INTRODUCTION

   Having used 5.1/7.1 Dolby Surround/Digital Sound systems since the late 90's i know that regular stereo and even 3D virtual surround sound systems can't even hold a candle against them. Still not everyone has enough space to place 6 or 8 speakers (5.1/7.1) so it didn't take that long for manufacturers to come up with the ideal compromise between size and performance. We are of course talking about sound bars and although the concept is not really new and they can't really compete with complete 5.1/7.1 surround sound systems still they offer a good value for people looking to seriously upgrade the sound coming from their TV screens without sacrificing much space in the process. Razer is mostly popular amongst users for their gaming mouse, keyboards and headsets but what many may not know is that they've recently ventured in other areas of the market such as virtual reality, portable computing, TV players and even home theater audio systems. One of these new products is the Leviathan 5.1 Channel Surround Sound Bar which as the title of this review clearly states is with us today.

   Razer™ is a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers. Razer is transforming the way people play games, engage with other gamers and identify with the gamer lifestyle. Having won the coveted “Best of CES” award consecutively for five years, the company’s leadership in product innovation continues to create new categories for the gaming community that is estimated to have over 1 billion gamers worldwide. Razer’s award-winning design and technology include an array of user interface and systems devices, voice-over IP for gamers and a cloud platform for customizing and enhancing gaming devices. Founded in 2005, Razer is backed by Intel Capital, IDG-Accel and Heliconia Capital Management (Heliconia), a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore investment company Temasek.

   The Leviathan consists by a Bluetooth v4.0 enabled compact sound bar and a passive sub-woofer which although not very small it's still much smaller than many others in the market thus doesn't require that much space beneath your desk or TV set. The sound bar can be connected to your system either via Bluetooth v4.0 or 3.5mm/optical wired connection and offers an power output of up to 30W RMS via two 60mm (63.5mm to be exact) full range drivers and two 19mm tweeters (features a frequency response of 180Hz-20KHz with 8 Ohm impedance). The passive sub-woofer also offers a power output of 30W RMS via its 133mm driver which features a frequency response of 20Hz-180Hz with 4 Ohm impedance. Unfortunately the Leviathan is not remote controlled and the specifications are not the best we've ever seen so it's clearly not aimed at audiophiles. On the other hand however Razer almost always caters to the mid-end segment of the market first before going higher so let’s see and hear what the Leviathan 5.1 Surround sound bar is all about.