I have had my RSL speakers for 4 months now, and the only reason I have not written a testimonial before now is because I have been too busy spending hours on end enthralled in front of my home theatre. I do not pretend to be an audiophile, or particularly knowledgeable when it comes to audio equipment, but I do know that the ear to ear grin I got when first listened to your speakers (Beethoven's 9th) is enough to tell me that I have a superior product in my home. All of the terms that people throw out when talking about high end audio that I took for marketing nonsense suddenly began to make sense. Every time I sit to watch a movie or listen to music I think of what a wonderful gift you have given me in your speakers. But what really separates RSL from anyone else is the unbelievable customer service your company provides. I believe you guys are truly in the business because you are passionate about what you do and not for profit, and I can honestly that I have never had a better buying experience in my life. RSL will be the only speakers I ever intend to buy, ever, which I think says more then anything else.

To break in the speakers I had run a 25 hertz tone through them over night for a couple of nights. This pretty well broke in the woofers but apparently not the tweeters. When I set them up for some serious listening there was still a nasty stridency in the upper midrange. That had me worried.
After playing full-range music through the speakers for a couple of days while at work -- as you recommended -- that nastiness disappeared. The speakers now sound just as the reviewers had said, and as I had hoped. The balance is pretty much perfect and, like expensive studio monitors, the RSLs reveal differences between recordings that I hadn't heard with my previous speakers.
I'm building a collection of blu-ray opera and jazz recordings (good recordings are still pretty scarce) and these speakers, along with my NAD receiver, provide just the kind of musical experience I was looking for. There definitely is something to your Compression Guide tuning. The midrange sounds remarkably natural and balanced -- neither forward nor recessed.
I'm amazed at how full the bass sounds, even without a subwoofer. I played them most of one evening without the subwoofer and the RSLs sounded surprisingly balanced and complete. I had to check a couple times to make sure the subwoofer was still turned off. Turning on the subwoofer only added that bit of floor shake that had been missing at the bottom.
I've auditioned and purchased many speakers during my several decades of fascination with hi-fi, home audio and home theater. Considering the price and value, the RSLs are easily the best purchase I've ever made.

To break in the speakers I had run a 25 hertz tone through them over night for a couple of nights. This pretty well broke in the woofers but apparently not the tweeters. When I set them up for some serious listening there was still a nasty stridency in the upper midrange. That had me worried.
After playing full-range music through the speakers for a couple of days while at work -- as you recommended -- that nastiness disappeared. The speakers now sound just as the reviewers had said, and as I had hoped. The balance is pretty much perfect and, like expensive studio monitors, the RSLs reveal differences between recordings that I hadn't heard with my previous speakers.
I'm building a collection of blu-ray opera and jazz recordings (good recordings are still pretty scarce) and these speakers, along with my NAD receiver, provide just the kind of musical experience I was looking for. There definitely is something to your Compression Guide tuning. The midrange sounds remarkably natural and balanced -- neither forward nor recessed.
I'm amazed at how full the bass sounds, even without a subwoofer. I played them most of one evening without the subwoofer and the RSLs sounded surprisingly balanced and complete. I had to check a couple times to make sure the subwoofer was still turned off. Turning on the subwoofer only added that bit of floor shake that had been missing at the bottom.
I've auditioned and purchased many speakers during my several decades of fascination with hi-fi, home audio and home theater. Considering the price and value, the RSLs are easily the best purchase I've ever made.

To break in the speakers I had run a 25 hertz tone through them over night for a couple of nights. This pretty well broke in the woofers but apparently not the tweeters. When I set them up for some serious listening there was still a nasty stridency in the upper midrange. That had me worried.
After playing full-range music through the speakers for a couple of days while at work -- as you recommended -- that nastiness disappeared. The speakers now sound just as the reviewers had said, and as I had hoped. The balance is pretty much perfect and, like expensive studio monitors, the RSLs reveal differences between recordings that I hadn't heard with my previous speakers.
I'm building a collection of blu-ray opera and jazz recordings (good recordings are still pretty scarce) and these speakers, along with my NAD receiver, provide just the kind of musical experience I was looking for. There definitely is something to your Compression Guide tuning. The midrange sounds remarkably natural and balanced -- neither forward nor recessed.
I'm amazed at how full the bass sounds, even without a subwoofer. I played them most of one evening without the subwoofer and the RSLs sounded surprisingly balanced and complete. I had to check a couple times to make sure the subwoofer was still turned off. Turning on the subwoofer only added that bit of floor shake that had been missing at the bottom.
I've auditioned and purchased many speakers during my several decades of fascination with hi-fi, home audio and home theater. Considering the price and value, the RSLs are easily the best purchase I've ever made.

I wanted to let you know I have set up the two front speakers and the sub woofer and had to test it out, I just couldn't wait for all 4 speakers to be wired up. I listened to a live DVD concert of David Gilmour with Dolby 5.1 surround selected and I was completely blown away. I hurried and put in a Blu-ray movie, Superman Returns (excellent music sound track and a few good rumbling scenes) and before I knew it, I had watched the whole movie simply because I was drawn into the sound. One scene where Superman's meteorite is rumbling past Ma Kent's house shook her house, and shook mine too!
I also wanted to say I enjoyed reading the entire RSL Owner's Manual, maybe the only time I've ever read an entire manual in my life. I also had a friend over to check out the speakers tonight. His comments were nothing but the highest praise. He even made specific mention that even though he see's the speakers, he doesn't hear sound coming directly from the speakers, and how impressed he was by the wall of sound he was experiencing. He also couldn't believe the quality of the subwoofer, he even got down close to see if the bang of the movie was coming from that specific box, since it flowed so smoothly with the rest of the sound.
I am more than ecstatic using these speakers, and I can't thank you enough.

These speakers have the best top end I have heard period, they sound more open and real than the B&W speakers I used to own which cost multiple times more. Best audio purchase I have ever made. Huge presence and realism. Great looking also!!
Thanks again!!

These speakers have the best top end I have heard period, they sound more open and real than the B&W speakers I used to own which cost multiple times more. Best audio purchase I have ever made. Huge presence and realism. Great looking also!!
Thanks again!!

I have owned many high end subs over the years, and stumbling on the RSL Sub was the best thing that ever happened! I have almost given up on trying to match subs with just about any speaker as
getting it to blend was always difficult to get right. Now on my quest to find a sub to go with my Maggie 1.7's I bought and sold two other subwoofers I recently purchased with no real luck in blending with the 1.7.s I could always tell there was a sub in the mix muddying up the sound.
When I got the RSL sub I was shocked at how well it blended with the 1.7's. I almost thought something was wrong with it because it was not booming & drawing attention to itself like my other subs. But I soon realized it was just so fast, I could not hear it mucking up the sound. Just vibrant, fast & articulate sound. Exactly what the Maggies needed!
Now, I have since sold the Maggies and bought the ultimate test for the sub...A pair of Martin Logan CLS. The original full electrostat speaker, and I am happy to say the sub again is a perfect match. If it had not been (with either speaker) believe me I would have sent it back since RSL offers a no brainer money back guarantee.
A buddy of mine always tries to convince me to keep a good sub around as I go through speakers, but I always ended
up selling them simply because I was not happy enough with them to keep em.
Well' I passed my 30 day return, and the only thing RSL will get from me is probably a check for another Speedwoofer. But, I am not sure I will need another one as one is enough. This is a fantastic sub, and even though it is a "music first" sub, it does a great job on movies as well. A true Keeper!!!
Also, I do not wish to mention the other sub brands I have owned, but every one of them was more expensive than the RSL. They all ranged between $995-$3500.

Here is the best way I can describe my satisfaction, and, then my wife's satisfaction with the speakers:
When I first used them, I decided to put on an Eric Clapton DVD to see how everything sounded. I really wanted to listen to only one song but I couldn't stop listening. I did manage to grudgingly get myself back to my work after I had listened to half the disc. Obviously, the speakers were great.
Now, for my wife. First, I told her to listen to the first 10 minutes of Beverly Hills Cop III. I didn't think it was such a good movie, nor did she, but she insisted on watching the whole movie. The movie sound was certainly attention grabbing. Then, we listened to a Barbra Streisand DVD. Her voice was coming smack-dab (as we used to say in the South) out of her mouth and was as beatiful as if we were there. But, alas, again, we couldn't stop watching until the disc had finished.
I appreciate all of your help and advice on the speakers and the setup.

Here is the best way I can describe my satisfaction, and, then my wife's satisfaction with the speakers:
When I first used them, I decided to put on an Eric Clapton DVD to see how everything sounded. I really wanted to listen to only one song but I couldn't stop listening. I did manage to grudgingly get myself back to my work after I had listened to half the disc. Obviously, the speakers were great.
Now, for my wife. First, I told her to listen to the first 10 minutes of Beverly Hills Cop III. I didn't think it was such a good movie, nor did she, but she insisted on watching the whole movie. The movie sound was certainly attention grabbing. Then, we listened to a Barbra Streisand DVD. Her voice was coming smack-dab (as we used to say in the South) out of her mouth and was as beatiful as if we were there. But, alas, again, we couldn't stop watching until the disc had finished.
I appreciate all of your help and advice on the speakers and the setup.

Here is the best way I can describe my satisfaction, and, then my wife's satisfaction with the speakers:
When I first used them, I decided to put on an Eric Clapton DVD to see how everything sounded. I really wanted to listen to only one song but I couldn't stop listening. I did manage to grudgingly get myself back to my work after I had listened to half the disc. Obviously, the speakers were great.
Now, for my wife. First, I told her to listen to the first 10 minutes of Beverly Hills Cop III. I didn't think it was such a good movie, nor did she, but she insisted on watching the whole movie. The movie sound was certainly attention grabbing. Then, we listened to a Barbra Streisand DVD. Her voice was coming smack-dab (as we used to say in the South) out of her mouth and was as beatiful as if we were there. But, alas, again, we couldn't stop watching until the disc had finished.
I appreciate all of your help and advice on the speakers and the setup.

This is a very impressive "speaker system", not just 6 speakers but an integrated set of 4 surrounds, a center speaker, and a terrific subwoofer. They all blend together to give excellent clarity and realism to a variety of music and Blu-Ray movie sound tracks. These speakers quickly became the heart of my sound system which consists of an Onkyo Tx-SR875 A/V receiver, 52" Samsung HDTV, and an Oppo BDP-83 Blu-Ray DVD player. Their beautiful gloss black finish and grills look quite nice with surrounding furniture and decor items. Adds an unsuspecting plus to the purchase.
Saw an ad in Home Theater magazine which lead to my call with Howard Rodgers. He agreed to send me the center speaker first (freight free)to try out. Immediately heard the improvement (as did my daughter and two friends) between it and the existing KEF # HST-HTC-5001z center speaker purchased in 2008. Proceeded to order the rest of the speakers.
I used RSL's suggested 100 hz crossover frequency so the subwoofer didn't sound distinguishable, set the A/V receiver to neutral and ran a good quality RCA cable to the LFE input. Note also that all other speakers have good quality and size speaker wire terminal nuts that are easy to get to, unlike many small speakers on the market. Making set-up much easier.
Had a problem with humming noise from the subwoofer and called Howard for his thoughts since all options in “trouble-shooting” section failed to solve the problem. One suggestion was to try a 2 prong adaptor plug on their grounded power cord prior to plugging it into the wall outlet. It was, as he thought, the result of a 60 cycle grounding problem with my house current feeding back to the sub and causing the humming noise. Result: hum gone and problem solved. Great customer support and genuine willingness to help.
Absolutely thrilled with all of the speakers and their top-quality sound reproduction and accuracy. But best of all, the subwoofer with its remote control capabilities, great feature. I have not heard a sub this good at over twice the price. My thanks to Howard and RSL for making my home theater system sound as rich and beautiful as it now does.

"I have been enjoying my RSL CG4 and CG24 speakers for a month. I decided to purchase RSL speakers after many hours of research. At first I was a bit apprehensive about purchasing speakers online without listening to them first but was reassured by their 30 day no-risk guarantee return policy. I ordered the speakers online in the morning and they arrived at my doorstep in perfect condition by noon the next day! Throughout the whole ordering process RSL sales kept me informed on the status of my order.
The build quality of these speakers is top rate from the glossy piano black finish to the heavy duty binding posts and removable magnetic speaker grill. The sound quality is superb and the sound clarity is crisp & precise. I can hear every detail of the voice dialog coming from the CG24 center channel.
I am happy with my decision to purchase RSL speakers and would definitely recommend them to anyone."

"I have been enjoying my RSL CG4 and CG24 speakers for a month. I decided to purchase RSL speakers after many hours of research. At first I was a bit apprehensive about purchasing speakers online without listening to them first but was reassured by their 30 day no-risk guarantee return policy. I ordered the speakers online in the morning and they arrived at my doorstep in perfect condition by noon the next day! Throughout the whole ordering process RSL sales kept me informed on the status of my order.
The build quality of these speakers is top rate from the glossy piano black finish to the heavy duty binding posts and removable magnetic speaker grill. The sound quality is superb and the sound clarity is crisp & precise. I can hear every detail of the voice dialog coming from the CG24 center channel.
I am happy with my decision to purchase RSL speakers and would definitely recommend them to anyone."

So far, I'm clearly impressed with what I'm starting to hear. Although, I'm still breaking in the monitors, the frequency response seems exceptional. I'm working on a mix that I was producing prior to receiving the CG24's. After spending some time with the monitors, I remixed the song to demo for translation purposes. I can already hear that frequency balance and quality is much improved. Plus, I am hearing performances with much more clarity, as tonal qualities are much more true. Voices, Acoustic instruments, and other mid range parts are present and transparent... I'm enjoying working with them!

So far, I'm clearly impressed with what I'm starting to hear. Although, I'm still breaking in the monitors, the frequency response seems exceptional. I'm working on a mix that I was producing prior to receiving the CG24's. After spending some time with the monitors, I remixed the song to demo for translation purposes. I can already hear that frequency balance and quality is much improved. Plus, I am hearing performances with much more clarity, as tonal qualities are much more true. Voices, Acoustic instruments, and other mid range parts are present and transparent... I'm enjoying working with them!

"ALL I CAN SAY IS , WOW!!!"
The saying, "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is" Well you can throw that away here. This home theater system is a thing of beauty. Right out of the box the black luster is stunning.
But i didn't buy them for their looks, so the sound. The clarity the imaging the realism, its as if you were in a state of the art theater right in your own living room. You can here all of the musical instruments, each defined and separate. WOW!!! These little guys pack a punch. You would think you'd have to pay 10x this amount to get this kind of sound quality , but RSL has made it affordable. Thank you.
Now for the icing on the cake, the sub, "WOW"!!! This is what brings every thing to life. This thing is unreal, phenomenal even, everything you could ever ask of a subwoofer and more for thousands less. Spot on RSL great job!!! Thank you for making it possible for us to have this kind of quality at such an affordable price. I will be buying 2 more CG4 to make my 5.1 into a 7.1 very soon.

Advantages:
Sound quality
Price
Craftsmanship
Customer service

Disadvantages:
None

...Now for the icing on the cake, the sub. "WOW"!!! This is what brings every thing to life. This thing is unreal, phenomenal even, everything you could ever ask of a subwoofer and more for thousands less. Spot on RSL great job!!! Thank you for making it possible for us to have this kind of quality at such an affordable price.

Advantages:
Sound quality
Price
Craftsmanship
Customer service

Disadvantages:
None

I cannot adequately express how happy I am with the Speedwoofer 10. It has brought my Vandersteen speakers to life! The imaging is markedly improved as is the clarity of the instruments. The low tones are rich and appear to emanate from the Vandersteen speakers, not from the Speedwoofer. I don't see any need now to purchase a more expensive amplifier, so you could say purchasing the Speedwoofer has saved me money. Thank you for making a great audio product that people with a regular income can afford.

RSL, I have appreciated my nevada RSL speakers without any problems or decrease in quality for 30 years. So it was a clear and simple decision to purchase a home theater system. If your priorities are incomparable durability, a great value, an honest company,and beautiful outstanding sound you should purchase an RSL system! Very sincerely, Jerry

RSL, I have appreciated my nevada RSL speakers without any problems or decrease in quality for 30 years. So it was a clear and simple decision to purchase 6 CG24s and a Speedwoofer. If your priorities are incomparable durability, a great value, an honest company,and beautiful outstanding music you should purchase an RSL system! Very sincerely, Jerry

RSL, I have appreciated my nevada RSL speakers without any problems or decrease in quality for 30 years. So it was a clear and simple decision to purchase 6 CG24s and a Speedwoofer. If your priorities are incomparable durability, a great value, an honest company,and beautiful outstanding music you should purchase an RSL system! Very sincerely, Jerry

Wow what a great speaker. The imaging and over all sound from this small speaker is completely accurate. When I listen to pieces of music that I have recorded and mixed, I am finally hearing what was actually going on in the studio. This is not true for other speakers I have listened to my music on, as they all seem to add coloration to the recording.

What a Paradox of a speaker, huge accurate sound in a little box. They should of named the series Paradox because it is a huge sound for a little price

I have this speaker as my center channel. It's small and light enough that I can put it on the shelf above my plasma TV but its sound is unparalleled. It replaced a much larger and heavier AR speaker (from when AR still meant something) and sounds far better.

The best description I can give of it was when I was tuning my system for the room. When it came time to tune the center channel, I was startled when the sound seemed to come out of nowhere. It didn't appear to come from the speaker itself, rather it seemed to emanate from some large, amorphous region vaguely in the direction of the speaker. In the first instant, I couldn't identify where the sound was even coming from until I realized that it was the center channel.

Very impressive.

Advantages: Small size, excellent sound.

I LOVE my new RSL home theater system. Simply put, they don't sound like in ceilings! Excellent clarity and sound great at any volume. Hands down, best in ceilings I've ever heard. 5 STARS

I LOVE my new RSL speakers. I grew up admiring my uncle's RSL's in the 80's. I can't believe I get to have my own set now. Only one word comes to mind when you try to grasp the quality of the sound that emanates from these speakers--UNBELIEVABLE. I've gone back and watched all of my action movies and concert DVD's again!! Unbelievable....really! You can't go wrong.. Thank you RSL.

The CG4 satellites and the Speedwoofer 10 are very well matched and they do play loud but they also play very well soft. The imaging with the tiny satellites is very clear without resorting to exotic cabinet shapes and there is a smooth sweetness to the high end. I have had a pair of RSL Studio Monitor 3600 speakers and still have a pair of RSL CG-8 squared tower speakers (over 100 lbs. each) and this new set presents a very similar sound to both of them. The traditional clean, open, accurate, RSL sound that made RSL's so popular as studio monitors in the 80's is still there. These speakers could be combined with vintage RSL speakers in a theater setup and blend right in. The difference is that these speakers are much easier to find space for in the living room and these speakers are even more clean, open, and accurate than the compression guide speakers of the 90's. The impression of there being a speaker box is also reduced even more. As for other speakers, try them out and compare them to other speakers costing $8,000 a pair as I have and you will not be disappointed. With the money saved you can buy better electronics and more music. Yes, I have recommended them to my friends.

They sound like huge, monster speakers-but they're not!

This is plenty of subwoofer for even a 20' by 30' room. What sets this one apart is the speed. For acoustic music, the bass just fits right in as in real life. There is no impression of there being a subwoofer. For electronica it almost sounds wrong. The big bass does not ooze and boom out after the beat as it does in every good dance club. Instead it is right there fast, crisp, and clean. I have never heard a subwoofer as fast and clear as this one. It is clearly more musical than my previous $2000, 1000W model.

This subwoofer is very accurately named as it delivers a very quick and tight response from deep bass all the way thru mid-bass. In my home theater set up I have had to turn down the bass spl compared to my previous sub as the punchiness delivered shakes the furniture too much. Because of that I now hear all kinds of mid-bass that was not present before.