This review delves into the world of RBH Sound speakers, focusing on their flagship Unrivaled SFTR AX system. Known for their unwavering commitment to audio accuracy and meticulous craftsmanship, RBH offers a range of speakers catering to diverse budgets and listening preferences. From towering floor-standing models to compact bookshelf speakers, the Unrivaled series showcases their advanced technologies, including AMT folding rim tweeters and powerful dual subwoofers, resulting in an unparalleled listening experience. This in-depth examination explores the key features, performance characteristics, and design philosophy behind RBH Sound's exceptional audio products.We'll explore the nuances of their active and passive crossover options, highlighting the benefits of each configuration. We'll also delve into RBH's dedication to neutrality in sound reproduction, ensuring a faithful representation of the original recording. Discover how RBH achieves this level of precision through meticulous engineering, superior component selection, and a commitment to American manufacturing. Finally, we'll assess the value proposition, considering the price point alongside the exceptional quality and customization possibilities offered by RBH Sound.
Pros And Cons
- Impressive sound quality
- Raw power
- Available with active or passive crossover for multiple price points
- Proudly built in the USA (cabinets, design, engineered drivers)
- AMT folding rim tweeter for maximum dynamic range
- Aluminum midwoofers with NBR surround and proprietary damping coat
- Dual 12-inch high-throw subwoofer drivers
- Anacoustically goes down to 20 Hz, in-room down to 10 Hz
- Built-in amplifier
- Same tweeter as the SFTR AX
- 8-inch subwoofer driver
- Produces bass down to 30 Hz
- Adopts similar technologies to the active SFTR AX
- MTM design and dual 8s
- AMT tweeter
- Starts at $2300 a pair, tops out at $2800 a pair
- Popular choice
- Good for home theater lovers who can't install in-wall speakers
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RBH Sound Unrivaled SFTR AX: A Deep Dive
The RBH Sound Unrivaled SFTR AX, a mouthful of a name, but one that accurately describes this impressive speaker system. It's a flagship model, boasting a signature freestanding tower design with an active crossover. The active crossover variant offers a powerful and refined sound. This is in contrast to the more budget-friendly passive crossover option, giving consumers more choice based on their budget and existing audio equipment.
The speakers are proudly built in the USA, emphasizing RBH's commitment to quality. This approach extends to the cabinet manufacturing, design, and driver engineering, with only the driver manufacturing taking place overseas. Every aspect reflects meticulous attention to detail.
The system uses AMT folding rim tweeters for extended dynamic range, complemented by aluminum mid-woofers with special dampening properties. This design minimizes the potential issues of an aluminum cone such as breakup modes, resulting in clean and accurate mid-range reproduction. Dual 12-inch subwoofers extend the bass response an impressive low 20Hz (anechoically) and down to 10 Hz in room, ensuring a visceral and powerful low-end.
Active vs. Passive Crossovers and Pricing
RBH offers both active and passive crossover options for the Unrivaled SFTR AX. The active crossover version, included in the $33,000 price tag, comprises the speakers, DSP, and a six-channel amplifier. This complete system provides a seamless and optimized listening experience. The passive version, priced at $16,000, allows for greater flexibility and integration with existing audio setups.
The passive version offers a more affordable entry point for those who already possess a suitable amplifier or receiver. RBH targets a range of budgets with these options. This allows consumers to choose the configuration best suited to their needs and financial resources.
Other RBH models are available at various price points, ranging from flagship systems to more budget-friendly options. This demonstrates RBH’s commitment to offering high-quality audio solutions for a broad range of customers.
RBH Sound Signature and Design Philosophy
The core of RBH Sound's design philosophy revolves around neutrality. Their goal is to reproduce music as accurately as possible, preserving the raw emotion and detail of the original recording. This is evident in their meticulous engineering and component selection.
This commitment to neutrality is reflected in the design choices of the speaker itself, ensuring accurate frequency response and minimal coloration. RBH seeks a realistic and uncolored representation of the audio source. The emphasis is on preserving the natural character of each musical instrument and the overall dynamics of the music.
The speakers are not just about raw power; they're about accuracy and musicality. The goal is not to impose a 'house sound', but to reproduce the music as faithfully as possible, letting the recording's nuances shine through.
Other RBH Products and Customer Favorites
RBH offers a wide array of products beyond the flagship models, catering to diverse needs and budgets. Their on-wall speakers are incredibly popular, offering a high-quality home theater solution for spaces where in-wall installation isn't feasible. This is a testament to their ability to design quality products regardless of the format.
The Unrivaled SFTR AX bookshelf speakers are equally impressive, incorporating many of the same technologies as their larger counterparts but in a more compact form factor. They offer a surprising amount of bass for their size, reaching down to 30Hz. These offer a high-fidelity option for smaller spaces or two-channel listening.
The company emphasizes customization, allowing customers to tailor their speaker finishes to match their decor preferences. This ranges from simple color choices to intricate designs created in collaboration with epoxy artists. This ability to personalize enhances the user experience.
Conclusion: Are RBH Sound Speakers Worth It?
RBH Sound speakers offer a compelling blend of high-fidelity audio, meticulous engineering, and extensive customization options. Their commitment to neutrality ensures accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making them ideal for discerning audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. The impressive bass response, particularly in the flagship models, adds a visceral dimension to the listening experience.
The range of models, from budget-friendly options to high-end flagship systems, makes RBH Sound accessible to a wide audience. The ability to customize finishes and choose between active and passive crossover options further enhances the personalization aspect. Whether you prioritize two-channel listening or immersive home theater, RBH Sound offers speakers capable of delivering exceptional performance.
While the flagship models come with a significant price tag, the meticulous design, build quality, and commitment to audio accuracy justify the cost for those seeking the ultimate listening experience. Overall, RBH Sound speakers stand out with a combination of exceptional sound quality, extensive customization options, and American craftsmanship.