Morel Encore MKII Packs Affordable Punch in a Small System

Good things come in small packages. In this case, the good thing is big, smooth sound.

Morel's Encore MKII 5.1 surround speaker system works as both a space saver and a contemporary design complement, depending on the end-user's requirements and tastes.

The Israeli audio company is well known for OEM products but is now working its way into the custom market with its own range of loudspeakers that includes the compact, chic, spherically-shaped MKII system (in black, silver or white).

The five 80-watt SoundSpot SI-1 MKII satellites are softball-sized speakers that use Morel's Integra driver and coaxially integrated semi-soft tweeter and 4-inch mid/bass, with neodymium and double ferrite magnet motors.

A 9-inch, 100-watt SoundSub 9 is equally appealing in its aesthetics and performance. An active reflex-loaded subwoofer, it provides low-end punch with a slim, circular form factor that can sit upright, be wall-mounted or lay horizontally beneath furniture.

The $1,499 retail tag for the full system is reason enough for the Encore MKII to be considered in the "mid-market" Morel is targeting, especially if customers are slick urbanites who want an affordable setup that can enhance their modern décor.

My 1,200-square foot home has a modest entertainment space that the Encore MKII filled quite effortlessly. I suspect its broad soundstage and imaging could supply detailed, distortion-free audio to a room twice the size.

After the roughly 40 hours of break-in, the speakers hit their stride as I tested two-channel and multichannel music and movie audio.

My CD samples featured Elton John vocals and piano hammering; the Grateful Dead's acoustic and harmonic "American Beauty"; richly textured instrumentation and vocals from Yes; and the multilayered compositions of Trey Anastasio's dectet band.

I used "Toy Story" as a reference movie soundtrack, as an early scene in which birthday party guests storm the bedroom let the surrounds throw plenty of footsteps' pitter-patter at my ears.

One final note is that as capably as the Morels handled audio, the quiet moments in dynamic songs such as "Yours Is No Disgrace" also served to highlight the system's smooth delivery.

MSRP is $1,499.