Goodmans Maxim review
The original Maxim first appeared nearly 30 years ago, stunning the hi-fi world by showing what could be achieved from a tiny box. The name was then revived in 1986 as the Maxim 2. Its Maxim 3 replacement entered the commercial equation but was arguably less successful than its predecessor, which partly explains its relatively short lifespan.
In fact, this new Maxim owes a great deal to its predecessor, despite a few obvious cosmetic changes.
The tough little box is the same shape as before, with the same baffle treatment that tucks the drivers up neatly under a fabric laminate, but renders the reviewer unable to assess build without creating cosmetic mayhem. The box has changed in detail, the ported 15mm chipboard rear panel being inset to help stiffen the now unbraced 12mm wrap, while the baffle appears to be 15mm MDF.
The driver complement looks the same too, with a 90mm plastic main cone driven from a respectable magnet, alongside a small 20mm metal dome tweeter. Both are hardwired to a simple crossover with some better than basic components.
Sound quality
Although the Maxim didn’t repeat the giant-killing act carried out by two of the cheapies in this report, it did respectably enough in an overall group context, favourably impressing half the panel.
Measurements notwithstanding, the bass doesn’t really seem to carry any more weight or power than others of its ilk. The smoothness and low coloration help establish an accurate and precise soundstage with little boxiness, but there’s some lack of life and overall time coherence. It’s a neutral and self-effacing sound which offers plenty of detail, but which is also somehow rather ungenerous and lacking in vigour and enthusiasm.
Conclusion
Smoother than its predecessor and with more bass, this latest Maxim looks a good proposition for those willing to forego the pleasure of high ultimate loudness. It’s not one of those occasional miniatures that performs way out of its price class. But it does offera well-balanced set of strengths and few weaknesses considering its price, sufficient to retain recommendation.
