Hey guys,
So I have been working a little with a guy in Idaho. He is into audio but not huge $$$$$ figures. I've already sold some floor standers that were not much more than knee height, and they rocked. Part of the magic formula is using low distortion fullrangers in bipole configuration, with a TL line tuned to the FR. That and they are intended to be furniture, not just some black boxes. They can fit lifestyle quotas, WAF quotas, etc... They're solid hardwood.
These little guys are the best desktop speakers I've heard. Yes I've heard JBL's offerings of self powered, and sure, they are articulate but musical isn't a word I'd don for a review of them. These guys make a bigger image that you'd be use to from standard monopole speakers on a desktop. To put it real simple, I don't even believe in non-bipole desktop speakers anymore; it's just the only thing I'd choose at this point. When they are reinforced by the desk itself, their bass is really nice. Bass guitar sounds very smoother and bodied. When you put your hand in front of the port you can really feel it breathing! There's no need to have them "on axis", the image comes forward without that. Overall they have a slightly forward sound, not recessed or dark. I think they mate really nicely with things like vintage Adcom amplifier that the creator uses, or any amp with a little bit of dampening.
I've had them playing as if they are my main speakers. They are actually pretty good at it, but ultimately the bass is a touch shy without the reinforcement of a desk or shelf, or wall. Still, I could rock out to Money for Nothing in my small room on only 15w.
Circle sawn walnut w/oil finish
Bipole
Transmission line
Denim insulation in chamber
40wpc RMS, 140w MAX
4ohm
82.6db
$700 +shipping