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
- Excellent fit, finish, and build quality with high attention to detail and use of HDF instead of MDF
- Neutral presentation in the midrange conveys sounds correctly
- Good handoff between the tweeter and the midwoofer
- Clarity, effortlessness, and staging qualities
- Sound can move seamlessly from left, center to right
Product Considerations
- The soundstage is rather narrow, and benefits from toe-out
- A subwoofer is needed as it rolls off at around 80Hz
- It can sound a bit bright, depending on the angle of the speaker
- It should not sit above the tweeter
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta, the 1723 stages much larger, wider, deeper, and substantially taller, the 1723 can play louder
- Vs CSS Crichton 1 TD-X, the Arendal 1723 has more clarity, and is more on the forward side of neutral
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 600 series, Arendal Speakers are a big step up in terms of overall build quality, construction, and finishes
- Vs Monitor Audio Gold 100, the Arendels are the improvers in pretty much every respect other than lowest bass performance
- Vs PMC 2521i, it is not in the same league, but that's not surprising given the price difference
Takeaway: The Arendal 1723 is a high-quality speaker with a neutral sound that makes music and movies sound great. Its impressive build and clear sound make it a great choice for a serious listener.
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.
1723 S Series
- Positioning: Compact line designed for smaller spaces while maintaining high performance.
- Description: Offers a compact design with the same high-quality components as the larger 1723 Series, featuring a 6.5" driver instead of the 8" found in the full-size models. This makes it ideal for those with limited space who still want powerful sound, without compromising on the clarity and detail that the 1723 Series is known for. It provides a cost-effective solution for those who want to mix and match with the larger 1723 models, ensuring seamless integration and consistent sound quality.
1723 Series
- Positioning: High-performance line for serious hi-fi and home theater setups.
- Description: Built with custom components and high-density fiberboard cabinets, offering superior sound quality and durability. It features larger 8" drivers, providing a richer and more expansive soundstage compared to the 1723 S Series. This series includes THX certification ensuring top-notch audio fidelity.
1528 Series
- Positioning: Flagship line representing the pinnacle of Arendal Sound's engineering and design.
- Description: Crafted with advanced materials like a 28mm lithium-magnesium tweeter and a custom Carbon-Graphene midrange driver, delivering exceptional clarity and depth. It surpasses the 1723 Series in both build and sound quality, making it ideal for audiophiles who demand the best in both music and home cinema.
Read the reviews
1723 Bookshelf S THX
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Manufacturer's notes
- Design: 2-way
- Dimensions (H/W/D): 38.5 x 24.5 x 32 cm (15.2 x 9.6 x 12.6 in)
- Weight: 14.5 kg (32 lbs)
- Enclosure: Sealed
- Break-in for optimal performance: 50 hours
- Recommended amplifier: Up to 250W RMS @ 4ohm
- Tweeter: 28mm
- Woofer: 6.5"
- Frequency response Sealed: 65Hz-20kHz (-6dB)
- Impedance: 4-ohm nominal
- Crossover frequency: 1500Hz
- Sensitivity: 84dB / 2.83V / 1m
Our take on the brand
Used
Arendal Sound
What if you spend a bit more?
I am the overperforming little guy who will demand your respect after your first audition. I can be a serious 2 channel system with a subwoofer, an LCR, or a surround channel. Effortless dynamics and lightspeed transients remain the common thread of all Signature series speakers including the S4b. A bookshelf with this much technology is hard to find and can literally be the Ninja of any system. Bookshelf, main for a 2.1 system, LCR, Dominus Surround, it can transform into anything you need.
Features including our proprietary DPC-Array controlling Mid/High frequencies and centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes. All transducers are developed ground up by our engineers bringing decades of research and culminating in this world class design. All S-Series speakers share the same DPC-Array and benefit from our unique timbre matching technique across the entire series utilizing Beryllium and our advanced Carbon fiber.
These speakers are an acoustic suspension to meet the demands of any listening room with unparalleled dynamic range and musical finesse. Very impressive system alone or when combined with a PERLISTEN subwoofer. Great for use in 2.1 systems or any channel of theater system utilizing subwoofers. Can be used as surround, height or LCR. Bookshelf, stand or on-wall mounting with keyhole or available bracket.
Featuring our DPC-Array as for controlling Mid/High frequencies, centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes. This new tweeter/waveguide DPC-Array delivers amazing accuracy, smoothness, and directivity control to handle the critical vocal range and delicate treble. The S4b shares the same DPC-Array and benefits from our unique timbre matching technique as found in the entire S-Series range of speakers. Unparalleled dynamic range, low distortion and musical finesse. The PERLISTEN S4b continues the lineup of speakers that have the distinguished honor to be the world's first and only loudspeakers to be certified for THX Dominus – their highest rating.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solidly built with an inert cabinet, contributing to overall performance
- Crazy linear/neutral sound from about 100Hz upwards
- The beryllium tweeter provides nuanced, airy, and extended highs with a hint of shimmer for realistic metallic instruments
- It creates a three-dimensional soundstage, making the speakers disappear sonically
Product Considerations
- It does not have a great deal of bass on its own and may require a subwoofer for full-range playback, starting its roll-off at around 100Hz
- While placement is flexible, a solid amplifier is required
- The styling might be an acquired taste and could be considered overcomplicated by some
- The high gloss finishes may not appear different from less expensive speakers, making it harder to justify the luxury price tag
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4: The S4B is more neutral/accurate, while the 805 D4 adds bass and treble energy
- Vs Focal Canta No. 1: The S4B outperforms the Canta No. 1, which has chestiness in its bass and midrange due to its cabinet
- Vs Revel Studio 2: The S4B reminded the reviewer of the Revel Studio 2, though the Revels had more bass
- Vs Focal Diablo Utopia: The Perlisten are a great alternative if the Utopias are outside of your reach and are a more neutral and less bright speaker
- Vs EgglestonWorks Nico Evo: The EgglestonWorks presentation is a little more mid-forward and less 3D than the Perlisten
Takeaway: The Perlisten S4b is a high-performing speaker that offers excellent clarity and a neutral sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts alike. The speaker's ability to create a detailed and immersive soundstage can bring music and movies to life.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Many customers asked for a smaller speaker, so the development group created a smaller baby EPOS. This speaker should be a real bookshelf with a size small enough to go into typical IKEA designs for example. But how to make it? Smaller speakers are especially giving the designer some severe headaches. This has something to do with the size of the front baffle and the small baffle’s influence on a speaker’s response curve. A design for free space should be different from one that plays close to a wall or inside a bookshelf. In order to work in a semi-free space (some distance from a wall) and on a wall, the crossover filter can be changed with a switch on the backside of the speaker. Now, you are free to choose the place of your speakers without making compromises in tonal balance.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent separation within the soundstage conveys a lifelike image
- A switch on the rear changes the crossover to suit different speaker placements—optimizing the speaker for on-wall or free-standing positions
- Overwhelming, tight, dry, and dynamic bass with a detailed and room-filling soundstage
- A well-made compact speaker with high efficiency, especially on the shelf
- Lively and realistic music rendering creates an authentic listening experience
Product Considerations
- While the ES-7N looks neat, it isn't particularly luxurious in appearance
- Placement needs to be considered because of the speaker's asymmetrical design
- The manual provides a suggestion for the placement of the tweeter
- Clarity and precision of sound and stereo imaging are slightly diminished if not placed optimally
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Neat Petite Classic: It is good enough to make the Neat sound a little blurred and soft
- Vs Dynaudio Heritage Special: Epos' mids were wonderfully fine and tidy, while the Dynaudio had richer bass and more generous spatial imaging—the Epos seemed more lively and multi-faceted
- Vs BBC LS 3/5a: The 7N was much more balanced and precise in the bass with lively reproduction and higher dynamics
- Vs KEF LS50: They sound much more open and dynamic, even 'bigger', especially at low volume
Takeaway: The ES-7N is a small but capable speaker that is flexible in its placement options. If a speaker that sounds good in different spaces is desired, the ES-7N could be a good choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The R-series Monitor is a culmination of S-series patented technology with materials developed from the ground up in every part of the design just like it's big brothers. The R5m is a true Chameleon with enough bass extension to offer an amazing 2 channel experience, the heart of a reference level 2.1 system, the LCR for a home theater, or surrounds in that monster R-series System. The option for a fully vented full range experience or a sealed enclosure, help transform this speaker to adapt to any system.
Designed to be mounted on optional stand, or mounted to a wall with our tilt swivel bracket. Sharing "trickle-down" technology from our flagship S-Series, the DPC-Array here based on three 26mm domes, guarantees excellent directivity control and timbre matching with all R-Series speakers. The Silk diaphragms developed ground up, chosen specifically their smooth, effortless representation of midrange and treble.
The 165mm woofers are made from our proprietary HPF pulp, two years in development, bringing new technology to one of the oldest materials used in loudspeaker design. The R5m can be aligned as bass reflex or acoustic suspension depending on specific tastes. Rich, dynamic bass matched with advanced mid/treble directivity pattern control and silky highs offer best in class performance.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent coherence and homogeneity, achieving an even, wide radiation without being limited to a sweet spot
- Extremely agile display with excellent impulse fidelity and excellent resolution and transparency
- Impressive plasticity and presence, creating a superb—almost immersive—spatiality
- Voluminous, deep-reaching, yet contoured bass, even when placed close to the wall, thanks to its clever bass reflex tuning
- All speakers use a similar proprietary driver array, centered within a custom waveguide (DPC Array), just with different drivers in the R-series
- The Directivity Pattern Control (DPC) array results in excellent vertical and horizontal dispersion control
Product Considerations
- The impedance drops rather low, so the more quality power available to use with these speakers, the better
- A room resonance around 110 Hz was experienced with a large and unnatural peak in the response that needed room correction
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Mating a single or pair of the R212s subwoofers to the R5m monitors can get a large slice of the tower's sonic fun factor and might actually be preferable for certain installations
- Overall detail and tonality were very similar between the two speakers with the Revels having a touch more "zing" to cymbals and similar instruments, but the Perlisten wasn't considered soft by comparison
Takeaway: The R5m is an extraordinary monitor that delivers excellent performance in both hifi and home cinema. The monitor impresses with its spatiality, dynamics, and bass potency, making it a great choice for immersive listening and viewing experiences.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The 1528 Bookshelf 8 offers high-end audio with extreme accuracy. With custom made drivers for crystal-clear highs, detailed mids, and deep bass, it ensures smooth sound from any angle. Its modern look and adjustable settings make it ideal for smaller spaces. Enjoy full-range sound without needing a subwoofer.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combination of design, performance, and value that could challenge even the most established names in the hifi world
- Advanced materials like lithium-magnesium tweeters, carbon-graphene midranges, and aluminum woofers
- Meticulously engineered enclosures designed to optimize time alignment, reduce distortion, and enhance acoustic performance
- Outstanding dynamic capabilities and tonal balance, with wide dispersion and seamless integration across seating positions
- Versatile sealed/ported design for multiple room configurations and full-range performance with or without subs
Product Considerations
- Installation requires planning and effort due to the extremely large size and heavy weight
- High-quality amplification is demanded to reach full potential, AV receivers are not ideal, as robust amplification is required
- Premium pricing may deter some buyers
- Careful placement and high-quality amplification is required to achieve its full potential
- Robust amplification is required to truly shine, as they're not the most efficient speakers on the market
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Arendal 1528 series holds its own against Perlisten R7t, Perlisten S7t, KEF Reference 5 Meta, Focal Kanta No.3, Focal Sopra 2, Sonus Faber Sonetta VIII, Paradigm Founder 120, Paradigm Persona, RBH 6500-SF/R, RBH 8300-SF/R, and Revel PerformaBe F328Be
Takeaway: The Arendal 1528 series is an impressive speaker line that delivers high-end sound and build quality. It's a great option for serious audiophiles or home theater enthusiasts wanting top-notch performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Surprisingly deep and controlled bass for its size, extending down to 33Hz, is delivered thanks to its passive radiator
- A sweet, smooth, detailed, airy, and intimate sound with a natural midrange that presents human voices remarkably well, is produced
- A wide and deep soundstage, excelling particularly in creating a three-dimensional listening experience with a strong front-to-back depth, is offered
- High-quality components in its crossover, including air core inductors and film capacitors, are used
- Exemplary off-axis performance due to the CDC waveguide, leading to evenly distributed in-room frequency response, excellent imaging, bigger soundstage, and improved transparency, is presented
Product Considerations
- A bit bright in the top end, particularly on-axis and even slightly off-axis, depending on the room acoustics, may be heard; sidewall absorption or equalization may be needed
- Vertical placement is temperamental; listeners should ensure their ears are aligned with the reference point between the waveguide and midwoofer
- A capable amplifier, ideally one with high output power and a high damping factor, is required to properly control the bass
- At high volumes, the speaker can experience compression and distortion, particularly in the higher frequencies and lower frequencies
- The direct sales model means there are no physical stores to demo the speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The S400 Mark II sounds bigger and more potent, although the LS50 Meta is more transparent and has higher clarity
- Vs Dynaudio Heritage Special: The S400 MkII offers comparable midrange and equal bass, while the Dynaudio has more sizzle on top and a little more of a plumper mid
- Vs Emotiva B2 Plus: The S400 Mark II has more refined treble and midrange, but the Emotiva is better for rock and metal music
- Vs Dynaudio Special 40: The S400 MkII is sweeter, more open, more spacious sounding, and has a more transparent midrange
- Vs Klipsch The7s: The S400 MKII has a wider soundstage radiation
Takeaway: The S400 Mark II is a great-sounding speaker with impressive bass for its size and is easy to listen to for hours. It is a good option for those looking for a high-fidelity listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Secure imaging, believable vocal and instrumental timbres, and a superb sense of atmosphere and presence
- The speaker does a 'small-box disappearing act supremely well,' not drawing attention to itself and letting the music spill forth
- Provides tight, tuneful, convincing, and properly focused bass that securely underpins the music
- Emphasizes detail and resolution, and has one of the best detail/resolution figures that one reviewer has heard in the price range
- Has a wide sound dispersion, allowing listeners to sit anywhere in the room and still have a great sound
Product Considerations
- Can get sharp—shouty—harsh at high listening volumes
- Bass may not be sufficient for those looking for a lot of bass, and a subwoofer is recommended
- Soundstage is fairly intimate
- The treble can be a bit too hard, and some reviewers wished for a treble cut switch
- One reviewer disliked the cartoonishly large binding posts, and dangling leads can contact the passive radiator
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400: The Argon3S sounds more neutral and mid-centric, has a sweeter voicing, and a sharper treble
- Vs KLH Model Five: The midrange is slightly cleaner on the Argon3S, but it sounds very focused in comparison
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless PRO: The baseline clarity is considerably better for the pricier Argon3S, but the soundstage is far more holographic on SVS Prime Wireless PRO
- Vs ATC SCM 11 Version 2: Similar frame of mind, but the Amphion Argon 3S is more expressive and colorful
Takeaway: The Argon 3S is a compact speaker with a focus on detail and clarity, perfect for those who enjoy analyzing their music, especially at low to moderate volumes. Its design ensures it sounds great in various placements, making it a versatile addition to any audiophile's setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact dimensions make them suitable for smaller rooms and wall mounting
- Delivers a big sound despite its small size
- Impressive dynamic capabilities
- Good bass performance considering the speaker size
- Clean and purposeful look in either sleek white or black satin finishes
Product Considerations
- Magnets holding the grilles in place aren't very strong
- Soundstage depth is limited, projecting sound forward of the speaker plane
- May exhibit some dynamic compression during complex musical passages
- The SA Cockpit app can be flaky and exhibit strange behavior
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Q Active 200 created a deeper and higher soundstage, while the Silverback 1 had better-defined lower notes, and dynamics were more compressed on the Q Active 200
Takeaway: The Silverback 1 system is a great option for those with limited space who don't want to compromise on sound quality, offering impressive performance in a compact and aesthetically pleasing package. They are designed to blend into a domestic space rather than dominate it.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clean, effortless, and neutral sound
- Outstanding clarity
- Handles music with beefy bass in a powerful but neutral manner
- Can play loudly, cleanly, and effortlessly
Product Considerations
- Lacks that sense of a three-dimensional acoustic space, sounding thinner and more compressed, compared to The Greatest
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Revel Performa3 F206: Both reproduce tight, powerful lows, but the Revels dig deeper and sound fuller
- Vs Revel Performa3 F206: Both portray a clear soundstage with real senses of depth and width
- Vs Revel Performa3 F206: Axiom M5HP conceded little to them in midrange reproduction
Takeaway: The Axiom Audio M5HP is a high-quality speaker that competes with far more expensive options and is made in North America. It provides incredible sound, superb engineering—and fantastic build quality at a reasonable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
- Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
- Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
- A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
- Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences
Product Considerations
- The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
- The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
- Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
- The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
- Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
- Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta
Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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
- Excellent fit, finish, and build quality with high attention to detail and use of HDF instead of MDF
- Neutral presentation in the midrange conveys sounds correctly
- Good handoff between the tweeter and the midwoofer
- Clarity, effortlessness, and staging qualities
- Sound can move seamlessly from left, center to right
Product Considerations
- The soundstage is rather narrow, and benefits from toe-out
- A subwoofer is needed as it rolls off at around 80Hz
- It can sound a bit bright, depending on the angle of the speaker
- It should not sit above the tweeter
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta, the 1723 stages much larger, wider, deeper, and substantially taller, the 1723 can play louder
- Vs CSS Crichton 1 TD-X, the Arendal 1723 has more clarity, and is more on the forward side of neutral
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 600 series, Arendal Speakers are a big step up in terms of overall build quality, construction, and finishes
- Vs Monitor Audio Gold 100, the Arendels are the improvers in pretty much every respect other than lowest bass performance
- Vs PMC 2521i, it is not in the same league, but that's not surprising given the price difference
Takeaway: The Arendal 1723 is a high-quality speaker with a neutral sound that makes music and movies sound great. Its impressive build and clear sound make it a great choice for a serious listener.
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