Hum.
Listening to R3s right now. Played some tracks few hours after unboxing/installation.
So far:
not impressed.
It don't think it'll need deep investigation to find out Arias are very different speakers (I'd say not worse nor better, but definetly few in common).
On stands, these take up as much space as big floorstandings. Very, very (too) deep. And quite frankly, they kind of sound like it.
At a glance, first sighted and uncontrolled impressions:
- Need much more power than Arias (literally 10dB more on my ADI-2 to get about the same SPL)
- More bass weight against the Arias (like no contest)
- But somewhat boomy and uncontrolled at times (will have to play with bassports, there's no room to optimize positioning)
- A touch on the brighter side (not "harsh", tho)
- Seems to lack low-mids and body. Sounds almost slightly V-shaped. (No kidding)
- Narrower soundstage and spread, it is way easier to audibly locate each speakers.
- Possibly more "pinpoint" imaging.
- Maybe more accurate for near-field with low-volume listening... But:
- Overall signature is somewhat boring to me.