These were the absolute first version of Alphas, back when it was the only Alpha model. I had read the reviews in Stereophile and saw them in Chicago that year at CES. It was the first bookshelf I'd heard with respectable bass. I met Paul Barton, who seemed like a really great guy. I believe they retailed for $199.

Although I prefer the ERM-1s, the Alphas are a very good speaker. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them, especially for the budget-minded.