Some virtual surround sound systems are more convincing than others, but one of the most believable systems of this type that we’ve run across is the one demonstrated by the Dutch firm Final Sound at CEDIA 2007.
The core of the Final Sound system is an ingenious product bundle consisting of Final’s ingenious 2.1-channel, FVSS 201 DVD-receiver which is packaged with a Final model S95 subwoofer for $1000.
To complete the system all you need to do is add your choice of Final’s model 90i, 150i, 300i, or 400i electrostatic main speakers.
Complete systems start at around $2000, but the version we heard, which was based on the 300i’s, sells for about $3000 (the systems are available now).
Three things impressed us about the Final system. First, it offers levels of crisp, pristine clarity and detail that are the hallmarks of good electrostatic designs.
Second, it produces surprisingly compelling virtual surround sound effects, creating a strong “phantom” center-channel images and unusually effective, wraparound surround soundstages.
Third, it’s simple, affordable, and looks really, really cool. The Final Sound electrostats have rectangular frames made of metal tubes done up in either gloss black or camera-finish silver, while the electrostatic speaker diaphragms are so light and thin that you can literally see through them.
Suffice it to say that the Finals are both sonically and optically “transparent.”
If you’re yearning for clean, richly-detailed surround sound without the fuss and bother of setting up center and surround-channel speakers, the Final Sound virtual surround system represents a credible solution that exudes tons of Euro-chic coolness.
