Concept B 200 USB

"Anyone looking for a balanced 2.0 PC loudspeaker system which functions at a high level would do well with Teufel's Concept B 200 USB. The system offers excellent multimedia capability and demonstrates high levels of distortion resistance and a clear tonal range...

As is customary with Teufel sets, the workmanship of this system leaves nothing to be desired. The feel of the controls are well-rendered and sure to make life easier for any number of users. The set isn't cheap, but each euro holds its own thanks to high quality and very good sound.

Keep in mind, though, that Teufel sells its Concept E 100 Control for the same price, a sytem which includes an active subwoofer and can handle 5.1 sound. For stereo fans, Concept B 200 USB is definitely the better choice."

"While it looks pretty simple, having just a compact amplifier unit and a pair of slim speakers, there's rather more to it than that.

For a start, the two-way speakers are biamplified, with 4x30W of Class D amplification in the main unit driving the twin 8cm mid/bass units and 25mm dome tweeters…

I tried the Concept B 200 USB with my MacBook Pro computer, with a netbook running Windows XP, with an iPod connected via Teufel's dock, and connected to a music streaming device via phono inputs, and in each case the unit delivered an involving sound with fine clarity and detail, more than a match for any desktop speakers I have used in the past.

There's more than enough power to fill a small-to-medium sized room with music, let alone deliver a superb sound for close-up listening, and the system never sounds strained or breathless, even when playing large-scale orchestral work."

"The Concept B 200 USB really kicked into gear when we connected it to a Mac via analogue. With a bass foundation which seldom left us wanting a subwoofer, these Teufel speakers packed some real punch through their downward-slanted bass reflex openings.

From classical music to rock or pop, the Concept neatly rendered a virtual stage in front of our PC monitor. The sound levels it delivered led us to forget we were sitting in front of a computer as we closed our eyes to listen. The Concept then outperformed itself as our testers connected it to the computer via USB and transmitted signals through the set's internal sound card. The rendering then sounded even more homogenous and unfolded with delicacy and exact detail."

• Perfect configuration
• Good workmanship
• Very good price-to-performance ratio

"In purchasing the Concept B 200 USB ..., an end-user receives a very well equipped stereo system which shines in its delivery of excellent sound quality and through its integrated bass which easily holds stride with the subwoofers of some 2.1 configurations.

The system's compact preamplifier delivers 120 Watts of output and generates more than enough pressure for an authentic tonal experience. Thanks to its integrated USB sound card, even older computers without their own sound card can be equipped to serve as high-quality sound systems.

Additionally, its USB hub makes expansion through other devices possible. The Concept B 200 USB is an equally good offer for both ambitious gamers and audiophile music lovers (…)."

+ High-quality USB sound card and USB hub integrated
+ High-quality sound
+ Easy installation
+ Compact design
+ High-quality workmanship

• Sound quality: Very good
• Configuration: Very good
• Operation: Very good - Good
• Materials and workmanship: Good
• player.de Overall Evaluation: Very good

"A very good system which earns our unconditional recommendation!"

"It`s not a cheap set of speakers, but you really do get what you pay for and the external amplifier and soundcard make all the difference. Considering the quality of the manufacturing, the design and the lovely sound, these speakers are great value for money. It`s got the looks, the style and the sound quality. In fact, the only downside I can find is that now I`ve listened to them I want a set of my own!

A wonderful-sounding system, which should give you many years of listening pleasure."

• Quality:10/10
• Value: 9/10

"Despite its compact construction, the Concept B 200 USB delivers a convincing performance in all regards. Even expensive 2.1 systems can't keep up with this new combination "media station" and set of stereo speakers.

Its high-quality construction, excellent acoustic characteristics and numerous extras (USB-hub, in-and-output for microphones and headsets) form a perfectly symbiotic combination. The device is beyond easy to use and has a classic visual appeal – both good reasons to buy a Concept B 200 USB. Teufel's customary quality meets heavenly acoustics!"

• Performance: 9/10
• Sound: 9.5/10
• Distortion resistance: 9.5/10
• Workmanship: 9.5/10
• Visual appeal: 8.5/10
• Installation: 10/10
• Configuration: 9.5/10
• Price-to-performance: 9/10

+ Convincing performance
+ Fantastic tonal quality
+ High-quality workmanship
+ High distortion resistance
+ Easy plug-and-play application
+ Comprehensive user manual
+ Integrated sound card
+ Multiple audio terminals (Cinch, AUX)
+ Loudspeakers- and Microphone terminals
+ Classic design
+ Fair price

Overall evaluation: 9/10

"Teufel leaves an extremely good impression with the Concept B 200 USB as a 2.0 set and arranges themselves perfectly in the top group of the PC and Multimedia sound solutions. In the end the Concept B 200 USB is equal.

The integrated soundcard in the full amplifier prepares the user for full range, much improved sound. From the sound side, Teufel delivers an excellent sound. Movies and PC games come through unbelievably well for a 2.0 set on this system."

• Compact measurements
• Excellent worksmanship
• Homogeneous sound
• Good bass for a 2.0 system
• More audio inputs (RCA, AUX)
• Full-use USB hub
• Full-use headset and microphone input
• Detailed instructions
• Integrated soundcard

• Worksmanship: 100%
• Optics: 95%
• Inputs: 95%
• Equipment: 95%
• Bass: 95%
• Sound quality (in all areas except bass): 100%
• Price/Performance: 90%

Total results: 95.71%

For users that want a combination of good sound and excellent space usage, Teufel offers the gold-star solution with their Concept B 200 USB.

"This is a high-performance compact speaker system that can confidently take on dynamic music without strain."

"Teufel`s first-ever 2.0 PC speaker solution targets the PC user wanting Hi-Fi quality sound at their desk. With that in mind, the Concept B 200 USB is a success. We`ve never heard a set of 2.0 PC speakers that sound this good.

In use, listeners can close their eyes and forget they`re sat in front of their desktop PC- it almost feels like you`re resting in view of two bigger floor-standing stereo speakers. The sound on offer really is that impressive. Offering stunning clarity, the Concept B 200 USB will treat PC users to detail they may never have known existed. Listening to the Piano melodies of "Ludovico Einaudi`s" Divenire is a treat, with each note produced firmly and precisely.

Changing tune, "The Rolling Stones`" Almost Hear You Sigh comes across as sumptuous, with a swathe of warm bass, clear voice and accurate highs that aren`t too sharp. You could probably pick up an amp and a set of high-end stereo speakers from your local A/V specialist... then again, there`s a good chance you won`t get a dedicated USB sound card that negates the electronic noise created by your PC, or an integrated USB hub.

If you`re after a 2.0 PC solution that offers truly excellent sound, you`re very very unlikely to be disappointed by Teufel`s Concept B 200 USB. Such is the company`s confidence in its products, the Concept B 200 USB comes backed by a 12-year warranty, and dissatisfied listeners can always fall back on Teufel`s eight-week return policy. You don`t get much fairer than that."

"The build quality of the Teufel Concept B 200 is superb. The control unit in particular has been packed with some serious audio technology. Not only does it offer fantastic definition and an even balance between high and low frequencies, it`s a really cool way of controlling music on your desk.

The versatility of the Concept B 200 is also a huge selling point. Many people will have their PC near CD players, MP3 players or similar devices, which can be connected to the control unit for an integrated and high quality experience.

The quality of the amplification is exceptional, and if you`re looking for a 2.0 system, then don`t settle for less than the Concept B 200."

Verdict:
"Music fans looking for a fantastic desktop system should seriously consider the Teufel Concept B 200 system- there`s no better 2.0 system for music in this price range in terms of connectivity and sound quality."

"The Concept B 200 USB is a stereo PC loudspeaker system from Teufel – a well-known name in the audio world. The focus is on the amplifier inside, that's got an integrated sound card so that even laptops or desktops with a not so good soundchip will sound amazing.

The amplifier delivers a 120 watt performance on the bass and high tones of the stereo loudspeaker. The entire thing is available with a USB port for three further USB devices, such as a printer or USB stick. There's also a connection possibility for, for example, MP3 player, headphones and microphones.

The sound is amazing: clean, natural and spatial – completely recommended for jazz, rock and pop music fans (…)

The worksmanship is very orderly (and also the professional audio cables) and the design is full of style."

Total results: 4 / 4

(Translated from the Dutch)

"The Teufel Concept B 200 USB surprises in every respect and is responsible for an excellent sound in the 2.0 sound system area as well. Thanks to the integrated soundcard, users don’t need to worry about their own standard card or purchasing an expensive one.

For interested people searching for a compact sound system that delivers even in a small size, this is your set."

• Chic design
• Excellent worksmanship
• Detailed operating instructions
• Clear highs
• Excellent bass
• No soundcard needed
• Integrated USB hub

"For the more-discerning PC-based music enthusiast, these fine noisemakers connect to your computer's USB port, While a separate amp makes sure the 120W of sound is sweet and good-natured.

It's powered by USB, too, so there's only one lead!"

"Despite the prevalence of 5.1 and 7.1 PC speaker systems, there's still a lot to be said for sticking with straightforward stereo. If you do, you'll invariably get better quality, and you won't have a mess of cables festooning your computer either.

Teufel's Concept B speakers push that theory to the max. In the box you get not only a pair of twin-driver speakers, but also a compact D-class amplifier, which pumps out a respectable 60W per channel. Interestingly, connection is made via USB, meaning all the digital to analogue conversion takes place away from the electronically-noisy confines of your PC. And another point worthy of note is that each channel is split in two, with 30W of juice being supplied to each driver.

Look around the rear and you'll discover the amp is no one-trick pony, with a hatful of other connections available. You get a further two USB inputs, one 3.5mm socket, a pair of stereo phono inputs for connecting traditional hi-fi separates, plus 3.5mm microphone and headphone sockets on the front panel. If the amp sounds impressive, the speakers look even more so - if you can find room for them on your desk, that is.

Each speaker squeezes in three drivers - a mid, a bass and a tweeter - and measures a not-inconsequential 100 x 218 x 314mm (WDH), so you'll have to clear some space to fit them in. And aurally, they make a big first impression too. You can keep turning up the volume until your ears hurt, with nary a hint of distortion or rattle. Bass is kept in check but is still punchy, and the top end is detailed without sounding too harsh. We listened to everything from Radiohead through Aphex Twin to Stravinksy's The Rite of Spring and it all sounded balanced and clean."

"The Teufel Concept B 200 USB is an impressive loudspeaker set with excellent sound quality. Teufel has made the loudspeaker and the amplifier perfectly synchronised, and also by higher volumes the volume playback the set just shines. The amplifier is cleverly fitted up and offers a USB port and headphone input as well.

If you're looking for a loudspeaker set that will be used above all for music playback, then the Teufel Concept B 200 USB an excellent choice."

"This set from Teufel makes a real impression. A really good impression. The German company Teufel has made their mark with an excellent quality with first-class amplifiers, and this one really shines with four powerful amplifiers inside. With the help of this two-way system the system sounds clean, strong and extremely detailed."

• Strong Music playback
• Good worksmanship
• Two way system
• Versatile system

"Even besides its fantastic price, the Teufel Concept B 200 USB 2.0 system clearly sits in the best group of PC and Multimedia sound systems.

This set blurs the boundaries between the normally labour-intensive and cost-efficiently developed PC sound systems and impeccable stereo mini/macro systems and thus cooly over achieves into the area of far more expensive 2.0 and 2.1 stereo systems. Above average construction of the inner amplifier provides great joy when viewing.

The flexible room placement opportunities should be measured as well above average. All in all, Teufel really succeeds with this system solution in an amazing combination of optics, sound pleasure, quality and equipment package."

"High quality, strong sound and flexible to place in a room – the multimedia 2.0 sound solution for a typically Teufel price. "

• Amazing, hefty and dynamic sound
• Very high volume level availability
• Excellent spatiality and accuracy
• Flexible room placement and high functionality
• Fantastic construction of the amplifier

"It's immediately apparent that Teufel is doing something different with the Concept B 200 USB speakers. They're priced like a decent set of 2.1-channel speakers... but as the System 5 THX Select 2 speaker set showed, Teufel doesn't mess around when it comes to providing excellent audio equipment.

Rather than connecting to the audio output of your PC, the Concept Bs come with a dedicated amplifier unit, the CB 200 CS Control Station, that connects via USB. The benefit is self-evident; bypassing your PC's integrated (read: rubbish), soundcard.

There are two reasons you might want to do that. One, the digital-to-analogue decoding in Teufel's amp unit will almost certainly be better than what your PC can provide, and two, amplifying an audio signal that has already been amplified itself (as a 'normal' set of speakers would) will only ever degrade it - an issue which Teufel's set-up avoids.

If clarity, precision and detail are important to you then the Concept B 200 USB speakers will be right up your street. The quality of their audio reproduction is nothing short of phenomenal. There's simply no other way to put it. I'm not exaggerating in the slightest to say that these are the best sounding PC speakers I've ever had the pleasure of listening to by a decent margin. "

• Design & Features: 9 / 10
• Sound Quality: 10 / 10
• Value: 9 / 10

Overall: 10 / 10

"Teufel leaves an extremely good impression with the Concept B 200 USB as a 2.0 set and arranges themselves perfectly in the top group of the PC and Multimedia sound solutions. In the end the Concept B 200 USB is equal.

The integrated soundcard in the full amplifier prepares the user for full range, much improved sound. From the sound side, Teufel delivers an excellent sound. Movies and PC games come through unbelievably well for a 2.0 set on this system."

• Compact measurements
• Excellent worksmanship
• Homogeneous sound
• Good bass for a 2.0 system
• More audio inputs (RCA, AUX)
• Full-use USB hub
• Full-use headset and microphone input
• Detailed instructions
• Integrated soundcard

• Worksmanship: 100%
• Optics: 95%
• Inputs: 95%
• Equipment: 95%
• Bass: 95%
• Sound quality (in all areas except bass): 100%
• Price/Performance: 90%

Total results: 95.71%

"It is hard to believe how inventive game fun and with what kind of dynamics these two two-way speakers work. In 'Right Here in my Arms' by H.I.M one has the impression of sitting in front of a desk before two compact PC speakers but never believes it – you believe you're sitting in front of much larger, heavier speakers.

This set also plays without the subwoofer, as is ably represented by Eddy Louiss' 'Blues for Klook'. Here the Teufel duo runs at the highest level and surprises with its rich, extremely dynamic reproduction with a settled bass sound that we've not ever experienced by such compact PC speakers.

Conclusion
The time of crappy music playback on a PC or Mac is finally over with the introduction of the Teufel Concept B 200 USB. It's a compact system which isn't just fully equipped and receives signals easily from virtually any source device but also sounds pretty darn good."

• Sound: Excellent
• Practice: Excellent
• Equipment: Excellent
• Worksmanship: Excellent

Pros:
• Very good, fat sound
• Easy installation
• Very good worksmanship
• Flexible room placement

Price/Performance: Excellent
Total results: Excellent