Audioreview.com 522D-PT Power Tower Review, April 2005

"My continued recommendation of these speakers is based on their great value and how well they are suited to home theater. All speakers that cost less than a house have some degree of voicing or coloration. The choices made by the Aperion team, beginning with the DiAural crossover, are unique among speaker manufactures, and that is what makes these speakers stand out. For a two-channel system devoted entirely to music, the 522D-PT’s are economical contenders albeit with plenty of competition. In the home theater realm, the Intimus line, in any configuration, is a leading contender. The low price is just icing on the cake."

This is an excellent system for those wanting to add a good looking, high quality surround setup without sacfricing the living room to a phalanx of giant speakers. It appears to me that Aperion is aiming for that segment of the market where HE wants a great surround sound system but SHE gets a veto when it comes to decor. With the Aperions, everyone can be happy - very happy."

-Eric LoBue, audioreview.com, April 2005

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EnjoyTheMusic.com 522D-PT Power Tower Review, November 2004

"The Aperion Intimus 522D-PT are polite, elegant and well-dressed loudspeakers. Without sounding too critical, the slim Aperion ladies are perfectly good loudspeakers for home theaters not seeking elusive audiophile qualities. Because of their relatively low price, slim, unobtrusive good looks and powered woofers, when matched with the right amplifier, the Aperion Intimus 522D-PT are above-average values for HT systems -- four Blue Notes."

-A. Colin Flood, enjoythemusic.com, November 2004

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AudioRevolution.com 522D-PT Power Tower Review, September 2004

"With Aperion Audio’s system of direct sales to the consumer, the company can offer a great-sounding speaker at impressively reduced prices. With the consumer having the ability to audition the speakers for 30 days free of charge, it is hard to argue against giving them a try if they are in your price class. With an easy to use web site and knowledgeable technical staff to help guide you to the right system for your application and budget, Aperion should be considered for your next purchase. I wish more manufacturers supported the premise that auditioning is the best way to truly know what speakers are the best-sounding ones for your particular room and electronics. Without question, this speaker package performed well. They are legitimate contenders for those who want big league sound at a budget price. I felt the Aperion package performed above its price point in many ways, making them a solid buy.” 

-Matthew Evert, audiorevolution.com, September 2004

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CNET.com Power Tower Review, August 2004

"Aperion's latest triumph sets a high standard for sound and build quality. For $1,200 a pair, the Intimus 522D-PTs are easily the best bang for the buck for discriminating listeners who'll appreciate the powerful, refined sound offered by these towers of power. "

-Steve Guttenberg, CNET.com, August 2004

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CNET.com Vertical Array Center Channel Review, August 2004

"To assess the vertical array's effectiveness, we played our favorite test discs' "pink noise" tracks, and determined that, yes, the 522D-VAC's wide dispersion sound and flat tonal balance were unaffected by our position on the couch. Some centers sound correct only for the listeners seated in a centrally located sweet spot; everyone sitting farther to the left or right may be hearing a brighter or duller sound. With the 522D-VAC, everybody hears the same sound."

-Steve Guttenberg, CNET.com, August 2004 

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Audioholics.com 5.1-8 System Review, May 2004

"Putting up the Aperion Audio speakers, I wondered what these 1" thick HDF cabinets would sound like compared to the relatively pint-sized speakers we had tested to date. The system produced a very wide, very open soundstage without much effort. The often difficult front to rear panning was convincing and natural, while the subwoofer provided a noticeable amount of tactile response down to its reproducible levels. The quality of this system was acutely demonstrated during the Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace's Pod Race Scene. Whenever the pods would penetrate the threshold of the canyon walls, the entire listening room would change, mimicking the front to rear wipe of entering the new on-screen environment.

During Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the Intimus Sub held its own and gave a solid performance without trying to reach further than it was designed. You can really feel this scene with the right subwoofer and it's a rough test for an 8" sub in a room over 3400 cubic feet in size!

The Aperion system was the best crafted system in this group. Its 1" thick HDF cabinets and nicely-finished enclosures are a force to be reckoned with, really putting it into a different class with bookshelf systems - both in terms of performance and size. The Aperion drivers played with detail and presence and the subwoofer performed admirably for an 8" drive unit that was tested in a medium-large sized room. Having 5 identical speakers made this unit a textbook system for DVD-Audio playback; however vocals tended to be a bit boxy, with a slight emphasis in the 300Hz range. Home theater movies sounded great on this system and it could play very loud without audible distortion."

-Clint DeBoer, audioholics.com, May 26, 2004

Audioholics.com Power Tower Review, April 2004

"The Aperion Audio Intimus Powered Tower (what a mouthful) garners my recommendation to those looking for a full range handsomely crafted speaker system with integrated subwoofers to eliminate the bulk of yet another big box in your home theater / living room. Their overall sound should please most audio enthusiasts and their well-extended bass should enthrall the home theater aficionados alike. There is a sense of pride of ownership of this product NOT typical in most consumer audio gear (especially at this price). Whether this appeal is a result of the craftsmanship, sound quality, customer support and service, I will let you decide. My guess is that it will be all of the above."

Gene DellaSalla, Audioholics.com, April 2004

DesignTechnica.com, February 2004

"The sound that filled the room could have been coming from towers several times their size instead of these bookshelf speakers."

"The looks, performance and price of the INTIMUS 5.1 home theater system should make this a very attractive option for many home audio enthusiasts. It can stand up to the sound and power of many more expensive systems and won’t break the bank in doing so.

The well engineered system and quality components provide outstanding sound quality. For an installation where bookshelf speakers are desired or towers simply won’t fit, the INTIMUS 5.1 system should definitely be considered.

Coupled with Aperion’s great customer service reputation and a no-risk 30-day trial (return shipping billed to Aperion) you can’t go wrong.

Mike Bell - designtechnica.com, February 2004

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Unique Hardware, February 2004

"The INTIMUS 7.1 channel speaker set really did redefine how I listen to music and movies. These speakers look great and transform my room into a complete movie theatre. Aperion Audio set a goal: to create some really great sounding speakers. They overshot their goal and created a masterpiece.

For speakers in this price range, you are getting your dollars worth; these are worth it. Congratulations Aperion Audio, you made a great looking, and great sounding speaker set. Now my computer is more than worthy enough for all my audio needs!"

-Trevor Welsh - Unique Hardware, February 2004

Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity, December 2003

I’m a big believer in picking audio equipment based on how you feel when you listen to it. How does it feel in your chest? Are you smiling? Do you want to get up and dance, or is your head bobbing? With the Aperions the answers are: Great, Yes, and Yes. Based on this I would choose them over my existing reference speakers if I had it to do all over again. The fact that they cost less than my reference speakers would make me feel all the better."

Rick Schmidt - Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity, December 2003

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AudioRevolution.com - Top 100 List, December 2003

"Here's what audiorevolution.com had to say about us..."Of the new breed of direct-to-the-consumer speakers, Aperion Audio makes one of the absolute best. Their website is ultra-slick yet personable. Readers rave about how Aperion bends over backward in the buying process."

-Audiorevolution.com - Top 100 List, December 2003

AudioRevolution.com 522D 5.1 System Review, August 2003

"In this price range, there will inevitably be tradeoffs, but I believe the Aperions are a real player in this range, especially because of the savings from Internet-only sales. Please don’t take my occasional criticisms during the course of this review as a condemnation of this loudspeaker system, but rather as a compliment that these speakers can be compared with much more expensive setups. As good a value as I feel the 522D satellite loudspeakers are, the S10 subwoofer is the real star of the show. I must admit, I was initially a bit disappointed when I discovered the review system came with the mid-sized 10-inch driver based S10, and not the 12-inch, 250-watt S12 subwoofer. But this attractive, unassuming unit was able to really pressurize the numerous rooms I tried it in, some large, all the while sounding musical, and not sticking out unless called for by the source material. Not only did the S10 work extremely well as a part of the 5.1 Channel INTIMUS Theater/Audio loudspeaker system, but I think it is an excellent choice in the under $500 subwoofer market by itself. The S12 is a significant step up from the S10, something you should hear. Overall, I was very impressed by the Aperion 5.1 Channel INTIMUS Theater/Audio loudspeaker system, and heartily recommend it to anyone looking for a complete surround setup anywhere near this price range."

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DVD ETC., April 2003

"The Aperion Audio Intimus is a straightforward and affordable approach to high performance loudspeaker design—with a simple and elegant look reminiscent of high-end speakers and the performance to back it up. It’s clear that those people behind the Aperion name have affections for music and a taste for the finer things in life. Whereas I always recommend that you audition products for yourself before making the purchase, with the Aperion line you can actually have them delivered to your home at no risk.

You owe it to yourself to experience audio like this in your home at least once in your life."

Clint Walker - DVD ETC., April 2003

HomeTheaterSound.com April 2003

"The Aperion Audio Intimus home-theater speaker system excels in several important areas. The highlights for me were the precise imaging from the Intimus 522D speakers and the roof-rattling bass performance from the Intimus S-10 subwoofer. In fact, with its remarkable resolution and precise imaging, this system would not be out of place with electronics typically paired with much more expensive speakers... So, if you are in the market for a stunningly finished home theater, even above the Intimus’s price range, you should definitely audition the Aperion Audio Intimus system."

-Vince Hanada - hometheatersound.com, April 2003

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CNET.com March 2003

"Aperion's knockout package offers great sound, superb build quality, and extraordinary value."

"Aperion Audio's recipe for success couldn't be more straightforward: offer state-of-the-art customer service, build great-sounding speakers, and sell them directly over the Internet. By eliminating all of the middleman's profits, Aperion can boast a level of quality rarely achieved at this price range. Oh, and we were dazzled by the system's gorgeous look. If you have the taste and the space for full-sized bookshelf speakers, the Intimus won't disappoint."

Steve Guttenberg - CNET.com, March 2003

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CheapHomeTheater.com, December 2002

Aperion Audio 5.1 Channel Intimus Speaker System

Aperion Audio has gone through many changes since we first saw their products. First, we saw an offering from Edge Audio, then came the name change and new product lines. Under the new name of Aperion Audio, they began producing knock- your-socks-off subwoofers and high quality speakers. Since our last Aperion Audio product review, they've refined their speakers, introduced a new 10-inch subwoofer, and debuted their new super high gloss black finish.

Look and Feel
Our review staff liked the natural wood grain finish of the last Aperion Audio products we reviewed, but we really loved the new gloss black finish. NHT speakers were known for their impressive glossy, black finishes. We sat a Aperion Audio glossy black speaker next to a NHT 1.5 bookshelf for comparison to its legendary gloss. It was quite apparent that the Aperion Audio gloss was far better than even the NHT gloss, that's impressive. The Aperion Audio gloss black is so impressive you might just want to put them on display under protective glass.

Besides the new gloss black color, Aperion Audio has also redone their speaker's cabinets and grilles. The grilles are a much more modern, better looking grill than the previous version. The new grille coupled with the high-quality gloss finish makes these speakers look very expensive. The speaker cabinet dimensions have also been slightly altered, making a little bigger speaker. In the picture below, you can see the larger shape and more modern attractive styling the 522 bookshelf speakers offer.

Aperion has definitely stepped up and delivered a more aesthetically pleasing speaker. While this shouldn't be the only factor you consider, it can certainly help your decision. Spousal approval can certainly be a factor when purchasing a speaker system, and this speaker system got positive reaction from all spouses we queried during the review process.

Look and Feel - 4.5/5

Features
The most prominent "feature" of an Aperion Audio speaker system would be the inclusion of the much heralded DiAural® crossover system. This system is said to do the work of a crossover system, i.e. sending the proper frequencies to a respective speaker component, but give a more warm, natural sound than a traditional crossover network. DiAural® crossovers are used in many speaker systems, but Aperion Audio speakers are the only products in this price range utilizing this technology.

One thing we really like about Aperion Audio's speakers is their choice of 1 inch high-density fiberboard (HDF) when building enclosures. These 1" thick walls give the speakers an incredibly solid feel. As soon as you pick up these speakers you will quickly understand what I mean. While these speakers aren't nearly as large as most bookshelf speakers we have tested, they are some of the heaviest. These small details instill confidence in us that Aperion Audio products are being created with everything well thought out and planned.

Another feature that is obviously the result of careful planning and research is Aperion Audio's decision to include threaded inserts on their speakers. These brackets allow you to secure the speakers to stands or wall mounting brackets, helping keep your new investment out of harm's way and away from small children and pets. Aperion Audio could have easily scrapped this feature to save some cost and increase profit margin, but they didn't and we applaud that.

Rounding out the feature set is the speaker's internal components. A 5 1/4" woofer is mated with a 1" dome tweeter for sound reproduction. As mentioned before, the speakers work in conjunction with the DiAural® crossover network to reproduce warm sound. Aperion Audio didn't skimp on their binding posts either, as very nice 5-way gold plated binding posts allow a variety of connection types. Aperion has also gone to a slightly different driver for the new 522 bookshelf speakers. Unlike the 512 bookshelf speakers, the new 522 speakers feature and inverted cone in the woofer and appear to have a different baffle as well.

The other component in the Aperion Audio speaker package we reviewed was their 10 inch subwoofer, the Intimus S-10. This subwoofer is based on the larger S-12 we reviewed previously. The 10 inch subwoofer is driven by an amplifier capable of delivering 200 Continuous watts of power. Often, subwoofer amplifiers are rated at their peak power output, a figure that is often misleading as the amplifier is only capable of producing that output for very brief periods of time. The continuous rating that Aperion Audio has used is a much better figure as it represents the minimum power available at any time.

The S-10 sub has all of the typical standard features found on subwoofers these days. High-level, as well as low-level, are found on the back panel. A detachable power cord, that is readily replaced is damaged or broken, is a nice touch that is especially helpful when moving this subwoofer. Again, the 1" thick HDF construction leads to an incredibly solid enclosure, as evident from the 56 pound weight.

Features - 4.5/5

Performance
It is no secret that we absolutely loved the S-12 subwoofer from Aperion Audio. This is the only sub in this price range we've found that could go head-to-head with the impressive HSU VTF-2. We were certainly optimistic about the performance of the S-10, but deep-down I was somewhat skeptical about how well this smaller version could perform.

It didn't take long to realize this sub is the real deal. Two separate occasions I personally checked to see what subwoofer was active wanting to ensure someone hadn't switched back to the S-12 subwoofer. I was surprised, make that blown away, at how remarkably close to the S-12 the smaller S-10 performed. Everyone agreed that the S-12 responded better to lower frequencies (under 30 Hz), but other than that the S-10 was as impressive as the S-12. Since the S-12 has a larger woofer, it can move more air, and it does translate to more house-shaking effects. However, the S-10 shook our test lab time and time again leaving us all impressed at how much output Aperion Audio had squeezed out of this subwoofer.

The S-10 carried most of the same performance characteristics of its big brother. It handled the most intense demo scenes without ever breaking a sweat. The Haunting features a scene that has made many subwoofers get sloppy, but the S-10 handled it remarkably well while producing realistic effects. The scene has a tremendous amount of bass, and much of it is very low, but the S-10 performed well on this test. Lord of the Rings and Spiderman are new DVDs we have been using to test lately. In both of these tests, the S-10 provided great, solid performance under a wide-variety of conditions.

The newly refreshed design of the bookshelf speakers didn't disappoint either. Again, our staff couldn't get over how well the smaller bookshelf speakers matched the powerful subwoofer. The bookshelf speakers and the subwoofer work incredibly well together, Aperion Audio has really nailed this aspect. Another immediate impression we had was that the new bookshelf speakers extended lower in the frequency range than their predecessors did. Again, this helps the bookshelf speakers blend seamlessly with the subwoofer. This is especially noticeable when listening to music without the subwoofer giving a nice upgrade in two-channel stereo performance.

We didn't notice much difference in the high-end reproduction of the Aperion Audio bookshelf speakers, but that isn't a bad thing. The aspect of their speakers I really appreciate is the more laid back, detailed reproduction of sound. Too many speakers tend to have a very forward, "in your face" presentation that may seem desirable at first but will quickly grow old. The smooth sounds of the Aperion Audio speakers give a more refined reproduction that is refreshing.

While we are very high on the Aperion Audio product, our review staff did see one drawback. The 522 bookshelf speakers need a bit more amplification to get them to a desirable listening volume. With a claimed sensitivity of 88db, you'll want to make sure you get enough amplifier to push them. While this isn't a huge issue, we did notice we needed a higher volume position on the Aperion Audio speakers to obtain reference levels. We used an Onkyo TX-SR600 receiver to power the speakers, but never had any problem pushing the amplifier too hard. This won't be much of an issue except to the listener who has an receiver with less than 60 watts per channel that they want to use, as it might not be enough to give you a good volume output.

Aperion has a great mixture of pleasing good looks and solid performance. With prices comparable to other less attractive speakers, it is easy for us to recommend their products time and time again. Of course, the great performance doesn't hurt them either...

Performance - 4.5/5

Overall
Aperion Audio managed to revamp their speaker system and deliver a better all-around product than before. They were able to solve some of the previous shortcomings of their speakers without creating any new problems. You'd be hard pressed to find someone that won't be impressed by the good looks and equally good sound the Aperion Audio Intimus 5.1 channel surround sound system. We were.

Overall - 4.5/5

-Joel White - cheaphometheater.com December 2002

Tech Edge, December 2002

"The core of the home theater system is the amplifier and speaker setup. Some readers might disagree, arguing that the visual component is what matters most, but big TVs have been around for years. They aren’t spectacular, just big. It’s the deep and expansive soundstage created by an audiophile-quality system that truly brings the theater experience crashing into your living room. The success, or failure, of such a system falls squarely on the shoulders of the surround speakers and subwoofer and their arrangement relative to the listening space. Accurate bass, expansive mid-tones, and resonant high at all volume levels with a minimum of distortion are just the beginning.

Let your neighbor brag all he wants about the surround speaker set he picked up at local superstore. The smallish satellites and subwoofer you could tuck under your arm probably do an acceptable job of playing a multi-channel DVD soundtrack, certainly better than the two channel deal he had going before. But, toss in an audio CD and the shortcomings become all too apparent.

The small satellites, lacking a true mid-range driver, clip off the bottom of the middle frequencies, and the underpowered subwoofer can’t close the gap. What’s left is an incomplete reproduction, most noticable in the vocals, particularly those of the female variety which are often the bane of low- or mid-range satellite systems.

We wanted a speaker system that would be adept at reproducing the rumbling impact and detail of a multi-channel movie soundtrack, while not letting us down when we felt a little Miles Davis was in order, all within a strict budget.

Topping the very short list of speaker systems is the highly acclaimed Intimus 7.1-12 system from Aperion Audio, formerly Edge Audio. Consisting of seven identical, bookshelf-sized satellites, and a powerhouse 250-watt, 12-inch subwoofer, the Intimus’ cabinets are solidly engineered with 1-inch thick high density fiberboard cabinets that are internally braced and covered with a beautiful, fine-furniture finish of real cherry veneer (they are also available in a new high-gloss black finish). The 7.1 setup features two front, two side effect, two rear, one center channel plus subwoofer arrangement, each packing an incredible punch and sonic range.

The absense of a larger center-channel speaker is one of the strongest attributes of this system. The seven identical speakers creates a consistent timbral balance across the listening stage, no single speaker overshadowing another. This wide sonic image is due much in part to their patented DiAural Circuit crossovers. This relatively new crossover technology allows for an incredibly efficient divvying of frequencies to the appropriate driver (1-inch tweeter or 5.25-inch mid-range), with very little distortion or insertion of unwanted artifacts, typical of older and less efficient technologies.

The result is an incredibly rich and warm sound that is as accurate as it is expansive, allowing for soundtracks to move from speaker to speaker with no noticable gaps or tonal shifts, and loads of mid-range muscle. No matter how much volume we threw at them, they simply soared and begged for more. We couldn’t believe how much sound came out of these small bookshelf-sized speakers. Tilt your head back, close your eyes, and you’d swear you’re surrounded by seven floor-standing tower speakers.

The remarkable Intimus S-12 subwoofer handled everything from Godzilla’s stomping down Broadway to the subtle hull warping sounds in U-471 with speed and realism, thanks to its internal amplifier churning out 250 watts of continuous power. Lesser subs, especially the larger ones, tend to have difficulty in keeping up with fast percussive soundtracks (i.e. the Omaha beach scene from Saving Private Ryan) resulting in a slight delay between an on-screen explosion the sub response. Others have difficulty replicating subtle tones with realism, such as the closing of a car door. Not so with the S-12, it’s combination of sheer power and accuracy were nothing short of astounding, features not expected of in a $599 or, for that matter, sub-$1,000 unit.

Separate volume, crossover and phase controls allowed us to tweak the low-end to each particular sound source and the proximity of unsecured valuables nearby that might get thrown about. In fact, we were hard pressed to find the limits of this monster. Whatever we threw at it was handled with ease, whether it was a DTS-ES soundtrack or a highly-detailed DVD Audio CD, this sun more than held its own.

The Aperion Intimus 7.1-12 stands shoulder to shoulder with systems that’ll set you back thousands more. Aperion is able to bring such quality to market with unprecedented affordability by cutting out the middleman and selling directly to its customers via its Web site and 866-APERION (does the name Dell ring a bell?). In effort to alleviate any concerns some customers may have in purchasing speakers without having tested them firsthand, Aperion offers a free 30-day, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee and excellent customer support. Combined with free shipping, Aperion offers anyone in the hunt for audiophile-quality speakers a bargain they simply can’t ignore."

-Jeff Sass- TechEdge December 2002

Widescreen Review, September 2002

"For this evaluation, I actually ended up listening somewhat more to two-channel music than to multichannel surround sound material, simply because the front 522D-LR pair imaged so wide and deep, and with such remarkable accuracy with lateral sonic placement. Center-oriented vocals and instruments were placed dead-center, with very little or no wavering, and sounds that were slightly positioned off to the sides also were rendered with very compelling precision. But these Aperion Audio speakers can also place out-of-phase signals, intended to be imaged as wide-oriented sounds, well beyond the physical locations of the speakers. Depending on the recording, you can hear a sound seeming to come from several feet to the left of the front left speaker, for example, and easily point your finger at the virtual location.

The result of all this was a wonderful sense of expansiveness and envelopment from just two speakers. As an example, you could practically “pick out” the vocal, the drums, the bass, the piano, etc., with a jazz recording. Many recordings just seemed to lend themselves to a wider and more involving listening experience that what you’re used to with many other speakers.

In comparison to the relatively higher-end speaker systems I have reviewed, the Aperion Audio system fared rather well in terms of rendering naturally acoustical instruments and vocals. In fact, for its price, I’d say that the speakers performed admirably. Resolution of inner detail seemed considerably more than satisfactory, especially considering the modest $360 price tag for a pair of 522D-LRs. It’s only when you begin comparing these to speakers known for distinguished detail and midrange resolution (and usually much more expensive), that you realize where the Aperion Audio speakers reach their limit. The dimensional scope and “air” generated by the 522D-LRs in a stereo configuration also worked very well with multichannel surround sound. With the variety of DVD movie soundtracks and SACD music sources I used, the sense of spatial coherence was very impressive to my ears. One of the reasons for this came from the fact that identical speakers were being used all around for ideal timbre and spatial character matching. The other, as you might have expected, was the inherent dimensional rendering capability of the speakers. It’s quite difficult for me to come up with a verbally accurate description of what you hear from, for example, the multichannel SACD of Spyro Gyra’s In Modern Times, except to say that the speakers just seem to disappear into a environment of cohesive, enveloping sound with an abundance of “radial” depth.

The 522D-C proved to be an effective performer with movie soundtracks, reproducing dialogue with notable clarity and distinctiveness....Timbre matching with the front speaker pair, as expected, was excellent.

And now, on to the bass performance. The S-12s delivered very deep, powerful low frequencies, when called upon to do so. The sense of gutsy slam and thrust was compelling with the roaring, nitro-powered engines in The Fast And The Furious, for example. But they also seemed nicely reserved with sounds of moderate low end content. This is a favorable attribute that translates to effects such as a car door being shut sounding natural, rather than with an exaggerated thump. Musically, the S-12s were quite favorable, and again, considering the modest $599 price tag, their performance somewhat exceeded my expectations. There was a noticeable loosening of control at frequencies beyond about 50 Hz, and especially around 80 Hz. Musical notes sounded reasonably articulate, though with a characteristic mid-bass emphasis. However, the pacing of the bass to the music was quite admirable. These attributes really should be aimed at the high-end enthusiast who would otherwise be in the market for a considerably more sophisticated and more expensive subwoofer design, where tightness, power, articulation, and rhythmic pacing for music reproduction matter the most. For their price, the S 12s should offer an enjoyable and well-rounded performance for movies and also music.

I was similarly delighted by the performance of the S-12’s younger brother, the S-10. For its size, the output of deep, powerful bass certainly impressed me, offering abundant low frequency content to fill my 2,500- cubic foot room. Overall, it exhibited much of the same low frequency attributes of the S-12. The primary differences between the S-12 and the S-10 were that the former yielded a somewhat bigger, fuller sound, and also slightly better control in the midbass frequencies.

At a price of $1,499 for five satellite speakers and a 12 inch powered subwoofer, I really have to consider this Aperion Audio system an excellent bargain. I admired this system’s performance capability with movie soundtracks and music. Both subwoofer models will offer generous amounts of satisfying deep bass for sound effects and musical rhythm. And of course, the sonic attributes of the DiAural circuit should make for some very interesting and enjoyable imaging, especially with two channel music. One inherent advantage of this Aperion Audio lineup is the use of identical speakers. The spatial clarity that I heard was on a level I usually have to reserve for the big Dunlavy SC-Vs in our reference Holosonic Home Theatre Laboratory. With a 30-day, no-risk trial opportunity (shipping charges paid), I enthusiastically recommend a thorough, private evaluation."

-Perry Sun- Widescreen Review September 2002

E-Gear Magazine, May/June 2002

I was immediately impressed by the deep and expansive soundstage. Detail was very good, but the soundstage puts every speaker in this price range to shame. Even primitive stereo imaging like that used on The Beatles, Abbey Road made it sound like at least 3 speakers were on the job. Another interesting fact: despite the fairly small size, these speakers can cope with bass. My informal measurements suggest fairly solid behavior down to 37Hz, deep enough to allow you to decide whether to set your receiver/pre-pro on large or small speakers, depending on your room. The rear port and the excellent fundamental design allow for this sort of bass performance without ever sounding ragged and allowing for excellent steering of upper bass in stereo and surround modes...

Moving on to multi-channel music. Again, detail was good, but even the rears seemed to roar to life with impressive dimension and soundstage. For one of the few times ever, instruments placed in the rear channels appeared to have clear separation, with vocals appearing to come from further back in the room than keyboard on one Natalie Merchant cut. It was almost a little startling, but clearly an improvement to some of the muddier five-channel audio mixes...

With the perfectly matching front three speakers, sounds move seamlessly from left to right, the detail and clarity a major benefit in front speakers. Also, the ability of them to handle bass made for sharp clear dialogue, especially from males (a problem with some centers) was deep and satisfying. The subwoofer seemed to be comfortable with whatever I threw at it, and generated more than enough bass. I was able to dial it back a bit, allowing a tighter sound, something I can't do with a lot of inexpensive subs...

While some people might worry about the idea of buying speakers over the Internet, I can assure you that you are a lot safer at Aperion than you would be a lot of mass-market electronics stores. While some companies spend a lot of money on marketing and not enough on product, Aperion is pouring its money strictly into product and it's very clear the second you listen to them.

Between the excellent build quality and sonic performance for the price, you really can't go wrong with Aperion Audio. These guys get it, keep it simple and keep it affordable. Can you ask for anything more from an audio company?"

-Mike McGann - E-GEAR, May/June 2002

Audio Ideas Guide, Spring 2002

The little Aperion is no flyweight though, constructed from a 1” thick combination of HDF and solid wood with the kind of natural, high quality finish you’d expect to see on speakers over $1000. Forget about vinyl or the ubiquitous, often chintzy looking “black ash” you’ll find on other products in the price range, Aperion’s box is very solid, and much prettier than it has any right to be...

I opted to flesh out the bottom end with Aperion’s best sub, the SW-12, a 20” x 15” x 21” reflex loaded box finished in the same lovely light cherry as the 512Ds. It’s also just as solid as the little guys, its 1” HDF enclosure tipping the scales at 66 pounds. Motivating the 12” long throw woofer is a 250 watt digital switching amp capable of delivering 400 watts of peak power. All the major features you’d expect on a good powered sub are also in evidence, including speaker and line level inputs and outputs, auto turn on/off, and variable crossover and phase controls. If all this sounds impressive for only US $599 I guess the high quality feet, beefy spikes and brass footers are thoughtful, and functional little bonuses. The real deal closer, however, it the sound of the SW-12; its power, authority and depth sufficient to put it on a very short list of killer subs under $1500, much less $1000...

When it came to imaging and soundstaging the 512D’s behaved admirably, disappearing behind a large, seamless curtain of sound the way only fine minimonitors seem to be able to do. Perhaps it has something to do with the DiAural crossover, but one of the first things most will notice about these speakers is the ease with which they conjure up acoustic space, soundstaging far better than any speaker this cheap reasonably should...

In my 20’ x 13’ space the SW-12 anchored the sound very nicely indeed, pulling a disappearing act even more effective than the 512D’s and blending with the little satellites so effectively that with your eyes closed you’d swear you were listening to full range, floorstanding speakers. I’ve never used a sub that was so easy to place in a room or so easy to mate with satellite speakers...

In the oomph department the SW-12 is fully stocked, offering deep, clean and well controlled bass with no boom or bloat, and a minimum of overhang. Low frequency transients were sharp, decaying crisply and quickly. Dynamic performance was extremely impressive, with the kind of impact as much felt as heard. Never, ever, even at levels which would surely frighten small children, did the SW-12 sound like it was losing its composure or clipping its internal amp. I think it’s telling that the word “effortless” appears in my listening notes a disproportionate number of times...

Indeed, the words “effortless” and “dynamic” came to mind repeatedly when I put the Anthem gear and the full Aperion speaker system to its first serious test in the home theatre room...

I’m not normally a degenerate leadfoot when it comes to my playback levels, but the sound in this case was so clean, so dynamic, so effortless and percussive, that I just kept turning it up and up. Listener fatigue, which tends to rise exponentially with volume, was never much of an issue, something which speaks volumes about the equipment involved...

Danny Elfman’s score is about as dark and intense as they come and the SW-12 did a fabulous job of fleshing out the relentless drum tracks, moving vast quantities of air without ever sounding strained...

I was also impressed by the fact that even at very high levels the top end never became brittle or harsh, as it so often does in commercial cinemas… The seemingly few quiet scenes in the film were also deftly reproduced with little details popping out all around me from very black sonic backgrounds. Dialogue from the centre channel didn’t appear to have any significant shortcomings, sounding as clean and natural as everything else...

The Anthem/Aperion system did an excellent job of delineating all the competing sound effects, not to mention score, reinforcing my impression of uncoloured, effortless and extremely dynamic sound. Gladiator’s score sounded particularly good on this system, the strings sounding sweet, delicate and open, the brass possessed of convincing timbrel bite...

Soundstaging and imaging were again the standout areas of performance, traits readily revealed by extremely involving sound on well recorded electronic music like Radiohead’s Amnesiac and Air’s 10,000 Hz Legend...

For a speaker which retails for less than US $400.00 a pair, they offer exceptional performance, and the sub is an absolute steal at US $599..."

-Aaron Marshall - Audio Ideas Guide, Spring 2002

Home Theater Magazine, March 2002

"And now, the real reasons why you must buy this system, especially if you’re looking for better bang for the buck than seems possible.

One, because each speaker is identical, flawless timbre matching is the name of the game. I can’t recall the last time I heard such a consistent tonal balance when an object (a car, a tank, or Air Force One) has moved from one speaker through the center channel to another. Moreover, the timbral signatures, regardless of item, are spot-on realistic.

Two, soundstage depth and width portrayals are dead-on. With very little effort, identifying the placement of individual sounds left to right and deep into the soundstage is a relatively easy matter. However, the implementation of DiAural circuit is such that nothing draws attention to itself, unless the sound designers intended it to. All too often, mid- to upper-trebles are projected forward by speakers, which often takes away from a sense of verisimilitude. Not so with the Aperion 512Ds. If you take into consideration the soundscape created by the entire system, we’re talking serious envelopment for quite a little bit of cash. Whether it was U-571 or Das Boot, the various stressors—from popping rivets to the compression of metallic hulls under tons of pressure—the sound was never less than organic. Much of the time, I was centered within in the environment, which only heightened the palpability of anxiety and danger.

Three, for being small monkey coffins, these speakers, when dropped into the appropriately sized-room, offer dynamics galore. When the sats are properly integrated with the sub, you get more than enough full, fast bottom. Of course, the excursions aren’t lightning fast, but there’s enough speed here that this really isn’t a concern when viewing most films. Although I’m tired of talking about the opening sequences to Saving Private Ryan, the 512Ds never did less than engage and surprise, moment-to-moment, scene-to-scene. Sound flashed around room—you might feel like ducking—and yet the sounds were always discrete without being overly perceptible. Sure, I’m not talking about the speed or the transient attack of JMlabs or Martin Logans. However, because of the slow roll-off, the brass and flying bullets do not draw attention so much to themselves that you lose your emotional involvement in the film. Each sound had its own appropriate weight, and that’s a damned good thing.

Four, do you know how to spell seductive? Well, this seems to be the single best descriptor for this system. Sure, it may not soar into the heavens or plumb the absolute depths of hell, but then its principal signature starts in the bottom midrange and runs clear up to mid trebles. To put it another way, the Aperion 512D system reminds me of exceptional single-ended triode amps that engage, seduce, and draw you into the beauty and life of music by overwhelming you with the richness of the midrange. Time and time again, the Aperion 512Ds sucked me into whatever movie was at hand. Unlike other speakers, even those that cost significantly more, the Aperions did not draw attention to anything unnecessarily; they simply involved me. They made me realize that one doesn’t have to pay big dollars to get such depth of emotion from viewing, and that’s about as good as it can get—for me at least.

These are special speakers, indeed—designed to breathe life into your films yet built at a shockingly low price point. The Aperion Audio 512D Home Theater and Music System is a no-brainer. If you’re in the market for an inexpensive but especially good speaker array that will satisfy for a long time, move this system to the top of your short list. If you’re not in the market, listen to them anyway just to see whether your more-expensive speaker system is suddenly missing a few licks."

Jerry Kindela - Home Theater, March 2002

CheapHomeTheater.com, January 2002

"As we removed each speaker from the packaging, we began to see why people are impressed with the wood grain finish of the Aperion Speakers. Much nicer and more rich looking than most wood grain speakers, the Aperion speakers are certainly easy on the eyes...

All around, this surround set seemed to fit well together. The looks of this set were certainly much more appealing to us than the traditional flat black speakers we're used to seeing...

After an ample break in period, we calibrated the subwoofer for our room. We found placement to be easier with this subwoofer, as it seemed to perform well in most places we put it...

To test the big bass ability of the subwoofer, we instantly fired up The Haunting. This movie not only has incredibly loud bass, but bass that often separates good subs from bad subs. We were quickly impressed to see how well the Aperion subwoofer handled the deep, earth shaking sounds and its ability to reproduce quick, tight bass notes. While this movie often helps us find limitations in subwoofers, we felt like we weren't challenging this sub very much at all...

Our review crew was a bit concerned about two things, the small size and the center channel that was essentially a speaker on its side. These fears quickly diminished as we were taken back by the incredibly smooth sound and transitions the system provided us. We were immediately impressed with the midrange, it really seems that they nailed it. Not too forward, it just sounds right, providing the desired crispness when needed...

The 512Ds do a great job of broadcasting a wide, disperse soundstage that presents good off-axis sound...

Another positive of the 512D speakers was their ability to be pushed. Using the Outlaw 1050 receiver, we tried to find the limits of these speakers but the Aperion speakers kept producing well past the listening point...

For some reason, many of our review staff came into this review not expecting much. Boy were we surprised. Perhaps it was the small appearance that led us to these expectations, but after experiencing the big sound we were instantly converted...

It's exciting to see how much home theater performance you can buy with your money these days. Selling direct to the consumer has allowed Aperion to produce a subwoofer that your local audio/visual specialty shop will learn to hate..."

-Joel White - cheaphometheater.com, January 2002

Stereophile Guide to Home Theater, July/August 2001

"Whether because of the DiAural crossover or some other aspect of design, the Edge system's biggest plus was its ability to produce a remarkably large, coherent sonic picture. Even in 2-channel mode, this small system's soundstaging abilities were remarkable. When I closed my eyes, I would never have guessed that I was listening to such small boxes. When I listened to 2-channel CDs or DADs (24-bit/96kHz DVD-Audio discs), the picture extended well beyond the sides, tops, and bottoms of the left/right pair, creating a convincing spatial spread that extended to the floor. There was none of the annoying "picture floating in air without legs" you sometimes get with small boxes, or the sense that the music was coming from small openings cut in the wall.

"The high-quality Vifa drivers easily handled high power without strain, and the system could play surprisingly loud, filling my large listening room with finely focused music or movie sound. Friends were routinely astonished by the sheer amount of brute force these speakers produced...

"This effect of small speakers, big sound was no doubt greatly helped by the powered subwoofer, which proved to be the star of the show. At $599 the SW-12 is a steal…

"At $1399, Edge Audio's 502D Series 5.1 surround speaker system offers a lot of value for a modest investment. The big subwoofer available separately for $599, is particularly impressive; it goes deep, sounds weighty, and can play surprisingly loud without distortion..."

Michael Fremer - Stereophile Guide to Home Theater, July/August 2001

The Perfect Vision Speaker Buyer's Guide May/June 2001

"For the home theater maven who has a big room but not a big budget, Edge Audio 5.1 system is a prayer answered. Although it is compact in size, this system can play loud in the largest rooms at reasonable loudness levels without stress. And its sound quality is an embodiment of the physician's credo: First do no harm. The tonality is built around a rich midrange, as the dynamics focus upon the middle scales of loudness. The foundation of this performance is the excellent SW-12 subwoofer."

Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity, May 2001

"From the treble to midrange the 502's sailed along smoothly, portraying vocals in a convincing and eminently listenable fashion. Vocals of the male and female variety were handled quite well. U2's Achtung Baby and The Joshua Tree feature Bono at his best. On "One" and "Running to Stand Still" Bono's vocals are soothing without losing the requisite bite and impact they were mixed to possess. The same can be said of Bjork's second release Post that features the track "It's oh so quiet". The track is three and a half minutes of over the top vocals and a blazing horn section that at times becomes relentless. The 502s handled themselves admirably in this regard, tracking the peaks and valleys of energy without becoming overly congested...

"All of the 502's fine qualities on music fully translated into their performance on 5.1 material. I am getting tired of seeing the Omaha Beach chapter of "Saving Private Ryan" in DTS, but it still serves as the reference for a full range surround presentation. The laid back nature of the 502 speakers once again proved beneficial by softening the otherwise harsh metallic sound of machine gun fire that permeates the first thirty minutes of the film. However, the 502D did not rob the film of its dramatic impact, it merely made the scene palatable. On a more "neutral" system, the brass hitting the floor in that scene can induce wincing and a quick reduction in volume. Not so with the 502Ds, as I simply increased the volume until I was afraid my neighbors would have me removed by force.

"Edge's stated goal for the 502D system was to design the finest 5.1 home theater system available for under $3,000. Upon living with this system for the past few months, I find it rather easy to state that Edge has come close to success. Even when judged against systems costing considerably more, the Edge system more than held its own...Couple this with the fact Edge Audio offers good customer service and a 30-day risk free trial, and what you have is a no-brainer. Highly recommended."

-Chris Montreuil - The Secrets of Home Theater, May 2001

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SMR Home Theatre, May 2001

"I dropped Susannah McCorkle's 'Let's Face The Music' into the CD player and cued up Cheek to Cheek. The first thing I noticed was exceptionally good imaging and an expansive soundstage for a relatively inexpensive set of speakers. The horns were lush and pure and Susannah's voice was right on target. Next came Hotel California from The Eagles' 'Hell Freezes Over'. Here the strings were very well represented and the speakers virtually disappeared. There was excellent extension in the upper treble without ever appearing harsh or bright at high volumes. Clarity and detail through the midrange were excellent… Well, the Eagles are a fine group, but what I really wanted to know was whether these little gems could rock hard with the big boys. So I pulled out Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' and let 'em rip. Can they? Yeah, Roger Waters and crew weren't going to trip these speakers up. I ended up listening to the entire second disc before I shut the system down for the night. Dynamics, which are an issue with some minis, aren't anything you need worry about. Here again I noticed the wide soundstage and truly stunning imaging. I can't recall ever hearing a speaker in this price range that images quite this well...

"About a week after the system arrived we sat down to watch 'U-571'. Surround envelopment was nothing short of superb. In the attack sequences in chapters 15 through 18 there are numerous pops and groans from the submarine that were placed very precisely within the 3D sound field. Front to back and side-to-side pans were almost perfectly seamless with images placed precisely around the room. This combination of imaging, soundstage and detail provided a level of realism I've yet to experience from my own system. Dynamics were also very impressive, especially considering the size of the satellites. The sub performed admirably during this incredibly high-energy sequence, with plenty of deep bass and enough output for any reasonably sane person...

"In the attack sequence at the start of 'Lost in Space', it was apparent that having five matched satellites paid huge dividends in the integration of the total system and provided a terrific sense of, well, space. The system was also capable of much higher output levels than I expected and dynamics were impressive for such a small system...

"So, does DiAural technology really work as claimed? At this point I can't say for sure one way or the other, but I have to admit that the results are pretty convincing. At $1,400 for a complete set of 5 speakers and a subwoofer, this system is nothing short of an incredible bargain. For that price you get very solidly constructed satellites and a powerful sub capable of handling just about anything you can think to throw at them. Clarity at moderate to very high volume levels is excellent. Soundstage, imaging and system integration are among the best I've heard in this price. This should be an easy choice for most people and the good looks will make it easy to convince the other half..."

-Jeff Van Dyne - SMR Home Theatre - May 2001

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AudioRevolution.com, January 2001

"At $1,399, the 502D home theater system may prove to have the guts not only to break into the crowded market of bookshelf style speakers, but the technology to bust it wide open…

"The care and design of these enclosures is extremely apparent when this system is unpacked. The 502D-LR and 502D-C not only came securely boxed up, they were encased in a velvet pull-string bag, something that looks like it might hold gold, pieces of eight or Crown Royal whiskey. After lifting these hefty little guys from their slumber, I noticed the immaculate craftsmanship of the enclosure. A proprietary multiple-step process gives these speakers a satin finish that is as smooth as anything that I've reviewed - truly beautiful work...

"I couldn't wait to put the 5.1 application through its paces. The first piece of software I checked out was the film 'Any Given Sunday' (Warner Home Video). This movie is complex both in its sound and picture editing. The sound was wide open, even through the ominous skies, lightning strikes and howling tornado-like winds. This movie also did a masterful job in mixing ambient crowd noise and silence. Sliding between the two environments was effortless with the 502D system. The soundstage was both broad and accurate. I ejected the grid iron celluloid heroes and placed 'Rules of Engagement' (Warner Home Video) in the DVD player. As our Marines stormed the American embassy, bullets cracked the stone building while helicopter blades cut through the air. I noticed that not only was the imaging accurate, it held up even in off-axis listening positions. This scene whet my appetite for the opening battle sequence of 'Saving Private Ryan' (Dreamworks Home Entertainment). I have the DTS version of this DVD and figured that this would be the ultimate test for this system. The panning and sweeps used on this piece of software were reproduced with incredible accuracy. The last DVD that I sampled, 'Love and Basketball' (New Line Home Video) was used to investigate the two-channel sound application. This small, R-rated 'Afterschool Special'-style film has a soundtrack with tunes that range from the Jackson Five to chest-thumping rap to Spanish folk music. It also has plenty of squeaks, creaks and ball thumps on basketball courts. The system kept pace with every workout, game and music track. As air pumped freely though the front port of the subwoofer, I started to get the idea that the 502D system was more than just a tricked-out crossover circuit. It had legs and was dancing. On that note, I slid in my first piece of music software for the two-channel application, the 'Almost Famous' soundtrack (DreamWorks Records). Any of you out there who spent your formative years in the '70s will realize how great this soundtrack is. When I saw the movie, many of these songs brought back myriad memories. Well, after hearing the soundtrack through the 502D, I got the chills and the hair on the back of my neck stood up. The warmth of the sound was natural, even with old re-mastered analog recordings. To keep in the folksy-homesy mood, I slid in Mark Knopfler's latest, Sailing to Philadelphia (Warner Brothers). The honest lyrics of "Silvertown Blues" were reproduced without a hint of edginess or coloration. I felt as if I was sitting in a recording studio, listening to the final mix. I decided to stay in the moment, so I placed Kevin "Keb Mo" More's The Door (Sony Records) into the tray. This bare-bones bluesman plays slide guitar on many of the tracks. Every nuance was pretty damn clean and true. Keb Mo reaches out a bit in an Elmore James cover, "I Hurts Me Too," by adding sort of a funky hip-hop thing to the backbone of this track. The low-frequency response for the 502D-LRs was truly impressive for their size...

"Well, what more can be said? I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing Edge Audio's 502D home theater system. Getting attention for breakthrough technology in an environment in which everyone tends to scream about their own breakthroughs can be an uphill battle. It could be even tougher for Edge Audio and DiAural. I believe that the DiAural technology will continue to grow within the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) market. But exactly how do you do convince a speaker manufacturer, who spent boatloads of R&D money on matching two and three-way systems with a standard crossover, to switch over to DiAural technology? I don't know. I do know that hearing is believing and that Edge Audio 502D system made a believer out of me."

-Tony Kaklamanos - audiorevolution.com - January, 2001

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Perfect Vision Editors Choice Awards for 2000

"The winners have been selected because of their exceptional performance, value, or technological innovation-or because of a blend of these virtues...

Best Subwoofer Under $750

EdgeAudio SW-12/320 ($599, this issue)

"Sold exclusively over the Internet from its manufacturer, EdgeAudio's SW-12/320 is, according to Tom Miller, "the gem of the system." Solid-wood cabinet construction, a 320W digital switching amplifier, and a 12" driver produce "a big, juicy bass sound with just enough heft to convincingly mimic true low bass."

Home Theater Magazine, December 2000

"It's hard not to be immediately and significantly impressed by the clarity and imaging that these little speakers offer up. I noticed it right away in my two-channel demo of Sara K.'s acoustic version of 'Brick House' (from Chesky's Super Audio Collection, Part 1). The 502D-LRs lent this simple-but-tantalizing rendition a natural balance and perspective, rife with the detail of individual guitar and bass plucks and percussive elements. The sound was tight and uncolored throughout the frequency range...

"I popped in Armageddon to see how this little system would fare with a big soundtrack. It didn't disappoint. Even with the single sub, the system gave our listening room a healthy shake... and its unmistakable detail made for an enveloping image...

"If you're in the market for a smaller system, take advantage of the trial period and give this one a listen. Even a cursory glance will tell you that a lot of thought has gone into these speakers-far more than the run of the mill sub/sat combo...quality drivers and impressive crossover technology add up to a sturdy little speaker that performs at the top of its class sonically and should give you plenty of years of versatile usage."

-Chris Lewis - Home Theater Magazine - December 2000

Audiophile Audition, December 2000

"I began the surround listening with Chapter 6 from The Fifth Element. Everything sounded very good and I ended up watching 20 minutes of the film before I had to jump back into review mode. Again I should mention how well integrated the system sounded, and how easy it was to get lost in the movie. The receiver seemed to have no problem at all driving the loudspeakers to high levels, and they suffered no noticeable discomfort at those levels.

"With Chapter 6 from Apocalypse Now dialogue came across well even under the conditions of the film which are loud noises from all over, and voices over the radio. When sound shifted back and forth from the left to center to right, and front to back as well, everything was smooth and natural. The sound field changed, as it should when the scene shifted, and when everything went quiet and then came back to the battle sequence I was brought right into the film.

"Next up was track 1 from Big Phat Band- Swingin' For The Fences in DTS. There was a wonderful amount of deep bass with music coming from all different directions. It is always such an amazing illusion to look up and see such tiny speakers reproducing such a big sound. Part of the illusion is the use and proper blending of the subwoofer, but a lot of the credit goes to the design of the satellites. The solid cabinet (I'm sure) helps to contribute to the lack of added sound from cabinet resonance. With track 5 (from the same CD), there was a lot of information coming from the surround speakers. This served as a very impressive demo of the system's dynamic capabilities. I really felt that with the setting on the receiver to Large that the sound was fuller and more natural...

"I also listened to a few moments in The Ninth Gate, especially Chapter 10. Basically, the system is very listenable. No one would come in and sit down and have any complaints. In many ways this is the test of a good speaker system. With all the levels carefully adjusted there was a continued feeling of surprise at how much sound came from the system. For people who like to listen to older, bigger rock 'n' roll type speakers but need to get rid of them because they are just too big, I'd suggest giving a system like this a listen. You will be surprised...

"The tonal balance of the speakers was very well suited to movie watching, and could easily replace a larger speaker in any system. They are very attractive and are relatively tiny. They were easy to drive, handled lots of power, and put out a huge amount of sound. If size, looks, and price are all important considerations then this may be the system for you."

-Brian Bloom - Audiophile Audition - December 2000

Dallas Morning News, November 2000

"EdgeAudio's new surround speakers just don't seem to add up and that's a beautiful thing.

The 502D Series System III rewrites the equations on what's possible for home theater speakers in the $1,400 price range. A movie buff could drop much more money on a competing product and never hear the vibrant realism and lush atmospherics of this set.

Other speakers seem to reproduce movie sound effects more sharply, but too often what feels exciting is soon fatiguing. Not so with the EdgeAudio. The sound is smooth and involving. Wind gusts in the soundtrack to Twister seemed to spread through the room. The movie's rolling thunder was ominous and immediate. The pinging sound of hail striking car metal in the same DVD seemed eerily near."

John Hanan - Dallas Morning News - November 16, 2000

CNET.com November 2000

"After playing with the crossover and level of the subwoofer, we opted to leave the crossover setting at the company-recommended 80 Hz. We're always skeptical of very small satellites because it is so difficult to blend the sound of the sub with that of the satellites, but the 5.1 Home Theater System mixed almost perfectly...

"And don't think that these speakers won't play loud just because they're small. When the midair collision occurs in Fight Club, the dynamics change from mild to way over the top, then drop back to serene. The 5.1 Home Theater System handled the sequence with surprising ease and frightening realism. As the surround effect moved from speaker to speaker, the sound quality stayed consistent; chalk it up to the five identical speakers. Dialogue comes through crystal clear on these speakers, though it's just short of becoming piercing.

"The Edge Audio system works like a dream with stereo music, as well. On recordings such as Duke Ellington's "The Far East Suite," we were surprised at how three-dimensional the sound was. We could hear the saxophones toward the front of the room, the drums at the back...We absolutely loved the sound of these speakers, which came across as very open and detailed, really bringing the recordings to life.

"With a price of $1,399, the Edge Audio 5.1 Home Theater System doesn't quite qualify as an inexpensive speaker set. However, to match its sound or style, we suspect you'll have to look pretty hard to find a better deal."

-Colin Duwe- CNET - November 2000

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Sound & Vision, October 2000

After these experiences with stereo music playback, I was pretty sure that the full Edge Audio system wouldn't let me down on 5.1-channel movie soundtracks. All it took was a few minutes of the Fight Club DVD to confirm that. In Chapter 8, where Edward Norton's character relates his theory of single-serving culture, the 502D-C center speaker convincingly rendered his ponderous monologue, while the front and rear satellites enveloped me in a blend of techno music and droning airplane ambience. When the scene climaxed in a mid-air collision, the slam cued me in to the system's impressive dynamic range. The Edge Audio speakers delivered this effect - the closest thing to a sonic boom I've heard on a movie soundtrack - without audible strain.

"With its great looks, great sound, and great price, the Edge Audio 502D speaker system is a terrific deal."

-Al Griffin, Sound and Vision, October 2000

The Perfect Vision July/August 2000

"The Edge, which features the DiAural crossover technology developed by Kimber Kable is a little bigger than one of the micro systems reviewed in this issue. But not by much. I was stunned when I heard this $1,500 system cleanly hitting 110-dB peaks with a sustained level over 100 dB in an acoustic space that measured over 750,000 cubic feet."

-Tom Miller, The Perfect Vision, July/August 2000