Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Subwoofer: MB 1000
Connections: Mono line-level in
Enclosure Type: Sealed
Woofer (size in inches, type): 6.5, fiber cone (2)
Power Rating (watts): 200 (peak)
Crossover Bypass: No
Available Finishes: Black
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches) 9.06 x 9.5 x 11.13
Weight (pounds): 25
Price: Not sold separately

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Speaker: MB2000
Type: Two-way, monitor
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, Mylar liquid-cooled dome

Woofer (size in inches, type): 3, polymer cone
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 15—200
Available Finishes: Black
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 6.75 x 3.88 x 4.13
Weight (pounds): 2.5 each
Price: Satellites sold separately as MB 5000, $399/five-channel system

Speaker MB 3000
Type: Two-way, monitor Two-way, three-element, center
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, Mylar liquid-cooled dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 3, polymer cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 15—200
Available Finishes: Black
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 4 x 10.25 x 4
Weight (pounds):4

Ratings: Pinnacle Microburst MB 5500 Speaker System

Build Quality: 90
Gold-plated binding posts raise the satellites above the level of the mundane
Two-inch voice coils help add impact and power to the sound of such a tiny sub

Value: 91
The system may not be constructed of fancy materials, but the resulting sound is satisfying
High performance and musical versatility let this system mate with step-up receivers

Features: 88
Sub lacks an adjustable high-pass filter and crossover bypass controls. (The manufacturer's Website claims it has a variable high-pass control.)
Interconnect cable with gold-plated connectors is included

Performance: 94
The sub is physically small, but it isn't boomy or unsubtle
It handles music as well as it does effects
Satellites have some coloration, but it's minor

Ergonomics: 90
Satellites include the usual keyhole and insert for easy wall-mounting
The sub doesn't bulk large, so it's relatively unobtrusive

Overall Rating: 91
Pinnacle, my personal champ of the high-end sat/sub genre, offers two lower-priced systems, including the MB 5500. The satellites sound more neutral than other products of similar size and construction. The sub is a small but authentically musical performer. It's strongly recommended for receivers priced at around $500.

General Information
Microburst MB 5500 Speaker System, $899
Pinnacle Speakers
(800) 346-2863
www.pinnaclespeakers.com
Dealer Locator Code PIN .