Motiv® 2

"The chic satellites and subwoofer are real gems and not only good for studios, but also for swanky office desks. The equally beautiful sound of the the high and midrange drivers of this PC sound system are normally only used in premium HiFi systems[...]

With its masterly upper dimension performance, this speaker set can fill a large room that you’d otherwise need a larger HiFi system for. Leaps in music dynamics are handled with flying colours thanks to the performance of the speakers, forming an impressively powerful sound."

close

As well as making THX-certified speakers that are every bit as loud as those in a cinema, Teufel makes speaker sets that won't cause structural damage.

The Motiv 2 consists of a huge but attractive white or black subwoofer and two stereo speakers.

The domed speakers each have a tweeter and four mid-range drivers. Each speaker can pump out 50 watts, while the 200W amplifier supplies 100 watts to the 25 cm bass speaker on the subwoofer.

close

Teufel is a German loudspeaker brand, new to Britain, that only sells direct; as with Dell you won't find them for sale on the high street or any website other than the company's own.

The Motiv 2 system has space for inputting three devices, so you could connect an iPod or television to them, as well as your PC. The international speaker components are of a standard more commonly found in hi-fi speakers and the powered subwoofer contains a 200-watt power amp that pumps 100 watts to the 25 cm bass speaker and 50 watts to each speaker. In black or white.

close

Superb sound in the high frequency range, deepest subs for an earth-shaking foundation. The sound pressure produced by the subwoofer is palpable, blasting into the room via the Teufel premium system and letting the gamer slip into the virtual world shown on screen.

Words simply cannot describe the importance of an excellent audio system, particularly if it doesn’t break the bank.

close

The most affordable system from the high-quality Motiv series is a winner across the board. Both the design and the workmanship are superb.

The finely articulated, crystal-clear high frequency range and the enthralling, extremely smooth bass are a pleasure to listen to and sound incredibly natural. Users with audiophile aspirations simply cannot ignore the Teufel Motiv 2 for high-end two-channel computer sound. In a direct comparison with our previous benchmark system, the Motiv 2 distinguishes itself in all areas and has become our new reference product for stereo systems.

In view of the performance shown here, it comes as no surprise that the Motiv 2 has earned our Excellent Hardware Award.

close

The bass cube gives a powerful demonstration: with 200 watts of pure tone performance and a 25 cm bass reflex supported driver, most home theatres will definitely get more than enough punch delivered.

The trio surprised us in the listening test with a very good allround quality: crackling film sounds and hard techno-beats were both handled with precision attacking by the Teufel set with its gigantic high level reserves in the scene makes it feel like you're there, both in distraught choral scenes (think Verdi's AIDA) as well as atmospherically thick music (Strauss' "Rose Gentleman"). In comparison to [competition products] the Teufel set sounds warmer and silkier, and that inside a smaller space. Not only that helped this Teufel set to the champion in this comparison test, but also assisted it into the 70 point range - the audiophile range – and active competitors need to look into their side mirrors.

Results:
• Sound Stereo: good (70)
• Equipment: excellent
• Ease of use: good
• Worksmanship: satisfactory
• Price/performance: outstanding

Pros:
• Neutral, precise and dynamic
• Deep crisp bass

Total results; Good (70)
Test champion
Luxury class

close

Everything’s been considered with this sound system. And the solid worksmanship with the faultless finish gives happiness just by looking at it. Teufel is an old master at wonderful detail and it looks brilliant.

In the test room when the cabling was completed then this discreet trio could show us its inner quality and value. And even to old hard-boiled sound professionals had to give this set a second look. What was played had nothing to do with the normal sounds a PC sphere set would have given forth.

The Teufel Motiv 2 set was amazingly precise, finely drawn and brought an orchestra sound to the stage. The homogeneous effects from the piano music shows that the Teufel developers have successfully managed the awkward crossover from subwoofer to satellite. This set handled the challenge of really blasting high power into the room like a man. It made a heck of a damping without losing any precision, not becoming tiresome or anything like that.

For "just" a PC set, Motive 2 is just too good to be true.

close

The subwoofer sounds tight, controlled and powerful, and the extremely clear and finely-articulated midrange and high frequencies float beautifully on top – even when the volume is set to 'Blast Thy Neighbours'. When you’re gaming, this system will rock your guts with every explosion and toss of a hand grenade, without ever hampering the quieter sounds. The excellent spatial separation, accompanied by tremendously good volume reserves, make the Motiv 2 an absolute recommendation for gamers and music lovers who don’t want to clutter their computers with a 5.1 system – this is a new 2.1 benchmark!

• Powerful, tight, precise bass
• Great dynamics
• Accurate stereo imaging
• Great separation
• Even frequency balance
• Very good SPL capacities, even at higher volumes
• 200 watts RMS
• 2-way satellite speakers
• High-quality workmanship
• Remote control
• Cable is not fastened
• Headphone output
• 3 Inputs


Rating
• Sound quality for gaming: 37 out of 40 points
• Sound quality for music: 19 out of 20 points
• Sound pressure level: 18 out of 20 points
• Technology: 9 out of 10 points
• Features: 10 out of 10 points

Overall: 93 out of 100 points
Value for money: Good

close

The Teufel Motiv 2 definitely plays better than we anticipated: the bass comes in dry, hard and deep, the middle and higher frequencies perfectly supporting from the satellites. The remote control allows for ease and reliability. It’s fairly obvious rather quickly that this fully active 2.1 set leaves normal HiFi loudspeakers in the dust. And not only does the Motiv 2 make a good impression with music, but also while gaming. What you see on the monitor you feel with a realistic sound backdrop – very impressive.

A quick comparison to the Logitec loudspeaker confirmed our judgement decisively: The Teufel Motiv 2 is "Highly Recommended."

close

The Motiv 2 is the best PC sound system that I've had and know of up until now. It plays powerfully (the bass too) and fills my office up without a problem. The balance between highs and lows is stable when at a larger volume as well. Music detail is beautifully displayed and the spatiality of the instruments in the room is excellent as well.

Conclusion:
Teufel has created an unequalled in this price class stereo sound system for computers and the iPod.

close

The Berlin company delivers, soundwise, the best set in the test group. The satellites play from their compact closed 2-way design extremely well and impress as always in the lower middle ranges.

The subwoofer is even sometimes a bit strong but adapts to normal listening habits.

Pros:
• Excellent sound
• Fantastic iPod remote control
• Good price/performance ratio
• Subwoofer is overwhelming

Test Results: Excellent (1,3)
SFT-Reccomended Purchase
Test Champion

close

Sound quality games
Although present games are laid out for 5.1 and 7.1 loudspeaker systems, the 2.1 can still give a gamer a very good sound picture. Ego Shooter profits from the hefty and dynamic bass. We winced every time during the shelling and bursts of machine gun fire in Call of Duty 2 – they were that realistic. In other genres as well the Motiv 2 is excellently suited and we can, therefore, recommend the new Teufel product to every gamer.

Sound quality music
Whether you want hard bass tracks or the soft tones of Dido, with the Motiv 2 your music playback will always be fun. Most positive for us was the high stability levels of the two loudspeakers. High sounds were played purely and without any irritating distortion or screeching noises.

Sound quality film
Films such as the Matrix or the Lord of the Rings must certainly sound better over a proper home theatre system, but home theatre beginners can get excellent sound with the Motiv 2 and shouldn’t hesitate to reach for it. Those wanting surround sound should consider the more expensive Teufel Motiv 4 You 2.

Conclusion
Once again the Berlin boxsmiths Teufel prove that they belong to the best of the best. For a relatively inexpensive price you get not only a very nice sounding 2.1 sound system, but also a practical Apple iPod docking station. Worksmanship and design are, as expected, up to their normal exquisite standard, and the luxurious equipment also speaks highly for the Motiv 2. Even expensive 5.1 loudspeaker sets can learn something from this "little brother."

Best 2.1 loudspeaker system on the Market – Reference!

close

Sensational sound talent
The Motiv 2 was remarkably patrician; in the areas of bass precision and authority there's no other set that can beat it. The ability with dynamic levels was good for HiFi compact boxes – for a PC set the control was simply sensational. The tone balance was very managed but classic... with a fine structure and natural sound. Singing sounded clear and bold, only a set four times as expensive (Bang & Olufsen) played any better. The bottom line? Buy it, save the money, have fun.

Conclusion
An extremely price-conscious active box set with a fantastic subwoofer, not too small satellites and a remote control. Sounds clean and together, restrained but with a huge reserve. The best woofer in our test!

Pros
• Thoroughly thought out concept with reasonable dimensions
• Powerful, very high performance woofer
• Plays a sprightly, neutral tone with enormous dynamic reserves

Price/performance: outstanding
Stereoplay Highlight

close

The sound quality is nothing short of miraculous.

Crystal clear highs, doesn't matter if it's in a flustered volume state, house volume or – how we find it perfect – just really, really loud. The highs stay undistorted and distortion free and the bass of the dignified cube is very powerful. It pumps the sound into your stomach and really shakes it in the surroundings, too. This sound is, of course, throughout all device possibilities whether it's MP3 or DVD. Simply fantastic.

The Teufel group out of Berlin with the Motiv 2 has, without question, once again outdone themselves and proved that it's not always a 5.1 or larger system that can sound good. The sound is simply sensational. The worksmanship quality is excellent as well.

close

Conclusion
I have to admit, I was very skeptical after I read that Teufel developers had the goal of creating the best 2.1 system around. The Teufel group has actually, however, fulfilled this extremely ambitious goal and that with the new best 2.1 system on the market. Other equally expensive systems (Sony) are just thrust back into shadow. The undisputed 2.1 desktop system king (Yamaha) would be dethroned and put from first place after so many years. In the desktop arena the Motiv 2 is the king of hill.

In the Motiv 2 system simply had more sound quality inside as most of the other high quality devices (like the iPod Nano). For our demanding high-end readers please note a x-Fi soundcard with Cristalizer is very important to reap the full effects of the Motiv 2 system.

Until now, no 2.1 desktop system has never won an award from us. These times are over and we can recommend without a second thought to every of our readers the Motiv 2 set. I do wonder if there is a Teufel system yet with no award from us. Our award winners are really something special. There are competitors that send in 20 sets to test but still can only dream of an award. The times of optical less appealing boxes that only have the sound quality are over too. Design is very important by all new systems – without the sound quality being harmed, of course.

Congratulations!

close

Conclusion
Who doesn’t dream of a powerfully performing and high quality sound system? Not a problem now! Unfortunately most are expensive and need expensive audio solutions. With the Motiv 2, the Berlin-based Teufel company convinced us of its entire line. The excellent Apple optics would work wonderfully in every sitting room or office, and the worksmanship has no grounds for criticism, either.

The subwoofer works like a dream and the high gloss finish contributes to the overall effect; it's an almost perfect design. The use of high quality materials was very noticeable in the practice test. The Motiv 2 works for almost all audio applications one can find in the home theatre arena. Amazing sound with DVDs and MP3s are ready for the user. Only the remote control could tolerate a little more scope and a slightly better subwoofer recipient. It's not an exaggeration to give the Teufel Motiv 2 the award as the new Stereo "Referenz" in the PC arena!

For fantastic worksmanship and performance we give the Teufel Motiv our coveted Platinum Award!

close

There is seldom any good news politically coming out of Berlin – so others from the capital have to make up for this performance defect: Lautsprecher Teufel is once again responsible for positive headlines. The Motiv 2 delivers as a multimedia loudspeaker system, and left our test room with fantastic grades.

Let's begin with the attractive appearance. There was always, earlier, massive demand for Teufel products but other quotes of Berlin sound experts prove that they belong to the innovative suppliers. The trendy Motiv 2 with the white, glossy surface and excellent performance strives for both high value and making PC and Multimedia fans happy. It's nice that the worksmanship of all the components in the included iPod Dock are also white – speaks for excellent detail.

Sound-wise, the Teufel product surprises with a forceful, dynamic sound that is far away from the superficial lethargy which so many PC and Multimedia systems often have. The Teufel developers also handled the connection between the Satellites and the subwoofer exceedingly well – hardly a disturbing sound hole is to be heard. The good reproduction in the low registers is also surprising. Prospects that decide for the Teufel Motiv 2 get an astoundingly high quality 2.1 multimedia system with flexible uses at a fair price – the Teufel success story of impressive test results continues.

Conclusion
A flexible pick me up: with dynamic, strong sound the Motiv 2 surprises not only PC and multimedia fans - but also would be successful in a station of stere-sub/sat ensembles for sitting room use.

close

"The sub looks very handsome in its shiny black casing with an enormous 250mm driver that is so large it looks almost threatening.

On the rear of the sub there's an analogue mini jack for PC or laptop input, a second jack for your MP3 player and stereo RCA inputs for an auxiliary device, such as your TV or DVD player. The two satellites are shaped like church windows and each house a 100mm midrange driver and a 25mm tweeter.

You have to cut the speaker's cables from a supplied ten metre length and then bare the ends off the wire, which is rather tedious.But the results are worth the effort, as the audio quality of the Teufel set is superb, especially if the satellites are at the same level as your ears - and the volume can go loud enough to make your ears bleed."

close