Customer Reviews

Roth Audio Oli1 Bookshelf Speaker

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As I write this review, I am listening to a brand new pair of OLi1s placed on top of my regular ACI Sapphire XL speakers and there is very little difference in sound quality even before break in: maybe some high-midrange and lower-treble roughness and a bit less holographic imaging, but that's about it. Those little 4-inch woofers don't reproduce any deep bass, but that was expected. The naturalness of voices and instruments would be impressive at several times their price. They are also beautiful, solidly built, handle high power and to this audiophile of many years they are without doubt one of the best bargains out there for a computer audio system, a budget stereo system or a home theater setup in a small room. A subwoofer crossed over at 80Hz-100Hz is required for full range sound, of course.

Addendum: after several days of almost continuous use, their sound continues to improve; the relative roughness is almost gone and has been replaced with a satisfying smoothness that speaks about quality. In direct comparison to my $1,800 Sapphire XLs, there is still a bit less detail and microdynamics, and maybe a bit of congestion in the lower midrange, but this is only apparent when listening to both speakers side by side. I can't recommend this little giant-killer high enough. And by the way, dealing with HIDEF Lifestyle through Amazon was a pleasure.