RBH T-2 Listening Tests (cont.)

I was startled to find that the Denon receiver remained cool to the touch after loud extended two-channel listening sessions and moderately warm during multi-channel listening extravaganzas. The T-1 satellite made quite an impressive center channel as well. Though I felt its lateral dispersion once horizontally placed above my RPTV was not quite as good as in vertical placement in a stereo pair. Again, its dynamics were unyielding and effortless, but was a tad more laid back (not a bad thing) then I was used to with my reference center channel. The T-1 center channel provided a wider listening window than I would have expected. I only heard notable tonal changes when seated almost completely off-axis to the speaker on my left couch (about 160 degrees). This is not uncommon in any speaker horizontally mounted, and wasn't a problem with me since I rarely sit in that location, reserving it for my guests, or unappreciative music lovers.

I was fortunate to actually see this tour a few years ago at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. The acoustics in the concert hall, combined with the excellent horn ribbon loaded speaker array made for one impressive and loud show. Pat picked up a new drummer Antonio Sanchez and a couple of new instrumentalists / vocalists making for what I felt was his best performance to date, and perhaps within the top three live musical performances I have had the pleasure of experiencing.

I started out with the acoustical version of " Last Train Home " engaged in DTS and THX Music Mode which was my preferred choice upon hearing this DVD on my reference system. Given my new familiarity with the T-2 System, I was not surprised by how large Pats acoustic guitar sounded. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the echo of his guitar and the swishing of his fingers on the strings when he played a slower version of what is more popularly known today as the holiday Publix song. I noted a hint of exaggerated bass that ordinarily shouldn't be there in an acoustic guitar. While most of this was a result of the recording, I couldn't help but wonder: if the SA-400 sub amps had built in room correction or PEQ if this problem would have been less noticeable. " Roots of Coincidence " was the next track I was most eager to hear. I quickly jumped to it, closed my eyes and waited to be transported back to Ruth Eckerd Hall. Despite the compressive artifacts in the recording (if only we had DSD or MLP for DVD Video), the T-2 System still managed to convince me I was back at the concert. The only thing missing was the bright magnesium flashes during explosive parts of the show. Perhaps I will add light effects to my home theater room in the future to rekindle the luminary experiences of live concerts.

A speaker system that satisfies critical two-channel and multi-channel music listening usually has no problems equally satisfying for the home theater user. However, the converse is not always true. I held back no punches with the T System and brought out some of the most dynamic DVD movies in my collection.

I think it goes without saying why I choose Terminator 3 as one of the DVD movies for reviewing the T-2 System. I am sure BIG, bold, and dynamic are the likely qualities Arnold Schwarzenegger would expect a speaker system to have, and in this regard the T System should more than satisfy the Terminator's requirements. The battle scenes in T3 and LOTR: The Two Towers were simply stunning. I felt as if I was enveloped in a wall of sound, convinced I was in a quality Cineplex and not my living room. I did feel at times that the rear soundstage (with my much smaller, but potent, reference speakers) was a bit outgunned and couldn't help to wonder what a full seven channel Signature T System configuration would sound like.

Monsters, Inc. is both a quality sounding and enjoyable movie to watch. It also happens to be one of my 3 year old daughter's favorites so, as you could imagine, I am quite familiar with it. A particularly notable scene in this movie is when the CDA had to decontaminate the town after the infestation of Baby Boo to their world. I felt the bass from the pulse blast in my bones, and of course heard the rattling of my front door and other undiscovered areas of my home. The T System brought a level of enjoyment to my movie watching experience that made me more eager to frequent the DVD rental store on the way home from work.

Regardless of how good a speaker system sounds, all married men know that integrating a home theater system in one's living room needs to have some degree of WAF. In this respect, the T-2 System doesn't pass with flying colors, but I do have a solution that should soften the blow should you decide this system is right for you. When I first installed this system in my living room for review, my wife complained about its sheer size and overwhelming stature. She complained that the numerous silver drivers, which she referred to as "crop circles", made her feel dizzy. As things weren't sitting too well with her at the moment, I had to tactically rethink the situation to turn things to my favor.

Step 1: Install T System while the wife is not at home. Don't let her see all of the boxes!

Step 2: Keep the grills on to avoid the "crop circle" dizzying effect. In time you can take them off, but not until she is more comfortable with the physical presence of the speakers.

Step 3: Have her enter the room for the first time blind folded and play her favorite music while offering a glass of wine or foot massage.

Step 4: Casually remind her that the overall footprint of the T-2 System is less than two, moderately sized tower speakers and a dedicated subwoofer.

Step 5: That night, take her to out to her favorite restaurant and discuss what types of decorations and/or ornaments she would like to place on top of the cabinets or in the room to match the new décor.

While I didn't exactly follow all of these steps in sequence, I did manage to convince my wife that the T-2 System can integrate into our living room. However, I cannot take full credit as the sound of the system is ultimately what sold her on it.