Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Deep, strong, and powerful bass conveys music on a scale that may not be expected
- Excellent musical communicator with a relatively clean and open midband, and a surprisingly polished treble for its price
- Well-rounded sound with perfect tonal balance and the ability to create perfectly stable and three-dimensional sound sources with great tonal differentiation
- Delivers on quality while being easy to drive from even moderately powered amps due to its impressive sensitivity
Product Considerations
- May require a medium to large room to avoid overpowering smaller environments
- The snappy character of the ceramic/aluminum drivers needs sympathetic amp matching, as it is best not partnered with a brighter-balanced transistor amplifier
- There is some cabinet coloration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins' 603 S2 Anniversary Edition, B&W is a more 'grown-up' sounding speaker in that it's more discreet, controlled, measured, and refined
Takeaway: The AE320 is a well-designed and well-made speaker that sounds warm, open, and cohesive across the frequency range. It offers great value for its price and is ideal for those looking for a floorstanding speaker with excellent detail and impact.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Acoustic Energy 100 Series
- Positioning: The entry-level range, designed to offer high-quality sound at an affordable price.
- Description: Features a 130mm mid-bass driver with a long throw motor system for high sound pressure levels. Compared to the 300 Series, it uses HDF construction for thinner cabinet walls, providing deeper bass without increasing size, making it ideal for small to medium rooms with budget constraints.
Acoustic Energy 300 Series
- Positioning: A mid-range offering, providing a step up in performance and design from the 100 Series.
- Description: Features new paper/coconut-fibre drivers and soft dome tweeter, offering a warm and natural sound. Unlike the 100 Series, it uses RSC cabinets for reduced cabinet radiation.
Acoustic Energy AE1 Active
- Positioning: A high-performance, self-powered speaker designed for convenience and superior sound quality.
- Description: Features integrated Class A/B amplification and ceramic aluminium cone technology, providing exceptional stiffness and low weight. Unlike passive models in the 100 and 300 Series, it offers direct connection to DACs and preamps.
Acoustic Energy 500 Series
- Positioning: The flagship range, offering the highest level of performance and design.
- Description: Features carbon fibre tweeters and mid/bass drivers for a smoother, more transparent sound, surpassing the 300 Series in clarity and detail. Its RSC cabinets and advanced driver technology deliver premium sound for larger spaces.
Acoustic Energy Corinium
- Positioning: A premium, bespoke offering, representing the pinnacle of Acoustic Energy's design and engineering.
- Description: Distinguished by its refined design and exquisite cabinet finish, incorporating advanced drivers and crossovers. Unlike the 500 Series, it is tailored for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and performance.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
AE320
images
No items found.
Manufacturer's notes
The AE320 is a new slim-line floor-standing loudspeaker with compact dimensions, suitable for medium to large sized rooms.
The AE320 is a new slim-line floor-standing loudspeaker with compact dimensions, suitable for medium to large sized rooms. The AE320 uses three latest generation 130mm mid-bass drive units. Featuring the brand new ceramic aluminium sandwich cone, that was especially developed for the 300 Series, with an ultra-shallow profile and ultra-high force, long throw motor system, this new driver boasts improved dispersion, extended bass slam and overall power handling.
The 28mm aluminium tweeter offers high power handling and a low fundamental resonance to reduce distortion. However, the main benefit to this new design is the excellent dispersion characteristics thanks to our Wide Dispersion Technology waveguides. The waveguides shape the acoustic output of the tweeter to match the woofer and provide a wider sweet-spot in your listening environment.
The inert, 18mm high density MDF cabinet utilises proprietary bracing technology derived from the award-winning Reference Series, to reduce cabinet colouration and allow the new transducers to breath freely within the listening environment. The slot shaped duct port on the rear of the speaker augments the bass output and has been carefully developed to reduce the effect of air turbulence with a clean, undistorted bass performance.
The base of the cabinet is pre-loaded with an inert mass material which adds damping and reduces cabinet colo...
The 28mm aluminium tweeter offers high power handling and a low fundamental resonance to reduce distortion. However, the main benefit to this new design is the excellent dispersion characteristics thanks to our Wide Dispersion Technology waveguides. The waveguides shape the acoustic output of the tweeter to match the woofer and provide a wider sweet-spot in your listening environment.
The inert, 18mm high density MDF cabinet utilises proprietary bracing technology derived from the award-winning Reference Series, to reduce cabinet colouration and allow the new transducers to breath freely within the listening environment. The slot shaped duct port on the rear of the speaker augments the bass output and has been carefully developed to reduce the effect of air turbulence with a clean, undistorted bass performance.
The base of the cabinet is pre-loaded with an inert mass material which adds damping and reduces cabinet colo...
Manufacturer Specs
- Drive Unit: 130mm ceramic aluminium sandwich cone
- Tweeter: 28mm dome
- Frequency Range: 35Hz – 30kHz
- Sensitivity: 90dB
- Peak SPL: 116dB
- Power Handling: 200w
- Crossover Frequency: 380Hz / 3.4kHz
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Design: 3 way
- Grilles: Slim, cloth magnetic fit
- Dimensions (mm): 1000 x 175 x 320 (HxWxD, exc. spikes)
- Spike Thread Size: M8
- Weight: 26kg (each)
- Finishes: Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black and Real Walnut wood veneer
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Average Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used Products
12
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
57
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
17
Founded
1987
Our take on the brand
Acoustic Energy is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique 3.5-way Corinium design that separates bass drivers from midrange and tweeter, creating sound similar to a standmount speaker with a bass module. Their speakers feature distinctive materials like coconut husk-paper blend drivers and carbon fiber domes, along with specialized cabinet designs using inert mass damping to reduce coloration and enhance clarity.
Brand Page
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Acoustic Energy
What if you spend a bit more?
LS60 Wireless
5499
5499
/
19
Reviews
KEF
Bring the track spirit into your home with LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition, created in partnership with and inspired by the British Racing Green of the iconic brand.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking, sleek, and modern design that complements modern interiors
- Incorporates KEF's Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for neutral, open, detailed sound, reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter
- Includes Uni-Core force-canceling woofers that reduce cabinet vibrations, contributing to balanced and detailed bass
- The KEF Connect app allows for adjustments to fit the listening environment
- Offers high connectivity and is a true stand-alone system
Product Considerations
- Bass can be a bit too much out of the box, requiring adjustments via the app or placement considerations
- Not well-suited for those who have many signal sources to connect to
- Some reviewers found the bass lacked definition in the upper bass, with unclear instrument placement, even after adjusting EQ settings
- The included remote control is considered basic or cheap
- Mandatory online registration and administrator-level internet connection requirements for the app may be a drawback for privacy-conscious users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, the LS60 Wireless can achieve similar sound quality with adjustments, at a lower price point, although the Beolab 28 sounds 'more right' straight out of the factory
- Compared to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the LS60 Wireless is preferred stylistically, achieves near full-range playback, and has a more slim design, although it costs more and also provides much deeper bass
- Compared to the Q Acoustics Active 400 Towers, the LS60 Wireless has no issues with products not working
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless are stylish, all-in-one speakers that deliver a balanced, detailed sound with advanced technology. They are a convenient, high-performing solution for those seeking a streamlined audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Visit our
LS60 Wireless
page
Product Page
703 S3
5999
5999
/
11
Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superb design and build quality.
- Articulate sound, especially in the upper midrange and treble regions.
- Very good imaging, with strong definition and delineation between instruments and performers.
- Vivid and clear midrange, revealing subtle details in recordings.
- Transparency ensures more of the music is heard as it was intended.
Product Considerations
- A capable amplifier is needed due to impedance dips to 3.1 ohms.
- Not a bass-heavy speaker.
- The tweeter can become too much if listening to poorly recorded music or at very high volumes.
- The bass can sound a bit thin, depending on room size and personal preference.
- Can sound a little bit cool when playing certain types of music.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF R11 Meta—KEFs presented more physical scale with respect to soundstage, with even greater width.
- Vs Polk R700 and Klipsch RP8000F Mk2—Not better than the B&Ws, but aren't embarrassed by them either.
- Vs B&W 805 D IV—In one listening room, the 703 is nearly as good.
- Zoo sound a little bit warmer.
Takeaway: The 703 S3 makes listening engaging and fun, with dynamic sound suitable for both music and movies. It brings clarity to vocals, especially at lower volumes, making it great for late-night listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Visit our
703 S3
page
Product Page
702 S3
6999
6999
/
9
Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Trickle-down technology from the 800 series narrows the gap with higher-end models
- Improved clarity of details, accuracy, and soundstage width compared to previous 702 models
- Clean and articulate bass is often attributed to the downward-firing port and plinth arrangement
- Excellent imaging and soundfield, with impressive width and height
- Delivers high definition and low coloration, offering a taste of the 800 Series experience
Product Considerations
- Careful positioning is required to achieve optimal tonal balance and musicality
- A reasonably powerful amplifier (minimum 75W recommended) is needed to perform at its best
- May not be a great match for valve amplifiers, preferring solid-state options
- The satin black MDF plinths are integral and require additional floor space
- Difficult to move around due to their weight (over 40 kg each) and lack of handholds
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the 702 S2 and 702 Signature, the S3 has improved clarity, accuracy, and soundstage width
- Compared to the Focal Aria 936 K2, the reviewer prefers the aesthetics of the 702 S3
Takeaway: The 702 S3 is a well-built loudspeaker offering a significant upgrade in sound quality. Trickle-down technology gives a taste of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship series at a more affordable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Visit our
702 S3
page
Product Page
LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition
6599
6599
/
9
Reviews
KEF
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality, with reviews noting neutral and balanced sound, meticulous detail retrieval, and delicate micro-dynamics
- Good imaging and soundstage, with the ability to create a wide and immersive soundstage with precise imaging
- Sleek design, with their elegance and ability to complement modern interiors
- Powerful and well-controlled bass, thanks to the Uni-Core driver technology
- Wide array of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, RCA, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Qobuz
Product Considerations
- Relatively expensive compared to other active speaker systems
- Some reviewers noted occasional signal dropouts between the primary and secondary speakers when connected wirelessly
- The KEF Connect app is essential for full functionality and optimal setup, which may not appeal to users who prefer physical controls
- Bass output can be sensitive to room placement and may require adjustments to avoid boominess
- Connecting multiple external devices can result in significant cable clutter, despite being marketed as wireless
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28: The LS60 offers comparable performance at roughly half the price, though the Beolab 28 is noted as sounding better out-of-the-box without EQ
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II: The LS60 offers improved performance and near full-range playback, but at a higher price, the LS50 Wireless II offers similar clarity with a slightly warmer sound
- Vs Klipsch Forte 4: The LS60 is more suited for home theater use and surface more detail
- Vs Q Acoustics Q Active 400 Towers, Dali Oberon 7C Wireless, and Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duos: The LS60 is considered a better, more refined and adjustable package
- Vs Hegel H190 & KEF LS50 Meta with KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 communicates the forward force of music better and has features such as Tidal Connect and room EQ
- Vs Lindemann TD-AI1120, KEF LS50 Meta & KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 cannot be matched in scale and effortless dynamics
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless is a fantastic, all-in-one speaker system that sounds great and looks stylish. They are easy to set up and use, and will fill a room with music for years to come.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Visit our
LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
T66
3450
/
Released
2024
GoldenEar
The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar's new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else.
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
- Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
- High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
- A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
- The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal
Product Considerations
- Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
- The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
- Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
- Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations
Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.
Video review
Our take on the brand
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
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T66
Page
Product Page
Lumina V
2999
/
Released
2021
Sonus Faber
Lumina V is the flagship three-way floor standing model in the collection. A slender speaker with high-power handling and fast transient response, Lumina V produces a natural, generous, and emotional sound for an immersive listening experience.
Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Elegant design with a combination of wood and leather that gives a classy appearance
- Impressive bass output, with some reviewers noting deep and tuneful bass
- The midrange is articulate and expressive, delivering vocals with palpability and detail
- Smooth and detailed high-end reproduction, thanks to the Damped Apex Dome (DAD) tweeter
- Relatively easy to drive with a sensitivity of 89-90dB
Product Considerations
- Requires careful placement to achieve the best balance, especially regarding toe-in
- The bass can sometimes be perceived as boomy depending on the room acoustics
- Some reviewers mention the included binding posts are cheap
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Q Acoustics Concept 50, the Lumina V has a more live sound, but the Concept 50 is more neutral, and more inert
- Compared to the Polk R700, the Lumina V is sonically similar to the R700, but with slightly less bass and a smaller cabinet—with better aesthetics; the R700 is more full range and warmer
- Compared to the Spendor A4 or ProAc Response DT8, the Lumina V is not as precise, but offers a natural sonic grace
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Lumina V is an elegant speaker that delivers detailed sound and impressive bass. It is a great option if you want speakers that look as good as they sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
Visit
Lumina V
Page
Product Page
R7t
4995
/
Released
2022
Perlisten
You wanted a flagship R-Series to fill larger rooms based on the trickle-down technology from the S-Series. The second-best two-channel system in our line-up still rivals most competitor's flagship. Employing the same DPC array and long-excursion woofers for extremely low distortion and our beam forming controlled directivity down to 500Hz make this a full-range masterpiece only rivaled by our own award-winning S7t.
Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkably coherent and balanced sound profile, resulting from well-engineered and matched drivers and cabinet
- An uncanny ability to 'disappear' in the listening room
- The DPC array design contributes to a wide horizontal dispersion, allowing a broader sweet spot for multiple listeners
- Accurate sound reproduction and neutral enough for studio use
- A high level of dynamic ability, good low-end control, and a cavernous soundstage
Product Considerations
- Only available in gloss black and gloss white finishes, which might not suit all tastes or home décor
- The price point is a significant investment, placing it beyond the reach of many
- Some reviewers noted a mild treble roll-off, or smooth character that was overly kind on poor recordings and might lack the sparkle and excitement some listeners prefer
- Setting up requires assistance, due to the weight
- The lower bass extension may not satisfy deep bass enthusiasts, with extension starting to drop below 40Hz
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Perlisten S7t, the S7t offers more overall weight, bottom-end reach, resolution, and dynamic speed, but the R7t shines brightly on its own
- Compared to the EgglestonWorks Oso, the Oso presented a more muscular version of the music with more bottom end oomph, while the R7t conveyed music's finer points with more apparent resolution
- Compared to the KEF Reference 3, the KEF may yield deeper bass extension due to greater cabinet volume, and the scale of the soundstage may also be improved, but the Perlisten offers a superior disappearing act
Takeaway: The Perlisten R7t are well-built speakers that provide a detailed and immersive listening experience, with their advanced design and unique driver array creating a spacious soundstage. Their cutting-edge design creates a great listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
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R7t
Page
Product Page
Esprit 40th - Antal 40th
4000
/
Released
2023
Triangle
Antal and Comète are two emblematic models of the brand. They reflect the philosophy of the company: making sound accessible to the widest variety of customers possible through simple processes designed to foster emotion. The Antal 40th floorstander features a new rose gold anodized magnesium dome tweeter, offering high efficiency and controlled distortion.
Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent midrange imaging and naturalness, described as smooth and stunning
- Smooth treble with a timbre and natural decay that allows for hours of listening without fatigue
- Expansive soundstaging with good imaging, height, and depth
- Stellar overall balance makes it an outstanding performer
- Beautiful wood veneer with high polish lacquer and attention to detail in construction
Product Considerations
- Bass will not reach subterranean levels, a subwoofer may be required for strong bass enthusiasts
- Speakers may benefit from more power
- "Messy music" (genres with rawness or grime) may not be conveyed as well, as the speaker can be a little polite
- Excellent clarity was brilliantly showcased by Ray Gelato's Basin Street Blues, beautifully recorded on the Linn label, which may not appeal to all audiences
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the standard Antal Ez, the 40th Anniversary edition uses a lighter—more rigid anodized-magnesium tweeter for higher efficiency, lower distortion, and better directivity
Takeaway: The Triangle Antal 40th Anniversary is a well-balanced and beautiful loudspeaker with a stunning midrange that provides a musical and engaging listening experience. Its clarity, expansive soundstage, and beautiful design make it a great addition to any audiophile's setup
Video review
Our take on the brand
Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
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Esprit 40th - Antal 40th
Page
Product Page
Revela 2
4495
/
Released
2023
QUAD HIFI
A floor-standing speaker incorporating twin 6.5″ woofers and a 6″ midrange mounted on a rigid die-cast chassis; this combination delivers a rich, controlled bass output with superb dynamic performance. QUAD's Director of Acoustics, Peter Comeau, has furthered his ground-breaking engineering work in further developing this Ribbon HF with over four years of research to bring a new level of musical delicacy, smoothness and 'hear-through' performance, thus revealing beautiful details of your music collection with a truly breath-taking performance.
Quad Hifi is renowned for its legendary electrostatic loudspeakers, first introduced with the ESL-57 in 1957, which are celebrated by audiophiles for their exceptional clarity and detail. The brand's groundbreaking 33 preamplifier and 303 power amplifier from the 1960s were among the first to successfully use solid-state technology with a unique "tilt" tone control that adjusts frequency response around a central point, rather than conventional bass and treble adjustments.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality.
- True Ribbon tweeter provides excellent, clean resolution in the high frequencies.
- Delivers a coherent, dynamic, and room-filling sound with low coloration, offering a rich and rounded sound suitable for long listening sessions.
- Powerful and satisfying bass.
- Creates an exquisite 3-D soundstage and provides spot-on imaging.
Product Considerations
- Careful setup, including toe-in and vertical tilt, is crucial to avoid excessive high-frequency energy and to optimize imaging.
- Less forgiving of poorly recorded music.
- Presence and treble can be a touch restrained.
- Hip-hop may sound too bass-heavy.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Improves upon the S-5 with a cleaner midrange, better imaging, presence, and superior bass performance.
Takeaway: The Quad Revela 2 combines elegant aesthetics with a balanced and enjoyable sound, making it suitable for listeners seeking a well-rounded speaker. With a focus on clean resolution and powerful bass, it offers an immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Quad Hifi is renowned for its legendary electrostatic loudspeakers, first introduced with the ESL-57 in 1957, which are celebrated by audiophiles for their exceptional clarity and detail. The brand's groundbreaking 33 preamplifier and 303 power amplifier from the 1960s were among the first to successfully use solid-state technology with a unique "tilt" tone control that adjusts frequency response around a central point, rather than conventional bass and treble adjustments.
Visit
Revela 2
Page
Product Page
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Deep, strong, and powerful bass conveys music on a scale that may not be expected
- Excellent musical communicator with a relatively clean and open midband, and a surprisingly polished treble for its price
- Well-rounded sound with perfect tonal balance and the ability to create perfectly stable and three-dimensional sound sources with great tonal differentiation
- Delivers on quality while being easy to drive from even moderately powered amps due to its impressive sensitivity
Product Considerations
- May require a medium to large room to avoid overpowering smaller environments
- The snappy character of the ceramic/aluminum drivers needs sympathetic amp matching, as it is best not partnered with a brighter-balanced transistor amplifier
- There is some cabinet coloration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins' 603 S2 Anniversary Edition, B&W is a more 'grown-up' sounding speaker in that it's more discreet, controlled, measured, and refined
Takeaway: The AE320 is a well-designed and well-made speaker that sounds warm, open, and cohesive across the frequency range. It offers great value for its price and is ideal for those looking for a floorstanding speaker with excellent detail and impact.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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