Tower Speaker Reviews

Subwoofer: THX-12SUB
Connections: Line-level, mono input
Enclosure Type: Dual vented
Woofer (size in inches, type): 12, treated-paper cone
Power Rating (watts): 100 RMS, 200 peak
Crossover Bypass: No
Available Finishes: Cherry, Silver
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 18.5 x 13.25 x 8.5
Weight (pounds): 67 Price: $599

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Speaker: TX-FS
Type: 2.5-way, tower
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, silk dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 6.5, fiberglass cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 4
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 20–150
Available Finishes (all): Cherry, Silver, Wenge (dark) Vinyl; High-Gloss Piano Black
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 43 x 10.3 x 10.8 w/base
Weight (pounds): 78
Price (*some finishes extra): $499/pair*

Speaker: THX-Center
Type: Two-way, center
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, silk dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 6.5, fiberglass cone
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 4
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 20–100
Available Finishes (all): Cherry, Silver, Wenge (dark) Vinyl; High-Gloss Piano Black
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 9.25 x 21 x 7.75
Weight (pounds): 20
Price (*some finishes extra): $299*

Speaker: THX-Dipole
Type: 2.5-way, dipole
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, silk dome (2)
Woofer (size in inches, type): 6.5, fiberglass cone
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 20–100
Available Finishes (all): Cherry, Silver, Wenge (dark) Vinyl; High-Gloss Piano Black
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 13 x 12.25 x 7.25
Weight (pounds): 36
Price (*some finishes extra): $449/pair*

Ratings: Crystal Acoustics TX-D12 Speaker System

Build Quality: 89
• Tweeter in pivoting aluminum enclosure
• Plastic-nut binding posts
• Steel base for towers

Value: 92
• Top-mount tweeter rare in budget speakers
• Less costly than many THX-certified speakers

Features: 91
• Silk-dome tweeters, fiberglass woofers
• Wide array of finishes available

Performance: 90
• Tweeter-on-top sound
• Relatively high crossover places more demands on sub

Ergonomics: 88
• Designed to sit next to the wall, complementing a plasma or LCD panel
• Slim profile
• Vinyl-covered

Overall Rating: 90
Crystal Acoustics charges into the THX speaker market with a maverick design that's affordable, thanks to China's manufacturing efficiency. Top-mount tweeters, usually found in more expensive speakers, are a major feature. Place these speakers close to a wall-mounted flat-panel television, and they'll produce a sharply drawn soundfield.

General Information
TX-D12 Speaker System, $1,499 for 5.1-channel set with 12-inch sub
TX-FS Tower Speaker, $499/pair
THX-Center Center-Channel Speaker, $299
THX-Dipole Surround Speaker, $449/pair
THX-12SUB Subwoofer, $599
Crystal Acoustics
(301) 317-6326
www.crystal-acoustics.com
Dealer Locator Code CRY