Thoughts, HEXUS.awards, HEXUS.right2reply
Looking at the Origen AE X11 as a whole, we found it to be a disappointing package. Whilst we cannot doubt the quality of workmanship, both in the general design and the end product, there are just too many issues with it overall.Thermally and acoustically it was an reasonable performer, although the vibrations through the bottom of the chassis with the HDD fan powered up were irritating, and more than once we found ourselves searching the carpet to find the tiny screws we dropped when trying to fit the lid.
In terms of its capacity, almost all current components fit without a problem, which is unsurprising given its large footprint and profile. The sheer size of the chassis is also its downfall: we tried to fit the X11 in different media cabinets and shelving systems and none of them could cope with its bulk.
If anything, the X11 is simply too big for an HTPC, but there is no doubt that it would be a decent desktop chassis if only it could take the weight of a monitor on its lid.
Overall, then, we have to say that whilst the Origen X11 is, on paper, very capable, it’s a different proposition in reality. It’s simply too bulky, too expensive, and showing its age already.
HEXUS.certification
HEXUS Right2Reply
OriginAE's Emmanuelle Renaudat took the time to respond under our right2reply initiative. Here's what he had to say about the review:Dear Matt,
Thanks for the detailed review you performed about our OrigenAE X11, and also for giving us an opportunity to comment on the review.
As you pointed it out, OrigenAE manufactures premium HTPC chassis for high-end digital entertainment enthusiasts. Therefore, our focus goes to performance, but also to aesthetic and design.
This will first explain why we paid attention to all the little details building our X11, like the small and very discreet screws, or a high quality matching CD/DVD bezel. The added benefits of the style and integration provided by the DVD/CD plate for instance, usually meet our customers’ wishes: their feedbacks show that the aesthetical result highly justifies a 2-3 minutes time they dedicated to installation and tweaking. We would also like to reassure readers that, should the optical drive plate be fitted with care, it will not need any correction over time.
Besides, you accurately pointed out the “twist-and-permanently-remove variety” of the blanking plate of the back panel, contrasting with the premium quality of our product. This issue has already been addressed and future production will be using a snap out back panel.
As you understood, the OrigenAE X11 form factor has been designed around component usage. Our clients have enjoyed the fact that this chassis was perfect for fitting latest generation full size components, high-end cooling systems and all the extension cards needed in a top of the range HTPC system (video card, WiFi, multiple tuners, sound cards…). So maybe, our X11 will not fit standard Ikea-like Hi Fi rack, but nor high-end audiophile systems would! Indeed, users pointed out that their large high-end Denon amplifier had similar footprint to the HTPC they created with our chassis. We can quote references as examples: super high end Denon AVR-5805MK2 (435mm x 279mm x 521mm) or entry level Denon AVR-1906 (435mm x 147mm x 417mm).
Nevertheless, we also know that part of our clients is more attracted by compact systems. We would like to draw these readers’ attention to the fact that OrigenAE X11 is part of a whole range of HTPC chassis, including OrigenAE X10 and soon available OrigenAE X8. The dimensions of these chassis are respectively 435 mm x 135 mm x 452 mm, and 435 mm x 100 mm x 443 mm. All information regarding our range can be found on our website: www.origenae.com.
Let’s now focus on a technical aspect: the airflow within the X11. This case is dedicated for a Home Theatre PC, and it will therefore certainly go in someone’s living room. Our very strong feedback has been that people want quiet systems in their living rooms; as such, this system has been designed to meet a target of 23-26DB audible sound output. The 2 rear fans and the HDD fan were especially selected to provide adequate cooling for high performance components dedicated to HTPC. Yet, for consumers who would like to boost airflow in their systems, in future we will look at supplying high speed fans with an inbuilt speed controller. Besides, as to the vibration the system Hexus built suffered, we are somehow puzzled… in our experience, as long as the fans have been fixed firmly, no audible vibration should occur. For some reason if this is not the case, we can replace the fan, or the fans voltage can be reduced to slow it.
I hope our comments will help understand and support our choices in the design of our products. Once again, thanks for reviewing our product.
Best Regards,
OrigenAE
Emmanuelle Renaudat- Marketing & Communication
www.origenae.com
