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They aren't able to produce extremely low frequencies very well. If your other choice is one of those cheap subwoofers that come a lot of computer speakers, you're probably better off without them anyway. I've had a pair of the acoustic research version since the early 90's. Bass guitar isn't too bad, but bass drums pretty much get lost. I absolutely recommend these. They're still going strong all these years later and don't sound the least bit worse for wear. As far as sound quality goes, you can't do much better for a pair of computer speakers.
Way easier to transport than an amp plus speakers, plus these are very durable anyway, metal mesh covering speakers could probably handle a hammer blow. Very loud. I just got a used pair, and they are outstanding. Very good treble / bass controls that really work (no distortion just because you turn up the bass, etc).
The latest pair are being used as computer speakers.The sound quality on these is excellent for vocals, folk, jazz, classical and other instrumental music where exaggerated base isn't the goal. The new Advent version has rocker switches in the back. CD or MP3 player) in small rooms. Each speaker has its own power switch and there is a loud click whenever they are switched on or off. I've purchased three pairs of these, including the earlier "AR Powered Partners" version.
It's also possible to buy complete replacement drivers, but I haven't tried that route. The replacement process should only take an hour or so, with lots of glue drying time in between. The old AR version had push button power switches in the front. The ones I bought were a bit undersized, but work OK. The flexibility of mounting these speakers can help you get exactly the best location. However, new cones can be bought for under $10. Mine are raised to ear height on either side of paired computer monitors; using pipe stand mounts through the back of the speakers (a design option built into the speakers). These will likely have damaged foam surrounds and sound terrible.
Advent later picked up rights from AR and is producing a nearly identical model -- and the one most recently bought.In years past, the speakers were directly connected to line output music sources (e.g. So, probably the best option is to plug both speakers into some sort of a more conveniently located switch -- either on a power cord or with something like an X-10 remote device etc.If you'd like a set of these for a fraction of the cost, consider buying a used set of the AR Powered Partners. What I can say is that my re-coned units sound fine. There are also a number of mounting options. For a clean-looking installation I painted the pipes flat black and ran the power and line wires through the pipes.As others have noted, powering these powered speakers is a slight hassle.
First and foremost, the power cords don't "seat" well and tend to pull out too easily. That being said, they are very good sounding portable speakers.
I bought them for my daughter's dorm room, but I have used them outside with a projector to show movies on the side of the house. Very convenient--just plug in your IPod and you're done.
These speakers sound GREAT. Thirdly, they're not really a "pair", just two of the same speaker, so there are two on/off switches, two volume controls and two sets of tone controls.
When she leaves for school, I am probably buying another set. However, there appear some design flaws.
Secondly, the loud "pop" when they are turned on and off is annoying--I don't know if it is damaging to the speakers or not, but it sure sounds like it.
The sounds is especially crisp for vocal and orchestral works. These speakers sound very clean, and work very well together. Overall, a great deal. However, for hip-hop, which I also listen to, the bass is somewhat weak. They can't quite replace the need for a subwoofer, as the bass sounds a little forced. They're perfect for listening to classical music, which I do a lot of.
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