Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsTurntables need a pre-amp
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2022
I just received these speakers today and on initial listen they are fairly good. I'm not blown away by them, but they are very easy on the ears. They produce a very neutral sound. The speakers needed to be adjusted a little for my space. I needed to adjust the bass and treble a little to get the best sound. Overall, the sound quality for such a small speaker is pretty good.
I have a Rega RP1 w/ortofon 2m red and tried listening to records directly plugged in to the phono input (phono switch turned on) using the MM phono pre-amp built into the speakers. Records sound muddled without much separation of instruments.
My main reason for purchase was to bring the turntable from the basement to our mid-level where we do most of our entertaining, cooking, and hanging out. I was looking to eliminate clutter and the need to use an external pre-amp, which is why I didn't rate these speakers higher.
After plugging in my Project Tube Box phono pre-amp, changing the dip switch in the back to "line-in" from "phono", the speakers sound much much much better when listening to vinyl. If I were to bring my powered sub from the basement and add it to the subwoofer out, these speakers would really shine.
Overall I'm happy with my purchase. After some break in time the low end will get better.
