Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Got them in Feb 2006. Right out the box, they sound bright and harsh. But, give them time to run-in, they will sound much better. How much time? At least 300 hours. Mine took that long before the mid-range sounded ultra-smooth. Silbilance become less pronounced and higher freq sounded sweet. The sound is fast and they don't have any problems tracking fast rythms as long as your amp is up to the job.

They are a bit weak in the bass department, but that's because there's only so much air they can move in that cabinet. Putting them on stands worked wonders. More control and less woolly in the bass. I set them up about 25cm from the rear walls. Too much out from the walls, and the bass loses punch.

For best results, I bi-wired them. They sound better with a cleaner top-end than if I used the al-cheapo metal stamped plates that shorted the binding posts. Throw these away and use bi-wiring instead.

In terms of looks, they look real nice with their grilles off. Wife didn't like it though. So, I put them back on.

Strengths:
Sweet treble.
Smooth midrange.

Weaknesses:
Slight harshness in male voices with a low baritone.

Price Paid:  $379.00 from Sound City

Summary:
I'd been looking to replace my Bic America dv62si bookshelfs (EFE modification) with a pricier and better two way. I auditioned the RS1 in New Jersey in January after reading a very good review in England's What HiFi magazine and another excellent review of the previous model S1 in Hifi Choice magazine. I wasn't prepared for what I was about to hear.
The sound from these speakers jump out at you. They're stunningly fast and accurate and the bass is more than adequate considering their small size. What's more, the bass is punchy and tangible, something you rarely hear in such a small design. Tweeter extension is top notch yielding an open and airy sound, so if it's resolution you crave, these speakers may be your ticket.
Prior to buying these little gems, I auditioned them against PSB B25's and Infinity Beta 20's. They sound muddy compared to the RS1's. The RS1's sound better than anything out there for their size and price.

Strengths:
Quick and articulate. You'll hear things you've been missing.

Weaknesses:
Some may say low level frequency reproduction but I say they compete with some floorstanders.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $539.00 from Luminous Audio

Summary:
I love them, I sold a $1,000pair of Wharfedale towers after auditioning these. Better in every area. Better than last years S1's and those are excellent. Much improved cosmetics looks like a more expensive speaker , more like the golds.

Strengths:
Sound, bass for size, cosmetics improved over last years model.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Monitor S1's, Sound Dynamics RTS1's