Flagship Speakers

Product Strengths

• The XS-85 stands out for its esthetics and curves inspired by Italian architecture and landscapes
• The XS-85 delivers music with the necessary speed, a powerful focus, firm and controlled lower tones, a powerful upper midrange, and natural-sounding high frequencies
• Exceptional build quality and Italian craftsmanship
• The XS-85 features premium SEAS drivers with Nextel treatment
• The XS-85 creates a soundstage that's both expansive and precise

Product Considerations

• The substantial size may require careful room placement
• The premium pricing reflects its flagship status
• The 4Ω impedance requires suitable amplification

Takeaway: The XS-85 speakers are fine-tuned with ravishing Italian esthetics that captivate with their slightly curved appearance and feeling of a true Italian luxurious DNA. The XS-85 delivers music regardless of genre and brings back the art of listening.

Product Strengths

• Epitomizes rock and roll, thanks to a huge dynamic swing and a solid bass foundation
• Captures low-level detail like a pair of mini-monitors, yet expands to the loudest musical passages with ease
• Has midrange clarity and lacks the cloudiness that plagued past models
• Distributes the sound to completely envelop the listener
• Reproduces music powerfully, effortlessly, and clearly, even at high volumes

Product Considerations

• Can play louder than needed, so be careful not to hurt yourself
• Needs a big listening space
• Requires a powerful amplifier with a lot of headroom and control, according to one review
• Soundstaging was hard to gauge with confidence due to the reverberant room, according to one review
• Can be bi-amped or tri-amped, which can take you beyond concert level SPLS, so proceed with caution

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Sonus faber Aida—paints with broader strokes

Takeaway: The XRT2.1K is a world-class speaker that plays everything well with effortless clarity and strong dynamics. These user-friendly and beautifully crafted speakers offer an immersive listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Considered the finest loudspeaker the reviewer has ever heard
• Achieves precise time and phase alignment of the mid-range and beyond in the listening room
• The speakers 'disappear completely' leaving only the music
• Provides amazing separation of musicians and instruments
• Recreates music in a way that sounds more real

Product Considerations

• Requires careful selection and compensation for upstream electronics
• Installation requires trained and obsessive-compulsive installers to complete the process with absolute thoroughness
• The reviewer noted the weight and packing requirements are on the 'substantial side'
• The loudspeaker challenges all your perceptions of what you thought possible from an audio system

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The WAMM Master Chronosonic can do things the Alexia V can't do, nor do them at a level only dreamt possible
• The Chronosonic XVX also does many things the Alexia V can't do and is very good, but the XVX is also no WAMM
• It's possible to listen to supposedly spot-on products like the Quad and point to where the timing isn't right

Takeaway: The WAMM Master Chronosonic is an amazing speaker that creates a real and engaging musical experience. It represents the pinnacle of speaker design and achieves a level of sonic perfection.

Product Strengths

• Mathematically perfect, with a cabinet structure that eliminates the need for bracing, maximizing internal volume and allowing for passive extension to 18 cycles linearly
• Exceptional immediacy, commanding attention in much the same way that live music does, even off-axis and at low volumes
• Transient response is exceptionally fast and clean
• Capable of filling a large room with bass impact, even barely treated, and without subwoofers
• The beryllium tweeter results in a lower resonance frequency and ensures that the propagation wave never makes it to the surround

Product Considerations

• Depending on the granite, there could be fractures that might crack during cutting
• Weighing between 400 and 430 pounds, it is difficult to move and requires professional installation
• Speaker placement needs to be precise to avoid a nearfield listening experience, adjusting the listening position is important

Takeaway: The Acora VRC is a high-performing speaker with a unique granite enclosure that delivers exceptional sound quality and dynamics. With its customizability and enduring design, it is a worthy consideration for audiophiles seeking a legacy product.

Product Strengths

• Tone color and instrumental timbre are portrayed with accuracy
• Voicing is full bodied and replete with the complex harmonic structure
• Stark transparency is rendered to the sources, to reveal any nuance in detail or scale
• Superb dynamic performance is exhibited, with both subtlety in the microdynamic realm and stunning macro capabilities
• Bass pitch definition is unsurpassed, with unyielding yet utterly articulated weight and attack

Product Considerations

• An exaggeration of the soundstage and of image sizes was noted, they are notably larger than life, much like watching an early 1960's film in Ultra Panavision 70 or CinemaScope

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to Magico Q7 and Q7 MK II (and to some similar degree, the less expensive S7), ULTRA 11 has better coherence, tone color, and especially dynamics
• Compared to YG Acoustics Sonja XV, ULTRA 11 has better coherence, tone color, and especially dynamics

Takeaway: The ULTRA 11 is a monumental achievement in acoustic engineering, so it is capable of recreating a dispersion pattern that simulates the pickup pattern of an omnidirectional microphone. It is worth buying for those seeking the best in audio reproduction due to its accurate tone and superb dynamics

Product Strengths

• Excels in timing, impulse stability, and lack of reverberations, creating an immersive listening experience
• Produces precise and detailed sound, projecting voices and instruments onto a holographic stage
• Noted for excellent imaging, resolution, detail retrieval, transient behavior, and dynamic contrasts
• Offers a generally neutral presentation, revealing the nuances of upstream components, room interaction, and the music itself
• Reaches deep bass levels without showing signs of fatigue, even during extended listening sessions

Product Considerations

• The cabinet is made of HDF, a more common material, which may be seen as a compromise compared to more exotic materials used in other high-end speakers
• The drivers are not proprietary to Vimberg, other manufacturers also use Accuton's Cell drivers
• The size and weight of the Tonda D, 96kg per unit, make setup challenging
• Reveals flaws in mediocre or poorly engineered music

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs. TIDAL Audio Akira: The Tonda D has a close visual and technical resemblance to the Akira, but the Akira packs a black diamond mid-range and three passive radiators, at four times the cost

Takeaway: The Vimberg Tonda D is a sleek and refined speaker that offers exceptional sound quality and emotion, creating an engaging listening experience. Its meticulous design and high-quality components make it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking top-tier performance.

Product Strengths

• When combined with the BXT module, the system delivers tight, dynamic, and nuanced bass reproduction
• The addition of the BXT allows the system to reveal subtle details in the lower frequencies that are typically missed
• The BXT system offers a balanced sound, with the midrange frequencies benefiting from the addition of the BXT module
• Are relieved of some bass duties, letting them focus more on the mids
• The combination with the BXT module creates a cardioid dispersion pattern, reducing reflections from side and rear walls—minimizing the influence of room acoustics
• Ease of use is another strength of the concept

Product Considerations

• Some perceive it as sounding 'too digital' or 'too analytical' on its own, lacking the warmth of other speakers, but the BXT module helps to address this
• The display on the Kii Control is considered small, making it difficult to read in poor lighting conditions

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Versus ATC speakers, ATC speakers have a warmer, more colorful sound

Takeaway: The system, especially when paired with the BXT module, delivers exceptional sound quality with deep, controlled bass and reduced room interaction. For those wanting a system with great clarity and power, this could be a good pick.

Product Strengths

• The Suprema system stays very clean, however loud it is played
• It sounds great at any volume level
• The Suprema delivered sound precisely as recorded without a hint of subdued highs, understated midrange, or ill-defined bass, being musical and replete with fine musical detail
• The system's imaging was outstanding, presenting a properly scaled, well-proportioned soundstage
• Subwoofers blend seamlessly with main speakers on good stereo systems, with the Suprema system demonstrating how complete such integration can be

Product Considerations

• Without a subwoofer, the Suprema wouldn't qualify as a full-range system, needing it to have a flat response down to 16Hz
• The Suprema system requires ample amplification, needing hundreds or even thousands of watts
• Room modes can affect bass reproduction, requiring careful subwoofer placement

Takeaway: The Suprema has innovative features and a brilliant implementation of known technologies, and it offers invaluable acoustic flexibility, marking a transformative direction for Sonus Faber. The seamless integration of subwoofers and main speakers provides exceptional sound quality at any volume level.

Product Strengths

• Natural suppleness balanced with quickness gives transients a purity and completeness suitable for all kinds of music
• The diamond tweeter blends the characteristics of different tweeter types, reporting treble accurately without editorializing
• These are uniquely revealing and musical speakers whose spatial characteristics and tonal sophistication befit their stature and unusual design
• The midrange has physicality and roundness to singers, sounding light and sprightly, while balancing presence and transient agility
• The Sunrays disappear into the soundscape they create and conjure powerfully real images in the listening room

Product Considerations

• The Sunrays don't possess the ultimate in bass weight, power, and bloom
• The sensitivity of the Sunrays may be too modest for some single-ended triode (SET) amplifiers
• The cabinet is made of HP-MDF, which some may perceive as less refined compared to other high-end speaker cabinets made of composites or aluminum
• Initial setup may prove unsatisfying and requires some fine tuning for optimal soundstage

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Tidal Contriva Diacera SEs: The Sunrays are significantly better, sounding bigger, more transparent—especially in the midrange—and wider in bandwidth
• Vs Wilson Audio MAXX 3s: The MAXX 3s have more bass weight, power, and bloom, and are more coherent across their range
• Vs Wilson Audio MAXX 3s: The Sunrays walk a fine line between in-room and within-the-recording energy, with more variegated high frequencies than the MAXX 3s

Takeaway: The Sunray speakers are uniquely revealing and musical, offering a natural and detailed sound that brings recordings to life. They are an alternative to other big and expensive speakers and could be valued because of their spatial characteristics and tonal sophistication.

Product Strengths

• Sophisticated design and mechanisms reduce vibration for improved sound quality
• Pendulum design provides self-leveling
• Can support up to four different tonearms
• High-speed processor-controlled motor-drive unit

Product Considerations

• Installation requires a qualified professional
• Large size and weight may require a reinforced floor
• Some reviewers found the look of the tonearm slightly unfinished

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the SME 30, the SME 30 is the gold standard and a bargain

Takeaway: The Clearaudio Statement is a high-end turntable, resulting from decades of research and development, made for serious vinyl enthusiasts. It delivers rock-solid imaging, deep bass, and dynamic contrasts for an immersive listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Capable of creating a 'completely credible illusion' of live music, including solo artists, rock bands, or a symphony orchestra
• Listeners can perceive details in recordings, revealing elements that may have been previously unnoticed, such as the pressure and realism of a bass drum
• Thanks to its sensitivity of well over 100 decibels, it manages to trace the played content down to the finest detail, even at moderate volume levels
• Voices are projected with an incredibly natural sound
• The system's design eliminates the need for a separate bass horn acoustically coupling to the room
• Connectivity options

Product Considerations

• Limited listening time made it difficult to assess long-term satisfaction
• The Acapella Spharon is very heavy, with an estimated weight between 650 and 750 kilograms per side
• The system requires a large room (from 40 m²), and one installation occurred in a room that was 19.5 meters long x 13.7 wide and 6.4 high
• It can make any technical gadgetry within a recording instantly audible, potentially revealing unwanted artifacts

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Acapella Poseydon: It plays in a more casual manner with almost unlimited dynamics than the Poseydon

Takeaway: The Acapella Spharon Excalibur is a state-of-the-art speaker system that offers a realistic and detailed audio performance. It allows the listener to experience music in a pleasurable way, bringing them closer to the original recording.

Product Strengths

• Cylindrical wave technology reduces sound interaction with the room due to narrow horizontal and vertical dispersion
• Magnetostatic planar-magnetic tweeter provides high resolution, transient speed, and lifelike presence
• Sound like a full-range planar, creating a seamless blend between the tweeter and mid-range drivers

Product Considerations

• A lively tonal balance, emphasizing resolution and detail over warmth
• Best experienced sitting in front of it, because of the narrow radiation pattern

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The S 540 is a monopole, directing sound forward, unlike the open-baffle planar
• Mimics planar loudspeakers sound quality, but with more bass and dynamics

Takeaway: The Solitaire S540 offers a unique listening experience by minimizing room reflections and delivering precise soundstaging. It is a good pick for audiophiles seeking high resolution and detail in their music.

Product Strengths

• Plenty of deep, satisfying bass and detail, and could go quite loud, even with just 4.3 watts per channel
• One of the most beautiful speakers
• The construction quality and materials are without compromise
• Seamless from top to bottom, which shouldn't be a surprise for full range drivers
• The dispersion characteristics aren't that unusual, the speakers sounded superb from anywhere in the room

Product Considerations

• The distance from the front wall is important because it determines the wavelengths that are reinforced in the room, so experimentation is useful
• The reflectivity of the front wall surface behind the speaker is important

Takeaway: The Songer Audio S2 loudspeakers have great bass and detail and can play loudly, also they are beautiful speakers. The S2 is special because it sounds good everywhere in the room.

Product Strengths

• Well-balanced speakers provide reference sound reproduction in a very neutral and transparent manner
• The system lacked nothing in terms of authority or clarity and delivered a thoroughly convincing performance
• The Reference module's MTM array is on a remote-controlled pivot, so the mids and highs can be actively adjusted for listening position

Product Considerations

• The room may need to be larger, as the open living room was still too small for the Statement, and only 10% power was being supplied to the bass modules
• The Reference/Statement monoliths are not inexpensive

Takeaway: The Stenheim Reference speakers deliver a reference sound reproduction in a neutral and transparent manner, and the remote-controlled pivot for the mids and highs allows for easy adjustments. The audience was convincingly transported into a live show.

Product Strengths

• Curved cabinet made of thick multi-layer laminate prevents standing waves
• Cabinet is reinforced multiple times internally to avoid resonances, even under high load
• Impressive bass depth for its size, with a balanced blend of low distortion, clarity, and rich bass response
• All-round sound quality, impressive volume, and craftsmanship
• Bass reflex system works with a sophisticated bass guide for controlled bass output without flow noise, offering placement flexibility

Product Considerations

• Careful placement is recommended due to potential negative effects on side radiation from nearby walls
• The production of the 'Black Ceramic Tungsten' material for the Reference collection demands a great deal of expertise
• Requires listeners to fully indulge in the music, demanding full attention and not tolerating distractions
• Computer-optimized cabinet design makes production more complex, time-consuming, and expensive than standard cabinet construction

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Focal Sopra 1: Comparable in size

Takeaway: The Canton Reference 9 is a technically sophisticated speaker that delivers genuine high-end sound and immersive listening. It offers outstanding sound quality and craftsmanship for those who appreciate a premium audio experience.

Product Strengths

• Delivers a genuinely musical, next-level listening experience.
• Projects a vast three-dimensional image with rich texture, punchy dynamics, and pinpoint accuracy.
• Reveals micro-detail to a level rarely heard.
• Maintains tonal density and detail even in modest listening modes.
• Features a Line Array Bass System with eight 5-inch rear-mounted drivers for smooth bass distribution.

Product Considerations

• Requires a suitably high-end front end to realize its full potential.
• The R10 Arreté competes directly with established flagship models from Wilson Audio, Magico, and Focal, suggesting it may be similarly priced.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The R10 Arreté supersedes the Audiovector R11 and R8 Arreté.
• The R10 Arreté is even more impressive than the Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined.

Takeaway: The Audiovector R10 Arreté is a remarkable new flagship loudspeaker with innovative engineering that makes music more vivid. The design and technology combine to deliver an exceptional listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Superb upper-octave and midrange response delivers flat and detailed sound
• Excellent bass performance is often compared to systems with separate subwoofers, with room correction
• Remarkable clean and detailed sound is due to beryllium drivers over a wide listening area
• The enclosure is inert and well-built using wood composite material and viscoelastic adhesive
• Outstanding life and dynamic realism exists, even in loud and complex passages

Product Considerations

• Placement is important due to the rear-firing woofers
• A PC is required to set up ARC-2 room correction system
• Some may find the upper midrange and treble response flat and may prefer a roll-off

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs. Magico S7—the Persona 9H has room correction, unlike the S7
• Vs. Legacy Aeris—the Persona 9H goes deeper in bass compared to the Aeris
• Vs. Børresen Acoustics 01 Silver Supreme Edition Loudspeakers—the Persona 9H delivers bass that smaller speakers simply cannot
• Vs. Wilson Audio Alexia Series 2 Loudspeakers—the Persona 9H plays in big Wilson pools at half the price

Takeaway: The Paradigm Persona 9H is a high-performing loudspeaker that delivers excellent sound quality and strong bass, making music sound alive. Its advanced technology makes it a great choice for serious audiophiles.

Product Strengths

• Very pleasant and refined sound, exceptionally so in the midrange and treble
• Airy, detailed, and smooth highs without harshness or brightness
• Solid imaging and great soundstaging
• Excellent clarity and stress-free, yet detailed presentation
• Robust bottom octave performance
• Interface cables are not included

Product Considerations

• May need an amplifier with enough power to avoid constricted dynamics
• Slightly more mouth and throat than chest on some vocals

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Pearl 20/20 Graphene matches the Perspective2 Graphene, while taking the performance up a notch—especially in bass power and extension

Takeaway: The Pearl 20/20 Graphene is a high-end loudspeaker that offers a pleasant and refined listening experience with solid imaging and excellent clarity. It is a good choice for audiophiles looking for a detailed and engaging sound.

Product Strengths

• The Neolith features the largest electrostatic panel Martin Logan has ever produced, resulting in a detailed and three-dimensional soundstage
• It has a very clean and controlled bass response due to its hybrid design with a 12-inch front-firing woofer and 15-inch rear-firing woofer
• Adjustments for bass output and listening distance allow users to fine-tune the speaker's sound to their room
• The speakers 'disappear' in the room, and create holographic imaging, turning a listening room into a holodeck
• The Neolith offers a very neutral sound, able to reveal nuances in the music, and resolves details without being overbearing

Product Considerations

• The Neoliths are expensive, requiring a significant financial investment
• Due to their size (almost 75' tall and nearly 400 lbs) and design, these speakers need a medium to large room to perform at their best
• They require a powerful amplifier that is stable into low impedance loads
• The soundstage may suffer if the listener is seated far off-axis
• They are extremely heavy and difficult to move

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to Martin Logan ESL XLs and 13As, Neolith shares the same characteristics—but on a grander scale
• Compared to Focal Grande Utopia EM, GamuT Zodiac, or Sonus Faber Aida, none can match the Neolith in projecting sound stage

Takeaway: The MartinLogan Neolith is a high-end speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality and a wide soundstage. It is ideal for audiophiles who want a speaker that can reveal the finest details in their music.

Product Strengths

• The Nautilus speaker's design minimizes cabinet impact, ensuring that the drivers are the primary source of sound
• It features a four-way speaker design, seamlessly integrating drivers and cabinets
• The iconic design is in museums and graced magazine covers, and is still manufactured today
• Its unique shape is inspired by the Nautilus shell and incorporates tapered wave-guide pipes
• The seamless enclosure is made from a thick, glass-reinforced ABS compound with a high-gloss finish

Product Considerations

• The Nautilus is delicate to move around without damaging it, due to the lack of grilles and delicate drivers
• The speaker's drivers are matched to their crossover frequency, requiring modifications to the crossover when replacing a driver
• The lead time for manufacturing can be over 12 months

Takeaway: The Nautilus is a unique and iconic speaker that focuses on minimizing cabinet interference for optimal sound. Its design and continued production make it a worthwhile piece for dedicated audiophiles.

Product Strengths

• The KEF Muon has a design that maximizes audio performance and is visually appealing
• The speakers deliver a seamless midrange and full, open sound, with excellent bass and high-frequency extension
• The speaker's design provides both artwork and audio gear in one product
• The Muon is capable of neutral, tuneful, and emotive music reproduction across genres
• The speakers are agile and project vocals and detail into the room

Product Considerations

• The KEF Muon requires a large room to sound its best, with careful setup
• The speakers have a run-up period and sound better once warmed up, which may be related to the temperature of the aluminum cabinet
• Sibilance can be an issue with vocals
• Bass performance can be room-dependent, with a good room being essential
• The sweet spot for listening is less generous than some other high-end speakers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The KEF Muon is comparable to the Meridian DSP 8000 loudspeakers as a competitor
• The Muon has a broad and deep soundstage, but less generous with its hot seat than Quad ESLs

Takeaway: The KEF Muon offers incredible sound quality combined with a striking design, making it a unique statement piece for those who appreciate both art and high-end audio. It can bring out the best in music.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional transparency, revealing details in recordings that are often missed, offering an open window into the music
• Purity and coherence brings out the best in every recording, and is devoid of the usual loudspeaker distortions or colorations
• Commanding dynamic range, superior transient performance, and effortless power, akin to a great horn-loaded speaker—but without the shoutiness
• Fanatically well-damped cabinets appear to have banished self-noise, allowing the driver array to deliver protean scaling and dimensionality
• Incredible bass power, reach, articulation, tautness, and precision rivals the best top-tier performers

Product Considerations

• High-quality source and amplification is required to realize its full potential, which may expose weaknesses in the existing system
• Cable terminals at the bottom rear of the cabinet can be tricky to access when the speaker is placed against the wall
• Some may prefer a 'sweeter' sound from loudspeakers that have been tuned to flatter test tracks, the Moya is straight down the line neutral
• Large and heavy speakers can make them difficult to transport and install
• Careful component matching and setup is demanded to achieve optimal results

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Moya M1 boasts a more contoured radiation pattern of 180 degrees versus the Vivid Giya G1 Spirit's 270-degree radiation pattern

Takeaway: The Vivid Audio Moya M1 is a groundbreaking loudspeaker that offers unmatched transparency and effortless performance. It delivers a captivating and lifelike listening experience for those seeking the pinnacle of audio reproduction.

Product Strengths

• Upgradable from older Model 7 versions, representing long-term value for owners
• Features a 'CounterForce Bass' system with opposing woofers to minimize cabinet movement and improve clarity
• Offers extensive bass adjustments for room integration, including 11 trim pots for precise frequency adjustments
• Time-and-phase coherent design ensures that all drivers move in unison
• Provides a relaxed ease and warmth that fosters musical engagement

Product Considerations

• Sensitivity is relatively low at 85dB, requiring a powerful amplifier to achieve its full potential
• Requires careful rake angle adjustment for optimal performance
• Bi-wire capable, the mandatory HP-7 filter costs extra

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs KEF KC-62 subwoofer: Both use counter-opposing force woofers to stop cabinet movement

Takeaway: The Model Seven XTRM is a technologically innovative speaker designed for music lovers. It offers powerful bass, harmonic beauty, and exceptional tonal realism, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-fidelity audio experience.

Product Strengths

• Combines a fully active capability using iTron current drive amplification
• Uses the proven mid and treble drivers/horns from the Duo GT
• Offers the latest low-frequency control software
• Has two bass drivers per cabinet, driven by twice the bass amplification compared to the Duo GT
• Has a vertically disposed driver array, which is easier to work with than the Trio
• Has a full-range horn output

Product Considerations

• Sees a substantial increase in price, from €57,500 to €89,700
• The base cabinet has a larger frontal aspect, making it visually bigger than the Duo GT

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Duo GT: Has a wider base cabinet and is taller, making it visually larger, though its space demands are not dissimilar, and has two bass drivers per cabinet compared to the Duo GT's one, driven by twice the bass amplification
• Vs Trio: Is easier to accommodate and afford, and has a vertically disposed driver array, which is easier to work with than the Trio with its offset tweeter and displaced bass cabinets

Takeaway: The Avantgarde Mezzo combines high-quality components and advanced features, making it an appealing option for serious listeners looking for excellent sound. With its active amplification and user-friendly design, it offers a compelling listening experience.

Product Strengths

• A coherent, embodied musical presentation, that flows with unfettered lightness of music
• Radiates with concert hall-like balance and authority
• Brings impressive coherence over a wide bandwidth
• Delineates the timbre and tone of individual instruments, such as a violin within the mass orchestra
• Transparent and genre-less

Product Considerations

• May require dedicated listening spaces to host such a big speaker system
• Some may feel that horn speakers lack transparency and airiness
• The 'horn sound coloration' can happen when there are unresolved issues

Takeaway: The Master Horn is a complete system that delivers pristine emotional and musical reproduction that's soulful and engaging to listen to. For those interested in upper echelon horn speakers, the Master Horn is worthy of experiencing and hearing what is possible.

Product Strengths

• The M6 RIAA phono preamplifier delivers 'next level' performance
• The Audio Note (UK) M6 through M8 RIAA phono preamplifier product line, which includes the M6, features the use of passive CR RIAA equalization and no negative feedback (NFB)
• The M6 RIAA makes the music immensely present in the room
• Individual sound events are reproduced on a larger scale, not with razor-sharp definition, but surrounded by a kind of "energetically pulsating aura"
• Every sound was three-dimensional—each had an almost physical body, a spatial depth that was just as well defined toward the back

Product Considerations

• The M6 RIAA requires a bedding-in time of 100 hours to approach its full performance level
• The M6 RIAA phono preamplifier may not deliver easy listening sessions
• The open tubes of the M6 could pose a problem if you have children or pets
• The separate volume controls dedicated to each channel are rasterized, but would definitely be easier to use with a scale on the front panel

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The M6 RIAA attains its Level Four designation over the M3's Level Three designation, is in the materials and component quality of the circuit topology

Takeaway: The M6 RIAA phono preamplifier offers a 'next level' listening experience, bringing music to life with a three-dimensional sound. It is designed for those who value the emotional experience of music above all else.

Product Strengths

• The Lyra delivers a horn-like visceral immediacy with stunning dynamic performance, sounding alive in a way that other speakers do not.
• It is capable of conveying the subtlest nuance of texture and shading.
• Noise floor and distortion are reduced to infinitesimal levels.
• It is one of the finest full range floor standing dynamic driver loudspeakers, capable of effortless dynamics, thunderous bass, and the sweetest highs.
• The Lyra offers the highest resolution and lowest noise floor obtainable from a dynamic driver loudspeaker, combined with unsurpassed harmonic integrity and an effortless dynamic presentation.

Product Considerations

• At over 250 kgs each, moving these speakers is a team affair.
• The Lyra requires very clean sources and amplification to shine and is highly revealing of upstream components.
• Some specialized colors carry an additional charge.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Wilson Audio Alexx V—The Lyra compares well and is so good that it's hard-pressed to choose one.
• The Lyra's bass is faster, tighter, and more precise than Rockport Altair.

Takeaway: The Lyra provides an immersive and dynamic musical experience with exceptional clarity and detail. It is a great option for audiophiles who want top-tier sound and are looking for a speaker to be a final purchase.

Product Strengths

• Reproduces music superbly evenly, and profoundly at normal gain volume with exceptional sonic depth, uncongested horizontal and vertical expanse
• Unlocks the mysteries of music in all genres without strain, revealing passages that remain hidden even with speakers in higher price ranges
• Renders music effortlessly with detail, transparency, nuance, and realism, making it seem like listening to live music
• Impeccably crafted with stunning details and wood inlays
• Delivers organic timbre, tone, and color with authority, presenting vivid textures, a firm and focused bass, and crisp highs

Product Considerations

• Requires high-end audio gear to perform optimally
• Large and heavy (441 lbs each), making placement and setup a complex process

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Vimberg Tonda D: Are in a different class and a game changer compared to the reference Tonda D

Takeaway: The LM1 speakers are capable of reproducing music with exceptional quality and detail, creating an immersive and emotional listening experience that brings listeners closer to the music. They combine classic elements with modern sophistication, delivering exceptional sound and a timeless appearance.

Product Strengths

• Impressive soundstaging with notable depth to the audio imaging
• Excellent timing, thanks to its point source output
• Unique design using materials initially designed for the European space programme
• Perfectly linear sound response

Product Considerations

• Spherical design might not blend well with all room decors and could be considered visually obtrusive
• The price is very high

Takeaway: The Cabasse La Sphere is a monumental engineering achievement in speaker design, focused on sonic purity and accurate sound representation. It could be worth buying if you want speakers with great audio reproduction, sound staging, and stereo imaging.

Product Strengths

• Outstanding resolution, with only the Electa Amator MkI's treble being slightly superior
• Astonishing and well-differentiated bass range, offering a natural and interesting sound
• Easy integration within a listening room
• Aesthetically pleasing design, with the triple arch-shaped structure making it look less massive, and everything about them seeming well thought through and perfectly implemented and finished
• The designer achieved something seemingly impossible—they turned speakers into musical instruments

Product Considerations

• Subtle dryness in midrange
• Requires a stout amplifier, due to its impedance dropping to 3.2Ω at 70Hz
• Can be a substantial investment
• Benefit from careful room placement
• Speakers tend to accentuate specific elements not via higher precision—but rather slower decays

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Versus Hansen Prince v2, the Hansen Prince v2 has bass that had been extended even further and also had been more muscular, yet Serblin's speakers better differentiated the upper bass

Takeaway: The Franco Serblin Ktêma is a high-performing loudspeaker with a beautiful design and amazing sound. This speaker offers a very high level of sound quality.

Product Strengths

• Impressive sound quality with a huge soundstage, powerful dynamics, and the ability to bring out previously unheard nuances
• Effortless and controlled sound reproduction, even at high volumes, without distortion or harshness
• Reproduces vocals and instruments with remarkable realism and tonal accuracy, contributing to an authentic and emotional listening experience
• Well-defined bass reproduction, with a powerful and precise foundation that avoids boominess
• Visually striking industrial design using premium materials and a high level of craftsmanship

Product Considerations

• Requires a large room and a hefty bank account because of its size and price
• The weight of 148kg per speaker makes installation and repositioning a challenge, requiring specialized equipment and multiple people
• May require careful positioning and fine-tuning to achieve optimal homogeneity and plasticity in sound
• The soundstage, while generally excellent, may not be the 'last word in soundstaging' according to one review

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Sonus Faber Lilium, Focal Maestro Utopia EVO, and Magico M2—the Kore holds its own in the prestigious company of these comparable speakers

Takeaway: The DALI KORE speakers provide an extraordinary audio experience, with a detailed and realistic soundstage that performs well across various music genres. The KORE provides a sonic immersion that is both powerful and delicate—making you feel like you're in the front row of a live concert.

Product Strengths

• The Kodo projects substance and energy, creating a solid central musical presence, and can adapt in size and scale to the recording being played
• Gryphon's bottom end relies on attack and impact to impress
• The Kodo possesses remarkable low-frequency definition and transparency due to the kilowatt of power residing in each bass tower
• The philosophical elegance of the thinking behind the Kodo's conception and the mechanical integrity with which it has been realized makes this a speaker system that is more than capable of exploiting—as well as being exploited by—a whole range of electronic partners

Product Considerations

• The Kodo has a pervasive warmth to its acoustic that invests it with an inclusive sense of presence, but also limits its internal spatial separation
• With the Kodo's gigantic dynamic range and clean delivery, it's easy to forget just how loud you are listening
• The Gryphon speakers are seriously cable sensitive, and the best results are achieved using the company's own wires
• Installing a Kodo system demands that the towers break down into component parts, and the individual cabinet elements are heavy enough to make unpacking them quite a workout

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Kodo system is similar in warmth and weight to Rockport Arakis, but with a lot more energy
• While Wilson Alexxes with Thor's Hammers provide separate rows of instruments with depth and height, the Kodos offer a softer focus and more general orchestral spread

Takeaway: The Gryphon Kodo is a high-end speaker system that delivers music with real drive and purpose and boasts impressive low-frequency definition. It is a versatile speaker that offers excellent value.

Product Strengths

• ProAc K10 speakers provide a smoother, easier listening experience with no fatigue
• All aspects (highs, mids, lows) are spot on
• The bass is more controlled, but definitely not lacking

Product Considerations

• The soundstage is very precise and small, creating a 'sweet spot' where only one speaker can be heard when not sitting dead center
• One specific song, Kashmir, did not sound good with Naim electronics
• Positioning of the speakers may need adjustment to improve the soundstage

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Focal Maestro Utopia: The K10s don't struggle at low volume like the Focals, and are smoother, easier to listen to—without fatigue
• Vs ProAc K6: The K10s were just the right amount of speaker, whereas the K6's would not have been 'enough'

Takeaway: The ProAc K10 speakers offer a smooth and balanced listening experience. They are a great choice for those who want controlled bass and an enjoyable sound for long listening sessions.

Product Strengths

• Precise sound with high resolution and outstanding dynamics
• Versatile and natural sound across different music genres
• Creates a large soundstage with believable instrument images
• Lacks mediation between the listener and the sounds
• Effortless presentation of the music

Product Considerations

• Octave Jubilee preamplifier may be too lean
• The designer provided no remote and balance controls

Takeaway: The Octave Jubilee system is a precise amplifier that plays naturally, with great dynamics that do not impact the sound. This product can allow the listener to feel like the music is being created in front of them, and may be worth purchasing.

Product Strengths

• Unique design where form follows function, resulting in a contemporary and sleek aesthetic
• Incredibly tight, impactful, articulate, and controlled bass response with impressive dynamic power and clarity
• Seamless integration of midrange and tweeter via the M-Array, creating a virtual point source for maximum imaging and soundstage
• Exceptional clarity, transparency, and detail retrieval across the entire frequency spectrum
• Soundstage is incredibly wide, deep, accurate, and immersive with instruments placed precisely in a three-dimensional field

Product Considerations

• Significant power from amplifiers is required to perform optimally, with recommendations ranging from 200 to 1600 watts RMS
• The Hyphn is a large and heavy speaker, needing a decent-sized room and strong flooring
• Sensitivity is rated at 86 dB, which is considered low and necessitates high-power amplification

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Sonus Faber: Hyphn has a far more forward-sounding presentation compared to the more relaxed and recessed soundstage of Sonus Faber
• Vs JBL Everest DD67000: Hyphn's bass is not as 'huge' as some monster high-end speakers like JBL's Everest, but it is tighter and more tuneful

Takeaway: Monitor Audio's Hyphn is a state-of-the-art loudspeaker with a unique design, delivering exceptional clarity, deep bass, and a wide soundstage. If unrestrained performance and a forward-looking aesthetic are desired, the Hyphn is worth considering for an immersive listening experience.

Product Strengths

• The Grande Utopia EM features a uniquely shaped articulated enclosure which Focal calls Focus Time
• The speaker allows for fine-tuning the position of the tweeter relative to the midrange and bass drivers
• It has a series of jumpers for fine-tuning the speaker in situ
• The Grande's sub-bass woofer employs an electromagnetic motor system, whose separate power supply unit furthermore has six level-settings for balancing the overall performance to taste
• The company's 27mm IAL2—'infi nite acoustic loading'—inverted dome tweeter is mounted on a precision-machined metal sub-baffle, and the rear of the dome and its surround operate into free air behind, loaded by a tuned cavity

Product Considerations

• With certain music, the Grande Utopia EM can sound a little too sharp-edged, even 'stark'
• The frequency response is highly uneven, with errors of ±4.2dB (200Hz-20kHz)
• Pair matching over the same frequency range was poor at ±1.8dB, but the largest disparities were narrow-band between 5kHz and 6kHz—everywhere else the matching was to within ±1.0dB
• Cumulative decay waterfall reveals a series of modes above 3kHz, presumably from the mid drivers
• Focal claims a very high 94dB sensitivity for the Grande Utopia EM, but a measured pink noise result of 90.7dB suggests that this is around 3dB optimistic

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Grande Utopia EM overshadows the Wilson Alexandria XLF, and has a slightly larger footprint
• The Grande Utopia EM weighs only 20 kilos less than a Steinway Model O living-room grand
• It stands in comparison with the Wilson Alexandria XLF and Sonus Faber's Aida

Takeaway: The Focal Grande Utopia EM is a statement loudspeaker with an imposing presence and innovative design that allows for customized sound. With proper setup and high-quality source material, it can deliver a grand and immersive listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Very clean sound reproduction that is honest and true to the record
• Compatible with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges
• Sturdy and well-built
• The Fezz logo lights up when turned on, which is a classy power indicator
• Fezz Audio takes into account the qualities of vinyl when making this preamp

Product Considerations

• The power switch is located on the side, which some might not prefer aesthetically
• Larger than some other preamps

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to a generic, inexpensive preamp, the Gaia MM has a much cleaner sound with less noise and interference
• Compared to a Yamaha receiver, the Fezz unit does a good job of emulating that vintage solid-state sound, but in a cleaner way

Takeaway: The Gaia MM is a quality phono preamp that delivers clean and honest sound reproduction for vinyl records. It is a great next step up from entry-level preamps and a solid choice for vinyl enthusiasts.

Product Strengths

• Elegant shape, the complete opposite of the mammoth dimensions and mega cabinetry of many 'top of the range' models from other manufacturers
• The top enclosure can be moved vertically via remote control, allowing adjustment of the physical relationship and distance between the drivers to the listener's taste
• The lower bass section performed fantastically at realizing pitch and shape, yet still had that physical impact that is so much a part of experiencing music through speakers of this type
• The speakers shift the music out of the not-inconsiderable cabinets and into the room
• Disarmingly capable on this music, and their tonal balance is just about perfect

Product Considerations

• The speakers are large and weigh 250kg each, making them difficult to move

Takeaway: The Estelon Extreme speakers offer a musically expansive sound with elastic and agile low-end, that are elegant. They are all about communication, involvement, emotion, and about you—the listener—and the music you love.

Product Strengths

• Full-range speakers with studio monitor precision, extreme dynamic capabilities, fast reactions, and transient accuracy
• Modular construction allows optimization of each section—bass, midrange, and treble—for precise reproduction
• Excellent sound dispersion due to the geometric optimization of the aluminum baffle
• Integration of four compact woofers provides higher dynamic range and faster transient response
• Speakers project believable vertical images of interprets due to the height of the enclosures

Product Considerations

• The speakers are extremely truthful in an almost brutal way and do not promise to caress you with comfortable sound

Takeaway: The Dynaudio Evidence Master speakers provide a big sound with studio-like precision and are built to give extreme dynamic capabilities. If you value speed and accuracy when listening to music, these speakers could be a great option.

Product Strengths

• Fast and clean on the leading edges of transients, and more transparent and coherent overall
• Voices are reproduced with outstanding clarity, balance, presence, and naturalness
• Explodes dynamically without losing its composure, and stops on a dime—with no overhang

Product Considerations

• Doesn't go as deep as some large references

Takeaway: The Enigma MkII offers great clarity and coherence, making music sound very natural. It is easy to drive and can fill a room with sound without losing control, making it a great choice for enjoying all kinds of music.

Product Strengths

• Astonishing transient speed and dynamic agility, fostering the impression of removing a dynamic-compression filter between the listener and the music
• Resolves pitch, texture, and transient information in the bottom end in a revelatory way
• Strives to be a perfectly colorless, transparent window on the music, minimizing additive distortions
• Creates a sense of openness and transparency through the midrange and treble
• Incredibly stiff and well-damped cabinet, thin-walled, and quiet

Product Considerations

• Does not reproduce high-level, low-frequency impacts such as bass drum whacks on some orchestral recordings
• Bass presentation is not the last word in muscularity, power, weight, or room pressurization
• Overall tonal balance leans toward the light side, with a slightly greater emphasis on upper harmonics rather than on fundamentals and lower harmonics
• Can be too revealing of flaws in recordings and may require careful system matching

Takeaway: The Wilson Benesch Eminence is designed to convey music's dynamic expression, rhythmic flow, and timing with unparalleled accuracy. It reveals new levels of detail in familiar recordings, offering a transparent window into the original performance.

Product Strengths

• Unmatched sound quality and clarity across all frequencies
• Perfect time and phase coherence for a lifelike soundstage
• State-of-the-art diamond and ceramic driver technology
• Exceptional build quality with premium materials

Product Considerations

• Significant investment required
• Requires a large listening space to truly shine
• Demands high-quality amplification and source components

Takeaway: The Marten Coltrane Supreme 2 MK2 is a top-of-the-line speaker that delivers an exceptional and realistic listening experience. It is a good choice for audiophiles looking to create a professional-grade listening room.

Product Strengths

• Effortless, open and highly dynamic sound
• Can be positioned close to the rear wall due to its infinite baffle design
• Modern drive units, build and engineering

Product Considerations

• Large and heavy cabinet (55kg) requiring careful handling
• Cabinet features relatively thin side panels designed to flex slightly, which adds coloration to the sound

Takeaway: The Spendor 200Ti combines old-school design with modern technology, resulting in a distinctive and dynamic sound. Its unique design allows for flexible placement, making it a worthwhile consideration for enthusiasts.

Product Strengths

• The Credo Cinema LTM loudspeakers energize the room in a unique manner, producing a direct coupling that makes listening feel like listening through really big headphones
• The Cinema LTM delivers very deep bass that is articulate and bloat- and boom-free
• The system offers an effortless quality to music reproduction combined with real raw power
• The system provides clear clarity, unrestrained startling dynamics, and completely controlled bass response
• The system presents sonic minutiae with 3-dimensional voice
• Connectivity options

Product Considerations

• The system's clarity can make poorly recorded music sound worse
• The initial presentation can feel 'in your face' until the listener becomes accustomed to it

Takeaway: The Cinema LTM system offers engaging listening, and the ability to hear music's nuances. This system allows for a complete connection to music, converting the listening space into a musical landscape.

Product Strengths

• Highly effective and comprehensive sound adjustment controls for mids, presence, and highs, allowing for customization to different rooms, amplifier characteristics, and personal taste
• Bass is fast, full, detailed, impactful, accurate, and uncolored, combining detail with a fun factor
• Treble is smooth, delicate, and detailed, free of glare or edginess, integrated well with the overall sound
• Low coloration cabinet is achieved through multiple layers of MDF with dampening material that reduces internal vibration
• Sonic bubble is created with a clear and open soundstage, where the sound fills the space around the listener

Product Considerations

• Aesthetically, the design divided opinions, with some finding them unconventional

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs PIEGA Coax 511: Treble is not as crisp but more effortless and natural
• Vs Harbeth speakers: Harbeths create a bigger soundstage, speakers are more realistic

Takeaway: The Think Team Borg speakers are high-quality speakers that offer a fantastic sound experience. They provide a lot of control for tailoring the sound to your room and preferences.

Product Strengths

• Stunning elegance and can be customized in a wide range of colors, materials, and textures, making it suitable for elegant homes
• Incorporates advanced and unusual technologies, including the ability to rotate the speaker around its fixed base and change the driver configuration ('Live' and 'Pure' modes)
• Delivers generous bass with deep extension and the ability to play loudly without strain
• Offers a smooth and liquid rendering of timbre that starts in the midrange and extends all the way to the silky top end, allowing for long listening sessions without fatigue
• Offers selectable driver array and easily adjustable toe-in, making it adaptable to a wide range of environments and listening tastes

Product Considerations

• Each speaker weighs nearly a thousand pounds
• It will perform its best in a fairly large room that can handle strong low-bass energy
• It's a very expensive pair of loudspeakers

Takeaway: The Burmester BC350 provides an elegant design with customizable features and unique technologies. The speaker offers a smooth and adaptable sound that ensures an enjoyable listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Experienced a 'wall of sound' from the speakers
• These speakers do not need room treatment

Product Considerations

• Extremely well-built, resulting in a thousand-pound shipping weight
• Speakers purchased at Audium come with a service, where if the buyer has issues, someone will fly to the buyer's home and fix them

Takeaway: The Audium speakers offer a phenomenal sound experience without needing extra sound treatment in the room. The build is solid, and the company will even fly to the buyer's house to fix them.

Product Strengths

• Seeks to outperform other 'flat men' and appeal to those who previously preferred commercially available direct radiators
• Promised filigreed resolution and blazing dynamics
• Most of the mechanical construction, including the separate crossover box, is aluminum

Product Considerations

• Compared to an 87dB Wilson Audio SabrinaX, the in-room value might be lower
• Magnetostats often function as open-backed dipoles whose rear emissions are 180° out of phase with the frontal direct sound

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Wilson Audio SabrinaX: The ATS01 might require more power for equivalent SPL

Takeaway: The Airtech ATS01 aims to provide filigreed resolution and dynamics. It seeks to appeal to those who prefer traditional speakers.

Product Strengths

• Casts a vast, life-like soundstage with intricate pinpoint accuracy in the imaging
• Refines Alta Audio's signature natural live sound with warmth, intimacy, and clarity
• Displays spectacular imaging within an enormous, complex sound stage
• Has powerful, yet tight and controlled bass
• Gorgeous in Piano Black and bold-looking

Product Considerations

• Minimal changes in positioning can lead to significant changes in the soundstage and imaging

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Alta Audio Adam—Aphrodite has a much tighter and more controlled bass

Takeaway: The Aphrodite speakers bring Alta Audio to a new height with spectacular imaging and a refined, natural sound. They are a must-hear for those seeking a truly immersive listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Claimed to be 109dB sensitive
• Speakers were drawing in listeners
• Pleasing midrange

Product Considerations

• Very expensive loudspeakers
• Reviewer had to visit the room twice before being able to enter

Takeaway: The TuneAudio Anima speakers seem to be attention-grabbing due to their design and the sound they produce. As part of a high-end system, the Anima speakers appear to offer a very good midrange response.