very marginally fails. On the other hand, the devil loudspeakers deliver the higher (and thus distortion-free) maximum level.

Movies and games

After that the devil concept already better suggested E 400 music than other concept systems, the expectations for the film and game implementation fall out high. The special advantage of the speaker system is the 300-mm woofer in the large subwoofer. This allows an effect Battle Hymn, which is rarely so on a PC: action games win again on brachialem draft, which stands out clearly from a concept E Magnum. The maximum level, which realized the concept E 400, are also brutal. The set is to can – terrorising 30 m² and it decreases more than that it. The speakers play here is again less than noise-makers than than well-trained athletes to the fore: you can – you commented anywhere – but do not need. Overall the set looks more mature than its predecessors. You must really want it to go to involuntary listeners data on the nerves.

For movie fans, it is also the subwoofer, which increased output compared to the well-known sound systems most clearly conveyed the sentiment. Provoked by its size and technical data you downright plows through the action-packed film of the famous collection. Whether “iron man”, “War of the worlds”, “Transformers” or also “the Dark Knight”-the bass is fun. He is so crisp and deep, this but also omnipresent and less artificial than with other systems, that is the good low-frequency experts and can integrate are welcome in the home theater.

The satellite can not quite compete on this level, for a PC system that is being used for the movie, they meet but completely. You create a very good, room-filling sound environment and annoy a too sharp treble nor by an overly flashy Center tone hole. Sometimes, however more presence of the center speaker is desirable. This can it not always, the dialogs unerringly into the hearing room fire, which is why they sometimes lost in the background noise levels. Perhaps here but a central loudspeaker stocked again twice with Tiefmitteltönern would have been worthwhile. Still, overall performance deserves a good praise.

Conclusion

Devil has bigger E 400 visibly and audibly not in the concept. The system has a visually fresh and can do it from the very good in their price range PC systems, from the same home as well as from other vendors, to sell, already. It is also commendable that Berlin carried out some weaknesses of the old systems and have them corrected. So the concept E 400 can quickly and easily to enable the standby mode, in which it is now finally also comparatively saving remains. Are the days where a devil speaker system in idle mode to the 20 Watt consumed, at least with this system over. The switch-off attendant, that disabled the system for missing input signal has been retained.

Miss, however, could the automatic. This is a point of criticism in particular, when the subwoofer not within easy walking distance of the user is situated. The system is indeed always activated on the subwoofer, and this is no longer controllable via remote control. This is probably also one of the biggest setbacks over other PC systems – not only from the House of the devil – to look: why, even now, no remote control is provided, only illuminates a. So, it’s understandable, on the one hand, that devil the concept used wants to see E 400 on the PC, on which each necessary setting often even the keypad can be made. On the other hand, forcing the buyer of the own systems to resign with the sound management of the operating system, and ideally to put on a multi media keyboard. Why for example the new concept-C versions at least a wired remote control does not get, the new concept-E speaker systems but consistently remains open and debatable. Here, you could compensate the absence of a remote control (such as also several inputs) at best with the Devil’s own decoder stations. Perhaps the Berliners want just that. A sound system for over 300 euros should have something like this but not necessary.

The same applies to the lack of variety of audio inputs. It is accepted only a multi channel source, you are looking for additional analog or even digital inputs to no avail. That may suffice for the average PC user, to not win a flower pot and probably also in this respect demanding clients so but. The low noise of the system could disturb sensitive listeners.

The concept of E 400 with regard to its sound can be no accusation. The speakers are extremely level fixed, the subwoofer is the dominated and truly powerful, and the entire vote turns out coherent than in the past. The 5.1 system probably really marks the top of what is possible in this size. Rather is not zuzutrauen so small, desk-to-use satellites and a subwoofer should not be much larger, to go through at all as a component of a PC speaker system. The concept of E 400 thus represents an extreme, that will also be paid. Devil requires more than 329 EUR 5.1 Setup – plus all speaker cables.

Paid is not only the sound, rather it is the mix of meaningful improvements (apart from the controversial absence of the remote control) and of the new design, here hitting record. That the set is only available for a few weeks, is likely also included in the calculation – perhaps is to be expected here, medium or long term with a price reduction.

What remains is the question of whether the system is recommended – and this decision is quite unique. It is the fact that other PC systems in terms of connectivity and the ease of use like better than the devil set though. Also for pure music playback there are priced similar solutions that can do it better. Who (quite not unauthorized) places emphasis on these aspects, is not the ideal sound solution in the concept of E 400 probably. Here about the Logitech Z-5500 (wider port range) offering himself, the Edifier S550 (user-friendly operation, subtly better mid-range sound) or a stereo speaker set to.

It is clear also that the devil system – even at this price – in the multimedia world is a remarkable acoustic chunks, where the competition most ambitious the teeth. The set is easily on the PC and also in the film and play bet. The music has also been improved. Devils beat the entire competition thus not in all areas, but the bottom line remains a powerful tool that can claim its place in the price range. It sounds good through the subwoofer probably too good for the competition – chapeau!

Thus, the concept deserves E 400 a recommendation from the computer base.

Everyday prices:

• Concept E 400
• Edifier S550
• Edifier S730
• Devil Motif 2
• Creative GigaWorks T3
• Logitech Z Cinema advanced
• Razer Mako

Final note

We are fully aware, that no absolutely objective, metrologically optimized testing can be done without high-quality measurement technology and sound-optimised spaces, as they possess the major audio magazines laboratories, to form a us but, to have a reasonably trained ear, to also meaningful test. Our sound check to the inclined PC audio freak help to find a speaker system suitable for him, and invite to take a small trip in the world of the audiophile pleasure. No more and no less.