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Ships from: Fluance Audio Sold by: Fluance Audio
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Ships from: Fluance Audio Sold by: Fluance Audio
Fluance Elite High Definition 2-Way Bookshelf Surround Sound Speakers for 2-Channel Stereo Listening or Home Theater System - Natural Walnut/Pair (SX6W)
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Fluance |
Model Name | SX6W |
Speaker Type | Surround, Bookshelf |
Connectivity Technology | Banana_Plugs |
Special Feature | Two Bookshelf Loudspeakers, Instruction Manual, Full Lifetime Parts and Labor Manufacturer's Direct Warranty, Lifetime Customer Support See more |
About this item
- Premium components ensure serious performance, natural sound and great reliability at an exceptional value; Bookshelf speaker configuration for full range sound in any application; Designed for use as front main or home theater surround speakers (External Amplifier Required)
- Engineered MDF wood construction to reduce cabinet resonance; Ultra high-end Neodymium tweeters provide accurate high frequency response; Ferro-fluid cooled tweeter for longer life
- Butyl rubber surrounds for increased durability and performance; Tuned bass port for controlled low frequency response and improved efficiency; 5-way gold plated binding post terminals for optimum conductivity
- Banana plug and speaker wire compatible connectors on all speakers; Low diffraction flush fit removable front grilles for spacious imaging; Magnetically shielded to avoid interference with other video products
- Premium crossovers feature Butterworth design for audio equalization; 18 gauge internal lead wire to reduce signal degradation
Frequently bought together
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This Item Fluance Elite High Definition 2-Way Bookshelf Surround Sound Speakers for 2-Channel Stereo Listening or Home Theater System - Natural Walnut/Pair (SX6W) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $149.99$149.99 | $179.99$179.99 | $179.99$179.99 | $299.99$299.99 | -7% $167.38$167.38 List: $179.98 | $374.99$374.99 |
Delivery | Get it Mar 29 - Apr 1 | Get it Mar 29 - Apr 1 | Get it Mar 29 - Apr 1 | Get it Mar 29 - Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it Mar 29 - Apr 1 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sound quality | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 | — |
Value for money | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.8 | — |
Quality of material | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 | — |
Sold By | Fluance Audio | Fluance Audio | Fluance Audio | Fluance Audio | Amazon.com | Fluance Audio |
speaker size | 5 inches | — | 5.25 inches | 6.5 inches | 4 inches | 6.5 inches |
power source | Passive | Passive | Passive | AC | Passive | Passive |
connectivity tech | Banana Plugs | Optical | Coaxial | Optical | Wired | — |
speaker type | Surround, Bookshelf | Surround Sound | Center Channel, Woofer, Surround Sound | Bookshelf | Bookshelf | Floorstanding |
mounting type | Wall Mount | Shelf Mount | Shelf Mount | Plug Mount,Shelf Mount | Shelf Mount | Floor Mount |
weight | 11.6 pounds | — | — | 27.17 pounds | 8.2 pounds | 66.9 pounds |
control method | application | — | — | application | — | remote |
model name | SX6W | XL8SW | — | Ai61 | BS41-BK | — |
Product Description
Featuring a contemporary design and exciting audio performance, the SX6 is a flawlessly made two-way speaker system. With superb sound radiation and rich timbre, the SX6 is perfect for music and home theater applications.
With remarkable reproduction of even the finest details, the SX6 is a highly accurate and intensely musical system with broad frequency response and low distortion. While digital audio formats demand a new level of performance, these speakers are built for the task! With superb sound radiation and rich timbre, the SX6 is perfect for music and home theater applications. Even at high volume levels, the acoustic image remains free from cabinet vibrations and driver resonances.
The bookshelf design allows for multiple placement options, and in a home theater surround sound application, the SX6 speakers produce exceptional sound, and can operate as front main or rear surround speakers. Thanks to its distinct design and premium natural beech finish, this system harmonizes perfectly with modern living areas. By virtue of the tuned bass reflex cabinet, the SX6 produces an outstanding and precise performance for its compact design. Only premium components such as Neodymium tweeters and high-performance magnets are used in this system. The result is a pure listening experience that represents a new standard in audio accuracy, craftsmanship and quality.
Powerfully dimensioned, 5 inch high-performance drivers produce a brilliant and dynamic low frequency response. Butyl rubber surrounds provide increased durability, performance and reduced distortion for broader dynamic range.
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Elite High Definition 2-Way Bookshelf Surround Sound Speakers Specifications Speaker Configuration: 2 Way - 2 Driver Bookshelf Loudspeakers Tweeter: 1 Inch Soft Dome Ferrofluid Cooled Woofer: 5 Inch Polymer Treated Driver With Butyl Rubber Surround Power Handling: 30 - 100 Watts Frequency Response: 60Hz – 20KHz Sensitivity: 89±3dB @ 2.83V / 1m |
Crossover Frequency: 3500 Hz Phase Coherent - PCB Mounted Circuitry Butterworth Design Impedance: 8 Ohms Dimensions: 13.5 x 8.3 x 9.1 inches / 34.3 x 21.1 x 23.1 cm (HxWxD) Enclosure: Tuned Rear Port Bass Reflex Bookshelf Design Speaker Weight: 11.6 Pounds/Speaker Series: Classic Elite Speaker Type: Bookshelf |
What's include Two Bookshelf Loudspeakers Instruction Manual Lifetime Customer Support |
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 13.5 x 9.1 x 8.3 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 11.6 pounds |
ASIN | B00067OS0A |
Item model number | SX6W |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #123,722 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #219 in Bookshelf Speakers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | January 30, 2007 |
Manufacturer | Fluance |
Country of Origin | China |
Input Voltage | 2.83 Volts |
Speakers Maximum Output Power | 200 Watts |
Item Weight | 11.6 Pounds |
Number Of Items | 1 |
Warranty & Support
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the sound quality, value, and appearance of the speakers. They mention that the bass is deep, the tweeters are crisp, and the soundstage is rich. They also appreciate the strong tweeters, which are a welcome surprise. Customers are also pleased with the look and overall performance. They say the mids and highs are good.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the sound quality of the speakers. They say that the bass is deep, the tweeters are crisp, and plenty of mid range. They also appreciate the clarity and bass response. Customers also say that these speakers have a rich, full, warm sound stage that is full of ambient. They are able to make a cheap little amp sound awesome. Customers say that they are very capable speakers with tight bass through the rear port. They find the high frequencies to be breath-like yet smooth, and the setup really brings out the music.
"...They create a spacious scene for delivering this masterpiece in such a way that you can virtually imagine the location of Paul, Dave, Eugene and Joe..." Read more
"...This is a great system and produces excellent sound for the cost (around $200 total depending on the current price of the amp and speakers)...." Read more
"...MUCH bigger sound than you'd ever expect from this size, comparable to some $600 speakers I had years ago from a boutique audio manufacturer located..." Read more
"Tweeter a bit high, good sound stage. You will need to dial the tweeter down..well built" Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the speakers. They say they are excellent value for the money, inexpensive, and sound great for the price. Some mention that the speakers have a standard finish from the price point. Overall, customers are happy with the speakers' performance and recommend them to others.
"...Great speakers!Pros: Everything - cost, size, sound, looks, quality.Cons: Every time I see the name Fluance I think "Flatulence"...." Read more
"...It's not stronger bass, just a little better sounding. It's also cheaper. At $118 the BIC's are a nice bit of savings over the Fluance...." Read more
"These speakers from from Fluance are incredible for their price...." Read more
"The speakers appeared to be well made and a good value, but lasted less than a year before one of them died...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the speakers. They say the dome tweeter is of very good quality, the Fluence are built very well, and the strong tweeters are a very welcome surprise. They also say the separate instruments are really impressive for a small speaker, and that they made all the right engineering decisions. They sound lovely, rich, and clear, with great punchy midbass, clear, clean highs, and superb vocals.
"...Both sound natural, and the image is enjoyable. Pleasant, warm and accurate delivery of the music.4) Diana Krall: The Look of Love. "..." Read more
"...Pros: Everything - cost, size, sound, looks, quality.Cons: Every time I see the name Fluance I think "Flatulence". I can live with that." Read more
"...You will need to dial the tweeter down..well built" Read more
"...After a few hours, they basically fixed themselves and now they are strong and tight...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the speakers. They mention that they look good, are handsome, and the veneer is very tasteful. They are pleased with the look and overall performance. Customers also say that the bass is deep, the tweeters are crisp, and plenty of mid range.
"...Both sound natural, and the image is enjoyable. Pleasant, warm and accurate delivery of the music.4) Diana Krall: The Look of Love. "..." Read more
"...Great speakers!Pros: Everything - cost, size, sound, looks, quality.Cons: Every time I see the name Fluance I think "Flatulence"...." Read more
"...The bass is at least as powerful as the others and the tweeters are very clean and detailed...." Read more
"...I did not like the color of them in the pictures but man are they beautiful, though it would be nice if they offered some more color options..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the mid range of the speakers. They mention that the mids and highs are good, acceptable, and not harsh. The highs also excel at mid range and high frequencies.
"...These speakers sound a lot like the Fluance except the highs are just a little more pleasant and with a 6-inch woofer it provides a deeper, more..." Read more
"...bass response, get a sub woofer.... These speakers excel at mid range and high frequencies, and do handle bass well for their size and design, for..." Read more
"...Bass is deep, tweeters are crisp, and plenty of mid range! Highly recommend! Video shows preamp and amp used." Read more
"...a rich, full, warm sound stage that was full of ambient life with amazing highs and great low end for such a small speaker...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the size of the speakers. Some mention that it has an impressive size, is plenty good for small to medium sized rooms, and is the perfect size for sitting on a desk or a bookshelf. However, others say that it's a little big for bookshlef speakers and is a bit overkill for a small apartment.
"...Great speakers!Pros: Everything - cost, size, sound, looks, quality.Cons: Every time I see the name Fluance I think "Flatulence"...." Read more
"...DESIGNMany have said that these speakers are huge. I agree with this to a certain point...." Read more
"...will improve further, and the trebles are bright, clear though not overpowering. Power handling is superb...." Read more
"...They are somewhat big so they may not be the best for bookshelves, especially since they are rear ported.I hope this helps...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the speakers. Some mention that they have an impressive response for speakers of this price and size. They say the overall performance is in balance. However, others say that they don't perform very well, have no actual utility, and are pretty lackluster out of the box.
"...higher bass for many types of music, though, so the performance is excellent taken into account the size and the price of the speakers...." Read more
"...They have no actual utility. Speaking of which, you'll notice in my pictures that Fluance mounted them in the most unprofessional way possible...." Read more
"...VERY impressive response for speakers of this price and size!AESTHETIC: These speakers look great!..." Read more
"...50 hours and are improving all the time, tight bass, mid range lacking very slightly still, though I am sure this will improve further, and the..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the brightness of the speakers. Some mention that they are warm and bright, with sweet clear highs. Others say that they lack bass and are too bright.
"...Lower frequencies are filled in nicely and highs really come alive. I've been able to get them to hit down around 50hz so far...." Read more
"...My wife noticed that they lack high frequency sparkle. I agree. Still, they sound nice for what they can do...." Read more
"...The highs need to be clean because they are bright, the clarity really helps make them easy to tolerate. These are not neutral or balanced speakers...." Read more
"...I noticed the speakers were VERY bright right from the start with no bass at all...." Read more
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In order to keep my planned budget in control, my other equipment consists of second-hand vintage elements obtained from eBay, with sufficiently low distortion and decent output power for enjoying just basic hi-fi. My integrated amplifier is Fisher CA-880, and the CD player is JVC XL-V311. I have connected the Fluance speakers via 16-gauge wires. My listening room size is around 14x14 feet, with attenuating material on the walls and floor.
I have "warmed up" the loudspeakers for about one week, and this is the result of the evaluation of some of my favorite music today:
1) Antonio Vivaldi. Conciertos. "Concierto en re mayor para guitarra y orquestra de cuerda". Josef Podhoransky, orquesta de cámara eslovaca. Allegro and Largo. It is a pleasure to listen to the natural sound of flutes and guitar. There is a spacious feeling, with natural sound and accurate position of the acoustic instruments. The sound of violins is equally natural and accurate, although there might be some, slightly harder mid-range sounds noted.
2) Jean Sibelius. Finlandia records 2003. "Valse triste". The speakers handle the wide dynamics of the violins beautifully in this piece, delivering clear and natural sound over the whole frequency range except in the lowest band.
3) Mark Knopfler: Local Hero. "Wild Theme". The guitar and piano are in a good balance. Both sound natural, and the image is enjoyable. Pleasant, warm and accurate delivery of the music.
4) Diana Krall: The Look of Love. "S'Wonderful". The voice of Diana is natural and accurate. The instruments of the orchestra are in balance in mid and high band, although the lowest bass is relatively weak. Violins and piano sound natural, and the speakers create a spacious feeling. There is occasional hardiness in some of the mid/high-band sounds which might partially be a result of still non-optimal preparation of the listening room.
5) Tomatito: Anthology. "Spain". Excellent balance of instruments. The overall sound is simply enjoyable in order to admire the fusion of jazz and flamenco. The natural sound of the piano fits nicely to the acoustic guitar of Tomatito, and also the higher bass is present. As previously, though, the lower bass area is weak.
6) Gotan Project: La Revancha del Tango. "Triptico". This music is a combination of acoustic and electrical instruments, and the bass is essential in this very piece. The accordion sounds natural although it might be slightly hard which could be an indication of some small variations in mid-high band frequency response and/or potential echoing in the listening room. The speakers deliver an accurate image, and the sound of the acoustic instruments including piano is in general pleasant. As for the electrical instruments, there is clearly higher frequency bass present, although this area is perhaps not as exact as it is in the mid and high bands. The lower bass area is quite attenuated which means that especially in this type of music, a separate sub-woofer would already be beneficial in order to fully explore the contents.
7) The Dave Brubeck Quartet: Time Out. "Take Five". This hit is quite enjoyable to listen to via SX6 speakers. They create a spacious scene for delivering this masterpiece in such a way that you can virtually imagine the location of Paul, Dave, Eugene and Joe in front of you. The sound of sax is warm, the piano is natural, and the drums sound great. The bass is attenuated, though, but the overall performance is in balance, including the drum solo. Although I have heard this piece several times, I managed to find new nuances in the background.
Overall, I am positively surprised with my new Fluance SX6 speakers. I would not have believed to find so clear and balanced sound in this price range. Also the solid, good looking wooden construction with high-quality elements is worth mentioning. Technically, this type of frequency response could be expected in much more expensive equipment, although the lower bass is attenuated. There is sufficiently higher bass for many types of music, though, so the performance is excellent taken into account the size and the price of the speakers. For me, these speakers work as such especially for listening to acoustic music. For the listening to also lower bass, I would plan to purchase a separate sub-woofer. The performance of Fluance SX6 is in any case so good that I am sure I am happy with this setup for much longer time than I was originally planning, simply for enjoying good, old 2-way hi-fi audio without spending too much money.
I received my SX6s a few days. Since then I have been breaking them in by playing pink noise through them at a moderate volume for about ten hours. I think they are pretty much broken in now so I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on these bookshelf speakers.
DESIGN
Many have said that these speakers are huge. I agree with this to a certain point. If you are comparing them with a set of logitech or other computer speakers they would seem rather huge. My last set of speakers was a quite large set of 90's Aiwa, i guess you could call them, bookshelf speakers. The Fluance's are actually smaller than these old speakers so to me they don't seem that big at all. If you're going from an average computer grade speaker system to the SX6s they might seem large in comparison. I actually find there size to be about right for my setup, but I have a rather large computer desk with plenty of room.
You can get a basic idea of their design from the pics so I won't bore you with the details. I will try to highlight a few elements you can't tell from the pics.
1. The SX6's are made out of a very nice MDF material and have an understated woodgrain pattern. I have the black pair and I really like their appearance.
2. Many have complained about their base pedestal. I really don't mind it. I guess you could remove it if you'd like and then they would be sitting on their grommets. I have mine on Adam Hall isolation pads and they look very nice.
3. The speaker covers look a little cheap. They are made from a slightly thin fabric and may tear with some abuse. They are pretty typical for speakers in this class though.
4. The main design element I don't like with these speakers is their sharp edges. I would have rather they routed the corners instead of leaving them untouched. They seem as though they will scratch and nick very easily.
SOUND
This is where the SX6s really excel. They present a very natural, open sound stage. When compared to most speakers I've heard in this class they are much clearer and more natural. I have a pair of the Dayton B652s (non air) and the SX6s kick the woofers out of those. Both sets have decent bass and highs but the Fluance's sound so much more accurate and open than the Daytons.
When you first connect the SX6s to your amp and listen to them the music sounds a little flat. There is not much bass or midbass at the begging. Once you break these babies in for about ten hours (as per the manufacture's recommendation) they really come alive. Lower frequencies are filled in nicely and highs really come alive. I've been able to get them to hit down around 50hz so far. If you need lower bass consider adding a sub.
When I play "The Walking Blues" by Royal Crown Revue I am able to hear a full and rich soundstage presented by the orchestra and lead vocals. The tenner sax sounds like it is coming from just off of right center and the vocals sound as though they are coming from the middle. I was never able to hear these nuances with my Aiwa or Dayton speakers, lat alone ANY set of Logitechs!
The SX6s have one of the best tweeters I've ever heard. I'm sure there are better ones out there, but this is the best I've heard to date. Highs are clean and crisp while not sounding shrill. Symbals and tenner instruments sounds beautiful and really aid in the natural soundstage.
One downside, if you want to call it that, to these speakers is that you can immediately hear the weaknesses in compressed music. Mp3s just don't present the same level clarity and soundstage as lossless audio formats. This truly and issue with compressed music and not these speakers. With lesser speakers it is harder to hear the difference between compressed and uncompressed audio.
These speakers are, however, not perfect. One area they seem to struggle is with midbass. Frequences between 120 and 200hz seem a bit muted. I am hoping these come alive after more break in.
SUMMERY
So to summerize I'd just like to say again how much I really like the Fluance SX6s. They certainly are not perfect and I'm sure you can find better speakers out there, but not at this price. I purchased a reconditioned pair from Fluance for $100 and they are well worth that price if not twice.
UPDATE - 10-21-15
I am still really liking these speakers. Currently. I am powering them with an SMSL SA50 amp and using a Behhringer UCA202 DAC. This is a great system and produces excellent sound for the cost (around $200 total depending on the current price of the amp and speakers). I stilly highly recommend these speakers! I've had no issues with them to date.
Top reviews from other countries
Llegó el color que elegí y sin ningún golpe o detalle, de construcción solida, de buen peso y no se sienten frágil al tacto.
En la cuestión de calidad de audio es buen producto sin llegar a ser high-end pero si se diferencia de bocinas de home theatre regulares. Perfectas para un sistema stereo en una habitación pequeña o mediana.
Reviewed in Mexico on November 8, 2020
Llegó el color que elegí y sin ningún golpe o detalle, de construcción solida, de buen peso y no se sienten frágil al tacto.
En la cuestión de calidad de audio es buen producto sin llegar a ser high-end pero si se diferencia de bocinas de home theatre regulares. Perfectas para un sistema stereo en una habitación pequeña o mediana.
For the size the quality and depth of sound is par excellent
The packaging ...
These speakers arrived in a triple box. Amazon took the double box from Fluance and put it into another box, making it just big enough to be really awkward to carry... and these are relatively heavy speakers. Good protection, but not so good when you got to lug them up to the 6th floor.
General...
These are big speakers and they are rather heavy for their size. They are much bigger than any I've had before with 5 1/4" woofers in them. The cabinets appear to be of reasonable quality. They are 7/16" MDF particle board (that's good, btw) and covered in a wood-look vinyl finish. The overall cabinet assembly is quite nice.
Screws ...
When I get something that is made in China the first thing I usually do is check all the screws to be sure they are properly tightened. In this case it's a good thing I did as both speakers had loose screws on the woofer and the connector panel at the back. No problem, I just tweaked them a little with my screwdriver to even out the tension. (If you do this on your set, loosen them first then tighten them slowly. Don't get carried away, those screws are in MDF particleboard and they're not all that big, it would be very easy to strip them if you aren't careful.)
The Grills ...
The front grills are simple wooden frames with cloth stretched over them. When I unpacked my set the grills were dirty with some kind of white powder so I gently rubbed them down with a dry sponge to clean them. Once they're cleaned they look nice. The Fluance logos at the bottom had a bunch of rough edges on the letters --probably from stamping the silver plating onto them-- a couple of gentle passes with a sanding sponge took care of that very nicely. These grills fit over the holding posts on the speaker boxes quite tightly. It would not be a good idea to simply grab them and pull them off. I eased them off and on during testing by pressing or pulling firmly on each corner in turn and letting them find their own speed.
Burn in ...
I've seen a couple of reviews where these speakers were panned as lacking bass. Right out of the box they certainly do lack any kind of reasonable bass, leading me to initially conclude they were never intended as full range speakers. In fact I've never seen a set of speakers that needed the "burn in" period as badly as these did. About 12 hours on they started sounding better... and two days in they're sounding pretty good.
Speaker wire...
During the recommended 10 hour burn in period I hooked them up using the bargain basement 24ga speaker wire. Now, having moved them to my main system where they are hooked up with 18ga wire, I can tell you that in this case the wire definitely makes a big difference.... as in "Woah, where'd all that detail come from?"
Listening Impression ...
These speakers sound pretty good when set on my media credenza.
They appear to need some breathing room behind them, delivering the best sound when positioned about 2 to 3" from the wall behind them. Placing them longer distances from walls (as recommended by most audiophiles) will likely result in a loss of bass and result in a somewhat shrill sounding speaker.
With the grills off, these speakers are "sibilant" every little hissed S or popped P is clearly audible.. With the grills on that goes away completely.
The bass and mid-range are both handled by the same speaker, which after a proper burn in does an acceptable job...
If you're looking to get kicked in the gut by the bass, these are not your speakers. But if you are looking for easy listening with well balanced sound, I think you'll like them well enough.
Overall, these are very clear and precise speakers.
About that base plate...
The base plate these speakers stand on is where you would attach them to stands. But otherwise they are a dusting disaster and, yes, for those who are wondering it can be removed. There are 4 screws on the bottom. Undoing them will let you take the base off. Then comes a nice surprise... the 4 silver disks are actually non-slip feet so you may want to flip them over and run the screws back into the boxes, as I did.
Rating...
I like these speakers. Overall I'll give them 4 stars... To get the 5th star, I would suggest Fluance lose the base plate and put the money into an actual 6" woofer, which I think would be a better match with that tweeter.
Update: August 18, 2018 ... Two years in, still happy as can be with these speakers.
Reviewed in Canada on August 27, 2016
The packaging ...
These speakers arrived in a triple box. Amazon took the double box from Fluance and put it into another box, making it just big enough to be really awkward to carry... and these are relatively heavy speakers. Good protection, but not so good when you got to lug them up to the 6th floor.
General...
These are big speakers and they are rather heavy for their size. They are much bigger than any I've had before with 5 1/4" woofers in them. The cabinets appear to be of reasonable quality. They are 7/16" MDF particle board (that's good, btw) and covered in a wood-look vinyl finish. The overall cabinet assembly is quite nice.
Screws ...
When I get something that is made in China the first thing I usually do is check all the screws to be sure they are properly tightened. In this case it's a good thing I did as both speakers had loose screws on the woofer and the connector panel at the back. No problem, I just tweaked them a little with my screwdriver to even out the tension. (If you do this on your set, loosen them first then tighten them slowly. Don't get carried away, those screws are in MDF particleboard and they're not all that big, it would be very easy to strip them if you aren't careful.)
The Grills ...
The front grills are simple wooden frames with cloth stretched over them. When I unpacked my set the grills were dirty with some kind of white powder so I gently rubbed them down with a dry sponge to clean them. Once they're cleaned they look nice. The Fluance logos at the bottom had a bunch of rough edges on the letters --probably from stamping the silver plating onto them-- a couple of gentle passes with a sanding sponge took care of that very nicely. These grills fit over the holding posts on the speaker boxes quite tightly. It would not be a good idea to simply grab them and pull them off. I eased them off and on during testing by pressing or pulling firmly on each corner in turn and letting them find their own speed.
Burn in ...
I've seen a couple of reviews where these speakers were panned as lacking bass. Right out of the box they certainly do lack any kind of reasonable bass, leading me to initially conclude they were never intended as full range speakers. In fact I've never seen a set of speakers that needed the "burn in" period as badly as these did. About 12 hours on they started sounding better... and two days in they're sounding pretty good.
Speaker wire...
During the recommended 10 hour burn in period I hooked them up using the bargain basement 24ga speaker wire. Now, having moved them to my main system where they are hooked up with 18ga wire, I can tell you that in this case the wire definitely makes a big difference.... as in "Woah, where'd all that detail come from?"
Listening Impression ...
These speakers sound pretty good when set on my media credenza.
They appear to need some breathing room behind them, delivering the best sound when positioned about 2 to 3" from the wall behind them. Placing them longer distances from walls (as recommended by most audiophiles) will likely result in a loss of bass and result in a somewhat shrill sounding speaker.
With the grills off, these speakers are "sibilant" every little hissed S or popped P is clearly audible.. With the grills on that goes away completely.
The bass and mid-range are both handled by the same speaker, which after a proper burn in does an acceptable job...
If you're looking to get kicked in the gut by the bass, these are not your speakers. But if you are looking for easy listening with well balanced sound, I think you'll like them well enough.
Overall, these are very clear and precise speakers.
About that base plate...
The base plate these speakers stand on is where you would attach them to stands. But otherwise they are a dusting disaster and, yes, for those who are wondering it can be removed. There are 4 screws on the bottom. Undoing them will let you take the base off. Then comes a nice surprise... the 4 silver disks are actually non-slip feet so you may want to flip them over and run the screws back into the boxes, as I did.
Rating...
I like these speakers. Overall I'll give them 4 stars... To get the 5th star, I would suggest Fluance lose the base plate and put the money into an actual 6" woofer, which I think would be a better match with that tweeter.
Update: August 18, 2018 ... Two years in, still happy as can be with these speakers.