Pyle Mini Cube Bookshelf Speakers

Like many others purchasing these speakers, I was hoping to upgrade the sound quality of built-in speakers on a flat screen TV. Initial impressions were generally positive, the speakers arrived quickly and securely packaged. Overall fit and finish was not too shabby. The heft and feel contributed to the good vibe. I would not be embarrassed to have them in the living room. Unfortunately, things went downhill quickly from here. I put some little sticky feet (not included) on the speakers to keep them from bouncing around and hooked them up. Powering them with the Lepai LP-A68 Digital 2 x 15W Amplifier with Remote/USB/MP3/SD/FM, I was unable to drive them to adequate listening levels. By comparison, the Lepai amp easily pushes my Micca MB42X Bookshelf Speakers (Black), leading me to the conclusion that the Pyle cubes are not terribly efficient. The sound quality was not all that spectacular either - though marginally better than the built-in speakers. Curious as to how they would perform using more capable amplification, I lashed them to my Yamaha RX-V475 (80W per channel) receiver and tuned to my favorite classic rock station. I immediately noticed they weren't as loud as the Miccas (which I had just disconnected) at the same volume setting. I increased the volume in small steps to reach a moderate listening level. The bass output, as others have noted, exceeded expectations for such a small speaker. The treble, however, was harsh and tinny. Further evaluation (at least in stereo) was unceremoniously cut short by the abrupt failure of the left channel speaker. Post-mortem examination (with my Fluke multi-meter) revealed that the three inch driver's voice coil windings had opened (melted), resulting in loss of cone excursion (silence). I estimate the Yamaha was hitting them with about 10 watts of power at the time of failure - well within their advertised 100W power handling capabilities. This disappointing failure did create an opportunity to (unfairly) evaluate the surviving speaker side-by-side against the MB42X. Trust me, the Pyles don't even come close to the efficiency and silky response of the Micca. The harsh and hissing treble characteristics became unbearable to me within just a few more minutes of listening. The very best part of my experience with the Pyle PCB3BK speakers came in pulling the wires and hooking up something decent. At this point, I'm not sure pursuing a warranty claim is even remotely worthwhile. My advice: Skip this disappointing offering, save your pennies, and buy yourself some real speakers.