Price Paid:  $230.00 from J&R

Summary:
I biamped the 15s recently and have forgone the preamp- connected the amps directly to the cdp (Marantz 6000-OSE) for what I think is exceptional sound quality. I am even happy with the level of bass response. I don't have an incredible amount of experience with audio equipment but I have experimented enough to realize that one component's sound quality is very much dependent on everything else in the connection chain. I believe a term to describe this is synergy. So even if I do own a pair of speakers that cost less than $250 that don't have the sex appeal of more esoteric "audiophile" brands, I think I've done something that has helped to create a performance going beyond what the AR15s level of performance is alleged to be. They handle complex material rather well and can play very loud without distorting. I also own a pair of the 17s and they sound good too.

Strengths:
Exceptional detail, midrange, build quality, good looking, posts for bi-wiring.

Weaknesses:
I think they need mega watts to sound really good.

Price Paid:  $300.00 from Shopper's Advantage

Summary:
I posted a good review of these speakers previously. I take it back! They sounded good at first- I've used these for a year now, only at moderate listening levels, and with a good amp. Oh man, these things are completely dead. They sound like the speakers on my freakin' TV. I did some simple tests (I'm a recording engineer, and have lots of that type of stuff) and they're nowhere close to the manufacturer's specified frequency response anymore. The tweeters still sound the same (I never liked them in the first place) but oh MAN there is no low end at all! These speakers were treated well, and have not at all stood the test of time.

Strengths:
They look nice. Very attractive finish and grille. Woofer looks cool.

Weaknesses:
Like everything I own, I took one of these apart. Not at all impressed with the components inside, particularly the woofer- no wonder they wore out so fast.

Similar Products Used:
Ever heard of a Behringer Truth? I doubt you have- they're a professional audio company. I have a pair that I use for some stuff in my studio. Buy these instead- you won't regret it. They are a great

Price Paid:  $218.00 from Consumer Direct

Summary:
I bought the AR15s and an AR4C (reviewed in center channel speakers) as the front speakers for my small home theater set-up. They are positioned on 22" stands on either side of my TV. It took a couple of weeks of break in and adjusting the location of the stands to "get it right", but the resulting sound is excellent.

The AR15s present a very solid soundstage in stereo mode. These speakers are very efficient and can play surprisingly loud in my modestly sized living room. They don't strain my Yamaha RX-V630 Receiver at all that I can tell, although the Yamaha is not as powerful as others in it's price class. I replaced my old Advent 1s with these and the ARs are better in every way except the deep bass. However, the ARs being smaller, were probably better positioned in my room for the best sound.

In surround mode, the AR15s blended seemlessly with the AR4C center channel to give a very satisfying movie watching experience. The dialog is clear and the music is very rich. The only thing lacking is the gut pounding bass during explosions.
A small powered sub would help here, but I'm not ready to lose my lease.

During the break in/position adjustment phase, I used a Radio Shack SPL meter to adjust the levels of the 5 speakers in my set up. This step really made the surround experience come "alive". The center is more efficient than the 15s, and it overpowered them a little. Now, they are in perfect harmony. I recommend the breakin and adjustments after a month of use and the results are so much better than what I heard when I first hooked them up.

I am extremely pleased with these speakers, especially considering what I paid for them. I compared these to several other small bookshelf speakers from Boston, JBL, and B&W DM303s. The AR15 beat them all especially for just over $200. I am very partial to Definitive Technology speakers but they didn't have a small bookshelf unit at the time. I would like to compare the AR with the new StudioMonitor 350 that was recently introduced. However, enen the Studio 350 costs over twice what these did.

What is my upgrade path? The B&W CDM NT1 is the best small bookshelf I have heard so far, and for $1200 it better be good. When I move to a bigger place, I would want to add either a powered sub or move the 15s to the back and add a pair of AR3s or AR5s with the built-in powered woofers to complete my surround sound system.

My equipment setup:

Main speakers: AR15

Center channel: AR4C

Rear speakers: Cambridge Soundworks 17

A/V Receiver: Yamaha RX-V630

DVD/CD player: Yamaha DVD-920

Strengths:
The AR15s have a very smooth sound that is easy to listen to for hours. The crisp highs and the smooth midrange were a major improvement over my old Advent 1's. The funky green tweeter sounds very detailed, probably due to the foam surround doing a good job of eliminating refraction. I listened to a Leahy CD (a high energy Canadian celtic folk group) and it was real close to hearing them live (which I did 2 months before).

The 15s present a solid soundstage and they image very well. The 6 1/2" mid/woofer handled voices and acoustic instruments very well. It is very quick with attacks and blends well with the funky green tweeter.

The speakers are very solid andpass the knuckle rap test. They have 2 pairs of very large gold plated binding posts on the back that are angled to easily accept the 16 AWG speaker wire I am using. They can also be bi-wired although I haven't tried that yet.

All in all, a really good speaker for the money! The Consumer Direct staff were also very helpful in assisting me with my selection, and the low price was the best of all..

Weaknesses:
The biggest weakness is the lack of bass in the bottom octive. These speakers cry out for a sub to handle 80Hz and down. It would need to be a fast one to keep up with the 15s.

The only other gripe is that the grills are a little hard to get off since they don't have a pull tab.

Similar Products Used:
B&W DM303, small Bostons, Cambridge Soundworks, JBLs, and my old Advents.

Price Paid:  $200.00 from Etronics

Summary:
I purchased AR15 early this year from Etronics I received them in excellent condition. Enough of that! I am using the AR15s as rear effect speakers. I shopped around for months for Bookshelf speakers even looked into making this stile of speakers. I couldn't beat the quality or the price. I am using them with my Yamaha RX-V1 and on 6.1 DTS or DD 5.1 I can pour the coals to them and get no flatness like the Boes I had. If you want more low end response you need to go to a bigger Sub Woofer speaker 10"+ and cabinet.

Strengths:
Good alround speaker for bookshelf.

Weaknesses:
Needs to be broke in like others have said

Price Paid:  $210.00 from Accessories4Less.com

Summary:
So I bought these speakers without hearing them, and almost didn't - I heard a set of Paradigm Atoms and thought they were the greatest....until I got them home and listened to them in my house - they just didn't fill the room. I talked to Mark and Accessories4Less and he recommended the AR15 for fronts and AR17 for rear speakers - the best decision I could have ever made - these speakers tied to my Marantz SR7000 sound fabulous - even got the wife seal of approval!

The green tweeter is a cool effect as well - so I'm running a AR4C center - the AR15/17 setup and a PR1212 for a sub.

Buy these if you get the chance - you won't regret it - they aren't as bright as the 17s but they do have the same soundstage and if you like bright tinny speakers then you shouldn't be getting these - go buy some Bose crap if you want high and tinny.

Good luck!

Strengths:
Great bargain
Strong sound
Great soundstage

Weaknesses:
They aren't towers so you need a sub

Similar Products Used:
Paradigm Atom, Boston Acoustics, JBL