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Review 1 of 2 Summary:
I really, really like this speaker. In fact, it's my favorite cheapbookshelf speaker, and I have listened to many. It's not the most well-rounded
speaker, like a PSB Alpha, nor does it excel in specific areas, like the
Optimus LX4/5 or NHT SuperZero. What it does do is give shockingly musical
and emotionally satisfying sonics at a bargain price. I have owned several
pairs. The first pair I bought new from RA Labs, then returned them because
I thought they were unexciting. My setup was bad, and I didn't break them in.
The next pair I got was after reading some rave reviews. These were used and
already broken in. The sound was much better, but lacked some ear-grabbing
sound effects, such as detailed highs, 3D-imaging or tight bass. I sold them
when I saw a WTB posting for them (mistake). The 3rd pair I bought used for a
friend of mine who wanted to listen to classical music in the background. That
seemed like something the RA Labs could do well. So, I setup a bargain system,
with a Nakamichi receiver and a Sony CD changer. I got a good price on the
whole set, so I was satisfied and left my friend with the system. I came back
after a while and could not believe the sounds that the RA Labs was making with
such cheap ancillaries. The music was so...real, so non-fatiguing, so
involving and just plain musical. The bass was there, though not standing
out from the crowd. The highs were there, though I wouldn't use the tweeter
for DIY projects. But the mids were exceptionally natural and refined. And the
presentation as a whole was first-rate.
RA Labs went into a coma some time ago. Their Toll-free number is being used
by some other (non-audio) company. But I have heard that they are rising up
again, in England. Their website has a mirror in England which posted a
picture of prototypes for the new Mini-Reference. They look really good,
like cheapo Sonus Faber, because of the hardwood side panels. But maybe
they look too good, because these aren't going to be cheap. Hopefully, they'll
use faux wood and import them into the USA for not too much money. If they
are under $500, theyll be worth buying!
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