Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Robust sound, important for handling vocals and other key audio elements
- Dual binding posts, allowing for bi-amping to connect two amplifiers for a fuller, richer sound
- Nice design, including a good depth to the wood veneer finish
- Magnetic grill that is easy to remove but strong enough to stay in place
Product Considerations
- Value rated as 3.5 out of 5, as there are many other center channel options in the sub $500 price range
- If less than 6 inches from the wall, the included port plugs should be used to smooth out the bass response
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Story has less warmth compared to the KLH Quincy speakers, having a more neutral sound
Takeaway: The Story is a good center channel speaker with a robust sound and nice build quality. It can handle what is thrown at it and blends well with other KLH speakers, making it a good addition to a home theater.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Story Center
reviews
[{"title":"KLH Story | Center Channel Full Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwfnN2gkhws","source":"Home Theater Hobbyist","datePublished":"2020"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Frequency response: 48Hz-23KHz +/- 3dB
- Sensitivity: 91dB
- Power handling: 150 watts
- Impedance: 8Ω
- Crossover points: 2.4kHz
- Dimensions: 7" x 19" x 9.5" (H x W x D)
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Drivers: 2 x 5.25" Woven Kevlar® bass/mid driver, 1" Anodized Aluminum tweeter
Description
We named it after an important street in Cambridge, but the Story Center channel speaker does exactly what the name says. Most of the dialog in your movies comes from the center channel, so make sure the one you choose meets your expectations, from the low purr of a leading actor's subtle dialogue to the howl of your favorite action hero. Every movie tells a story, and every Story Center channel brings your movies to life.
We named it after an important street in Cambridge, but the Story Center channel speaker does exactly what the name says. Most of the dialog in your movies comes from the center channel, so make sure the one you choose meets your expectations, from the low purr of a leading actor’s subtle dialogue to the howl of your favorite action hero. Every movie tells a story, and every Story Center channel brings your movies to life. The Story is timbre-matched to all KLH loudspeakers, excluding the Model Five, so you’ll get the perfect match between left-center-right for the complete home theater experience. It features the same quality drivers, tweeters, and components used throughout the KLH line.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- The brand designs speakers with a focus on vintage aesthetics, reminiscent of classic loudspeakers from the mid-20th century, offering a distinct retro look.
- KLH distinguishes itself by incorporating the acoustic suspension design in its speakers, which was originally developed by its founder, Henry Kloss, and offers a unique approach to bass reproduction.
- KLH provides a three-position "Acoustic Balance Control" switch on its speakers, allowing users to tailor the sound output to better suit their listening environment and personal preferences.
- They have a commitment to durability and customer satisfaction by offering a lengthy 10-year warranty on its speaker products, exceeding the industry standard.
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Select product comparisons
Model Three Bookshelf Speaker
- Positioning: A compact bookshelf speaker designed for smaller listening spaces, offering a high-quality audio experience at a more accessible price point.
- Description: Features an acoustic suspension design, which provides accurate and audiophile-quality performance. Unlike the Kendall Bookshelf Speaker, can be placed closer to walls, making it ideal for smaller rooms. Its real wood veneers and mid-century modern styling set it apart from the Kendall series, offering a unique aesthetic appeal.
Kendall Bookshelf Speaker
- Positioning: A high-performance option within the KLH lineup, suitable for both stereo and home theater setups.
- Description: Features advanced materials like anodized aluminum drivers and a titanium tweeter, providing detailed and immersive sound. Compared to the Model Three, it offers improved power handling and deeper bass extension.
Kendall Floorstanding Speaker
- Positioning: A flagship model in the KLH lineup, designed for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts seeking premium sound quality.
- Description: Features a 3-way bass reflex design and real wood veneers, offering a stunning visual and auditory experience. It provides deeper bass and greater linearity than the Kendall Bookshelf Speaker. Its advanced construction and materials ensure superior performance compared to the Model Three and Kendall Bookshelf models.
Model Five Floorstanding Speaker
- Positioning: A premium floorstanding speaker known for its vintage design and high-fidelity sound, appealing to both new and seasoned audiophiles.
- Description: Uses an acoustic suspension design, offering exceptional accuracy and linearity in sound reproduction. It features a dedicated midrange driver, providing clarity and detail that surpasses the Kendall Floorstanding Speaker.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
82
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
85
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
18
Founding Year
1957
Our take on the brand
KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
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Used
KLH
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
KLH
Kendall 2C Center
999
999
/
1
Reviews
One of the most renowned nameplates in the history of audio, since 1957, KLH continues to innovate and evolve. Building upon the global success of the original award-winning KLH Kendall, the all-new high-performance KLH Kendall 2C center channel speaker is the perfect fit within a collection that reinforces the KLH engineering design principles. The addition of more advanced materials, improved power handling, improved phase coherency, and better bass extension ensures the most accurate, linear, and immersive audio experience.
This premium center channel speaker is fashioned in a beautiful, more contemporary cabinet, perfectly suited for audio aficionados and home theater enthusiasts alike. Now handcrafted in Canada, the Kendall mk2 Collection features real-wood furniture grade veneers in two stunning finishes with magnetic grilles with no visible fasteners.
The all-new anodized aluminum mid-bass and bass drivers and titanium tweeter provide more detail, improved accuracy, greater linearity, improved power handling, and deeper bass extension for a more emotionally involving stereo and home theater listening experience. The Kendall mk2 Collection is backed by KLH's industry-leading 10-year warranty and Lifetime Customer Care Support for years of worry-free enjoyment.
KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
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Product Strengths
- Constructed with 3.25-inch MDF and available in two real wood veneer finishes, English walnut and black oak
- Features new high-efficiency 1-inch titanium-domed suspension tweeters and updated material in the bass and mid-range drivers (black anodized aluminum cones)
- Features non-resonant die-cast aluminum baskets with butyl rubber-rolled surrounds, a superior material compared to stamped steel
- Has a 10-year warranty
- Magnetically mounted front grills and beveled edge details
Product Considerations
- If not bi-amping, the binding post connector should be left as it is
- Surrounds require steel brackets or a 1/4-inch 20-insert on the rear for wall mounting
Takeaway: The KLH Kendall MK II collection features superior materials, handcrafted construction, and tasteful design updates. The speaker sounds wonderful and would be a great choice for someone looking for new speakers or a new home theater setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
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Focal
Theva Center
649
649
/
8
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Product Strengths
- Sweet and smooth sound profile
- Excellent detail for the price
- Great balance and fluidity across registers
- Impressive dynamics and a wide, dimensional stereo imaging, as it can deliver a stunning soundstage
- Overall balanced tonality
- The tweeter is made from quality materials with great care
- Elegant, minimalist design that seamlessly integrates into any audio setup, with a sleek aesthetic and multiple color options
Product Considerations
- Does not feel as substantial as some other speakers in their price class
- Laid-back sound occasionally obscures some definition
- Deep bass may require a subwoofer
- The tweeter is exposed and needs to be handled with care
- Some reviewers would prefer a solid painted color rather than an imitation wood vinyl veneer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Offers a lot of what makes the Vestia No. 1 great while saving money, but the Vestia No. 1 has more sparkling detail and pristine treble extension
- More compact and easier to place, though the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 looks more premium
- The L100 presented a more precise center image for vocals and dialog, but the Theva's more laid-back sound profile made them a better listen in most cases
- Stepped in pretty seamlessly for KEF LSX 2.1, which includes SVS's 3000 Micro subwoofer, showing impressive sonic skills, though they don't offer the same thunderous bass
- The rear-ported design is a change from the previous entry-level line, Chora, where the port was front-mounted
Takeaway: The Focal Theva No.1 is a well-rounded bookshelf speaker that offers excellent audio performance and detail for its price, with a sleek design that fits into any space. It's a great option for those looking for a hifi experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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ADAM Audio
A44H
699
699
/
5
Reviews
With a 19-inch width, the horizontally oriented A44H can sit on a standard rack shelf or be mounted above or below a display. The completely new design also enables the A44H to serve as a center speaker in immersive and 3D speaker configurations. Dual 4-inch long-throw woofers and the X-ART tweeter deliver a wide frequency range, while onboard DSP-based tuning capabilities enable you to tweak the sound easily.
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Compact, comfortable, and easy to place, with a lower profile.
- Delivers a powerful, dynamic, and precise sound that delivers an enjoyable experience.
- A rotatable tweeter allows for both horizontal and vertical placement, providing flexibility in different setups.
- On-board DSP-based room correction options, and integration with Sonarworks SoundID Reference for refined tuning.
- A wide sweet spot that is immersive and enjoyable to listen to.
Product Considerations
- The bass response may not be as present or suitable for music production with many sub-bass frequencies.
- The dial for input level adjustment is not stepped, which may make precise matching more difficult.
- Some reviewers suggest a sub may be needed depending on the material being worked with, to supplement the 4-inch woofers.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ADAM Audio A7X model, the A44H offers a similar response curve.
Takeaway: The A44H monitors offer a unique form factor, versatile placement options, and a detailed sound, making them a great option for smaller spaces or immersive setups. The built-in DSP and integration with Sonarworks provide extensive room correction and customization capabilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
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Klipsch
RP-504C II
699
699
/
5
Reviews
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- The RP-504C II is a solid center channel option, especially within a surround sound setup
- It is sonically better, more refined in the midrange and top end than previous generations, offering a balanced and open sound that can improve intelligibility
- The speaker provides good output levels with low distortion and compression, and is capable of handling power well
Product Considerations
- The RP-504C II has poor directivity in the horizontal region, which can lead to speech intelligibility issues for listeners sitting more than ±10° off-axis
- It has an elevated treble response, rising to about +3dB above average sensitivity levels above 2kHz, which may impact linearity
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs RP504C (Gen 1)—the Gen 2 has a different crossover point (650 and 1950 Hz vs 500 and 1500 Hz), refined mids and highs, and the Gen 1 has a gap that's more similar to the gap in the floor standings
- To Klipsch THX—RP-504C II sounds warmer and more natural
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-504C II center channel speaker is a capable speaker that may increase the sonic intelligibility of a sound system. It could be a great choice for a home theater setup if clear dialogue and sound reproduction are priorities, and it has good output levels with low distortion and compression.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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What competes at this price?
Focal
Vestia
489
/
Released
2023
Vestia Center is the central loudspeaker in the range. During its development, particular attention was paid to ensuring that its timbre complemented that of the other Vestia speakers. It is the perfect complement to a home theater system, providing coherent design and sound.
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good tonal balance and neutral sound, with small departures from full neutrality
- Wide soundstage and precise imaging
- Exceptional dynamic range for its size, packing a punch
- Stylish and tasteful design that complements interior decor
- Clear articulation and detailed account of vocals and instruments
Product Considerations
- Low-frequency extension isn't as deep as other similarly priced towers, bass extension is not terribly low for a floor-standing speaker of its pricing
- Best with a subwoofer for action films and those who want bass at and below 40Hz
- The center speaker is less optimal for those situated off-center, with a noticeable dip in frequency response around 2kHz in some rooms
- The on-axis measurements show a slight dip from 5kHz up to 10kHz, which makes the speaker a bit soft on sibilants
- They do not give a lot of deep bass output
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3s: Vestia N°3s have better bass extension
- Vs Philharmonic BMR Tower: BMR Tower digs deeper in bass, but is larger and less efficient
- Vs Arendal 1723 S Tower: 1723 S Tower has more low-frequency extension, but sacrifices some efficiency compared to the Vestia
- Vs KEF R5 Meta: Trade-offs exist in bass extension, size, and efficiency
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3: Trade-offs exist in bass extension, size, and efficiency
- Vs Polk Legend L600: Trade-offs exist in bass extension, size, and efficiency
Takeaway: The Vestia No.3 offers excellent sound quality and stylish design, making it a good option for those who want clear sound and a pleasing aesthetic. Adding a subwoofer can enhance the bass for a fuller listening experience, especially for home theater use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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NHT
Ms Center
374
/
Released
NHT (Now Hear This) is known for its acoustic suspension speaker design that avoids ports or holes, delivering low distortion and accurate sound while making speaker placement easier in various room settings. The brand's speakers use premium aluminum drivers and unique design features like Focused Image Geometry, which reduces side-wall reflections and concentrates sound in the listening area.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact, space-saving design with a modern look and good build quality and finish
- The MS Tower has a built-in height speaker for Dolby Atmos/DTS:X setups
- Well-balanced sonic performance for both music and home theater applications
- Excellently timbre-matched front mains and center package
- The speakers fill even relatively large rooms with sufficient sonic energy
Product Considerations
- The MS Tower in-room bass response only reached down to around 50 Hz, suggesting a subwoofer is necessary for full bass extension
- The MS Center might not portray depth as adeptly as more expensive center channels
- The MS Tower speakers might not possess the last word in transparency
Takeaway: The NHT MS speakers offer a compact design with good sound for both music and movies, especially for those wanting an easy Dolby Atmos setup. They provide good value and a balanced sonic experience without taking up too much space.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NHT (Now Hear This) is known for its acoustic suspension speaker design that avoids ports or holes, delivering low distortion and accurate sound while making speaker placement easier in various room settings. The brand's speakers use premium aluminum drivers and unique design features like Focused Image Geometry, which reduces side-wall reflections and concentrates sound in the listening area.
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Polk
255C-RT
199
/
Released
Experience high quality designs with superior sound when choosing 255c-RT Vanishing RT Series Two-Way In-Wall Center Channel Speaker speakers.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed to be minimally invasive and slip easily and undetected into any environment
- Polk has minimized the thickness, making it easy to install in most homes
- Build quality is good and the weight has been kept nice and low
- When set up correctly, it projects well and directly forward and has a slight lean to a warmer tone, but nonetheless has great clarity
Product Considerations
- Installing in-wall speakers is not easy, and professional installation is recommended
- Requires a separate amplifier and a way to connect sound to it
- Installation is not recommended if there is no space behind drywall or on solid surfaces like concrete or stone
- Polk's logo on the grill might be a minor aesthetic issue for some who want it to be inconspicuous
- Sound is not really relevant when evaluating the speaker on its own, as it's designed to be used as part of a full system
Takeaway: The Polk Audio 255c-RT is a great addition to a home theatre sound system, especially when paired with other speakers from the Polk Audio RT line. It has good build quality, and its unobtrusive design makes it a solid choice for creating a multi-directional audio experience for watching movies.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Klipsch
RP-500C II
449
/
Released
2022
Hear every word of the dialogue and lyrics with crystal-clear precision. A new, larger 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix® horn provides incredibly efficient transfer of high-frequency waves into the listening area to create a crisper, clearer sound.
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Quite good output levels with low distortion and compression
- Sensitivity measures at about 87dB @ 2.83v/1m, which is nice
Product Considerations
- Elevated treble response rising to about +3dB above the average sensitivity levels above 2kHz
- Linearity takes a hit, in part, to the above-mentioned HF boost
- Poor directivity in the horizontal region with a narrowing response through the midrange
- Viewers/listeners sitting to the side of the speaker more than about ±10° are going to suffer from some speech intelligibility issues
Takeaway: The RP-500C II offers good output levels with low distortion and compression, making it a solid choice for clear sound. Its nice sensitivity helps deliver quality audio for your home theater.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Dali
Fazon Mikro Vokal
252
/
Released
The DALI FAZON MIKRO VOKAL is an ultra compact centre speaker featuring our signature wood fibre cone and soft dome tweeter module. The high-gloss aluminium cabinet fits perfectly in any living room, delivering true Hi-Fi in a very small package.
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Lively and informative sound
- Speakers integrate well with a subwoofer, creating a seamless coherence
- Opulent and robust design with a high-gloss lacquered aluminum cabinet
- Well-made with quality materials
Product Considerations
- Lacks some solidity
- Smallish soundstage
- Dynamics could be better
Takeaway: The Dali Fazon Mikro Vokal is a stylish and well-made speaker suitable for smaller rooms that offers lively sound and integrates well with a subwoofer. It's a reasonable option to consider if you want both style and sound in a compact form.
Video review
Our take on the brand
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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