Review Details

Reference Series High Performance Three-way Floorstanding Loudspeakers

Product Rating:

Product Review (submitted on November 20, 2015):

I have had these speakers for several months. I originally bought them as a set of 'cheaper' speakers for my cottage where we have weekend crowds of people who love to listen to music of all genres during the day and watch movies at night. First, I was astonished at how quickly they were shipped, it was only two days after I ordered them online that UPS was in my driveway. Second, as a previous reviewer mentioned, these suckers are substantial and by that I mean big and solid. They were double boxed, extremely well wrapped so my reaction out of the gate was really positive. I didn't want to let nice boxes and quick delivery influence me however, so I remained...skeptical...after all these are really inexpensive speakers. When I unpacked them my expectations were exceeded again as these are really nicely finished. I would classify them as furniture grad cabinetry, very nice effect with the black piano fronts and the connection hardware on the backs are as solid and heavy as the overall speaker itself. Ok, quick delivery, professionally packed and they look great...

So, what about sound? I was very careful through the first 10 hours using them to listen to music quietly and watch TV. I was driving them at home using a Denon 1913 thinking this would be a wise move...i.e. very controlled during the break in period so that they would not get damaged by over exuberant boys cranking them up listening to AC/DC CCR amongst others. Yes, they should get their own music but that's a different topic. The sound seemed surprisingly crisp and clear through the first 10 hours and the bass was as described in the CNet review - that being aggressive. Since the 10 hours ended I have put these speakers through their paces. I can only say this...my expectations have now been exceeded on all fronts. After really pushing them hard both while listening to music and watching movies they are better than I ever expected...and have not and will not move to my cottage. The speakers I had at home (more expensive) have since been taken to the lake and XL7F's will stay right here. I just can't wait for the matching centre and surrounds to be released as I am quite certain they will remain here as well where we can hear them every day, and the remainder of my current 5.1 system will head north. I can say without hesitation that for the price you (or anyone else for that matter) will not find better value in a speaker and importantly, in getting that value you will not give up a bit of sound quality...

In fact, and I say this with the utmost confidence, after you get over how nice they look you will be just as astonished as me at just how good they sound.