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 build quality
- Matches the tonality of the Arendal tower speakers, creating a cohesive soundstage when used together
- Magnetic grill and logo offer flexible placement and aesthetics
- Ten-year warranty and 60-day trial period
- Connectivity options are flexible
Product Considerations
- Can sound overly bright, especially when placed vertically in the center position
- The large size (depth) can make placement difficult, especially behind a screen
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 1723 Center 6 is a smaller, less expensive alternative with a 6.5-inch driver versus the Center 8's dual 8-inch drivers
Takeaway: The 1723 Center 8 is a well-built, tonally matched center channel speaker designed to complement Arendal's tower speakers for a complete home theater experience. Though large and potentially bright, it delivers clean and loud sound when properly set up.
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.
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.
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Read the reviews
[{"title":"Arendal 1723 Center THX Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teIxnwJeQgI","source":"Joe N Tell","datePublished":"2024"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
1723 Center THX
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Manufacturer's notes
In developing the 1723 Series, part of the reason for using a waveguided tweeter was that it offered controlled dispersion, plus a lower crossover point than a traditional tweeter flat mounted on a baffle. Lowering the crossover point, removed concerns about turning the 1723 Monitor on it's side for use in the horizontal format under a screen. As such, the 1723 Center is the same speaker as the 1723 Monitor but sold separately and with the grill badges moved for aesthetic purposes. Tonally, it is a perfect match for The 1723 Monitor and 1723 Tower.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions (H/W/D): 27.5 x 63.5 x 40 cm (10.8 x 25 x 15.7 in)
- Weight: 26.7 kg (58.9 lbs)
- Design: 2-way
- Enclosure: Sealed / Vented
- Ports: 2 x 2"
- Break-in period: 50 hours
- Recommended amplifier: Up to 400W RMS @ 4ohm
- Tweeter: 28mm
- Woofer: 2 x 8"
- Frequency response Sealed: 58Hz-20kHz (+/-3dB)
- Frequency response 2 vents: 34Hz-20kHz (+/-3dB)
- Impedance: 4-ohm nominal
- Crossover frequency: 1500Hz
- Sensitivity: 89dB / 2.83V / 1m
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Average Price
$1,001-$2,500
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Brand Popularity
38
of 600+
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Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
28
Founded
2015
Our take on the brand
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
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What if you spend a bit more?
1528 Center 8
2900
2900
/
8
Reviews
Arendal Sound
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers clear, dynamic, spacious, full-range sound that reveals every detail in a recording
- Exceptional styling and build quality
- Outstanding dynamic capabilities and tonal balance
- Wide dispersion and seamless integration across seating positions
- Versatile sealed/ported design for multiple room configurations
Product Considerations
- Large and heavy, requiring planning and effort for installation
- Requires high-quality amplification to reach its full potential, AV receivers are not ideal
- Cannot be auditioned before purchase due to direct-to-consumer model, with returns being a hassle due to size/weight
- May dominate smaller listening spaces, requiring a recommended listening distance of 13 feet
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It has better low bass than Sonus Faber Sonetto V G2 and Estelon Aura
- It holds its own against speakers like Perlisten R7t, Perlisten S7t, KEF Reference 5 Meta, Focal Kanta No.3, Focal Sopra 2, Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII, Paradigm Founder 120, and Revel PerformaBe F328Be
Takeaway: The Arendal 1528 Tower 8 loudspeaker is a great choice for people who want exceptional sound and build quality. These speakers are versatile for both music and movies, making listening a truly immersive experience
Video review
Our take on the brand
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
Visit our
1528 Center 8
page
Product Page
1528 Center+
4700
4700
/
1
Reviews
Arendal Sound
The 1528 Center+ 8 is a powerhouse in every aspect, offering exceptional performance that matches its impressive size. Designed for accurate reproduction and deep bass, it delivers a premium audio experience that sets a new benchmark for multi-channel systems. With unmatched clarity and power, this speaker represents our highest level of multi-channel audio technology. The 1528 Center+ 8 perfectly matches the rest of the 1528 family in both finish and acoustic quality.
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Outstanding dynamic capabilities and tonal balance
- Wide dispersion and seamless integration across seating positions
- Uncompromising build quality and attention to detail
- Versatile sealed/ported design for multiple room configurations
- Full-range performance with or without subs, with usable bass extension down to 17Hz
Product Considerations
- Extremely large and heavy; installation requires planning and effort
- Demands high-quality amplification (at least 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms) to reach full potential, AV receivers are not ideal
- Requires careful placement and meticulous setup/calibration to unlock full potential
- Some may find the tweeters noticeably bright initially, requiring adjustments and break-in
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Arendal 1723 THX Tower speakers, the 1528 serves as a worthy upgrade
- Vs 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—the Arendal 1528 series holds its own
Takeaway: The Arendal 1528 Tower 8 and Center 8+ speakers offer audiophile sound and exceptional build quality, making them a serious contender in their category. If one wants well-thought-out modern audio engineering and robust build at a competitive price, these are worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
Visit our
1528 Center+
page
Product Page
HTM71 S3 Signature
3300
3300
/
1
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
- Exceptional sound quality with unparalleled clarity and detail
- Cutting-edge driver technologies are used for superior performance
- Stunning aesthetics with premium finish options (Datuk Gloss and Midnight Blue Metallic finishes)
- Versatile performance in both home theatre and hifi applications
- Robust construction with high-quality components
Product Considerations
- Premium pricing may not suit all budgets
- Substantial size requires adequate space for optimal placement
- May require high-quality amplification to reach its full potential
Takeaway: The Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 Signature Centre Speaker offers exceptional sound and build quality, making it a worthy addition to any audio system. It is a great choice for those seeking the ultimate center channel experience.
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
HTM71 S3 Signature
page
Product Page
R5c
2995
2995
/
1
Reviews
Perlisten
The hardest working speaker in any home theater and yet the least appreciated. Natural, True vocals are never easy while maintaining super low distortion and extreme dynamics that movies demand is what sets the R-series apart. The same DPC control with clarity that make you forget you have speakers in your room at all and just enjoy yourself. 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.
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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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The R5c center channel speaker allows dialog to be clear and intelligible amid layers of effects sounds
- The R5c maintains performance and clarity even when listening decently off-axis
Product Considerations
- Impedance drops rather low, so more quality power on tap to use with these speakers is better
- Too much bass or upper bass was present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Revel F228Be towers: Revels tended to make vocals and some instruments sound strangely "tall," whereas the Perlisten was far more of a point-source presentation with vocals and instruments being centered to the speaker
Takeaway: The R5c is great for listening to music or for home theaters. It ensures all voices can be heard clearly, even when there are a lot of other sounds.
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.
Visit our
R5c
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
Bison Center
1600
/
Released
2022
Totem
The Bison Center is a center channel speaker made entirely in Canada. It provides tremendous articulation, rhythm, and dynamics that bring lifelike vibrancy to multi-channel audio systems. Its convenient dimensions allow it to fit into just about any AV furniture. It can also be comfortably perched atop a console cabinet or table in rooms where the TV is installed on the wall.
Totem Acoustic is known for its unique approach to speaker design, using crossoverless woofers for more natural sound reproduction and producing an immersive soundstage despite compact speaker sizes. The Canadian-made speakers feature distinctive materials like borosilicate damping in their cabinets and CNC-machined driver components, appealing to audiophiles who prefer a unique voicing over neutral-sounding speakers.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Small compared to others in its price range, making it suitable for smaller spaces and those with aesthetic constraints
- Capable of expansive staging, creating a holographic presentation with good depth and dimensionality, regardless of the amplifier used
- Delivers refined treble regardless of the price of the amplifier connected
- Spacious sound space and large sound stage
Product Considerations
- The claws that come with the Totem Bison are not adjustable
- Totem recommends zero toe-in, and this seems to be a good recommendation
- Sound may vary, based on personal height
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Totem Bison has forward side of neutral treble versus neutral to dark treble of the Buchardt S400 Mark II; the Bison is slightly warm in the midrange versus the Buchardt being warmer overall; the Bison has tonally richer bass, but the Buchardt has more bass overall
- The Totem Bison has forward side of neutral treble versus neutral to dark treble of the KEF R3 Meta; imaging on the Bison can be the same or slightly better; the Bison has tonally richer bass, but the R3 Meta has more bass overall
- Both the Totem Bison and Focal Aria 906 are on the forward side of neutral with treble, but the Bison's treble attack is slightly soft whereas the Aria 906's is slightly sharp; the Bison has a fuller midrange sound and slightly warmer tone, and the Bison's bass is juicier, more organic, and richer overall
- The PSB Alpha T20s are very similar in size to the Totem Bison Towers (32.5 inches tall), thus they are smaller audiophile floorstanding speakers
Takeaway: The Totem Bison offers attributes found in many top speakers and is a good option for those with size constraints who still want great treble refinement and a holographic midrange. It can be paired with both expensive and affordable amplifiers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Totem Acoustic is known for its unique approach to speaker design, using crossoverless woofers for more natural sound reproduction and producing an immersive soundstage despite compact speaker sizes. The Canadian-made speakers feature distinctive materials like borosilicate damping in their cabinets and CNC-machined driver components, appealing to audiophiles who prefer a unique voicing over neutral-sounding speakers.
Visit
Bison Center
Page
Product Page
Aria Evo X
1458
/
Released
2024
Focal
This center speaker is the perfect complement to the Aria Evo X line of floorstanding speakers for a home theater installation. Particular care has been taken in its design to match the timbres, guaranteeing uniformity and coherence of sound in all configurations. Focal innovations, compactness and elegant finishes come together in this speaker that's as discreet as it is powerful.
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impactful bass moves air and adds visceral depth to music and movie effects, even without a subwoofer
- Seamless and engaging sound makes every album feel fresh and enthralling, maintaining consistent, pleasing audio without causing listener fatigue
- Vocal presence allows for relaxed listening and renders music in a way that encourages sharing with others
- Attractive design blends technical prowess with stylish aesthetics, with options for different finishes like Moss Green
- Wide dispersion offers a broad soundstage and an enveloping soundfield
Product Considerations
- Expense relative to its capabilities is a potential consideration
- In small rooms, performance could suffer due to the high-mounted tweeter and narrow vertical dispersion window
- When pushed, the 'No. 2' tower center channel model, being a 2-way, may run out of headroom before the No. 2 towers
- A slight lack of dynamics in the bass and high mids around the vocal sweet spot was noted
- Edgy, crisp, and definitive resolution evokes excitement, though these may not be the right choice for all listeners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to RBH Sound 61-SFM/R, the RBH digs deeper and has its tweeter at a more typical listening height, however, the Aria Evo X No.4 is undeniably better looking
- Compared to SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacles, the Ultra Evolution Pinnacles have deeper and more powerful bass, although its overall frequency response isn't as neutral
- Compared to JBL HDI-3800, the JBL boasts a very wide dynamic range, having a narrower dispersion but more even off-axis response
- Compared to Arendal Sound 1723 Tower, the 1723 Towers have a bit more elevated treble on-axis, but the build quality is certainly a step above the Aria Evo X No.4 or pretty much anything at their pricing, and they can dig deeper in bass
Takeaway: The Focal Aria Evo X is a stylish speaker that sounds great, making it a good option for people who care about both aesthetics and audio quality. It offers powerful performance with seamless sound, bringing music to life.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Visit
Aria Evo X
Page
Product Page
Sonetto Center G2
2499
/
Released
2024
Sonus Faber
At the core of the home theater setup, the Sonetto Center elevates the listener into a completely immersive experience. The Sonetto Center brings decades of technological advancements from the Sonus faber development team into your home theater system. It introduces a fresh approach to voices reproduction for a speaker that will not be overlooked.
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
- Lute-shaped cabinets improve sound dispersion characteristics, and help them sonically disappear in the room
- Models like the Sonetto 5G2, 8G2, and Center G2 feature a Camellia midrange driver, which avoids resonances associated with round-shaped midrange drivers
- The woofers and mid-woofers feature a paper-pulp sandwich cone to ensure a natural tone, and a precise and dynamic bass response
- The DAD lens in the tweeter fixes phase issues, allowing the soft dome tweeters to perform linearly all the way out to 40 kHz
- The new concrete base provides more stability, and better vibration management
Product Considerations
- The Sonetto I G2 and Sonetto II G2 bookshelf speakers need good current to show their best, due to their sensitivity (86 dB and 87 dB respectively)
- High quality power amplification is recommended for all Sonus Faber speakers to showcase their improvements
- Careful attention to setup of the Sonetto speakers will reward the listener greatly
- Some models use a downward-firing reflex port, which provides placement flexibility, but careful attention to placement is still needed
Takeaway: The Sonetto speakers offer a smooth, musical sound with detailed clarity and tonal accuracy for both music and movies. They bring high-end design and technology from Sonus Faber's flagship models to a more accessible price point.
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
Sonetto Center G2
Page
Product Page
Founder 70LCR
1529
/
Released
2021
Paradigm
Precision. Control. Dynamics. These are the pillars the Founder Series was built on. Fire and ice, oil and water, Yankees and Mets fans. Some things just don't mix. But what if form and function could? Every once in a while, something special comes along and changes the rules. The perfect blend of technology, design, and performance. At the start of the development, we knew one thing, when Art Embraces Science anything is possible, and we exceeded our wildest expectations.
Paradigm is a Canadian hifi speaker brand that designs and builds their products locally, using advanced materials like beryllium in their drivers and their proprietary PPA lens technology for better sound dispersion. Their speakers are favored by audiophiles seeking high-end sound at relatively lower prices, and they integrate Anthem Room Correction technology to optimize performance in modern open-concept homes with challenging acoustics.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Vocals are rendered with rich detail and precise holographic imaging
- Excellent dynamic range and can handle a large room if given enough power
- Exceptional build quality with braced, inert cabinet construction
- Cutting-edge loudspeaker design, with proprietary technologies like the AL-MAC tweeter and CARBON-X woofers
- Gorgeous aesthetics and are available in various finishes, making them suitable for high-end interior décor
Product Considerations
- Some unevenness in its measured response, though this may not be readily audible in a typical listening environment
- Some upper treble raggedness, mostly in the on-axis response
- Needed to be positioned further back for the sweet spot to properly 'open up'
- Spiked feet can be hazardous to hard flooring if not handled carefully
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Founder Series draws on innovations from Paradigm's Persona range, but adds new technologies
Takeaway: The Founder speakers offer great sound quality and luxurious design, making them a worthwhile investment for audiophiles. The 100F is an excellent choice for larger rooms, while the 70LCR offers versatility as a center or front speaker.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Paradigm is a Canadian hifi speaker brand that designs and builds their products locally, using advanced materials like beryllium in their drivers and their proprietary PPA lens technology for better sound dispersion. Their speakers are favored by audiophiles seeking high-end sound at relatively lower prices, and they integrate Anthem Room Correction technology to optimize performance in modern open-concept homes with challenging acoustics.
Visit
Founder 70LCR
Page
Product Page
R6 Meta
1990
/
Released
2023
KEF
Featuring the same 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ as the R Series stereo models for perfect tonal matching, and two powerful 6.5'' hybrid aluminium bass drivers, the R6 Meta delivers an immersive listening experience that brings movies vividly to life. It is highly versatile and can be used in an LCR (Left-Centre-Right) configuration.
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
- Clearer, louder, and crisper sound compared to the KEF R2C
- More prominent and distinct mid-range due to the dedicated mid-range driver
- The Meta material absorbs sound emanating towards the back of the cabinet, resulting in a cleaner, purer treble performance
- Nice wide dispersion, which makes it suitable to be used as a center channel in a horizontal orientation
- Superior nuance and detail in music compared to other speakers in the same environment
Product Considerations
- Limited bass extension; a subwoofer is recommended for deeper bass
- Larger footprint compared to the R2C, which may present placement challenges, such as blocking the TV sensor
- As a sealed box, it does not compete as well with ported speakers in bass extension
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. KEF Q150: More detail, nuance, and clarity across the entire frequency range—the R6 Meta is more forward in its presentation
- Vs. KEF R2C: Clearer and louder sound with greater impact, thanks to its larger drivers
Takeaway: The R6 Meta is a fantastic speaker, especially for music, providing detail and nuance. Three of them can give a seamless front soundstage.
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
R6 Meta
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
- Excellent build quality
- Matches the tonality of the Arendal tower speakers, creating a cohesive soundstage when used together
- Magnetic grill and logo offer flexible placement and aesthetics
- Ten-year warranty and 60-day trial period
- Connectivity options are flexible
Product Considerations
- Can sound overly bright, especially when placed vertically in the center position
- The large size (depth) can make placement difficult, especially behind a screen
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 1723 Center 6 is a smaller, less expensive alternative with a 6.5-inch driver versus the Center 8's dual 8-inch drivers
Takeaway: The 1723 Center 8 is a well-built, tonally matched center channel speaker designed to complement Arendal's tower speakers for a complete home theater experience. Though large and potentially bright, it delivers clean and loud sound when properly set up.
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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