Featured Reviews

MartinLogan is typically known for their hybrid-electrostatic loudspeakers; however, they are now trying their hand at more traditional speakers, with a twist. The Martin Logan LX16 two-way bookshelf speakers ($799 pr.) utilize a proprietary Folded Motion tweeter. Martin Logan has reached a new price point, and consumer demographic, with the entire Motion Series. I found the LX16s to stand up to the MartinLogan name. No, the LX16s cannot really compare to MartinLogan’s iconic hybrid electrostats, but they shouldn’t be expected to at only a fraction of the cost. The LX16s have a beautiful finish, excellent aesthetics, and come in a reasonably small package. The 5.25” midrange driver hammers out a surprising amount of bass, and the Folded Motion tweeter is crisp and clean, if not a little bright. These speakers would work great in a standalone 2.1 system, or as main speakers in a 5.1 system. If you are in the market for good speakers with above average looks, give these a listen.

When my sister-in-law tasked me to build her a home theater, she had three goals in mind: a system that would play cleanly at high output levels, be reasonably priced and “classy” looking. EMPtek Impression series of products seemed like the logical choice. We’ve had good experiences with their E55Ti towers and ES1010i subwoofer, so it was time to evaluate their new E56Ci 5 driver 3-way center channel and 4 driver bipole E55WI surround on-wall speaker system to get the big picture of perform of an entire EMP speaker configuration. This review explores a 7.1 EMP Impression Series speaker system’s performance while also offering valuable set-up and installation tips to ensure you too can achieve the three goals we set out for. Read the review to find out how good looks + good sound wins big WAF while also satisfying the discriminating Audioholic ear.

Regardless of your needs, the Paradigm Cinema Speakers has a solution for you. Especially on a budget. With 5.1 systems starting at $1000 and tons of upgrade options, users should find all they need. From the satellite Cinema 100 speakers to the MTM Cinema 200 speakers, to the much larger MMTMM Cinema 400 speakers, all room sizes are pretty much covered. While the drivers don't change, the level of output and extension of bass does. Even those looking for a single speaker LCR have an option in the Cinema Trio. Add to that the compact Cinema Sub and Paradigm has set their sights directly at the budget conscious crowd that doesn't want to settle for poor sound.

Axiom Audio has added another center channel to round out its comprehensive center lineup. The VP160v3 (MSRP $570 shipped) is based on the well established W(T/M)W arrangement of drivers which is done to improve off-axis response compared to conventional horizontally mounted MTM designs. We like the direction Axiom Audio is taking with this new center channel. They built the product on a well established design principle to ensure good on and off-axis performance while also designing it to be a tonal match to their M60v3 floorstanding speakers. The VP160v3 is front ported and includes gel like rounded feet to help decouple it from panel resonances if placed inside an entertainment center. Initial feedback from forum users on the Axiom website and our forums indicate the VP160v3 is off to a successful start. Many users have made the upgrade from the VP150 claiming MUCH better vocal intelligibility on and off axis.

Given the price, the Trends Audio SA-10 may be a very interesting speaker. Trends is obviously a small company trying to break into audio world and their speaker aesthetics and website design display how bootstrapped they are. But that doesn't mean their speaker won't sound good. We are definitely intrigued by the apparent technology they claim to use in their speaker though we are guessing it will be best utilized in a near-field application like an office. Paired with one of their inexpensive hybrid tube amps, however, you might be looking at an affordable step into high end audio.

Sometimes we get caught up in the specs and features of products - in fact, that's often the most stand-out thing about some of the things we review. When we fired up the RBH Sound SX-61/R Reference Bookshelf speakers, all that went out the proverbial window. For the next two hours we didn't do anything but shuffle in and out various discs and tracks and listen. And I mean "lose ourselves in the moment" listening. The SX-61/R's have that signature RBH Sound midrange that let's you hear things you just don't with most bookshelf systems. The speakers just dissolve into the room and you can detect every nuance in the music. Things like a snare drum played with brushes just become ear candy and kick drums reveal that decisive snap at the top. You can listen for hours and not get tired.

Emotiva launched their pro line last week, and kicking off the brand, they released 3 self powered two-way loudspeakers designed for discriminating audiophiles in both the home and studio environment. All three models feature their own proprietary ribbon high frequency driver and bi-amplification and active crossovers. Each speaker features both unbalanced and balanced input connections. All speakers come with a 5-year transferable warranty and a freer 30 day in-home trial. These speakers look pretty awesome and we look forward to conducting a full review and host of measurements.

When a company like Def Tech releases a new speaker, it is news. When it is an update to a speaker nearly 10 years in the making, it sets the Internets aflame. Everything from the driver choice to the aesthetics have been changed with the new StudioMonitor offerings. With three offerings (SM45, SM55, SM65) from $399 to $899 a pair, there is something here for everyone. With Def Tech's distinctive bi-polar focus, the top two have huge, top-mounted, bass radiators. It will be interesting to see how these perform in a real room.

Sound Import, LLC is now the exclusive distributor for Wharfedale speakers in the US. Today we got treated to a preview of the Jade Series loudspeakers which is a fairly robust line with seven models, including the Jade-1 and Jade-3 stand-mounted monitors, the Jade-5 and Jade-7 floorstanding towers, the Jade-C1 and Jade-C2 center-channel speakers and the Jade-SR wall-mountable surround speaker. Jade Series loudspeakers have an interesting pedigree. They are designed and built in the International Audio Group (IAG) ISO9001 facilities using standard CAD techniques, but a Wharfedale acoustic technician individually tests each driver and crossover. Finally, each finished loudspeaker is tested and certified to Wharfedale's reference standards.