An excellent addition to a stereo or home theater system, this pair of three-way tower speakers from Acoustic Research reproduces commanding audio whether you're watching a high-octane Hollywood thrill fest or listening to a delicate classical passage. Each speaker employs dual down-firing, slot-loaded 6.5-inch polypropylene woofers and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter to produce an overall frequency response of 38 Hz to 27 kHz. The bass response is accurate and tight, without the boominess or distortion common among many home theater speakers. Meanwhile, the high and mid frequencies sound crisp and elegant, adding to the audio's overall depth. The speakers' performance is impressive in a stereo setting, but is particularly stirring when matched with a powered subwoofer and additional satellite speakers to create a full multichannel configuration.

Adding to the ARVP600's audio potential are the speakers' binding post terminals, which enable both bi-wiring and bi-amping. Bi-wiring divides the audio signal into two separate cables--one for the high frequencies and one for the low--resulting in subtle improvements in audio clarity. Bi-amping goes one step further by using two amplifiers (one for each frequency range) in addition to two cables. By separating the signals from the very start, listeners are essentially doubling the speakers' power output (especially valuable for the low frequencies, which consume more power), which in turn improves the bass response, dynamics, and overall fidelity.

Appropriately for home theater speakers, the ARVP600s are also magnetically shielded against video interference, so users can mount them near the TV without losing precious picture resolution. And with a power capacity of 25 to 150 watts, they're safe for use with a variety of home theater and stereo amplifiers. Additional audio specs include a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and 90 dB sensitivity.

So step up to the plate when building your home theater system with the ARVP600 tower speakers. Each speaker, which measures 12.5 by 39.25 by 12.87 inches (W x H x D), also incorporates a black ash vinyl finish and carries a five-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
Two ARVP600 tower speakers, user's manual.