Testing Rig:

• Processor: Intel Core2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4Ghz LGA 65W Dual Core

• CPU Cooler: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

• Motherboard: ASUS P5W DH Deluxe/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel with onboard Realtek ALC882M 8-channel sound

• Memory: 2–OCZ Gold GX XTC (2x512MB) 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400 2-Corsair XMS2 CM2X1024-6400C4 1GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM

• Video Cards: Sapphire HD 2600 XT x2 in Crossfire configuration · Power Supply: Thermaltake Purepower 600W

• Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS

• Optical Drive: Sony NEC Optiarc 2MB Cache E-IDE / ATAPI Also used:

• IPod touch 16gb 2nd generation

• Series2 TiVo

Testing:

In considering how to best test the Arion ET-AR502-BK speakers, I decided to just go with my ears.  This is a simple sound system and ultimately the best way to judge is how they sound to the person listening.

I started out with them connected to my PC.  Playing one of my favorite electric keyboard instrumentalist’s, Lao Tizer, I was impressed with the clarity of the keyboard and background instruments.  With the pc volume at max and the speaker volume set at about 25%, the sounds were clean, clear and vibration free. The sub was set at about 1/3rd and lent plenty of sub-sonics to the smooth drifting music.  Sound didn’t start becoming distorted till about ¾ volume. 

For something a little different I put on a bit of Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”.  The electric guitar was clean and crisp without sounding screechy.  The lyrics were nice and smooth.  Every word was understandable and had me singing along! Even with the bass cranked up to max you could identify every instrument.

For video sound on the PC I pulled out a movie with cool jazz, fair dialog and a good mix of voices.  Chicago!  This movie has some great musical pieces and with the Arion ET-AR502-BK’s you can pick out almost every instrument and make out all the words to every song.  

On to the IPod!  I played the same artists and songs as above and was very impressed with the sound quality coming out of the Arion ET-AR502-BK’s.  Even though there was no balance control, the left and right channels remained equal and distinct!  This would be a great little set of speakers for your bedroom or for that impromptu party on the patio with friends.  Volume was not an issue at all and the bass remained full and clean.  This is a set of speakers you can quickly pack up and take anywhere.  Provide some power via a small DC-AC power converter, a bit of moonlight, add a few stars for ambiance and you have the makings of a romantic evening of slow dancing and tender moments anywhere the mood strikes.

Lastly the TiVo!  Here is where I really enjoyed these speakers.  As my TV is 10 years old, the speakers sound like nails on a blackboard at anything over a whisper.  With these inexpensive BIG little Arion ET-AR502-BK speakers attached to the audio output of my TiVo, I can hear again! 15 feet across the room sounds are clear and concise.  My only regret is not having an external volume control. But if your like me and can’t (or won’t) buy a new TV, then these speakers will fill that sound void without breaking your wallet.