Now that you've mounted your flat-panel LCD or gas-plasma TV to the wall in true picture-frame fashion, you'll probably need home-theater speakers with a similarly flat, room-friendly design. Enter the AST 220-series loudspeakers, which AudioSource consciously constructed for use in concert with each other. All were designed for wall mounting, and this model, the AST 220S satellite speakers, will also work just fine with standard CRT and projection sets.
Use the AST 220S's as primary left/right speakers with the timbrally matched AST 220C center-channel speaker, and/or as left/right surround speakers in a 5.1-, 6.1-, or 7.1-channel home theater (keeping in mind that you'll need an additional AST 220C to serve as a rear-center speaker for a 6.1 system). For front left/right use, you can either mount the speakers to the wall, as designed, or supplement them with bases for freestanding vertical placement (using the optional AudioSource AST-Base set) or even custom-fit floor stands (the optional AST-Stands).
The AST 220S satellites are sealed (acoustic-suspension) 2-way speakers, each using two 4.25-inch woofers and a single poly-treated silk-dome tweeter. With their 90 to 20,000 Hz frequency response (+/- 2.5 dB), the speakers offer a bit more bass than many satellites, and their performance is easily enhanced through the use of a stand-alone powered subwoofer (such as the AudioSource AST-SUB10) for dedicated ".1" low-frequency surround effects and deep-bass musical tones.
AudioSource recommends using the speakers with an amplifier or surround receiver producing anywhere from 15 to 200 watts per channel (RMS).
Included with this Product Two satellite speakers, mounting hardware, a user's manual, and warranty information.
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and CriticismI have 14 of these speakers...7 for the home theater and 7 for the master bedroom. These come under a couple of different brand names; Carver and Audiovox but they contain the same exact speakers and crossovers (I've taken them apart). Phoenix Gold is the real manufacturer...but I don't get hung up on names. Just know that the speaker stands and bases for the Audiovox don't fit the Carvers and vice-versa. The Carvers are 16" long and the Audiovox are 20" long. Each are only 3 1/2" deep. The enclosures and grills are aluminum and I think the end caps are plastic. Ok, I'm in my fifties and have been a life-long lover of movies and music. In my younger years I also played saxophone professionally. I've had many major brands of speakers and my favorites had always been my 1969 Wharfedale 4-way speakers with solid walnut wood enclosures filled with sand. These models were auditioned at Carnegie Hall by Wharfedale and supposedly the audience couldn't tell the difference between a live orchestra and the speakers. Now, I find that hard to believe but at least the demonstration shows the Wharfedale Company put some sort of faith in their products. These Audiovox/Carver speakers are superb. They are rated up to 20khz and down to 90hz +- 2.5 db. This lower level seems to be an accurate description as the Audyssey setup on my Denon 1909 receiver shows a minimum of 90 and even 80hz. As for the 20khz, I can't measure that but they produce crystal clear highs and midrange without being the least bit boomy or muddy. My wife has sensitive ears (they hurt easily) and this is one of the few speakers I've had where she says she loves the sound. I'm sure in a blindfold test the so-called high-end speaker company's products couldn't be told apart. The all-important dialogue in movies that comes out of these speakers is phenomenal. I've been using these for over a year and still marvel at the sound quality. The build quality is also extremely well done. Ok, that's my take...but it's just an opinion...but I can't see how you could go wrong. If you're thinking of buying these start out with one pair like I did. I don't think it will be long until you're up to 5 or 6 or 7 or 14.
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