Introduction

First of all i would like to thank Eagle for providing us with today's review item. Today we are going to be taking a look at a new product from Eagle, Arion ET-AR302-BK. Arion ET-AR302-BK is a 2.0 Soundstage speakers which are designed to provide its users with exceptional tonal fidelity. Sometimes you just need a set of speakers that would do the job. A good example would be the use of small satellite speakers in work places or for personal gaming. Lets us take a closer look at the Arion ET-AR302-BK and see if these will perform simple tasks.

About the Product

Following information is taken from the Eagle website.

This is what highend sounds like! By using high quality cone materials, these speakers exhibit exceptional tonal fidelity, linearity and response well within the midrange and extending into the high frequency audio ranges. Solid wood enclosure with carefully positioned aperture increases power handling at very low frequencies. As result, these speakers image very well with high frequency transients that are clear and natural, and the lows that are nice and tight. It’s a sound that’s unmatched in other speakers anywhere near their price range.

• Exceptional tonal fidelity

• Stiff and light cone materials for precise vibrations

• Smooth response over broad frequency so you hear the music exactly the same way it was recorded

• Solid wood enclosures accurately amplifies overall sound level

• Great for MP3 player, CD, PC, video gaming system, home audio system or just about any other audio sources

• Volume control

• Headphone input

• Total RMS Power: 6 Watts

-Satellites: 3 Watts RMS x 2 (into 4 ohms, @<=1% THD)

• Total Peak Power: 12 Watts

• Frequency Response: 40Hz to 20kHz

• Drivers:

-Satellites: 3-in high output drivers with solid wood enclosure

• Speaker Dimension: 3.43”x5.72”x3.43”

ET-AR302-BK speaker system

User manual

3.5mm audio cable

Now that we got basic information out of the way, lets take a closer look at Arion ET-AR302-BK.

Closer look

Box Front		Box Back

Very recently we have reviewed another new product by Eagle Arion ET-AR504LR-BK. We have noted that Eagle is starting to use different color schema and it is working for them. Every relaxed colors are easy on the eyes and on introduction. Arion comes in a small box but this is expected. From pretty much every side we could see the Eagle logo. I guess they are trying to market their name in the current market.

Specifications		Features

On the both sides on the box we found various helpful information about Arion. On one side we have found Specifications paragraphs and on the other Features of Arion. By posting detailed information and just simple features, Eagle is addressing the "geeks" and average users.

Opening the box		Protective bags

As we opened the box we quickly found out all of the components of Arion. The whole package was very well packaged from accidental shipping blemishes. Each of the speakers were individually wrapped and had a protective plastic over the 3 inch drivers.

Out of the box		Power and Volume

The front part of the satellite speakers is made out of reflective plastic and the actual shell is made out of solid wood which should help with the boldness of the sound which is products by Arion. On the left speaker we found power button, volume knob and a earphone jack. On top of the earphone jack is a ON/OFF led to indicate the state of Arion.

3 Inch Drivers		Logo

Both speakers are equipped with 3 inch drivers. These drivers are designed to perform in a midrange and high frequency ranges. Later in our review we will test the ability of Arion to handle high frequency sounds. On the right satellite speaker we discovered Eagle logo. I am very surprised that so far there is only one logo :)

Back of the speaker		Air intake

As i mentioned earlier Arion is build out of solid wood which helps to reflect on amplification of the sound. On the top of the speakers we found the air intake wholes for boulder sound.

Rubber feet		Installed

On the bottom of the speakers we found rubber feet. These rubber feet are very sturdy and will not move your speaker while in the operation. Installation was pretty simple. Just plug the speakers (3.5mm connector) in to your source and you are ready to rock. It is advised to turn your device volume up and control volume trough the Arion.

Blue light, ON

Once the Arion is powered on, the Blue LED lights up on the left speaker.

Testing

I have played around with Arion for about 30 minutes, running multiple mp3s trough win amp. The regular mp3s are encoded at 128 kbps, i have encoded a techno album (Black Sun Empire,Endangered Species) at 192 kbps and 320 kbps and played it trough the Arion. The results were not glass shattering. At 128 kbps Arion sounded just fine but without any low frequencies (bass). I have adjusted some bass and Arion reacted by mixing bass with the main mid range sounds. This has reminded me of my old studio monitors without bass. With 192 kbps things sounded very clear and that's the way everyone should listen to music however, we did not get any bass this time. The sound sounded flat. With 320 kbps there was no change and i have heard some of the distortion in the high range.

Conclusion

Arion ET-AR302-BK is a well designed product but i am afraid that it might has trouble in the current market. I really liked the design aspect of Arion. Eagle enters the audio market with Arion and keeps its innovative designs as good as every other product they make. I strongly advise Eagle to re look this model of Arion. The cost plays a big role here. The Arion ET-AR302-BK is retailed at around 20$ USD and you can pick it up at Newegg.com. It is pretty hard to compare this product with Bose or Klipsh but Arion still could be useful in every day situations. Keeping in mind that this product cost only 20$ USD we would like to award Arion ET-AR302-BK with a solid 8/10.

Some pros we found:

Real wood enclosures

Easy to use

Some cons we found:

Cannot provide sufficient bass

Could use a protective mesh on drivers