3. Testing And Listening

The CS21 offers a balanced response, even better balanced than numerous other systems that tend to produce louder trebles in comparison with the rest of the spectrum. The less positive side is that the response of the satellite speakers presents certain irregularities that are nevertheless noticeable with a peak around 200 Hz and a trough around 500 Hz and another peak at 2.5 kHz. This isn't a disaster, however, because the magnitude of these peaks and troughs is fairly reduced.

As for the bass, the CS21 covers the "useful" bass spectrum but does not go extremely low. This is a very understandable choice, in view of the fact that the loudspeaker is very limited in size.

However, the maximum level obtained is perfectly satisfactory without attaining that of systems with more powerful and larger bass speakers.

Maximum Level: 112 DB SPL

When listening, you are pleasantly surprised at first by the overall good balance and the dynamic nature of the reproduction. Response irregularities are hardly noticeable; the tone is very good with little distortion, regardless of the type of music being played. A little equalization would make it possible to noticeably improve things if you have sensitive ears or if you are unlucky enough to listen to music whose output falls on a response trough. The bass offers a good feeling of depth and fullness with good rendering of sound detail. It is only when playing some extremely demanding pieces that the lowest bass notes are not perfect. The bass does not go low enough and the distortion becomes noticeable. But it's a trade-off for the price you pay for this system.