Introduction
The proliferation of surround sound in movies, music and high-definition television has made five-channel speaker systems a virtual necessity in home theater. Advances in technology and engineering have made opting for an out-of-the-box satellite speaker system, particularly smaller systems, a worthwhile investment for entry-level buyers and high-end enthusiasts more than ever before. This is especially true for consumers on a limited budget and/or with limited space.

Orb Audio’s approach to satellite speakers is unique. Their core beliefs rest in offering consumers high-end audio without the high-end markup. In order to keep their selling prices low, Orb utilizes a direct sales model, selling their products only via their website at orbaudio.com. Furthermore, their product line is built on a simple foundation of only one four 3/16” diameter satellite speakers and a powered subwoofer. This should not suggest, however, that their product offering is limited. To the contrary, Orb satellites can be put together in different combinations to create a system that fits your budget and décor. You can utilize one driver for each channel (Mod1 satellites) or stack two satellites together (Mod2 satellites) for a larger system. While an entry-level system would combine their Super Eight Subwoofer and five Mod1 satellites (a $749 system), an advanced system would combine the same subwoofer with five Mod2 satellites (a system around $1,169). The satellites are available in four finishes, including gloss black and pearl white, as well as hand-polished steel and copper. The polished steel and copper satellites cost slightly more, but in my view are totally worth it. They have a unique and rich look that is gorgeous.

Set-up
The company sent me 10 satellites and a Super Eight Subwoofer and I experimented with several Mod1 and Mod2 combinations before finally going with three Mod2 satellite speakers in the front channels and two Mod1 satellites in the rear (a $999 system). On their website, Orb calls this configuration the People’s Choice Home Theater Speaker System, as it is their most popular offering. Upon unpacking the Orb satellites, I was taken by their outstanding build quality. Each driver has gold-plated binding posts, which easily accept virtually any speaker wire, even my Transparent speaker cables with their significantly oversized connectors.