Reprinted by permission of
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•Home Recording•Home Cinema•Personal Audio•Home Recording
Review!
Episode Ribbon-Driver
Home Theater Speaker System
“Good value — with that seductive ribbon tone”
by Tom Jung
When it comes to audio components, more people are interested in good value these days, and the Episode
line of speakers squarely addresses this “bang for the buck” issue. What really caught my eye was this new
speaker system that features a 4-inch ribbon driver, which I have always been a big fan. I don’t know why more
designers do not use ribbon tweeters, as they simply don’t have the peaky resonance’s found in conventional
dome tweeters. I am sure cost is a factor, but in most cases more is spent on cosmetics than components.
Ever since I reviewed the SLS Ribbon Monitor speakers in 2000 for Pro Audio Review, I have been very
passionate about the benefits of ribbon drivers with their smooth, linear upper midrange, low distortion and
extended high frequencies. Another big advantage of ribbon drivers is their efficiency — along with very linear
impedance curves. It seems like every time I review a non-ribbon based speaker system I can’t wait to get
back to my ribbon-reference speakers.
Based in Charlotte, N.C. and marketed by SnapAV. the Episode speaker line has been in business since 2005.
Episode sent me its flagship system: three HT650-LCR front speakers (ribbon tweeter), two HT525-SURR
surround speakers (ribbon tweeter), and a pair of C5 SUB-12 subwoofers.
Episode speakers are designed in the U.S. and manufactured in China. They are sold through custom
installers. The MSRP pricing is $799 each for the HT650-LCR and HT525-SURR, and $599 each for the C5-
SUB12. For this price range, Episode is a great home theater value and a lot of audio bang for the buck.
Designed primarily for the home theater market, I also found the HT650-LCR speakers also were good with
music — exhibiting wide dynamic range and extended frequency response.
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