Sound quality: Fluance's Ai41 had Fair overall sound quality; this model would have scored in the Very Good range but the score was dropped because when the aux and optical inputs are used its volume drifted noticeably and frequently (this volume shifting did not effect the Bluetooth input). As far as the sound quality goes, bass has good impact and goes fairly deep but is a touch prominent and a bit boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but lacks a bit of body, is a bit grainy, and hazy, and a touch etched. Treble is fairly extended, but is a bit subdued and a touch smeared. Does a good job of recovering room ambience in the upper midrange, but only does a so-so job in the lower midrange and sounds a bit constricted overall. This two speaker model comes as a stereo pair, and its sound stage width and focus depends on how well it is placed. When it is well placed the sound field extends above and a bit to the sides of the speakers and has decent depth. Individual instruments and voices are identifiable and have a suggestion of a three dimensional quality. There was no significant difference between Bluetooth, optical and aux sound quality (aside from the volume drifting problem). Provides a decent volume level in a large room, but at higher volumes sounds strained; better suited to medium sized rooms.
Ease of use: We found the Fluance Ai41 ease of use to be good overall. Wired Setup: The speaker wires provided are ready, of predefined length, tinned and split for terminal connections (no tools required). Instructions are provided with a diagram that shows how to set up speaker connections. Bluetooth Setup: Unit is always in pairing mode when Bluetooth source is selected and not already paired, shows a pairing mode indicator. Indicates when pairing mode has occurred and never times out. The volume control is an unlabeled multi-function knob located on the front of the speaker, but the fact that it is a knob suggests that it is a volume control. The knob is also used for power and input selection. Lacks index markings for volume levels, but has a visual indicator (flashing red light) when max volume is reached. Source selector control is an unlabeled multi-function push button-knob that is also used for power and volume. The control is located on the front of unit. Source selection uses color coded lights to indicate source selected.
