I was looking to replace a Cambridge SoundWorks Ensemble II system that made up my home theater system when I came accross a set of Boston Acoustics CR-6 bookshelf speakers. I used these as my rear surrounds and I really liked the way they sounded (compared to the old style CSW Ensemble II surrounds). When it came time to replace the rest of the system, I decided to audition the BA CR-9's and the BA VR-950 towers. I was looking for tight bass and a smooth midrange since my listening breaks down pretty much 50/50 movies/music. I found the VR-950's to be very smooth and the tweeter was excellent, but they lacked the tight bass that the CR-9's had. I picked up the CR-9's last night and they sound excellent! Nice highs and a nice tight low-end that transitions into my Atlantic Technology powered-sub smoothly. Great speakers for $400!

nice neutral sound

not much bass

Overall good speaker. Very open sound. I have been happy with these speakers as both a stereo and home theatre set-up. Would recommend them for anybody.

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tested klipsch, polk, nht, paradigm

Excellent bass definition and especially bass extension for a bookshelf in this price range. Very detailed overall sound. High sensitivity and power handling. Good soundstage, very dramatic. Metal grille will protect your speakers from cats, etc.

Somewhat bright and harsh (even in acoustically dead room), with slightly nasal midrange (what some reviewers call "cupped hands sound"). Induce listener fatigue.

Exceptional buy if used as front speakers for modest home video setup, especially if you can get them for $350 or less. The impact and detail are great for video.

However, when using electronics that normally accompany speakers in this price range (that is, not the mellow, tube stuff), these Bostons are not satisfying for listening to music. If your primary application is music, for $400 pr. you would do better with used speakers such as: Boston Acoustics VR20 (slim towers; bright highs also but much better overall sound); PSB 500 (bass can be boomy but excellent midrange and highs); Snell JII or JIII (older bookshelf larger than CR9s); or new speakers of about the same size as the CR9s, such as the JBL s38, which have their own quirks but are comparable in quality and will cost slightly less than $400 if bought online.

Great fronts for home theater. Great on voice imaging.

None for the money

Coupled with a center and in wall surrounds that all use the same tweeters these are a very effective and economical way to get great movie sound for a reasonable price. Add the VR-500 and VR-2000 and it really rocks.

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Boston CR-8s