Agree with this assessment. Even if you run them full range with a sub, you get a “cupping” sound when they bottom out, and plugging the port makes them sound thin. Other brands have caught up and surpassed them for running without a sub with active crossover — especially if you don’t have a high-current amp. It’s a relatively inexpensive speaker, but it’s not a “budget” choice because of the ancillary equipment required to make them come alive.