To start with probably the most important thing, the sound quality of the Ferguson Hill FH007 is amazing. Far and above any computer speakers I’ve ever heard. That amazing sound, though, comes at a price.
The FH007 is marketed as a computer speaker system, as well as a speaker system for your iPod or MP3 player. The first thing that strikes you is the design, sort of a 1960s retro clear plastic style of design, very chic. The second thing to strike you though is the size: it’s a very big system.
You’d better have lots of space on your computer desk because you’re going to need it for this five-piece system. The integrated amp isn’t too bulky, although it is pretty heavy. The two horn speakers, though, are a very bulky 43cm tall by 27cm wide by 18cm in diameter. The two globe-shaped bass speakers are a little better at 20 cm in diameter.
One other shortcoming I found annoying was the short length of the audio cables that came with the system. They’re not really long enough for me to properly set them up on my desk with my computer; I had cables crossing my desk uncleanly.
The sound, as I said, is beautiful. I played music and web videos and it’s a very immersive experience; it felt like the sound was coming from all around me.
But then again, with a price tag of $699, I don’t just expect the sound quality to be good, I expect it to fry me up some bacon for breakfast, and maybe bake some fresh muffins. No matter how good the sound quality is, I’d have a very hard time justifying anywhere near that price tag for a set of computer speakers.
Perhaps I could see it making more sense as a shelf stereo system for my MP3 player. Still, if you’re willing to invest that kind of money why not just go for a proper component stereo system?
If you’ve got this kind of money to spend on computer speakers, and have the real estate to spare, then you’ll be very happy with the FHOO7. Otherwise, there are many options for a fraction of the price that will do you just fine.
Follow Jeff Jedras on Twitter: @JeffJedrasCDN.