Frequency response is uniform across the spectrum… Lows are SOLID and MUSICAL at -any- volume without ever sounding the slightest bit obtrusive- This is a huge selling point. Most speakers need to reach a certain volume to sound ‘level’… these sound like perfection at ALL volumes. I continuously catch myself hearing some beautifully low and clean note that makes me think my sub MUST be on, only to double check and confirm that yes, my speakers DO sound SO GOOD that indeed, that note DID just come from them! Thanks to my car audio ‘glory days’ and being a drummer for 20 years, I still want a sub in the mix no matter what, but this is one pair of speakers I can honestly say that you could get away with without having a subwoofer.
For reference, I’m currently using a Sunfire True Sub Junior 8″, but have the matching VS sub arriving soon. It’s going to be hard to beat the Sunfire, as it’s PERFECTLY suited for the VS 336, filling-in only the lowest of the low frequencies. The VS 336 really doesn’t need any help to begin with in this area, but a sub that sings in the sub-bass realm blending with the VS 336’s Low and Mid capabilities is simply audio bliss.
Highs are crystal clear and stereo image is like standing on stage after a little experimenting with placement. In my room I’ve found that they sound best about 8″ off the wall, but I’m sure there are other ‘sweet spots’. I’ve been amazed at how well you can hear the opposing speaker when seated near one of the front speakers, even in a wide L/R setup. Mids are where you want them… clearly present, without any ‘muddy’ patches in the spectrum.
The presence of the speakers is incredible while being able to ‘disappear’ into the room. The cabinets are truly beautiful and the bi-ampable speaker terminals are rock solid. Personally I love the curved sides, and especially the sloped top, as it says “NO, I AM NOT A PLACE TO SET THINGS! – I AM NOT A COASTER!” etc. The rubber feet (carpet spikes also included) along with the cabinet’s ‘leg’ design, allow for quick and easy placement and/or adjustments. Listening in surround with the matching center channel is AMAZING. The L/C/R combo’s performance is absolutely seamless between speakers.
This speaker is worth every penny of the $1699 retail price. My engineer/musician/audiophile sides are SO PLEASED with these speakers, that I am forced to replace my still-KILLER Sony STR-V555ES receiver, simply so I can see what else these bad boys can do by bi-amping them! This really is an engineer/audiophile/mega-enthusiast thing here, please understand that. IN NO WAY does the standard performance of these speakers need ANY improvement… AT ALL! It’s just a scientific fact I can’t ignore: Properly bi-amping a speaker will give you tons of additional control and performance from the speaker, and it allows your amp to be ‘set free’ to give its absolute TOP performance. If these are THIS impressive out-of-the-box, bi-amped they will be truly mind-blowing.