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Razer Mako 2.1 Speaker System
Introduction
Razer's entrance into the gaming sound arena was impressive and simple, following the path they'd cut for input devices. Their audio lineup includes a superb sound card, a headset, and a 2.1 speaker system. Their sleek style stands out first, and, priced as they are--$400--quality is expected. These Mako speakers are as sexy as they are unique--original looks are, in this case, good looks--and testify that sound follows form. Re-thinking the very shape of a speaker seems appropriate. Not only for Razer, but also for THX, their partner in this matte-finish affair. The center of the re-design is simple: point the drivers down, bounce the sound out in every direction. And now every spot is the sweet spot. But their combined forces multiply marketing, add to the technical BS, and I say there are faults to find. First Looks It would be completely unfair not to say a few words about how great these speakers look. (Of course, I work from a template, so I was going to say something here anyway. But you never know, someday I might skip it.) Maybe gamers are superficial, and I'm including myself here, but damn. Even if the whole omnidirectional deal isn't, I'd be inclined to want these just because they look boss. (I'm trying to bring back "boss.") Each canister is matte black, bordering on satin, and more fingerprint-resistant than you'd expect. Around the bases, where they let out the beats, is black steel mesh, and on top in a semi-gloss is the Razer logo. They're quite capable of making a cinder-block and plywood desk look fine. The magic inside the speakers is in amplification. A ClassHD amp, in theory, regulates the power by tracking audio input and matching it with power tailored to the audio, not the volume. Ideally, this reduces power consumption and noise introduced by amplifying what isn't sound. Razer Makos are heavy, even the satellites, which together weigh in at about 25lbs. The power supply is built into the sub, which uses a wall-wart-free two-prong power cable.        
Page 1: Introduction and First Looks
Page 2: Taking a Closer Look and Sound Quality Page 3: Conclusion 
Related Reviews Add Comment
7 User Comments 1 - Posted by
aireiq
on June 4, 2008 - 1:09 pm > Rub an equalizer on 'em, they're good to go. Is this like rubbing CrossFire on your box? Too much damned rubbing going on. Consider waving. Or hotly injecting. Or something. 2 - Posted by
Max Slowik
on June 4, 2008 - 2:25 pm Yeah, well... Your memory is too damn long. 3 - Posted by
Kurtis
on June 4, 2008 - 4:09 pm How about slathering or smothering. Basting, perhaps? ;-)
4 - Posted by
Max Slowik
on June 4, 2008 - 4:38 pm "Slap 'em with the equalizer, they're good to go," that'll do?
5 - Posted by
Milan
on August 20, 2008 - 7:30 am This is the best speaker set I've heard for PC. Few months ago I auditioned it in a local store and I was impressed by the quality of sound. It sounded great at the first listening and I bought it. This set of speakers sounded much better than any of the sets that I tried. (I was also impressed by Harman-Kardon SoundSticks but it wasn’t loud enough for me.) However, I had a feeling that something is missing or different than I’ve used to before. After few days of listening, I found out that the treble is too sharp. I was looking for reviews on internet if there is a similar opinion about this and I’ve found this one. I wasn’t very happy to found out that my 350 EU speakers have a fault like that. I had even an idea to sell it and buy a hi-fi system. I auditioned some good speakers with stereo amplifier that were priced about 1000 EU and I wasn’t completely satisfied as my mp3 music didn’t sound much better than I was used to. In the meantime I sold my computer to buy a new one and get an IPod from my friend just to listen to the music before my laptop is delivered. I was surprised that my speakers sounded much better with IPod. It was so obvious that actually the sharp highs were result of my integrated sound card on my last computer. I was so happy that I don’t need to buy new speakers. Razer Mako sound brilliant for mp3. I guess that it will sound great on my new laptop if I take a sound card or have luck to get a good one integrated.
6 - Posted by
Kurtis
on August 20, 2008 - 6:47 pm Thanks for sharing your experience with the Makos, Milan. :)
7 - Posted by
Razermania
on November 10, 2008 - 11:57 pm Not a bad review... the mako's are going on free shipping. Check out there product page. http://www.razerzone.com/p-90-razer-mako-21-advanc...
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