Acoustic Research AW-871 Wireless Stereo Speakers

 Amazon's Amateurism and Cyber-Confusion
Although the basic product was well-rated, Amazon is shipping model AW-871 remote speakers with an AW-771 transmitter. The 771 transmitter will NOT drive the 871 speakers; this is confirmed by my own experience (I bought three defective sets and received one defective "replacement" set) as well as by Acoustic Research, now Thompson Electronics. Amazon has agreed to accept return of the FOUR defective sets, but has been totally UN-helpful in providing the operational speakers I need.

 As advertised
The system performed as expected and as advertised. The wireless feature is an easy solution to many speaker placement challenges, but it isn't a substitute for your main living room speakers.
I purchased the unit to replace a different wireless speaker system, which failed after many years of satisfactory service. The previous system was a very similar design, although somewhat more expensive and with slightly larger speaker enclosures.
The strong points of the AR system: adequate volume, bass, very noise-free and hum-free. The area where it isn't as strong is what I'll refer to as "presence" and "clarity".
Other reviewers have stated that it doesn't sound quite as good as a wired system, but I think it could with better design.
The speakers have a multi-function control, so read the directions the first time you operate them or you may think there is a problem that doesn't really exist.
Each speaker has its own AC adapter and that is how I use them. They can also run on batteries, and even recharge rechargeable batteries.
Bottom line: the system conveniently accomplishes what it claims to.

 As expected
I read the instructions, and found that the set up and operation is Simple and for a wireless system the sound quality is fairly distortion free. Sound quality does not compete with conventional wired speakers, but the quality was as expected.

 Astonishingly good sound for the price
I was able to purchase these speakers at an internet auction site for an incredibly low price. They arrived within a couple of days of the purchase. I am a technophobe, so I was worried about the difficulties I might encounter in setting them up. However, the whole process took about ten minutes (and would have taken even less if I hadn't, in paranoid fashion, kept reading the very clear manual to make sure I wasn't making mistakes). Everything in the set-up process seemed to go smoothly, but the sound (of classical music) seemed a bit fuzzy at first, so I was beginning to think I had wasted my money. However, all I had to do was adjust the sound level dial on the back of the transmitter and, voila! -- I had very acceptable sound. The speakers are broadcasting as I type this, and I'm very satisfied. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a cheap alternative to an expensive wireless home theater system (I have one of those in another room).

 AW-871 A good idea that lacks execution
I have to rate these speakers a poor performers based on the amount of noise they generate. I've had them for over three months and have used different combinations of distance and line of sight. I've tried all three channels and still cannot find a channel/positioning that allows me to listen to the music without a constant annoying hiss and occasional pops. I am in an urban area so it is possible there is a signal interfering but that is no excuse for a product that is not usable under ordinary circumstances. I really wanted them to work but they just have not come through.

 AW871 Delivered but incomplete
Speakers were delivered and one woiuld not turn on. Poor quality control.

 bedroom silence
I love this product, We have a 7 month old in a one bedroom and I like to sleep with the tv on, I can adjust it to where i only hear it on my side of the bed while turning the main tv volume down the price was great and the hookup was easy i rate this a 10 hands down

 Bought Two Sets and they all sound great!
First I bought one set of these speakers to see how they sound - they work and sound great. The Power button in the front of the speaker is a little annoying at times - you might have to depress a few times to get the power on- but once they're on they're on - don't keep pushing it - push it once for a few seconds and wait a few seconds for the blue light to show (AR should redesign this button to a regular on/off switch to make it easier).

Since I was having a large party in my backyard and wanted the music to be heard at a conversational level throughout the yard I bought another set. They were so wonderful (So many people asked where did I get them from because they sound so nice). I used batteries in 3 of them (they need about 8 batteries/speaker which is alot) and one of them I plugged into my outside outlet. The ones with the batteries played like new throughout the 8 hours (I'm still able to use them) - so apparently they don't use alot of power. I connected the transmitter (one transmitter worked on all four speakers) to my iMac in order to play my iTunes songlist that I had put together for the party. I didn't have any problems. The longest distance from the transmitter in my yard was about 100 feet with no sound lost. Maybe I'm one of the few lucky ones but I think they are great. I've also used them throughout the house with no problems or interference issues.

The price on Amazon is also great at Best Buys they are $189.00 and with taxes it takes it to over $200.00. So at Amazon's price you can get 2 sets for the price of 1 retail - what a bargain.

 Broke out of the box
One of the speakers failed to power on right out of the box. This leads me to question the quality control for the product in general. I'm not messing around with it any more. If it fails to even turn on, right out of the box - it goes back in the box and back to the retailer for a refund immediately. Obviously I cannot rate this product as satisfactory in any way. If you enjoy wasting an hour of your time unpacking and hooking a piece of junk up - only to find it is defective, then this is the product for you.

 Caution - Not for Surround Sound use !
We bought two pair of these for Christmas, also my sister bought a pair, and my neice bought a pair. CAUTION ! They do NOT hook up to surround sound systems. (At least in our four different systems). You MUST use a 'line out' output jack and therefore do NOT have volume control except manually at each individual speaker. When you adjust volume or mute DVD, these speakers retain volume level set at each individual speaker. They will work well for remote audio only speakers, like outside to a deck, but not surround sound.