Aperion Intimus 422 Harmony (black)

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cnet editors' rating 7.3/10 Very good Editorial policies >>
average user rating from 6 users 6.8/10 Good Read user opinions >>

Product summary

The good: Complete 5.1-speaker package; beautifully finished satellites; 8-inch, 100-watt powered subwoofer; a precision sound-pressure level meter simplifies setup; no-risk return policy covers return shipping.

The bad: Somewhat inconsistent sound on CDs.

The bottom line: Aperion's jewel-like speaker package is an attractive choice for intimate home theaters.

Specs: Type of speaker: home theater speaker system; Color: High-gloss black; Amplification type: Active subwoofer, passive satellites See full specs >>

See all products in the Aperion Intimus 422/S-8 Compact Home Theater System series

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Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg
Edited by: David Carnoy

Reviewed on 4/14/05 Release date: 5/1/05

Editor's note: This system was formerly known as the Aperion Intimus 422/S-8 Compact Home Theater System. Aside from the name change to Intimus 422 Harmony, the system is otherwise identical.

Aperion's original Intimus 522D satellite-subwoofer system knocked our socks off with its great sound and its gorgeous furniture-grade finishes. Last year, Aperion broadened its lineup with sleek towers, a three-way center speaker, and dedicated surround speakers. For 2005, the company is unleashing its most affordable system ever, the Intimus 422 Harmony, which is sold on Aperion's Web site for $799. We can't say we loved the sound of this smaller package as much as the 522D's--particularly for music--but this lifestyle-friendly system's home-theater prowess is impressive, and it should appeal to those with small to medium-size spaces to fill.

Design of Aperion Intimus 422 Harmony (black)

The Aperion Intimus 422 Harmony compact home theater includes four 422-LR satellites, a 422-C center speaker, and an S-8 subwoofer, each of which comes carefully packed in a thick velour bag. The 422-LRs are pretty small, just 7.5 inches tall, and the corresponding 422-C is 12 inches wide. The matching S-8 subwoofer measures a trim 14.5 inches high, 10.5 wide, and 15 deep. The little boomer's 35-pound weight is a good indication of its robust build quality.

The 5.1 system is available in flawless black lacquer or real cherrywood finish. If you have a 6.1- or 7.1-channel receiver, Aperion will sell you extra 422-LRs for $100 each. Individual 422-Cs go for $120, and S-8 subwoofers will run you $299. Adding an extra sub might be a good idea if your room is larger than 400 square feet, and thanks to Aperion's no-risk return policy, you can try the double-sub arrangement without completely committing to it.

Features of Aperion Intimus 422 Harmony (black)

The Aperion Intimus 422 Harmony's satellites feature a 1-inch silk dome tweeter and 4-inch polypropylene woofers. The prime difference between the LR and the center speaker is that the center sports two woofers, and the LR has only one. The sats' 0.75-inch-thick high-density fiberboard cabinets feel especially well built, while the backs of the speakers are fitted with gold-plated five-way binding posts and a pair of threaded inserts that mate with OmniMount and B-Tech wall brackets.

The 422 Harmony's satellites feature a new crossover technology that promises to ease the speakers' electrical load on your A/V receiver. The company claims the new crossover will produce a more consistent sound with different receivers, including lower-powered models, than previous generations of Aperion speakers.

As for the S-8 subwoofer, it's equipped with a front-firing 8-inch polypropylene woofer and a 100-watt amplifier. Its 1-inch-thick cabinet leaves no doubt about its robust build quality. Around back, you'll find stereo line-level inputs and outputs, though no speaker-level connections. A volume control and a 40Hz-to-120Hz crossover control round out the back-panel accoutrements. Brass leveling floor spikes are included, and the S-8's operating voltage is switchable between 110V or 220V.

The folks at Aperion send along a care kit that includes a thick speaker-polishing cloth and a high-quality sound-pressure level meter to help you dial in the optimum sound in your room. We can't think of another manufacturer of satellite speakers that does that. It's also worth repeating that the system is backed by Aperion's risk-free, in-home audition policy (Aperion covers the cost of the return shipping).

Performance of Aperion Intimus 422 Harmony (black)

We've reviewed our share of Aperion speakers, and it was clear from the get-go that these new models conform to the brand's "house sound." There's an immediacy to the Intimus 422 Harmony's sound that we like, and it's all the more surprising because a lot of small satellites lack sparkle or come through a little dull, perhaps in an attempt to make them sound rich. The 422 sats didn't suffer from that; their treble response was airy and very pure. When we played the Rolling Stones' Four Flicks concert DVDs, the live quality of the sound was impressive, and the subwoofer belted out Charlie Watts's bass drum poundings with aplomb.

We turned up the heat with the Ladder 49 DVD, and the scenes inside burning buildings, surrounded by crackling flames, and water spraying out of the fire hoses put us in the middle of the action. But when the floor collapsed on the firemen, the little 422s couldn't convey the impact of the falling structure. We were aware of the little speakers straining, and the subwoofer's bass crossed over from tight and defined to muddy and bloated. That said, we expect the Aperion Intimus 422 Harmony will do its best work in small to midsize home theaters.

Bouts with the $750 Polk Audio RM6800 speaker package didn't produce a clear winner. We gave the nod to the RM6800 on music because CDs benefited from its sweeter overall tonal balance. On DVDs, the Aperion system's brighter treble, cleaner midrange, and punchier, more dynamic bass were more exciting. Still, we felt some buyers might prefer the RM6800's more laid-back sound. They're both excellent but differ in tonal balance and low-end oomph.

CD sound was a mixed bag. Jazz clarinetist Don Byron's rich tone was to die for, but Rosanne Cash's straight-from-the-heart 10 Song Demo CD sounded a little too cool and bright. Her voice and guitar lacked body. As we recall, Atlantic Technology's System 920 ($899) was more adept with music, but the Aperion's sat/sub system produces a more detailed and textured sound. We like both systems for DVD but prefer the Atlantic for music.