AR sound in a small package
Written: Dec 07 '00 (Updated Mar 05 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small size, good sound and tonally similar to the larger models of the series
Cons: Bass
The Bottom Line: A small, warm sounding speaker that will satisfy those that like the sound of AR's larger PS models, but don't have the space or money.
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| livingplasma's Full Review: Acoustic Research AR 215PS Main / Stereo Speaker |
Well, after getting the front tonally matched, the final upgrade of speakers in the home theater were for the surround channel. My dad and I decided on two possible options, get the AR226PS to replace the fronts and downgrade the 216PS to surround duty, or get the 215PS for surrounds and use the saved money to get a new receiver. We went with the second option mainly to upgrade the less than ideal Sony (now part of a bedroom HT), and because the room it's in is small :)
Since the original surround speaker were really BAD (POS small single driver Technics), it doesn't come as a surprise that the 215PS would easily beat them for surround duty. However, I did test them with something of comparable value and performance, my Polk Audio R10's in my stereo system. I gave the benefit of placement to the AR's by putting them on top of the Polk's so the tweeter was more ear level with the AR's. Soundwise, the AR's had a much warmer tone, with louder, punchier bass (slightly boomy) and mildly rolled off treble when compared to the Polk's. Even so, they did pretty well with music, voices had more weight and a richness to them, and the bass was impressive even if it didn't extend as low. The Polk's had a much better treble extension that gave music an airy quality, but the AR's lack of it made them easy and less fatiguing to listen to. I prefer the Polk's sound, but everyone's taste is different and I still enjoyed the AR's sound nonetheless. The AR's will do well for surround or main use if matched with a sub.
Build quality of the AR215PS is very similar to the larger models of the series. The enclosure is a vented design tuned to 75Hz and seems to be made of 1/2" or 3/4" MDF, very solid construction and covered in wood grained vinyl. The same 5-way, gold plated binding posts with plastic nuts on the larger models are on this one as well. The tweeter and woofer appear to be the same as the center channel, a 1" polycarbonate tweeter and 5.25" woofer.
Overall, I think these are good, inexpensive compact speakers for surround or main use, especially if matched with a subwoofer. It has a very similar sound to the larger models of the series so if you like the sound of the larger models but lack the space, these would do well. I'm a bit picky when it comes to bass (it sounds slightly boomy to me), but I think a lot of people won't mind and it adds nice impact for surround duty.
UPDATE:
After much fiddling with placement, I have found a setup that seems to minimize room effects on the sound. The above review was done with the speakers placed in a somewhat compromised position to begin with (about 20 inches away from the back and side walls, toed in and angled slightly up). In my new listening positions (which is also a nearfeild setup to further minimize sound reflections and for a more "direct" sound), the bass was tight and not boomy as I thought, though it still doesn't extend deep. The tonal balance is quite nice, but I can head box colorations now, especially with upper bass frequencies, voices were not too strongly affected. The treble is not as smooth as the PS 216, it sounds a bit edgey but not too offensive.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
livingplasma
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Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Opinions, like people, will change and evolve. Expect updates with many of my reviews.
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