Conclusion: All Just Fun And Games?

1:06 PM - October 13, 2005 by Siggy Moersch
Source: Tom's Hardware US – Keywords: good, latest, coolermaster, musketeer, iii

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Conclusion: All Just Fun And Games?

Dispose of properly when you've had your fun

Hey, to many folks, looks are what count. Like its predecessor , the new Musketeer III offers no major utility value. The amber colored vacuum tube is only cool looking for the first minute or two, after which it is nothing more than another useless light on/in your PC. The vacuum tube processes analog sound into analog sound - any questions? The manufacturer says it provides some kind of harmonization. On top of that, all you get is stereo sound. In an age of 5.1, 7.1, and even 8.1 speaker systems, a $50 expansion that only supports stereo is behind the times.

The VU meter is another thing to either decorate or clutter up your computer's front panel, depending on how you look at it. With loud music the needle pegs out so hard you can hear it clicking. But it's basically impossible to read the values anyway, even when using an HTPC case .

Coolermaster Musketeer III
Weighting Characteristics Scores
30% Features 55%
35% Ergonomics 55%
10% Pricing 50%
20% Design 85%
5% Service 50%
Overall score 60%

The Musketeer I

Musketeer II meters

Technical Data

Manufacturer/model Coolermaster Musketeer III RF-5AD-SAB1
Price EUR 55 / USD 50
Dimensions 149 x 43 x 75.5 mm/5.89 x 1.69 x 2.97
Sound pressure meter -20 to +3 dB
Aluminum panel Silver or black
Total harmonic distortion approx. 0.3%
SNR >80 dB
Impedance 600 Ohms
Weight 220g
Power connector 4-pin
Installation 5.25" bay
Package contents CoolerMaster Musketeer III, audio cable, connection panel for PCI slot, installation instructions, screws

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