The clarity of sound is very nice. It plays background instruments clearly. Songs that I have known for 20 years now have a new sound especially when running through a digital music service like DMX on cable. Even plain old FM sounds much better. Again, I don't have tons of money, but have tried reasonably affordable speakers over the past years...this has been the best. I can't say they are $600 speakers as the list price is on-line at Best Buy, but at $300 they would be a fair deal...at the $125 I got them for it was a steal.

Although it claims great bass...it's still wimpy and a good sub woofer is still needed. There is sound variations between playing DVD's, radio tuner and digital music. Thus, tweaker settings per format is needed. I am still experimenting between setting the speakers at lrage vs small on the receiver in different formats. Also, you can't use banana clips on them easily. Thus, I had to replace the ends on my monster cable to hook up, but that can be done cheaply ($10)

I recently purchased a pair of Athena WS-100 's as they were clearancing them at Best Buy. I was drawn in by the style of the speaker and the small foot print. I also liked the height of the speakers. I have been using a pair of old Radio Shack, yes Radio Shack, Pro LX-7 for my front speakers for years. I have tried severaa other brands, but always returned them as the LX-7's sounded better. Well, that ends with the Athena. It's the first speaker which plays the higher notes better with it's tweater. Also, the overall sound range has increased as well as the speakers ability to play more background instruments clearly. Overall, it's the best sounding speaker I have tried outside of the $1000+ plus models on the audiophile stores. I rate them 4 stars, as yes, hgher end speakers do sound better. I rate these a 5 for value and if you can get a pair for under $300..go for it.

Similar Products Used:

Pro LX-7's.
Sony's
JBL's
Pioneers