Speakers Reviews

Though they tend to sound only average with the volume turned down, crank 'em up a bit and these speakers sound as crisp and clean as anything out there. When the drummer starts playing a little high hat, and the accustic guitar kicks in, you'll think the musicians are in the room with you. Truely fantastic.

These speakers sound better (at least to me and my wife) than ones we had showroom-tested that cost twice as much. They actually cost less than my last set and sound significantly better. While not in the class of $2,000 speakers, the Wharfdales are exceptionally good and should meet the needs of all but the most discerning listeners. (And you have to be under 30 to fit that category.) After then, your hearing discrimination starts to go.) This may be the best value out there.

Wasn't familiar with the Wharfedale speaker until I came across it on this site. With further investigation, I decided to give them a try without ever hearing them!!!!!! I was amazed at how tired my 15 year old Advent Legacy speakers sounded,which incidentally were the same price as these speakers. Crisp, clean, and with sufficient bass. These are serious speakers at a ridiculously low price!!! Would highly recommend to anyone. They look and sound as if I paid thousands!!!!!!!!!!

I purchased this item earlier this year may 2004. I would like to say. It's an excellent product for creating a more live soundstage to conventional home theater set-up to more refined high home theater systems. There are plenty of audiophiles such as myself who TWEAK their system irregardless of the components used from low-fi to higher end. Even without the additional sound processors I have bridged with this enhancer, my PIONEER HIGH RECEIVER WITH MAGNEPAN, SRSLABS, THEATER RESEARCH SPEAKERS just bloom into a much wider and lively concerto soundstage.
I have been using various sound processors for 25 years and as a former high end home theater installer, this is basically an advancement of the original OMNISONIC IMAGER made by omnisonix back in 1979, no longer in existence. Carver sonic holography replaced that, which I also had along with DBX 3BX III expanders w/impact restoration...That made any analog recording sound somewhat digital and "LIVE" presentation. The TDS-202 is the refined version of the CARVER HOLOGRAPHY. I have all these processors including the APHEX AUREL EXCITER/BIG BOTTOM which has great reviews and SRSLABS SPATIAL ENHANCER and the CARVER HAV-9 SONIC HOLOGRAPHY...the later version of C-9 made in 1981. I must say, this is a MUST for conventional home theater applications and 2 channel systems creating a 3-dimensional soundstage with wider dynamics. For high end systems, this will improve the 3-dimensional spectrum and expand the acoustical dispersion of your speakers.
If you interconnect all the processors I have included above, the soundstage is short of AMAZING! The recordings from a CD OR DVD sounds as if the band or people are in front or back of you.
The acoustic research TDS-202 enhancer can make any system as they claim SOUND MUCH LIVELIER and with clarity...I AGREE with my technical knowledge and experience to back that up. Remember, all these sound processors are all different and can compliment each other if one has technical knowledge and experience. They are all different and highly recommended. What is great about the TDS-202 is that it doesn't require any voltage or direct current to amplify it. Amazing product for the price and a recommended piece of equipment for the novice to professional/audiophile. Check also the DAXIOM STABILIZERS R-103 OR H-103, the latest technology in sound enhancement, coupled with the ACOUSTIC RESEARCH TDS-202 would create HARMONY in the audioworld.
Remember, Don't compare any of these sound processors/enhancers, they are all patentedly different and COMPLIMENT one another and NOT an ALTERNATIVE.
From a former high end home theater installer with 25 yrs of audio experience,returning to the US ARMY for patriotic reasons, a true audiophile who have been using various processors and accessories since 1979. This product is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I've had the original TDS-II box that does the same thing as this one for five or six years. Unlike other little black effect boxes I've tried in the past, this one I've never taken out of the signal path and whenever I play music cd's, I always have the box turned on. When you first hook it up and turn it on, the most apparent thing you notice is the sound becomes louder and slightly brighter. The effect may seem subtle initially but give it a few days and you will definitely prefer the sound being processed by this box because if you go back to ordinary stereo, you'll swear something is missing. Recently, I've used this to enhance cd-r's and playing them back on the car stereo is just awesome-sounding. This unit brings a certain presence to cd's on mid-fi systems & car stereos, especially. I'd recommend this unit over any cable upgrade in a second - I can't understand why the product has not become more popular. Grab one if they're still available. BTW, the description of this product here is quite misleading: this unit has no speaker - it's an effects box.

This is one of the most effective upgrade products that lets you squeeze the last ounce from your system, specially if it is CD based.

If you have had the chance of listening to an outbaord DAC compared to the built-in electronics on the average CD or DVD player and found that that is the way to go, then prepare yourself to feel that experience again.

I don't want to stress the fact that you need an outboard DAC to realize the benefits of the TDS (it also works greatly with stand alone state of the art CD and DVD players); just get another set of analog interconnects to insert the TDS between your DAC, CD or DVD player to your pre-amp, turn on the unit and that's it: a system upgrade that will bring out a sound experience very close to the megabuck dimension!

If you prefer, you can also insert the TDS between the stereo output of your pre-amp and the input of your amp. I have it connected this way and not only outperforms the high quality sound I thought I had before on my digital front end but the whole system (these are DSS, VCR, LDP, CD, DVD, TD, etc.), achieving the very same results with any of the components.

A caution note should be observed: as this is a completely passive device (doesn't need to be plugged into the AC outlets), it is propense to suffer from EM/RFI distortion produced by the active units nearby, so you will have to put it far enough from such devices in order to have it working properly (without noise distortion). The TDS comes with a pair of 1 meter lenght AR stereo interconnects, which are very useful and show the average quality of AR stuff; nevertheless, you can do better with higher quality ones.

The effect is, in a word, outstanding! TDS recovers sound info that otherwise is subtle or not audible from the recordings played in your system as is, which can be defined as: spatial presence (or 3 dimentionality), sound decay, differentiation (clean timbre), realism and all without altering the original signal passed thru it. Human voice, piano, guitar and strings sound in a very relaxed and natural way that could be addictive; the generally congested sound of a pipe organ is transformed to a very pleasant and detailed experience, without being edgy or harsh at all.

In summary, the TDS is a worthy upgrade for your system but don't expect that the magic begin just the minute after you inserted it in the chain; TDS needs some burn-in period before a reliable veredict comes out, so give it a break of at least 1 week before judging or enjoying the benefits that will arise.

So enjoy sound, music and life...!

I believe that the Advent AV570 is the same as the Acoustic Research 570 Powered Partners that were made from 1984 until Advent gobbled up AR. I have one of the older 570s. What a great product! AR570s were invented well before every house had a computer sound system. "Bookshelf speaker" wasn't a widely recognized concept either. The AR570 was invented as a compact and tough package to monitor or reinforce sound in recording studios. It has exceptionally clear and linear acoustic performance. The thick cast aluminum housing is both rugged and dissipates heat from the internal amplifier quite well.

That this design hasn't been copied by every speaker manufacturer is a mystery to me. The AV570 is a unique combination of ultra clean sound quality, high output for size, and rugged construction. Buy 'em for your bookshelf, home theater, computer, or ANY application that calls for accurate and powerful sound reproduction in a compact package. I use mine as an acoustic guitar amplifier. I use an adaptor to go from my guitar's 1/4" mono jack to the AV570's RCA input. It sounds better than guitar amps that are twice as expensive and 10 times as large.

Highly recommended (IF the Advent AV570 is the same product as my Acoustic Research 570s)!

I had a pair of these for a couple of years that were recently stolen. These puppies kick ... . I used them with a portable Sony CD/FM player on big exhibit set-ups in So. Cal. These speakers would fill a whole hall in the Anahiem convention center with wonderfully clear music. They are awesome and everyone who heard them would comment and want some. The only draw back I found is the wieght. They are small but they are heavy. The volume, tone and base controls are a must.I bought some Bose roommates to replace them but they do not compare. I just ordered another pair of 570's and I can't wait to hook them up to the 40 gig Nomad Jukebox 3 that I have since picked up. You won't belive the sound that cranks out of these babies.

I have had these speakers since 1988. They are the best sounding speakers on the market. More expensive than your normal computer speakers but well worth it. These are designed for people that really appreciate quality sound and with todays computers having better and better sound capabilities. These go hand in hand.

I have tried a few other brands to see if I could get better sound and have yet to find a better sounding system. You can use these speakers with a portable MP3 player, CD player or a walkman and power an apartment or a room with these puppies. Add an additional subwoofer and have a audio system that sounds great.

Many people come into my computer room and can't believe that my computer is putting out sound like that. ( I run a Mac Computer )

Take your favorite CD's to the store and listen to these speakers. Sit back and enjoy. Advent has a great product on thier hands.

I must say this is a name brand that will never fail. I purchased this and received it very quickly. I opened it and plugged it in to my stereo, and turned it up and went WOW , I really got a great bargain for my money. With a 6 inch woofer, 2 inch midrange and a high tweeter it really put out some great vibes.

Don't let the price fool you, these speakers delivered the kind of sound quality I expect to find in the big dollar name brands. From to Pop to Classical I was completely satisfied with the sound reproduction. Good things can come in small packages!

These Speakers are the best!!!They are so loud and if you are a heavy metal fan like me you will love em.

I was a little nervous at first purchasing this system because of some of the negative feedback I heard on other systems from Bose & the high price $1199. ABT electronics did throw in the $120 speaker stands for free which was nice. After I first installed the systems it did not sound as expected; but after some adjustments to the angle of the speakers and raising the bass and treble in the setup menu the sounds is terrific. As Bose states in their manual this system is meant to realisticaly recreate sounds, not overdue certain effects like many systems do. So far I have had great enjoyement listening to CD's and DVD's, Top Gun sounds better than I have ever heard it. The set-up was easy, including the stands it took 25 minutes and then another 30 min to understand all the menus.

This is a great sound, you think how can 2 speakers have a 5.1 surround sound, well it can. I mean the depth, sound is rich in quality.

Pro's: Great sound, 3D depth, sounds like your in the theater. DVD player is a great player.

Con's: The worst con is that it does NOT support progressive scan out put, just regular Video cables, and S-Video.

I just bought this system for my livingroom. I use to have a surround sound system with like 5 speakers and the speakers werent that great and were everywhere in the room. This 3-2-1 Bose System is easy to set up and only had 2 speakers and 1 subwoofer. If you have a small to medium size livingroom this is perfect. Its as if you were sitting at the movie theater. The system sounds so good and is also a dvd player, cd player and am fm radio. Its a dvd stereo system all in one. Im so glad I bought this product. You cant go wrong with this one.

I too bought these about 5 years ago, when they cost a lot more. At this price, they are a steal! I guess that's what happens when you continue to build them, and sell a lot of them- great for the buyer. I used to use these at work, but it was too tempting to turn them up loud - my non-fun co-workers didn't like it too much. I've used these to play at a party, hooked up to an MP3 player, and before that, I plugged them into an old boombox headphone jack- whos speakers had died, and the sound was out of this world. Like the fact that the sub can be tucked away and out of site. These babies rock!

I should have known these would be awesome, given the Cambridge reputation. But I was even more surpised when I plugged them in. Very easy to set up to PC - just plug into headphone jack. I am going to get another pair for my bedroom TV- and one for an old boombox - where the electronics still work, but the speakers have died. Now if I can just keep my teenage son from playing them at full volume, I'll be in good shape!

I bought MicroWorks about 3 years ago (when they cost a lot more [$$$]!). I went out looking for decent computer speakers to replace the tinny HKs that came with my computer. The salesperson in the Cambridge [local store] played these for me and I was stunned by the sound. I shopped around but everything I listened to after that I compared to the MicroWorks and none could even come close. I use the speakers on my PC because that's where I listen to most of my tunes. From downloaded songs to CDs to games...heck, even for listening to the "You've Got Mail" announcement, these things are the best!

These SonicXJR's are awesome. The speakers go loud and deep. It produces clear, amazing sound. It's a great price for all it can do.

Theyre great for the college dorm room too.
Good for dance parties.

Sound great. Look great.

I own a set of these speakers and find them to be best for [their price.] They are also well built and I love the look. They look like good speaker cabinets and not cheap plastic like you usually see in computer speakers. I love them and ordered 2 more sets from Amazon for I paid more for my pair elsewhere!

i was amazed when i first plugged this hardly small 2.1 set into my computer(which will only take a couple seconds for the tech savvy and maybe a minute or 2 for the not so competant). it has only 60watts RMS so i wasnt expecting much power but i was utterly amazed by the bass and it also hit high notes very well. overall for "a good price" these speakers are a great buy

These speakers are the perfect companion for a laptop computer. They are small, portable ( I don't even bother with the power cable, I run them on cheap batteries.) and have great sound.

I'm on the road constantly so portability is number one for me. I use them with my laptop to watch DVDs. The only limitation is volume,if you crank it up they will distort. But for watching DVDs in a hotel room they are perfect.

Well done Creative Labs.

I purchased this from Amazon after several hours of "whim" buying study. It seemed these had the best chance of being better than some of the cheapie portables i was familiar with. Much to my delight i was NOT disappointed. Granted with speakers this size you cant expect sub-like bass but actually theres more than i expected. Sound quality was very clear and the "wide" stereo feature is nice. High volume levels will cause distortion but you'll get a good amount of volume before you get distortion. If you buy these thinkin you'll get home stereo sound, forget it. If you buy these wanting a great set of "listen in the hotel room" travel speakers these work great!

I purchased this item from my local store and I'm very satisfied with its quality.
Of course, the sound quality cannot compete with HiFi systems, but for such a small speaker, the sound quality is really good. The frequency response is 150-20k, according to creative. So it is a little dry in the low freq range, as expected. Aside from that, the sound quality is very good. And it's not completely bassless as you might think.
You can get the volume high enough for room of about 20 square meters with decent sound quality. But if you adjust the volume too high it'll become noisy.
In a word, its sound quality is not top-notch. But for such a small speaker, it's much better than you'd expect. For a rough reference, its sound quality is about the same as what you can get for a pair of conventional speakers at the price range of around US$25.
The best feature of this gadget may be its digitalized amplifier. Unlike conventional linear amplifer which will waste a lot of power, travelsound uses a digital amplifier. So the battery life is longer. Creative claims a set of four AAA alkline battery can last more than 30 hours, I didn't count the hours but I think the claim is quite reasonable.

In a word, if you want music on the go, this is the one for you.

I connected the Harmon Kardon 6 piece Home Cinema Speaker System to my Sony 53" TV the whole place was change to a movie theatre effect. The Sub Woofer is great and makes special sound effect come to life. I recommend it to anyone. The speakers are all compact size and I had to by 2 stands for the front right and left speakers for $... from HK store via the internet. Great product........I love it.....

My Dad asked me to help him shop for a home-theatre system.

We found these HKs for a very reasonable price. After installing the new system, we put in the DVD, Gladiator. I can't even begin to tell you how incredible these speakers sound. I would compare the sound quality to the demo rooms at most home audio/video stores where you have to spend a couple to a few thousand dollars to replicate their sound quality.

The satellite speakers are bright, crisp and clear. The sub is tight as well as being able to give the wall-shaking, guttural rumble you're craving when watching Apollo 13 take off from the launching pad.

I don't want to sound like a spokesperson for Harmon Kardon, but trust me. Go and buy this system (along with a nice receiver w/ DTS) and you'll understand what I'm talking about!

This is a very nice home theatre speaker with outstanding bass response. The main reason I chose this speaker was because of the excellent home theatre sound quality for it's size and price. I don't have any regrets. It has excellent, deep bass which can go very low. You cannot find a subwoofer that can go this low for this price. Hearing a loud explosion let's say in a James Bond film is an unbelievable experience. You could feel the walls shake. It's not a bad audio speaker either. Usually, I put it in 6 speaker mode when I listen to music. It is pretty good in the 2 way mode where only the subwoofer and the 2 main speakers are active, however, the crossover transition from the low to highs are not that great typical of most lower priced home theatre speakers. When you put it in 6 way, the frequency is separated out much better and the sound quality is really nice. I am actually use to hearing music this way and the sound is very delightful. I am not an audiophile and cannot imagine spending more than $1,500 on a speaker system. I use to switch to floor standing speakers that cost more than the HK system for music (B speakers) and to the HK for Dolby Digital, DTS or Prologic, but I got rid of the bulky floor standing speakers and use the HK for both music and video now. I actually think the sound of this HK in the 6 way mode is better than my old JBL speakers which I put away in the attic until I find a house with more room. I don't think you could get this quality speaker at this price. It is a great home theatre speaker and a decent speaker for music as well. I also like the fact that the speakers are very small since my family room is not that large.

This subwoofer is a great buy. Infinity subwoofers are one of the best. Since Amazon is selling this product for ...% off the regular retail price, I highly recommend that you go for it before it is gone.

only complaint is no on off switch but other than that its awesome, great sound or should i say feel, if you want bass that your neighbors will feel on the next block, well this is it!

I bought this subwoofer to augment a big screen home theater system in a very large room (24' x 14' by 9' tall). I tucked it in the corner and I adjusted the sensitivity control so that it was very subtle (not overbearing and boomy). Then, the most important thing, I kept the crossover point at a low 75 Hz. This subwoofer performs great: subtle but deep and powerful bass for THX DVDs and for all music. If set-up properly, it is very impressive. And the PRICE! Hello, I couldn't find it cheaper at Harman (infinity's parent co) sites. Amazon is the cheapest!