Jazz JS9938 5.1 speaker system

The Jazz JS9938 comes in an ‘A’ and ‘B’ series. For this review, we looked at the A series. The only difference is the external appearance, and if you check out the Sato Technology Website you can see what the B series looks like.

The Jazz JS9938 comes in an ‘A’ and ‘B’ series. For this review, we looked at the A series. The only difference is the external appearance, and if you check out the Sato Technology Website you can see what the B series looks like.

This 5.1 system is marketed as a ‘private home theatre’. It features a separate control unit that decodes DTS, Dolby Digital (AC3), Pro Logic II and, of course, vanilla stereo. It supports two digital (optical) and one analog input. The system is operated either directly via the control unit, or by using the supplied remote. The remote also provides extended functionality with options such as ‘c_delay’, ‘s_delay’ and preset effects such as ‘theatre’ ‘hall’ and ‘stadium’ environments.

Installation was straightforward, assisted by with colour-coded plugs. The satellites can be wall mounted with the supplied brackets. Power for the control unit is drawn from a second cable to the subwoofer.

We tested on a Sound Blaster Audigy with a combination of MP3s encoded at 128Kb/s, a few rounds of Raven Shield, finished off with Star Wars: Episode II on DVD, giving the system a full opportunity to strut its stuff.

These speakers aren’t designed to be the excessively loud. The 5.25in subwoofer and 2.5in satellites pump out a total 45W RMS, which is less than many similar priced systems. Sound reproduction was generally impressive and surround sound was delivered accurately and effectively. The high tones are clear and the mid tones are smooth and warm. The bass is rich and responsive until you crank up the volume on some bass-heavy sounds, then it becomes noticeably muddy and distorted. This is evident regardless of the sound source, and without any real equaliser controls on-board, it left us a little disappointed.

In terms of sound quality, these are quite capable at most levels. Overall, the sound experience is cinema like, full and immersive, with every sound detail sharp and clear, at average volumes. This is not the best we have seen from Jazz, however, and price will play a part in the success of this system.

If you need a quality surround system for casual music appreciation, gaming and movies, then these are up to the task. But if your ears must bleed, or you demand the best your dollars can get, then you will need to look elsewhere.