I've had the Orbs for more than a year. I'm not sure that I qualify as an audiophile (I don't) but I do have a critical ear. They really do live up to the hype, even though I'm proud to say I bought them *before* they made it big. They have really great detail and clarity, and the sub is phenomenal. I listen to music 50% of the time, so I just can't have a boomy sub, it needs to be accurate as well. It has a great bottom end for movies, but integrates perfectly w/ the satellites to avoid the boom & sizzle sound of other small sattelite systems. You can't really go wrong w/ the direct business model, either, since it saves some serious $$. Pretty much everyone who has come over to my house has commented on the sound and build quality of the Orbs. Go for the polished steel finish if it matches your decor, it's beautiful.
