http://www.audaud.com/audaud/APR/equipAPR.html An excerpt: It appears that you lose some high frequency extension and definition in this speaker in comparison to the much more expensive B&W as well as the RBH having a more restrained and closed-in sound. Also, instrumental details were less defined, there was veiling in the sound overall and the horn sounded a little toned down--lacking in vibrancy like on the B&W. This quality in the midrange was persistant through out audition adding a slight thickness to the voice or spreading out instruments horizontally, so they appeared to occupy a bit too much space, and also making the image flatter depth-wise. http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_1/rbh-speakers-1-2001.html The one area where I felt the 61-se’s to be a bit lacking was in the soundstaging department, specifically depth. While I felt the width of the soundstage to be convincing on a majority of recordings, Mr. Bungle’s California illustrated its inability to throw an immensely deep one. On tracks that exhibited information - whether it be musical cues or sound effects that previously occurred thirty feet off-mike - they now sounded as if they were ten or fifteen feet away.

smooth, detailed, open soundstage

Need decent quality power. I would suggest 100 watts minimum. They have good range, but a sub is probably preferred for two channel listening if these are used for your main system.

This is my second review of these monitors. I chose to add a second review as I recently added a dedicated Parasound hca 1000 amp to my HT system for two channel listening. My earlier review indicated that these seem to like power. I would state that these actually really seem to like quality power. With 125 watts per side from the Parasound now running through them, they really open up and sound exceptional. I would definitely put these up against any $1000 or less monitor. I like the materials used in their design and am extremely happy with their smooth, detailed, open soundstage. I don't see the boxiness commented upon by the other reviewer, although he certainly is more sophisticated in his audio experience than I. I do have the version of this speaker without the port in back as it is a sealed enclosure. I would say that good amplification is a real key.

richness, clarity, depth of sound

none

I purchased these speakers almost 2 years ago. I first read about these speakers online while I was researching new speakers for my home theater setup. I ended up purchasing these speakers sight unseen as I could not find a dealer in the entire DFW metroplex that even carried the signiture series. I could not have been happier. These speakers sound great!! The sound seperation, richness, depth and clarity is breathtaking. Friends have come over and commented on how good these speakers really sound. Listening to The Eagles, Hell Freezes Over DVD on DTS tells the whole story. Sit back, close your eyes and you will believe that you are there onstage. Not only do you hear the richness and depth of the music, but you will feel it as well. I have listened to Infinity, Bose, Monitor Audio, Polk, Kenwood, and Pioneer speakers before and since I have purchased these RBH speakers and they just do not compare. Speaker setup: Front: RBH 1044SE Center: RBH 441SE Rear: RBH 61SE Sub: RBH 1010 SEP Cables: BetterCables.com premium speaker wire

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Kenwood, custom built

Very natural sound. No coloration, accurate highs and mids.
Good depth.

None that I notice, but I am not an audiophile.
They need decent cables. Like power.

These are very well constructed quality monitor speakers.
These throw a large image with great depth and are especially excellent for acoustic jazz. Very natural sound on instruments and vocals. Silk dome tweeter is smooth and very clear. Mids are neutral and clean. I am running these on high pass with an ACI Titan sub, but they are rated down to 45hz so a sub is not an absolute necessity. They sounded even better when I changed cables to DH LABS T14 Silversonics from standard Monster 12 gauge wire. I am using a pretty basic Denon 1801 receiver with 5X75 watts per channel. They seem to like power.
I know that there are better speakers, but for what I paid used for this quality, they were an excellent deal. The new price for black finish is 7-800$ depending on where you shop. I think for that price range there are many speakers that sound excellent. They are not a readily available line of speakers. I have them paired with an RBH 661SE center that sounds the same as the RBH 61 SE's. I listen mostly to music, but they sound great for HT also. Very natural voices.
Check the RBH website for details.

Avalon Audio carries this line if you live out east. Ask for Bob. Phone number is 609 654-7752. He knows what he is doing.

These receive great reviews from professional people a lot more discriminate than me so I am not sure what to rate them. For this price range these have to be considered as good as Paradigm reference monitors, or similar priced models in the 6-900$ range. The quality of design and build is obvious, but the sound is what counts. I like them.

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I listened to a lot of monitors. Wanted silk dome tweeters and a natural sound.

Decently natural tones

Very closed in.

The finish is very good. The tweeter is a Vifa job and the woofer an in house aluminum job. Simple ported box. The sound is neutral and can play decently low. Overall, not a BAD speaker but certainly not a GOOD speaker. The most objectionable thing about this speaker is how boxy and closed in it sounds. In direct comparison to an old pair of Spica Angelus I had around, the Angelus were more involving and MUCH less boxy. To me, the Silverline stuff and the Meadowlark stuff kill at the same price points.

Associated Equipment:
Pioneer DVD Player via HT Cyberlink
MSB Link DAC
JPS Superconductor to Passive Pre Made from Goldpoint Shunt attenuator with Caddock Resistors (10k Input) to either a Bryston 4B-ST or a AES Super Amp.
Speaker Cable was the wonderful TG Audio Silver

Other speakers I have owned:
Silverline Sonatina (Original)
Soliloquy 5.3s
PSB Alphas
Spica Angelus
Etc Etc

Spent a lot of time with PSB Stratus Silver
Meadowlark Shearwater/Kestral
Lots of crappy B&W gear
Thiel stuff
Ariel etc etc.

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I will name products, which to my mind, would compete well with this product. Meadowlark Kestral, Silverline SR15