Cheap Red Rose Music Spirit Amplifier and Speakers (Complete System, French Sycamore) (Electronics) Price

Designed for high-bandwidth, high-resolution digital and analog stereo source components like SACD players, DVD players, and turntables, as well as traditional CD players, the Spirit system (also available in rosewood) is nothing short of stunning in its ability to render detailed, dynamic, and ultimately effortless music in the space between and beyond its speakers.

Quality and simplicity are clearly the name of the game here. In our testing, setup was a breeze, and we found that operation couldn't be simpler: on, off, volume, go.

At just 4.5 inches wide, 11 inches deep, and 8.25 inches high, the amplifier is actually smaller than it looks in its picture--but its sound is world-class. Rated at a mere 35 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms (from 20 to 20,000 Hz with less than .25 percent distortion; 60 watts RMS into 4 ohms), it drives the sensitive Spirit speakers with graceful ease, supporting everything from the dynamic snaps of snare drums to the resonant thunder of acoustic bass.

The Spirit studio monitor is all about smoothness and detail, muscularity as well as sensitivity. In our listening, it showed itself capable of being nearly all things to all music, as the music and our recordings required. Its appreciable bass output extends below 50 Hz, and--largely because of the speaker's uncanny way with sound--we found that only large rooms and the most bass-intensive music demanded a bigger speaker.

Key to the speaker's success is its tweeter, a hand-formed aluminum ribbon rather than the traditional small fabric dome. Voices and acoustic instruments sound downright holographic, their natural harmonics both present and balanced, owing as much to the high quality of the crossover (which splits the incoming signal between the 5-inch woofer and the tweeter) as to the speaker's impressive high-frequency extension.

If the tweeter sounds delicate, know that it is--you won't want to blow on it or place the speaker where it will be in danger of being bumped or jostled. Red Rose makes short, custom speaker stands for the Spirit in French sycamore, rosewood, and transparent Plexiglas, though they also sound great on sturdy ear-level stands.

The system overall sounds its best in small to midsize rooms (bedrooms, dens, confined living rooms), but will likely amaze you in any near-field listening spot. A position 5 to 8 feet from the speakers was choice in our listening.

Is the package a little pricey? By most standards, yes. But in its sonic and supremely musical abilities, the Spirit system outshines many high-end systems commanding several times its price. If you're saving up for something special, the Spirit is an unqualified bargain. --Michael Mikesell

Pros:

• Extremely detailed and natural sound
• Holographic stereo "imaging"
• Tremendous dynamic kick
• Superb speaker drivers
• Simple setup
• Premium-quality cosmetics and construction

Cons:

• Slightly limited bass output
• Not suited to large rooms