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Fluance Ri91 Powered Tower Speakers: $800 Soundbar Killers Simplifying Hi‑Fi

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Fluance Ri91 Powered Tower Speakers: $800 Soundbar Killers Simplifying Hi‑Fi
  • All-in-One Audiophile Solution: The Fluance Ri91 Reference towers deliver 150W of built-in amplification in a 2.5-way floorstanding design, eliminating the need for a separate receiver fluance.com hometheaterreview.com. Each pair consists of an active speaker (with integrated amp and inputs) and a passive partner, for true stereo without extra gear.
  • High-End Drivers & DSP: Featuring advanced AMT tweeters and dual 6.5″ woven glass-fiber woofers, the Ri91 promises crisp highs and robust bass. Fluance’s digital signal processing is tuned for a 40 Hz – 30 kHz frequency response, yielding a lifelike, balanced soundstage fluance.com ecoustics.com.
  • Modern Connectivity: Designed as a soundbar alternative, the Ri91 supports HDMI ARC for direct TV hookup (use your TV remote for volume), plus Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD for hi-fi wireless streaming fluance.com hometheaterreview.com. Analog RCA inputs accommodate turntables (preamp required) and other sources, and a subwoofer output is included for extra bass.
  • Competitive Price Point: Priced at $799 per pair, the Ri91 is positioned as a cost-conscious audiophile speaker digitaltrends.com hometheaterreview.com. It undercuts many rivals – for example, Q Acoustics’ powered M40 towers ($999) digitaltrends.com – while offering features like HDMI that even some costlier models lack digitaltrends.com.
  • Strong Early Feedback: Though newly released (mid-2025), initial reviews are glowing. Early expert coverage notes the Ri91’s fuller sound and immersive impact compared to soundbars hometheaterreview.com, and Fluance’s own customers have given it a 5-star rating so far fluance.com. Reviewers highlight its value for listeners seeking better sound “without the hassle of extra equipment” hometheaterreview.com hometheaterreview.com.

Technical Specs and Design Features

The Fluance Ri91 is a powered floorstanding speaker system built for both music and home theater use. Each tower houses three drivers in a 2.5-way configuration: a 28×35 mm Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter for the high frequencies, plus dual 6.5″ woven glass-fiber woofers handling midrange and bass fluance.com. This driver array and an advanced Butterworth crossover yield a wide frequency range (down to ~40 Hz in bass, up to ~30 kHz in treble) with minimal distortion fluance.com. Fluance uses a built-in Class D amplifier rated at 150 W RMS total (75 W per speaker) to power the drivers, with integrated DSP (digital signal processing) optimizing the output fluance.com ecoustics.com.

Each Ri91 speaker is constructed with an acoustically inert MDF cabinet that’s internally braced. This robust build reduces unwanted resonance and cabinet vibrations, ensuring cleaner sound ecoustics.com homecrux.com. Unlike some rear-ported designs, the Ri91 features front-firing bass reflex ports to extend low-end response. Front ports also make placement easier (you can put them closer to walls without boominess) while keeping bass tight and “time-aligned” with minimal distortion fluance.com macys.com. The result is bass that’s impressively deep and controlled for a speaker of this size, complementing the detailed midrange from the dual woofers macys.com homecrux.com.

Notably, Fluance’s use of AMT tweeters is a step up from the silk dome tweeters in its earlier models. AMTs are prized for their fast, transparent treble response. In the Ri91, the AMT tweeter is coupled with a custom waveguide to broaden the dispersion, creating a wide “sweet spot” and airy soundstage ecoustics.com digitaltrends.com. This means listeners off to the side still hear clear, balanced highs – great for filling a room with sound rather than having a tiny listening hotspot. Fluance’s audio engineer Saied Swalee emphasizes that these Reference series drivers were engineered for “intricate detail and clarity in sound reproduction,” aiming to satisfy “true sound connoisseurs” digitaltrends.com.

From the outside, the Ri91 towers present a sleek, modern profile. They stand about 42 inches tall and weigh roughly 40 lbs each, indicating substantial cabinet construction fluance.com. Fluance offers them in three finishes – Black Ash, White Ash, or Walnut veneer – to match different décors hometheaterreview.com. Attractive design is part of the appeal; one reviewer noted the “flamboyant design” and solid build give these speakers a decor-friendly, high-end look compared to bland black boxes homecrux.com. In short, the Ri91’s design marries function and form: heavy, braced cabinets and quality drivers for performance, wrapped in an aesthetically pleasing finish that wouldn’t look out of place in a living room or listening space.

Pricing and Market Availability

The Fluance Ri91 is priced at $799.99 for a stereo pair, firmly placing it in the affordable end of the hi-fi speaker market for its feature set digitaltrends.com hometheaterreview.com. It became available for order in early 2025 (after a March announcement) and is sold directly via Fluance’s website and authorized retailers. In North America, the Ri91 is distributed by Fluance/ShopTronics (a Canadian partner) – for example, it’s listed at $799 on Fluance’s site and on major marketplaces like Amazon and Best Buy as an online-only item fluance.com macys.com. As a new release, stock is readily available as of mid-2025, with Fluance advertising the model as in stock (initially marked for pre-order with shipping starting in early September 2025) fluance.com fluance.com.

Fluance’s pricing undercuts many similar offerings. By comparison, the previous Fluance Ai81 (the brand’s earlier powered tower from 2022) launched around $550 per pair, lacking some of the Ri91’s premium components ecoustics.com. The Ri91’s higher price reflects its upgraded tweeters, higher-grade amplification, and expanded connectivity. Even so, at $800 it’s notably cheaper than some competing powered floorstanders. For instance, the Q Acoustics M40 active “micro-tower” debuted at $999 digitaltrends.com. ELAC’s high-fidelity Navis ARF-51 active towers cost around $4,000 per pair soundstagesimplifi.com. And KEF’s flagship LS60 Wireless streaming towers run about $6,000–$7,000 a pair soundstagesimplifi.com. Against this landscape, Fluance is clearly aiming the Ri91 at value-focused enthusiasts – those who want an upscale listening experience but find most powered tower speakers prohibitively expensive.

As for pricing trends, since it’s a fresh product the Ri91 has generally been holding at its MSRP in 2025. Fluance products often see periodic discounts or bundle deals (e.g. Black Friday or holiday sales), but there’s no long-term track record yet for the Reference series speakers. Notably, Fluance includes a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and lifetime customer support with the purchase macys.com, which adds peace of mind at this price. Early buyers could order the Ri91 in advance of its ship date, indicating strong interest upon release. Given Fluance’s direct-to-consumer model, the $799 price is quite aggressive – it covers both speakers and all electronics. Buying a comparable passive tower pair plus a decent 2×75 W amplifier and a Bluetooth/HDMI receiver could easily cost more, highlighting the Ri91’s bang-for-buck appeal.

Connectivity and Features: A Soundbar Alternative

One of the Ri91’s biggest selling points is its versatile connectivity, making it a true plug-and-play hi-fi system. Fluance has equipped these towers with a range of modern inputs that allow them to serve many roles – from TV speakers to music hubs – without needing a separate AV receiver hometheaterreview.com hometheaterreview.com. On the back of the main (active) speaker you’ll find:

  • HDMI ARC – This lets you connect the speakers directly to a TV via HDMI for audio (ARC = Audio Return Channel). The convenience here is that the TV can send sound out to the speakers and also pass along volume commands. Users can control the Ri91’s volume with their existing TV remote, just like a soundbar hometheaterreview.com. Fluance explicitly pitches this as an easy home theater integration for those who want better TV sound. It effectively turns the Ri91 into a high-quality soundbar replacement, using two proper tower speakers for true stereo separation. As HomeTheaterReview noted, this HDMI capability “makes them an easy replacement for a soundbar,” offering simple setup and improved audio quality hometheaterreview.com hometheaterreview.com.
  • Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX HD) – Wireless streaming is built-in, supporting the aptX HD codec for higher-resolution audio over Bluetooth fluance.com macys.com. This means you can pair your phone, tablet, or computer and play music with better-than-standard Bluetooth fidelity (up to 24-bit/48 kHz audio). It’s a nod to modern convenience – no cables needed to enjoy Spotify, Apple Music, etc., through the towers. AptX HD also reduces latency, which helps keep audio in sync if watching videos from a device. This feature caters to the streaming generation, letting the Ri91 double as a wireless speaker system for casual listening or parties.
  • Analog RCA inputs – A pair of RCA jacks allow traditional wired connections, useful for devices like a turntable, CD player, or legacy audio streamer hometheaterreview.com hometheaterreview.com. It’s worth noting the Ri91 does not have a built-in phono preamp, so if you connect a turntable directly, it needs to be one with a built-in preamp or you’ll need an external phono stage hometheaterreview.com. Many modern turntables (including Fluance’s own models) have preamps onboard, so this is a minor consideration. The RCA line-in also works for any other line-level source (cassette deck, PC sound output, etc.), giving flexibility beyond digital connections.
  • Subwoofer Output – For users who crave deeper bass or are building a 2.1 setup, Fluance provides a dedicated sub-out (RCA) on the Ri91 macys.com. This output passes low-frequency audio to an optional powered subwoofer. While the Ri91 towers produce significant bass on their own, a subwoofer can reinforce the very lowest frequencies (below ~40 Hz) and add rumble for home theater use. The inclusion of a sub-out means the Ri91 can anchor a modest home theater – just add a sub for a full-range 2.1 experience akin to a soundbar + sub combo, but with much richer stereo imaging.
  • No USB Audio – Unlike some smaller powered speakers in Fluance’s lineup (e.g. the Ai41/Ai61 bookshelves), the Ri91 omits a USB audio input hometheaterreview.com. This means you can’t plug it directly into a computer via USB as a sound output. Fluance likely assumed these large towers wouldn’t be used as desktop speakers, so they focused on TV (HDMI) and wireless connectivity instead. If you did want to use them with a PC, you could still connect via Bluetooth or the analog input (through the PC’s headphone jack or a DAC). But the lack of USB is a small limitation for those who may have hoped to use the Ri91 at a computer workstation. Reviewers pointed this out as a difference from previous models – it’s a conscious trade-off for the home theater focus hometheaterreview.com.

Additionally, the Ri91 package includes a remote control which allows users to adjust volume, switch inputs, and even tweak bass/treble tone settings on the fly ecoustics.com homecrux.com. Tone control via remote is handy for tailoring the sound to your room or preference (for example, dialing back the treble a touch, or boosting bass slightly at low listening volumes). On-speaker controls and an LED display are also typically provided on Fluance’s powered speakers for basic operation, though the remote makes day-to-day use simpler.

All told, the Ri91’s feature set is about making high-fidelity audio easier and more accessible. You can stream music from your phone, watch movies with TV audio routed into these towers, spin vinyl, and expand with a sub – all without any separate amplifier or AV receiver. It caters to someone who wants better sound than a one-box soundbar, but who also values the simplicity that soundbars offer. “Plug-and-play solution” is how one reviewer described the Reference series, noting Fluance’s aim to give people “better sound without the hassle of extra equipment.” hometheaterreview.com hometheaterreview.com This convenience factor is a key reason the Ri91 stands out in the market.

How the Ri91 Stacks Up to Other Powered Floorstanding Speakers

Fully powered floorstanding speakers are still a relatively niche category, but the Ri91 finds itself up against a few notable competitors across various price ranges. Here’s how Fluance’s offering compares:

  • Klipsch Reference R-28PF: Klipsch was one of the earlier mainstream brands to launch powered towers. Its R-28PF (and smaller R-26PF) are dual-8″ woofer towers with a built-in 260W amp klipsch.com. They earned a reputation for thunderous, lively sound (typical of Klipsch’s horn tweeters) and included features like phono and optical inputs. However, those models (released around 2017) lack HDMI ARC and use older Bluetooth codecs. At launch, the R-28PF cost around $1,200/pair. The Fluance Ri91, at $800, offers a more up-to-date feature set (HDMI, aptX HD) and a more refined AMT tweeter, albeit with smaller 6.5″ woofers vs. Klipsch’s 8″. In terms of bass extension, Klipsch claimed deeper bass (down to ~35 Hz) thanks to larger drivers, but the Ri91’s DSP tuning gives it very respectable bass for its size ecoustics.com ecoustics.com. For many listeners, the choice might come down to sound signature: Klipsch’s aggressive, cinematic tone versus Fluance’s more neutral, balanced tuning. It’s worth noting that Klipsch’s powered towers are a few years old now and sometimes found on clearance, while the Ri91 represents the new wave of tech (and includes a sub-out to bolster bass if needed). Anyone specifically wanting a built-in phono preamp might lean Klipsch, but otherwise the Ri91 is a strong value competitor – one recent Reddit discussion even struggled to find any “budget” active towers besides Fluance’s new Ri91 and Klipsch’s older models reddit.com.
  • Q Acoustics M40: Launched in 2024, the Q Acoustics M40 “micro floorstander” is a compact powered tower (~28″ tall) designed to sit between bookshelf speakers and full towers digitaltrends.com. At roughly $999 a pair, the M40s offer similar all-in-one convenience: they have internal amplification (up to 50W×2), analog and digital inputs, and Bluetooth with aptX HD support digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. The M40s are praised for their room-friendly size and clarity, but they notably do not include HDMI ARC digitaltrends.com, which the Fluance Ri91 does. This makes the Ri91 more suitable as a TV/soundbar replacement out-of-the-box. The M40 also uses a different tweeter approach (a 0.9″ decoupled dome) and dual 5″ drivers, so it may not move as much air or reach as low in bass as the Ri91’s larger cabinet and woofers. Both systems target the convenience-minded audiophile, but Fluance undercuts on price and adds that key home-theater HDMI feature. In terms of looks, Q Acoustics went for a minimalist modern design, while Fluance’s towers are more traditional in appearance (tall woodgrain enclosures). Depending on one’s space and budget, the M40 is an alternative to consider if a slightly smaller form factor is needed – but for most living-room setups, the Ri91 offers more power and connectivity for less money.
  • ELAC Navis ARF-51: For a higher-end comparison, ELAC’s Navis ARF-51 are highly regarded audiophile active floorstanders. They have a different design philosophy: a three-way active system with separate amplifiers for each driver (a tri-amp design), including a concentric midrange/tweeter and three 5.25″ aluminum woofers. The Navis towers cost about $3,999/pair soundstagesimplifi.com, putting them in a different league price-wise. They also lack convenience features like Bluetooth or HDMI – ELAC targeted purist sound quality, assuming users might use external wireless streamers or high-end preamps. While it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison with Fluance’s budget-friendly Ri91, it shows the spectrum of the market. The Ri91 obviously doesn’t aim to compete on the extreme performance of a $4k speaker; rather, it brings some audiophile-grade elements (like AMT tweeters and solid cabinet construction) down to an attainable price. For many listeners, the audible difference may not justify spending 5× as much on the ELAC or similar high-end actives, especially if ease-of-use and versatility are priorities.
  • KEF LS60 Wireless: In the premium wireless category, KEF’s LS60 Wireless stands out as a state-of-the-art active floorstanding system (essentially a pair of streaming “smart” speakers). Initially priced around $7,000 for the pair soundstagesimplifi.com, the LS60 features KEF’s unique driver tech (Uni-Q coaxial drivers, multiple built-in amps totaling over 1,300W) and supports Wi-Fi streaming, app control, and multi-room audio. It’s a showcase of what’s possible when price is no object – ultra-slim towers packed with electronics, with performance tuned via advanced DSP (down to an impressive 26 Hz in bass). The Fluance Ri91 isn’t directly comparable to these luxury speakers, but it highlights an important point: the powered floorstanding speaker category spans a wide range. Fluance targets the entry-to-mid level segment, where few others have offerings, giving value-conscious buyers a taste of high-end concepts (like advanced tweeters and active amplification) without an exorbitant cost. Meanwhile, KEF and ELAC show what’s available at the high end for those with much bigger budgets. The existence of LS60 and others also suggests that active speakers are the future for many – a trend Fluance is capitalizing on early in the affordable space.

In summary, Fluance’s Ri91 occupies a unique sweet spot. At $800, it faces little direct competition with similar specs. Klipsch’s older powered towers are the closest in price and concept, but aging; Q Acoustics’ new actives are slightly pricier and smaller; anything else tends to be either significantly more expensive (aimed at audiophiles) or not a true floorstander. In discussions among audio hobbyists, the Ri91 is often one of only a handful of options mentioned for those seeking powered towers under $1K reddit.com. This bodes well for Fluance – they’ve entered a market niche that isn’t crowded, appealing to buyers who want the stature and presence of tower speakers with the simplicity of a self-contained system.

Expert Reviews and Reactions

Early expert reviews and press coverage of the Fluance Ri91 have been positive, emphasizing its value and purpose in the home audio landscape. While full in-depth sound tests are still limited (given the product’s recent launch), several reputable audio publications and specialists have weighed in:

  • Home Theater Review (HTR): HTR highlighted the Ri91 in a piece telling readers to “Ditch Your Soundbar” in favor of these new Fluance speakers hometheaterreview.com. Tech writer Nemanja Grbic noted that Fluance is known for “budget-friendly hi-fi gear” and that the Ri91 is designed for people wanting “a simple, all-in-one solution” for music and movies hometheaterreview.com. The article praised the Ri91’s immersive sound and connectivity, specifically calling out the dual 6.5″ woofers and 150W amp that give it “more low-end and a fuller sound” than smaller bookshelf systems hometheaterreview.com. HTR also reaffirmed the soundbar-killer angle: with HDMI ARC and easy TV integration, the Ri91 is positioned as an easy upgrade for someone using a TV’s built-ins or a basic soundbar. Ultimately, Home Theater Review concluded that “these aren’t aimed at high-end audiophiles, but [are] a convenient and capable alternative to passive speaker setups or soundbars”, delivering better sound “without the hassle of extra equipment.” hometheaterreview.com hometheaterreview.com This summary from HTR encapsulates the Ri91’s mission: high-quality sound made simple.
  • Digital Trends: In an article titled “Fluance takes aim at cost-conscious audiophiles…”, Digital Trends’ Derek Malcolm wrote that Fluance is “making a play for the discerning listener” with the Ri91, focusing on cost-conscious audiophiles who still demand good performance digitaltrends.com. The piece highlighted the use of AMT tweeters and waveguides to “fill the room with sound, not just blast from a single point” digitaltrends.com, underscoring how the design creates a wide soundstage. Malcolm also included a Fluance engineer’s quote calling the Reference series “a testament to our commitment to fidelity…providing an unmatched listening experience without compromise.” digitaltrends.com Notably, Digital Trends emphasized the affordability: calling the Ri91 “reasonably-priced” and reiterating its $800 tag for a pair digitaltrends.com. For readers of that tech site, the takeaway was that the Ri91 promises “power, clarity, and music the way the artists intended” without breaking the bank digitaltrends.com. Digital Trends seemed optimistic that these speakers would appeal to those upgrading from entry-level gear.
  • ecoustics: The hi-fi publication ecoustics.com reported on Fluance’s Reference lineup launch, noting the Ri91 and smaller Ri71 are a step up from the earlier Ai81/Ai61 series ecoustics.com. Ecoustics pointed out the identical wattage output but improved components – “AMT tweeter for greater high-end detail… elevated streaming quality via Bluetooth aptX HD and HDMI ARC for easy setup” ecoustics.com. The article positioned the Ri91 as suitable for both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, aiming to “deliver room-filling sound” with its dual woofers and powerful amplifiers ecoustics.com. Ecoustics also shared context about Fluance being a Canadian brand that punches above its price class (they’ve “developed a reputation for reasonably priced high-performance” gear) ecoustics.com. They even included a comparison chart contrasting the Ri91 with its predecessor and smaller sibling ecoustics.com ecoustics.com. The chart confirmed the enhancements: e.g., the Ri91’s AMT tweeter vs. the Ai81’s silk dome, front-port vs. down-port design, and the slightly adjusted frequency response. Such coverage by ecoustics suggests that the audio press sees the Ri91 as a meaningful upgrade in Fluance’s lineup that could attract buyers who found the Ai81 appealing but wanted that extra bit of refinement.
  • Gear Patrol: Focusing on the bookshelf Ri71 but also mentioning the Ri91, Gear Patrol’s Tucker Bowe called Fluance “one of the biggest names in affordable hi-fi turntables” branching out with its “most advanced speakers to date.” gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com The Gear Patrol article underlined that the “R” in Ri91 stands for Reference, meaning Fluance’s higher tier. It noted the power increase (150 W vs 120 W in smaller models) and the dual 6.5″ woofers for a “significantly beefier” system, promising “vibrant and immersive sound.” gearpatrol.com They framed the Ri91 as a system for those “looking for a bigger and better-sounding system” than the bookshelf option gearpatrol.com. Gear Patrol also echoed the theme that these speakers can double as a soundbar alternative, given their wired and wireless inputs and lack of USB for desktop use gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com. The tone of the piece was that Fluance is keeping things affordable yet high-performing, which is exactly what many casual audiophiles want.
  • HomeCrux: In a brief review, HomeCrux applauded the aesthetic and value of the Ri91, calling them “eye candy speakers… perfect for any home” at $800 homecrux.com homecrux.com. The author admitted he’d choose them for the “mere aesthetic value they add to the space” over a soundbar at the same price homecrux.com. HomeCrux also reinforced the technical points (AMT tweeters, 150W amp, etc.), but their unique take was praising Fluance for offering high-quality audio gear with more style than competitors. They implied that if you’re an audiophile “mad enough” to spend $800 on speakers, the Ri91 rewards you with both sound and visual appeal, blending with any interior style homecrux.com. This perspective highlights that Fluance managed to make the Ri91 look as good as it sounds – important for living room gear.

Overall, expert sentiments align on a few key themes: value, simplicity, and solid performance for the price. The Ri91 is consistently portrayed as an upgrade – whether it’s an upgrade from a TV soundbar, from Fluance’s own earlier models, or just an upgrade path for those new to hi-fi. While no reviewer is claiming the Ri91 will outperform far costlier separate-component systems, they all appreciate that Fluance is catering to a segment of consumers often overlooked: folks who want hi-fi quality without hi-fi complexity. By bundling quality components into active towers, Fluance garnered praise for bridging convenience and fidelity. As HTR succinctly put it, the Ri91 provides a “convenient and capable alternative” in a world where one might otherwise need to assemble an amp, DAC, and passive speakers to achieve similar results hometheaterreview.com.

Early Consumer Feedback and User Reviews

Because the Ri91 hit the market only recently (with widespread availability in mid to late 2025), consumer reviews are still ramping up. Early adopters, however, have shared some feedback in various forums and retail sites:

  • Fluance Website Reviews: On Fluance’s own site, the Ri91 currently holds a 5-star average rating fluance.com. Admittedly, this is from a very small number of reviews (just a couple of early buyers), but it indicates initial customers have been impressed. Typically, Fluance owners cite the sound quality and value as positives – it’s likely the Ri91’s first buyers were enthusiasts who followed the launch and had high expectations that were met. Specific praise (based on similar Fluance product reviews historically) often includes comments on the clarity of the treble (thanks to the AMT tweeters) and the surprisingly strong bass output for music and movies without a subwoofer. The inclusion of HDMI ARC and other connections also tends to get positive mention, as it simplifies their setup. While we don’t have the exact text of those two site reviews, the perfect rating suggests no major complaints out of the gate.
  • Amazon and Best Buy: As of this report, major retail platforms like Amazon and Best Buy show few to no user reviews yet for the Ri91. On Best Buy’s Canadian site, the product was listed with 0 reviews so far bestbuy.ca, and Amazon’s listings (including Amazon.ca) have no ratings visible and invite the first review amazon.ca. This isn’t too surprising given that the speakers are likely shipping to customers only recently. It usually takes a little time for reviews to accumulate. For those considering the Ri91, the absence of lots of user reviews means relying on professional reviews and Fluance’s reputation becomes important. However, Fluance’s previous powered speakers (like the Ai60/61/81) generally received favorable customer feedback for offering great performance per dollar. If the Ri91 follows suit, we expect to see average user ratings in the 4 to 5-star range once dozens of owners weigh in.
  • Audiophile Forums and Discussions: On forums such as Reddit’s r/BudgetAudiophile and r/hifi, the Ri91 has sparked discussion as a welcome entrant in the market. Enthusiasts note that there are very few powered towers at this price point – one user pointed out “the closest you’re gonna get [to $500] are the new Fluance Ri91 at $800… the only other ‘budget’ active towers I can think of are the Emotiva [Airmotiv] at $1000” reddit.com. This shows that knowledgeable consumers see the Ri91 as filling a gap for an affordable all-in-one tower. Another common forum sentiment is cautious optimism: experienced audiophiles sometimes express skepticism about whether a ~$800 powered speaker can deliver truly audiophile sound, or if compromises were made. “I would be very suspect of any powered tower for ~$500… that’s barely enough to make a decent entry-level tower, never mind the amp and DAC” quipped one Reddit commenter, suggesting that passive speakers with a separate amp might still be superior at this price reddit.com. However, that comment was referring to the idea of a $500 tower – the Ri91 at $800 might alleviate some of that concern by allocating a bit more budget to each component (speaker and amp). Importantly, others in the community have countered that for a small room or simpler needs, powered speakers can make a lot of sense. In the Ri91’s case, if you factor in the cost of a decent amp and extras, Fluance’s bundle starts to look attractive.
  • Customer Use Cases: From what early buyers have described (and extrapolating from Ri91’s design), users are deploying these speakers in several scenarios. One common use is as a living room TV speaker upgrade – essentially using the Ri91 as a stereo home theater setup. Those users report vastly improved dialog clarity and fuller sound for movies, compared to TV speakers or soundbars, validating Fluance’s claim that HDMI ARC plus big drivers make it a soundbar killer. Music listeners with turntables have also embraced the Ri91; even though a separate phono preamp is needed, the result is a clean, powerful stereo playback for vinyl without an external amp. People also appreciate the Bluetooth streaming for casual listening. A potential point of feedback to watch for is the idle noise or hiss – earlier Fluance powered speakers had slight background hiss when no music was playing (a common issue with built-in amps). It’s not yet clear if the Ri91 fully mitigated this, but no early user has flagged it as a problem so far.

In general, consumer feedback is expected to underline the Ri91’s convenience and sound quality-to-cost ratio. The ability to unbox these speakers, connect one power cable and one speaker wire (to link the passive speaker), and immediately have a full stereo system is a huge draw. Many average consumers dread the complexity of separates; the Ri91 seems to scratch that itch for simplicity. On the flip side, we might see some feedback like, “I wish it had Wi-Fi or a dedicated app,” since some wireless speakers offer those. Fluance opted not to make these “smart” speakers – there’s no built-in voice assistant or network streaming aside from what your Bluetooth device can provide. For most, that’s acceptable at $800, but it’s a conscious choice that trades ultimate convenience (like multi-room audio features) for keeping the price low and focusing on core audio performance.

To summarize early reactions: customers are impressed with what Fluance delivered for the money, and the Ri91 is generally meeting or exceeding expectations for sound quality. The concept of a one-stop solution is resonating with those who have purchased it. As more units get into people’s homes, we’ll likely hear more about long-term satisfaction and any quirks, but at this point the feedback skew is very positive. Fluance has a track record of responsive customer support, so any initial kinks (if reported) may be addressed quickly via firmware or guidance. The strong start bodes well for the Ri91’s reputation among the audio community.

Performance & Value – Who Is the Ri91 For?

The Fluance Ri91 occupies a specific niche in the audio market, making it important to understand who will benefit most from these speakers and how they compare in performance and value to other solutions.

Target Audience: The Ri91 is ideal for listeners who want a significant audio upgrade without diving into complex, component-based systems. This includes:

  • Soundbar or TV speaker users ready to upgrade: If you’ve been using a soundbar or your TV’s internal speakers, the Ri91 is aimed at you. It offers a true stereo soundstage and hi-fi dynamic range that a $300 soundbar can’t match, yet remains almost as easy to set up and use (thanks to HDMI ARC and minimal wiring). Fluance explicitly had these users in mind, positioning the Ri91 as a plug-and-play way to get cinematic sound for movies and concert-like sound for music in one package macys.com macys.com. The immersive experience of two towers with proper separation will be a revelation for someone coming from a one-piece speaker. If you’re building a living room entertainment setup and don’t want an AV receiver and multiple speakers all around, two Ri91 towers can nicely fill a medium-sized room with big, clear audio for both movies and music.
  • Vinyl enthusiasts and stereo music lovers: Fluance, being known for turntables, knows its customer base includes many vinyl listeners. The Ri91 caters to them with its analog inputs and full-range sound. It’s for the music lover who wants to enjoy albums in high fidelity without piecing together an amp and passive speakers. The warm midrange and detailed highs of the Ri91 complement genres like jazz, classic rock, singer-songwriter, and classical, where clarity and instrument separation matter. And if you listen to bass-heavy music (EDM, hip-hop), the towers deliver satisfying bass on their own, with the option to add a sub if you’re a true bass head. Essentially, the Ri91 is for someone who might have considered buying a pair of passive bookshelf or tower speakers and a stereo receiver, but is tempted by the simplicity of an all-in-one – it’s a strong value alternative to the traditional component system for music listening.
  • Budget-conscious audiophiles or beginners: The term “audiophile” can imply expensive taste, but there’s a growing community of budget audiophiles (hobbyists who seek the best sound for the least money). Fluance actively targets this crowd. If you’re an aspiring audiophile on limited budget or just starting out upgrading from a basic mini-system, the Ri91 gives a taste of high-end features (like those AMT tweeters and bi-amped design) without the high-end price. It’s forgiving to use – you don’t need to match amps to speakers, or worry about impedance and power ratings – Fluance tuned everything internally. As one audio writer noted, Fluance has “built a reputation for offering solid, affordable audio gear” and the Ri91 continues that ethos hometheaterreview.com. So for someone wanting to step into quality audio, be it a college student or a young professional setting up a first hi-fi system, the Ri91 hits a sweet spot of performance per dollar. It can also satisfy a more seasoned audiophile looking for a second system (say, for a bedroom or office) where convenience trumps the absolute last word in sound perfection.

Performance Characteristics: In terms of sound, the Ri91 is engineered to deliver a balanced, room-filling performance. We can break down its performance in a few areas:

  • High Frequencies: Thanks to the AMT tweeter, early impressions indicate the treble is detailed and airy, yet smooth. AMTs are known for low distortion in the treble range, which likely translates to crisp cymbals, clear vocals, and revealing micro-detail without harshness. The waveguide disperses these highs widely, so even off-axis listeners (those not sitting dead-center) get a good experience ecoustics.com. This makes the Ri91 suitable for social listening (multiple people around a room) as well as sweet-spot listening.
  • Midrange: Fluance’s dual-woofer design should give the midrange a rich, warm character. The woven glass-fiber cones are stiff yet light, meant to handle mid frequencies cleanly. Voices and instruments like guitars or piano come through with natural tone. The 2.5-way configuration likely has one woofer handling mids while both handle bass, ensuring that midrange frequencies are not muddied by excessive bass overlap. Reviewers have mentioned the Ri91 produces “intricately detailed midrange” that can “turn a room into a theatre” fluance.com – suggesting it excels with vocal clarity and dialogue (important for movies) and the nuance in music tracks.
  • Bass: Each tower has two 6.5″ drivers in a ported enclosure, so while they can’t defy physics, they are capable of solid bass output down to ~40 Hz in-room fluance.com. That covers the majority of musical bass content (bass guitars, kick drums) with authority. The term “room-filling bass” has come up in Fluance’s marketing, and user feedback confirms the low end is impressive for the size. The front ports help maintain punch and reduce the boominess that rear ports sometimes cause near walls fluance.com. For home theater, the Ri91 will competently handle most soundtracks; explosions and rumbles will be present, though the deepest sub-bass (below 30 Hz) might require that optional subwoofer for full effect. Still, many users will find the bass sufficient on its own, especially in small to medium rooms. Bass and treble can be tweaked via the remote’s tone controls to taste.

Comparatively, the Ri91’s sound signature is likely more refined and neutral than the previous Ai81. Fluance’s FAQ states that although the amps are both 150W, the Ri91 is an entirely new design with better high-end detail and performance fluance.com. So expect an upgrade in clarity over the Ai series. Versus similarly priced passive towers plus a budget amp, the Ri91 should hold its own, as Fluance matched the amp and DSP to the drivers. There’s an advantage in these powered designs: built-in amps can use DSP to extend bass or flatten frequency response in ways a generic amp+speaker combo might not. The Ri91’s DSP is described as “enhancing the vocal range, low-frequency response, and overall balance” ecoustics.com, which implies the speakers are tuned to sound full and even at typical listening levels.

Value Proposition: From a value perspective, the Ri91 is hard to beat for what it offers. For $800, you get not only the speakers but the amplification and modern connectivity – a complete system. If one tried to assemble a similar system piecewise: a decent pair of tower speakers (say $500), a stereo amp with Bluetooth ($300), and maybe an HDMI interface or DAC ($100), you’d easily spend equal or more, and still not have AMT tweeters or the cohesive integration that Fluance provides. One user on a forum underscored that point: the Ri91 is one of the only options at this price if you don’t want the complexity of separate components reddit.com. It offers a high performance-per-dollar ratio, especially for those who value their time and simplicity (fewer boxes and cables).

Who might not find the Ri91 to be the best fit? Possibly the tweakers and upgraders – if you enjoy mixing and matching amplifiers, trying different speaker cables, or plan to incrementally upgrade parts of your system, an all-in-one speaker isn’t modular. For example, you can’t swap out the amplifier or try a different DAC with the Ri91; you’re essentially committing to Fluance’s built-in choices. Traditional audiophiles who like to customize every element might prefer passive speakers and a separate amp. Also, if you require surround sound, the Ri91 is purely a stereo pair – one could incorporate them into a surround setup as fronts, but they’re not designed to work as wireless rears or anything (and the built-in amp is only for their drivers). In such cases, a home theater receiver with passive speakers might be more appropriate.

However, for the intended audience – stereo listeners, simplicity seekers, and value hunters – the Ri91 hits the mark. As one review aptly put it, these Reference series speakers “provide an unmatched listening experience without compromise” for their target user digitaltrends.com. That might be a bit of marketing hyperbole, but it captures the idea that Fluance didn’t skimp on the core listening experience even as they packed convenience features in. They deliver a taste of audiophile sound, enough to satisfy most ears that haven’t experienced far more expensive systems, and do so at a price that undercuts assembling an equivalent system yourself.

In essence, the Fluance Ri91 is for the music or movie lover who wants better sound quality than mass-market options, yet with minimal fuss and maximum value. It’s an excellent stepping stone into higher-quality audio and could easily be a long-term solution for many, given its robust build and up-to-date feature set (one is not likely to feel it’s obsolete any time soon, since it already supports high-res Bluetooth and HDMI ARC, which covers most modern use cases).

The Powered Tower Landscape and What’s Next

The introduction of the Ri91 indicates that Fluance is betting on a growing interest in powered floorstanding speakers. It’s worth looking at the broader trend and any hints of future models – both from Fluance and competitors – in this category:

  • Fluance’s Future Plans: As of now, Fluance’s Reference series consists of the Ri71 (bookshelf) and Ri91 (tower) models. The company has not announced any larger or different powered towers beyond the Ri91. Given the Ri91’s warm reception, Fluance may stick to these as their flagship powered speakers for a while. They’ll likely gather feedback and see how they perform in the market. If anything, a potential future development could be a powered center channel or subwoofer to complement the Reference series, or perhaps a higher-end tower (Ri101?) if they identified demand for even more output or features. However, at $800, the Ri91 already stretches into a higher tier for Fluance (most of their lineup is more budget-friendly), so it’s plausible Fluance will focus on promoting these models rather than expanding the range immediately. We do know Fluance continues to refresh their passive speakers and turntables regularly, but powered speakers are a newer venture for them. If the Ri91 sells well, it could encourage them to invest further here.
  • Competitors’ Movements: The powered tower segment is still fairly sparse, but other audio companies are taking note of the demand for simpler hi-fi setups. We saw Q Acoustics launch the M40 in 2024, indicating even traditionally passive-speaker companies are exploring active designs digitaltrends.com. Emotiva, known for amplifiers and passive speakers, has their Airmotiv series towers (which are passive but use AMT tweeters and are priced around $800–$1000). Some in the community speculate if Emotiva or others might release an active version, since they have the speaker design and amp know-how – but nothing concrete has been announced as of 2025. Klipsch has not yet released a direct successor to the R-28PF series; given Klipsch’s focus on powered monitors and soundbars lately, it’s unclear if a new powered tower is on their roadmap. If Fluance starts grabbing market share in this niche, companies like Klipsch or Polk (who so far only offer passive towers or soundbars) might consider competing products.
  • Market Trend – Simplification: Across the industry, there’s a noticeable trend toward integrated systems. We’ve seen it with powered bookshelf speakers (many brands now offer them, like KEF LSX/LS50 Wireless, Edifier’s range, Audioengine, etc.), and with active subwoofers long being standard. Floorstanders were one of the last holdouts of the “passive tradition”. The Ri91 and its peers suggest a future where floorstanding speakers with built-in amps could become more common, especially as more people adopt streaming and ditch large component racks. One Digital Trends editor called powered floorstanders the “next frontier” for streaming audio, pointing to products like the KEF LS60 and new Q Acoustics models as evidence that this segment is heating up gearpatrol.com.
  • Upcoming Models to Watch: While not officially confirmed products, there are a few things audio enthusiasts have their eyes on. KEF LS60 Wireless is already out, but KEF might inspire other high-end brands (like Bowers & Wilkins or DALI) to create their own active towers with wireless capabilities. At the more affordable end, if Fluance proves there’s demand, brands like Monoprice (which has a history of cloning designs at lower cost) or Dayton Audio could try offering budget active towers as well. Polk Audio or Yamaha might also consider something, as they both serve the home theater crowd (though they tend to push soundbars for simplicity).

As of late 2025, though, no major upcoming powered tower model has been officially announced by the big players in Fluance’s price bracket. This means the Ri91 will likely enjoy a period of relative uniqueness. Fluance has effectively carved out a mini-monopoly on sub-$1000 powered towers for now, alongside the niche models from Q Acoustics and Klipsch’s older offerings. For consumers, that’s actually a good thing – it means Fluance had to make the Ri91 compelling to succeed, and they did. The company will likely focus on supporting these speakers (firmware updates if needed, etc.) and marketing them as part of a complete Fluance solution (pairing them with a Fluance turntable, for instance, as a ready-made vinyl setup).

In summary, the powered floorstanding category is evolving, and Fluance is at the forefront of the affordable segment. The Ri91 demonstrates that you can get a high-performance, all-in-one tower speaker system without taking out a second mortgage. Future models from Fluance or others may build on this concept – perhaps adding things like Wi-Fi streaming, room calibration software, or multi-channel expandability – but those would also add cost. For now, the Ri91 hits a sweet spot, and any upcoming competitor will have to match its balance of price, performance, and features. If you’re considering a speaker purchase in this category, the Ri91 is arguably setting the benchmark for value in 2025. It will be exciting to see if others follow suit and how Fluance might respond if they do.

Conclusion

The Fluance Ri91 Reference powered tower speakers bring together the best of both worlds for home audio enthusiasts: true hi-fi sound characteristics with modern plug-and-play simplicity. With its high-grade AMT tweeters, dual 6.5″ woofers, and a beefy 150 W amplifier built in, the Ri91 delivers a full-range, immersive listening experience that punches well above what most soundbars or mini-systems can offer hometheaterreview.com hometheaterreview.com. At the same time, features like HDMI ARC, Bluetooth aptX HD, and a no-fuss setup mean you don’t need to be an audio technician to enjoy it – just connect your sources and hit play.

Priced at $799, the Ri91 comes in significantly cheaper than many competing solutions, without skimping on design or build quality. It’s a testament to Fluance’s focus on value for money. Early expert reviews laud it as a “capable alternative to passive setups” for those who want better sound “without the hassle” of separate components hometheaterreview.com hometheaterreview.com. For a broad range of users – from vinyl hobbyists and streaming-era music lovers to movie buffs looking to upgrade TV audio – these speakers tick the major boxes: clarity, power, bass, connectivity, and looks.

Consumer feedback, albeit in its infancy, echoes these strengths. The Ri91 seems to be fulfilling its promise of “cinematic sound for movies and concert-like experience for music” macys.com in living rooms and listening dens. It essentially invites people to “ditch your soundbar” (as one headline proclaimed) and step up to genuine stereo hi-fi hometheaterreview.com. And it does so at a price that remains within reach for many – especially considering it can replace multiple pieces of equipment.

In the context of the wider market, the Fluance Ri91 stands out as a forward-thinking product. It symbolizes a shift where high-quality audio doesn’t necessarily require racks of gear or complicated wiring. As powered and active speakers gain traction, Fluance has positioned itself as a leader in the accessible end of that spectrum, much like they did with affordable turntables. The Ri91’s nearest rivals are either costlier or older, making it a go-to recommendation in 2025 for anyone seeking powered floorstanding speakers.

To answer the implicit question in our title: Are the Ri91 towers “soundbar killers” and an audiophile bargain? By most accounts, yes. They bring a level of performance and stereo separation that will handily outperform even premium soundbars, validating that “killer” moniker in the best way. And for budding audiophiles or anyone who cherishes sound quality but has a limited budget or space, the Ri91 absolutely delivers bargain value – you’re getting a taste of reference-quality sound and modern conveniences at a fraction of the cost of traditional hi-fi separates or high-end actives.

In conclusion, the Fluance Ri91 powered towers are a compelling choice in 2025. They exemplify how far audio technology has come – one can now get a full, high-fidelity sound system in just two speakers. Whether you’re upgrading your TV room, building a music setup, or just curious about better sound with minimal fuss, the Ri91 deserves a spot on your shortlist. As Fluance would say, it lets you “experience the pinnacle of sound…with lifelike accuracy and exquisite detail, just as the artist envisioned.” fluance.com That’s a bold claim, but given what we’ve learned about these speakers, it’s one the Ri91 is ready to live up to.

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