Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Subwoofer: True subwoofer Eq
Connections: Stereo speaker-level inputs; stereo RCA line-level in and out, XLR (balanced) line-level mono input, 12-volt-trigger input
Enclosure Type: Passive radiator
Woofer (size in inches, type): 10, flat driver (1); 10, passive radiator (1)
Power Rating (watts): 2,700
Crossover Bypass: Yes
Available Finishes: Gloss Ebonized Rosewood
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 11 x 11 x 11
Weight (pounds): 48
Price: $1,650

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: CRM-2
Type: Two-way bookshelf
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 6, Waveguide-loaded neoymium planar magnetic
Woofer (size in inches, type): 4.5, cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power: 25–400 watts
Available Finishes: Gloss Ebonized Rosewood
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 8.25 x 5.5 x 6
Weight (pounds): 9
Price: $800/each

Speaker: CRM-2C
Type: Two-way center
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 6, Waveguide-loaded neodymium planar magnetic w/ acoustic lens grille
Woofer (size in inches, type): 4.5, cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power: 25–400 watts
Available Finishes: Gloss Ebonized Rosewood
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 6 x 17 x 3.75
Weight (pounds): 10.5
Price: $800

Ratings: Sunfire Cinema Ribbon CRM-2 Speaker System

Build Quality: 94
• The seven-coat, clear-lacquer finish over dark rosewood looks expensive
• Rated for use with amps up to 400 watts

Value: 93
• Speakers that I like this much usually go for a lot more dough
• Based on years of research into psycho-acoustics conducted by founder Bob Carver

Features: 95
• The tweeter is claimed to produce lower distortion and more extended high-frequency response than most dome tweeters
• Woofer designed for improved dynamics

Performance: 94
• Impressive dynamic range for a really small speaker
• Baby subwoofer delves deep, but it's not as smooth as the proverbial baby's bottom

Ergonomics: 88
• Achieving a smooth blend between the satellites and subwoofer isn't easy, if even possible
• Speakers are wall mountable

Overall Rating: 93
The Cinema Ribbons' unique combination of resolution, transparency, high-frequency detail, freewheeling dynamics, and open midrange are tough to beat. And, when you consider that all this sound is coming from an 8-inch-tall speaker, well, it's the stuff legends are made of.

General Information
CRM-2 Bookshelf Speaker, $800/each
CRM-2C Center-Channel Speaker, $800
True Subwoofer EQ, $1,650
Sunfire
(425) 335-4748
www.sunfire.com