Outstanding Sound, Outstanding Value
Written: Mar 02 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great sound
Cons: Needs to be closer to walls for better bass
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| mrisch's Full Review: Acoustic Research AR 318PS Speaker |
I have been a fan of Acoustic Research speakers for years. I first bought some Powered Partners in 1992, and I like them so much, I could not bear to part with them even after getting these new speakers.
Now, on to the new speakers. The 318PS is a step down from the 328PS. There is one fewer woofer speaker, and slightly less wattage. I doubt 90% of the listeners out there would notice the difference for the cost. If you have an apartment, you might prefer this to cut the bass a bit.
The speakers sport an 8 inch woofer, a 6 inch tweeter, and a 1 inch tweeter. There is a hole in the back to enhance bass. You will want to place these at varying distances from the back and side walls to vary the bass level. I have one of mine by an opening and the bass is not as strong. You can check www.acoustic-research.com for more details on placement and specs.
These give outstanding sound out of a small package, which has always been one of Acoustic Research's specialties (second only to Bose in my view). I'm no expert audiophile, so I can't give specific distortion rates, but I know what I like, and I like these, a lot.
I have listened to the following:
1. The Wall on DVD
2. The Lion King on VHS
3. Classical music
4. Blues music
5. Pop music
and all of them come through loud and crystal clear (can't speak to the radio or tape - sorry, but if there is a problem with the radio or tape, it is likely NOT the speakers' fault).
I have a house, and I have played the speakers so loud you could hear them across the street and my amp gave me warnings. I don't recommend this, but it is a fun test. I really don't recommend this in an apartment.
The towers are tall and thin, so they fit in any modern decor.
Here are the specs for your reference:
Driver Complement 8" Woofer 5" Midrange 1" Polycarbonate Horn-Loaded Tweeter
Enclosure Design Bass Reflex, 3" Port Tuned at 40 Hz
Frequency Response 38 Hz - 20 KHz + 3 dB
Sensitivity 90dB @ 2.83 Volts/Meter
Crossover Frequency 250Hz, 3.5 KHz
Rated System Power 20 - 175 Watts
Recommended Amp. Power 20 - 175 Watts
Nominal Impedance 8 Ohms
Enclosure Dimensions 36" H x 9.5" W x 11.5" D
Weight 47 lbs
Recommended:
Yes
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