Behringer MS20

These compact 2-way, bass reflex, self powered desktop monitors offer 2 sets of analog inputs with 24-bit 192-kHz A-D converters and direct S/PDIF digital inputs via optical and coaxial. They come packaged in pairs using a master and slave configuration that connect- together with a supplied cable.

The MS20???s are designed and built for professional audio applications and not as a cheap plastic iPod or computer accessory. They feature a virtual Swiss Army Knife of Inputs and Outputs having both optical and coaxial digital inputs and should handle any hook-up situation with ease.A NO wallwart designed is a testament of their ability to interface with pro-audio equipment. The solid feel of all of their controls show good quality construction and assembly and they never exhibited any sign of electrical interference with my nearby USB-WIFI router, wireless phone systems, or computer monitors.

Connected from my Mac Book Using a (Behringer UCA222) USB Audio interface with optical Toshlink outputs these magnetically shielded little plug and play wonders quickly came alive without any fuss. They are completely silent without any noticeable hiss or noise even with the volume and Bass and Treble tone controls completely maxed out. The front panel 1/4 inch TRS headphone jack is a convenient and welcome addition for connecting a powered subwoofer or just spare headphones.

O.K. how do they sound? Definitely as good as they look and way better than any of the dedicated computer speakers that I???ve ever owned or listened to (period). When connected via the digital inputs the sound is remarkably phase correct, smooth, detailed, accurate and articulate and you may hear things on your recordings and CD???s that you never heard before. Listening in the all digital domain shows off the systems extended frequency range, they never seemed hyped or fatiguing if anything they exhibited a wide open stereo image and sound field with tons of volume, punch and headroom from their built-in 10 Watt amplifiers. My Jeff Beck ???There and Back??? recording never sounded so good on any system regardless of where the Volume or Tone controls where set. It seems that both the Treble and Bass controls are perfectly voiced to the system and offer very pleasing sounding boost and cuts and I seem able to listen to them for hours on end. All of the program sources and reverb tails are clearly more audible than on the NS-20 than they are on some of the bigger much more expensive analog only Active Control Monitors that I???ve heard and in my opinion at close-proximity they sound like the ???Big and Powerful??? time-aligned control room speakers at Capitol Recording studio ???A??? or at Conway Studios.

In fact, the NS-20???s sound so good that I might even consider modifying them by upgrading the stock tweeter and by adding an active sub. Although, I like them just fine as they are too. I???d have to highly recommend these to any laptop musician wanting good translation between their portable and pro-studio monitors regardless of budget they do an amazing job. Just be sure to position the Left and Right speakers correctly!