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
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Considered an excellent entry-level model from the French company DAVIS Acoustics
- Offers good sound quality for the price
- Features a Kevlar woofer, a material not commonly found in budget speakers
- The speaker design allows for placement on a desk or shelf, and even for wall-mounting
- Well-made given its affordable price point
Product Considerations
- The output connectors for the speakers are really close together
- The rear asolina (small loop for hanging) may not be the best way to use it, it is better to put the speakers on a table
- Stock electrolytic capacitor on the tweeter can be upgraded for better performance
- Needs good amplification to reveal their true quality
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Ariane 1 speakers were tested with both a budget SMSL amplifier and a high-end Copland amplifier, demonstrating that they can perform well with different levels of equipment
Takeaway: The Ariane 1 speakers are a great value for their price, offering a good listening experience that can grow with the user as their audio setup improves. Their flexible design makes them a good choice for many different setups.
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Ariane 1
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Manufacturer details
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Davis Acoustics leverages in-house driver design and manufacturing, a legacy dating back to 1986, to offer unique driver combinations like Kevlar mids and carbon fiber woofers, tailored for balanced sound.
- They are known for meticulous attention to cabinet design, often employing features like reinforced MDF, internal bracing, rounded edges, and strategically placed vents to minimize unwanted resonances and optimize acoustic performance.
- A key element of the Davis Acoustics sound signature is a focus on delivering a natural and detailed midrange, frequently utilizing Kevlar drivers to achieve richness, texture, and clarity in vocal and instrumental reproduction.
Select products
Olympia One Master 35
- Positioning: Entry-level floorstanding speaker reissued for accessible performance in smaller spaces.
- Description: Offers a compact two-driver design with moderate power and simplified connectivity, making it a practical choice for smaller rooms and budget-oriented systems. Compared to the more robust Ariane 9 and other premium models, it provides basic functionality without advanced low-end impact, ideal for users with modest budget and space needs.
Ariane 9
- Positioning: Mid-range floorstanding speaker aimed at larger listening rooms with balanced sound.
- Description: Features a four-driver configuration that enhances bass descent and refines high frequencies with a new tweeter, delivering a wide and realistic sound scene. Compared to the entry-level Olympia One Master 35, it offers improved dynamics, yet remains less complex than the Krypton 10 and Stellar.
Courbet N°8
- Positioning: Mid-to-high range three-way speaker designed for large rooms needing defined and musical sound reproduction.
- Description: Integrates a fabric dome tweeter, a midrange taken from a higher model, and a fast carbon woofer to achieve an extended bandwidth and clarity. In contrast with the simpler Ariane 9 and Olympia One Master 35, its advanced design serves users with higher technical expectations while still being more approachable than the top-tier Krypton 10 and Stellar.
Krypton 10
- Positioning: High-end speaker engineered for large living spaces with a focus on powerful and authoritative bass.
- Description: Uses dual 21 cm bass drivers in parallel with a laminar port to deliver strong low-end performance while preserving detailed midrange and treble. Compared to the mid-range Ariane 9 and Courbet N°8, it targets users seeking enhanced bass and robust sound performance, though it sits just below the flagship level of the Stellar series.
Stellar
- Positioning: Flagship floorstanding speaker crafted for the most demanding audio systems in expansive environments.
- Description: Uses a refined three-driver setup with premium materials for membranes, motors, and cabling to ensure precise detail and an expansive soundstage. While it outclasses the advanced features of the Krypton 10 and is pricier than the Ariane 9, Courbet N°8, and Olympia One Master 35, it represents the pinnacle of the lineup's technological capabilities.
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The Ariane 2 is the big sister of the Ariane 1. With a 17 cm(6.5″) diameter boomer (instead of 13(5″)) and a tweeter a little bit thinner and more detailed (coil diameter 19 mm), it provides a wider bandwidth on both sides of the audible spectrum. It brings more bass and more extreme treble, making the listening more realistic.
This compact speaker, easy to power, shows a beautiful sound opening and a sufficient output to be associated with many electronics. The DAVIS laboratory has worked to obtain a very linear sensitivity curve, in order to avoid emphasizing one part of the frequencies to the benefit of another. This ensures long hours of listening without auditory fatigue.
The speaker is equipped with non-slip pads, which slightly tilt the speaker towards the back. In addition to an aesthetic effect, this allows the start of the coils of the two drivers to be aligned in the vertical plane. The propagation of sound is then improved.
From an aesthetic point of view, the model is available in three different versions : Walnut (white front and walnut sides), light oak (with black front) and the more discreet black finish (6 black sides). The protective covers are rounded for a modern aesthetic effect.
Ariane 2 is an enclosure with a bass reflex charge, its decompression to the rear. Also, it is advisable to leave a distance of about 30 cm from the wall.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Good soundstage and imaging, providing a wide sonic panorama
- Mid-range holds its ground with a neutral, linear delivery
- Vocals and instruments retain an airy quality
- Solid build quality
Product Considerations
- Treble is overly pronounced and dry, leading to an artificial tonality
- Bass reproduction lacks desired depth and impact, leading to tonal imbalance
- Visible screws and hook grille attachment could be modernized
- Front plate and driver bezels appear somewhat plasticky
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The ELAC Debut Reference B6 offers a slightly more accurate rendition
Takeaway: The Ariane 2 speakers offer a wide soundstage and pleasant mid-range for an enjoyable listening experience. These are worth considering for speakers that have quality and sound good.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The ARIANE 5 column speaker is the technical evolution of the MAYA model, a reference at DAVIS Acoustics, which has been awarded several times by the specialized press. This last OPUS improves the listening result, by using a new woofer that allows a better descent in the bass. The sound stage becomes wider and more realistic. The high frequencies are now transcribed using a new tweeter, thin and particularly detailed.
The ARIANE 5 is equipped with 3 speakers:
– a woofer of 16.5 cm diameter, made of treated and cushioned cellulose pulp, topped by a powerful magnetic motor. Core 37 mm diameter, decompressed. For a fast and authoritative grave.
– a 16.5 cm diameter braided fiberglass medium, which guarantees a beautiful opening and detailed and precise voices.
– a flexible dome tweeter made of cellulose pulp with a 20 mm diameter coil, which allows the extension in the extreme treble, without ever becoming aggressive.
We recommend a distance of at least 3 meters between the speakers, to obtain a very wide sound stage. Position your speakers without sticking them to the wall (at about 30cm). The vent, located at the front of the speaker, allows a level of bass to be achieved that is approximately constant regardless of the position in the room.
Available in three finishes: Black, Walnut and Light Oak.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Sounds unique, good, and tempting
- Bass is particularly strong and hits hard
- Offers a lively soundstage with a fine-tuned balance between analysis and the joy of music
- Can be positioned up to ten centimeters from the rear wall due to the forward-facing bass reflex port
- Beautiful wood grain finish that doesn't look cheap
Product Considerations
- The front grille doesn't attach elegantly with magnets, using dowels instead
- The single-wiring terminal is a bit outdated
- The enjoyment factor diminishes with low-powered tube amplifiers
- Distortion gently increases from mid to low frequencies from 95 dB SPL
Takeaway: The Davis Acoustics Ariane 5 speakers offer a unique and enjoyable listening experience with strong bass and a lively soundstage, making them a tempting option. They are a good choice for those who want detailed sound and musical enjoyment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale’s new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
- Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
- Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
- Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
- Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price
Product Considerations
- Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
- Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
- Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
- Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
- The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level
Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.
Video review
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ASC - Active Stereo Calibration | Cross-stereo | 30Hz -20kHzDevialet Mania, our first high fidelity portable smart speaker with 360° stereo sound translates our obsession for pure sound.Metamorphic sound.Devialet Mania, the portable speaker ushers in a liberated approach to sound: more spontaneous, more adaptable, more obsession-inducing than ever. Thanks to its adaptive cross stereo, Devialet Mania offers a soundstage that morphs and adapts to any physical space, eliciting expansive 360° stereo sound. Cue your favorite music and feel the emotional imprint it leaves on you and those around you.Devialet Mania edition package also comes with a complimentary Devialet Mania Station.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- One of the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers
- Built-in Alexa support eliminates the need for additional devices to control music with voice
- Solid design, IPX4 water resistance rating, and built-in handle
Product Considerations
- Insufficient loudness for large rooms
- Lacks some treble out-of-the-box
- Battery life can be short—around 4 hours in some tests
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Sonos is likely a better value for most users since it features a longer battery life and a more balanced sound out-of-the-box
Takeaway: The Devialet Mania is a portable speaker that redefines expectations with its impressive sound quality and bass energy. It offers a unique listening experience that's worth the purchase.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effortlessly detailed and balanced sound
- Excellent stereo imaging and dynamics
- High-quality Bluetooth streaming
- Simple setup and control
- Multiple connection options, including subwoofer output, digital input for TV, and analog inputs
Product Considerations
- No HDMI ARC for seamless control with TV remote
- No dedicated app for adjusting settings
- Bass output may be lacking for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
- Grilles are non-removable
- Speakers power down after 20 minutes at rest, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2, the Q Acoustics M20 sounds fuller, louder and less compressed
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers offer detailed, balanced sound and are easy to set up with various devices. They're a versatile audio solution for upgrading sound, whether for music, movies, or gaming.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good ability to get loud, clean sound without distortion or compression issues above 80 Hz when paired with a subwoofer
- Really good build quality cabinet
- Very clear, immediate, vivid sounding speaker
- Ultra-focused sounding, clean, and nicely balanced vocals
- A lot of treble liveliness combined with quality clarity and crispness
Product Considerations
- Treble is a little bit bright
- Not the most neutral speaker
- Leaner sound in terms of bass delivery
- Very tight, tuneful, and on-point bass, but the perceived amount of bass is less substantial than other speakers reviewed
- Some port noise or chuffing can be heard when setting the speakers to deliver as much bass as the Klipsch RP600M
Takeaway: The SVS Prime bookshelf is a sweet little speaker that delivers clear and vivid sound and has great build quality. It's also versatile, as it can be used in a stereo setup or as part of a home theater system.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved stereo sound compared to the original Move, due to the addition of dual tweeters
- Significantly longer battery life—advertised up to 24 hours—making it suitable for extended use indoors and outdoors
- Designed with portability in mind, featuring a built-in handle for easy carrying and an IP56 rating for dust and water resistance
- The speaker benefits from the Auto Trueplay feature, which automatically optimizes the sound to the unique acoustics of your space, delivering a balanced audio experience
- Versatile connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, and can even stream Bluetooth audio to other Sonos speakers
Product Considerations
- Considered hefty and not as easily portable as smaller options like the Sonos Roam
- Google Assistant is no longer supported, which may be a drawback for users heavily invested in the Google ecosystem
- It cannot be used as a speakerphone for calls
- Despite being a stereo speaker, channel separation isn't always very distinct, and it can sound more like an expansive mono speaker
- An adapter is needed for a line-in connection, and a carrying case are sold separately, which increases the overall cost
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Move: The Move 2 offers stereo playback—as opposed to mono—longer battery life, and more connectivity options
- Vs Sonos Roam: The Move 2 sounds better and gets louder, but the Roam is smaller and lighter
- Vs Sonos Era 300: The Era 300 has Dolby Atmos support, but is not portable or water-resistant like the Move 2
- Vs Sonos Era 100: The Move 2 can be taken on the go unlike the Era 100 and is rated for dust and water resistance
- Vs Bose SoundLink Max: The Sonos Move 2 sounds a bit more balanced out of the box, and its battery can even be replaced down the line, while the Bose has a longer-lasting battery and doesn't require an adapter to connect to analog line-in sources, but it can't connect to Wi-Fi
Takeaway: The Sonos Move 2 is a versatile and improved portable speaker, offering great sound and battery life for both indoor and outdoor use, and its integration with the Sonos ecosystem makes it an easy choice for existing Sonos users.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Simple Bluetooth speaker connects and pairs easily without needing an app
- Rated IP67 against water and dust, making it durable for splashes and rain
- Can be used to charge other small devices via USB-C
- Lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around with a removable lanyard
- Plays nicely with both iOS and Android devices
Product Considerations
- The soft touch rubber coating is a dust magnet
- The Beats app is barebones, with no EQ controls
- Can't playback stereo content without pairing another speaker
- Audio can get muddy and lose detail at high volumes
- Some controls have a learning curve
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Beats Pill+: The 2024 Beats Pill is lighter, has better build quality, a more balanced sound, and support for voice assistants, but lacks Bluetooth multipoint support and stereo playback without pairing
- Vs JBL Flip 6: Has a more balanced sound out-of-the-box, a longer battery life, and voice assistant support, but JBL is better built and offers a graphic EQ in the companion app
Takeaway: The Beats Pill is a simple, portable, and durable Bluetooth speaker that sounds good, especially at its price. It's easy to connect to devices and take anywhere.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive spatial audio delivers a more immersive and 3D soundscape compared to traditional stereo, when playing Dolby Atmos content
- Wide, room-filling sound projects further and more confidently than other similar wireless speakers
- Can be used as Dolby Atmos surround speakers, delivering multi-channel rears for the first time
- Includes both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6) connectivity
Product Considerations
- The spatial audio experience is heavily dependent on the quality of the Dolby Atmos mix, and some mixes can be disappointing
- Touch controls don't provide the tactile feedback of physical buttons
- The Sonos app can be slow and not always intuitive to use
- Spatial audio tracks can only be played over Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth
- No Google Assistant
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Era 300 offers a more refined sound, with a deeper bassline and better wraparound sound, compared to Amazon Echo Studio
- The Era 300 has better dynamics, and supports Dolby Atmos, compared to Sonos Five—the slightly larger Five can reproduce a more extended low bass and offers superior stereo music playback
- Era 300 gets slightly louder and has slightly better directivity and features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, whereas the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) can only connect via Wi-Fi
Takeaway: The Sonos Era 300 excels at spatial audio playback, and the spatial audio from a single wireless speaker feels detailed, engaging and accomplished. It's a great addition to any home, offering immersive sound for both music and movies.
Video review
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