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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Dymension DM40

reviews

[ { "title": "Definitive Technology Dymension Loudspeaker Multi-Channel System Review - HomeTheaterHifi.com", "thumbnail": "https://v5.airtableusercontent.com/v3/u/37/37/1738231200000/2cFmt_SfrpjOMbVHMCWH0g/SV0oXkS0e-Hq7tP-rbZOb-ycm1rOnIWMN1NXuwFPt5lZtE36TSWQjgBSr0DPWOQH2qALzHaiKoeVk43oSEJasgzKapfG3VqB4vIsHAnDHNZ5XBOIPbKzKq64eXbYdN7CEfBFSiXnRmxc_0iEWn5BVg/dt9iZi6EUfZOzG-Z0AXB7XnQehbPmQh5DfLXTvgylOw", "link": "https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/speaker/floor-standing/definitive-technology-dymension-loudspeaker-multi-channel-system-review/", "source": "", "datePublished": "2023" } ]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 37.4 x 10.3 x 10.0 in. (950 x 261 x 255 mm)
  • Weight: 38.1 lbs (17.3 kg)
  • Tweeter: (2) 1 in. aluminum oxide domes
  • Midrange/Midbass: (4) 4.5 in. woofers
  • Enclosure type: Ported
  • Bipolar array: Fully balanced, adjustable
  • Bipolar array adjustment: Rear tweeter switch: 0dB, -6dB
  • Frequency response: 38 Hz–30 kHz (-10dB), 55 Hz–23 kHz (-3dB)
  • Nominal impedance: 4Ω (8Ω compatible)
  • Sensitivity: 87dB (2.83V/1m)
  • Recommended amplifier power rating: 50-250W
  • Warranty: 5 years
Dymension™ DM40 tower speakers deliver dynamic, room-filling sound with robust bass by leveraging Definitive Technology's signature bipolar arrays.
Manufacturer Site

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:

  • The Descend series subwoofers leverage the brand's unique 3XR architecture, utilizing dual passive radiators alongside an active woofer to deliver bass extension comparable to larger ported designs, but without port noise.
  • Definitive Technology integrates Class H amplifiers in their larger Descend series subwoofers, enabling efficient power delivery for both music and movie soundtracks.
  • They offer Intelligent Phase Control, allowing for meticulous alignment of the subwoofer with the main speakers to achieve a seamless blend and even frequency response.
  • Dymension series loudspeakers incorporate BDSS (Balanced Double Surround System) drivers and Linear Response Waveguides, aiming for linear and accurate midrange reproduction with wide dispersion.

Dymension DM40

  • Positioning: A compact entry-level floor-standing speaker for smaller setups.
  • Description: Offers a clean design with a simple driver layout and a streamlined crossover that yields clear midrange and controlled bass for basic listening needs. Compared to the DM60, DM70, and DM80 models, its fewer advanced features make it best for smaller rooms and limited budgets while meeting essential functionality.

Dymension DM60

  • Positioning: A mid-range speaker designed to boost performance without reaching premium price levels.
  • Description: Builds on a more refined driver array and improved cabinet engineering that enhance bass extension and overall balance. In direct comparison with the DM40, it raises sonic performance through enhanced clarity, yet still sits below the DM70 and DM80 in technological sophistication and dynamic range.

Dymension DM70

  • Positioning: A higher-end speaker geared toward delivering a wide and engaging soundstage for mid to larger rooms.
  • Description: Introduces an upgraded driver configuration paired with a more sophisticated crossover network that supports broader frequency control and refined acoustic detail. Relative to the DM60 and DM40, it offers marked improvements in clarity and bass control.

Dymension DM80

  • Positioning: A flagship speaker that features the most advanced technology in the lineup for a superior acoustic experience.
  • Description: Built with the most advanced driver array and optimized cabinet design that produces exceptional dynamic range and sound precision. Compared to the DM70, DM60, and DM40 models, its enhanced build quality and refined musical reproduction represent the pinnacle of the series.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
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0
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Brand Popularity
334
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Products Listed
14
Founding Year
1990

Our take on the brand

Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.

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What if you spend more?

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GoldenEar
T66
3450
3450
/
23
Reviews

Introducing the T Series 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. Honoring the Triton Series The T66 honors the critically acclaimed Triton Series, sharing a similarly tall, slender profile; built-in DSP-controlled subwoofer amplification; and a driver complement comprising GoldenEar’s High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter, cast-basket mid/bass units, quadratic planar radiators, and long-throw powered sub-bass section. Onward and Upward Several important cosmetic and sonic refinements distinguish the new T66 from previous GoldenEar speakers. These include a dramatically augmented crossover design, high-quality internal wiring, a new cast-aluminum base and metal grille, and, in addition to GoldenEar’s Gloss Black cabinet finish, a vibrant Santa Barbara Red.

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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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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Sonus Faber
Lumina V
2999
2999
/
10
Reviews

Slender Speakers with Surprising Performance.Lumina V takes inspiration from Sonus faber’s core designs and technologies, packaged in a sleek and minimalistic floorstanding speaker.LUXURY, SIMPLIFIED.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.LIGHTING THE WAYThe Lumina collection ushers in exciting changes while preserving the history and values core to Sonus faber. Centered on simplicity, Lumina provides an immersive and musical experience to a broader audience.SIGNATURE SONUS FABER MATERIALSLumina V incorporates multilayer wood on the front baffle and wood veneer, available in multiple finishes. The sides and top of the speaker cabinet are hand-covered in black leather.SIMPLICITY AND STYLELumina takes note of Sonus faber’s iconic natural materials.

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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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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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Perlisten
R7t
4995
4995
/
9
Reviews

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.

Designed as a stand alone 2ch high fidelity speaker with the versatility to be used as part of multi-channel systems. 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 R7t 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.

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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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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Triangle
Esprit 40th - Antal 40th
4000
4000
/
8
Reviews

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. Magnesium combines two desired qualities: lightness and rigidity. It also benefits from two new bass drivers. The use of our composite membrane made of wood pulp, flax and carbon fiber, associated with a generously sized engine, ensures a remarkable delivery of the lower frequencies.

The rich and clear sound of the midrange driver made out of natural cellulose paper TRIANGLE is known for, perfectly complements this acoustic design with surprising performances.

Each speaker integrates an accessory kit with various adaptable spikes to be used depending on the flooring. They enable decoupling by eliminating unwanted vibrations; so only the sound quality remains.

The 40th Anniversary Edition has been designed and developed with thoroughness to offer you an exceptional music experience. This speaker will fit beautifully in rooms ranging from 30 to 50m2.

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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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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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What competes at this price?

Definitive Technology
Dymension DM80
1499
/
Released
Dymension™ DM80 tower speakers deliver dynamic, room-filling sound with extended bass by leveraging Definitive Technology's signature bipolar arrays, proprietary drivers, and integrated 12" subwoofer.
Check Amazon
Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Bipolar speaker design with drivers on both the front and back creates a spacious, immersive, and room-filling sound experience
  • Built-in powered subwoofer with passive radiators delivers deep, textural, and adjustable bass, potentially eliminating the need for separate subwoofers
  • Clear midrange, allowing for crystal clear dialogue even during loud scenes

Product Considerations

  • Placement is critical due to rear-facing bipolar drivers, requiring sufficient space from the front wall to avoid vague or echoey sound
  • Integrated subwoofer placement lacks flexibility, requiring careful balancing of speaker placement and individual subwoofer levels
  • Tweeter can become harsh and lose composure at high volumes, potentially requiring treble adjustment via receiver tone controls
  • Large size may be problematic for smaller spaces and can visually dominate a room

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Martin Logan Motion XT-F100: The Martin Logan is better out of the box, but once tweaked, the DM-80s perform as well and have better bass
  • Vs Polk R700: The DM-80s can achieve sonic feats the R700 cannot, but the R700 has a better tweeter for those sensitive to high frequencies
  • Vs Klipsch RP-8000F Mark II/Cornwall: The DM-80s have a livelier sound and superior bass extension and accuracy, although the Klipsch speakers sound more 'live'

Takeaway: The Dymension DM-80 tower speakers offer a unique and immersive audio experience with powerful bass, making them suitable for both home theater and music enjoyment. With proper setup, the DM-80 can bring that exciting feeling of live sound to one's home.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Definitive Technology
Dymension DM70
1199
/
Released
2023
Dymension™ DM70 tower speakers deliver dynamic, room-filling sound with extended bass by leveraging Definitive Technology's signature bipolar arrays, proprietary drivers, and integrated 10" subwoofers.
Check Amazon
Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Powered subwoofer section allows for near chest-slamming bass without a separate subwoofer, especially in smaller spaces
  • The DM-30 center channel's built-in 8-inch subwoofer provides a weighty, deep resonance and bass that can be felt directly from the screen, an uncommon feature in center channel speakers
  • The DM-70s provide a large, expansive, horizontal soundstage, especially when set to zero dB for the rear tweeter, enhancing atmospheric mixes
  • A one-inch aluminum dome tweeter in both the DM-30 and DM-70 delivers crisp, clear, and detailed highs without harsh sibilance
  • The system sounds dynamic, fun, and exciting due to the powerful bass and detail, setting it apart from other speakers needing subwoofers

Product Considerations

  • The non-removable cloth grill covering the entire speaker may not be aesthetically pleasing to some
  • The bipolar radiation pattern of the DM-70s might be too expansive for some setups, potentially blending surround effects too much
  • Some might prefer a more direct sound presence than the bipolar design offers, especially with Dolby Atmos surround sound
  • An adjustable phase on the back of each speaker would be a welcome addition
  • The DM-70s do not quite have the same refinement as some other high-end speakers on the top end

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The DM-70 is not as refined as GoldenEar T-66 and Perlisten speakers, but is more dynamic due to its powered subwoofer section
  • The DM-30 center channel speaker performs closely in bass and weight to the Perlisten R7C and Focal Utopia center channel speakers, despite being smaller

Takeaway: The Dymension DM-70 and DM-30 speakers are a dynamic and fun-sounding system with impressive bass and clear highs thanks to their powered subwoofers and quality tweeters. This speaker package is a great choice for people who want dynamic speakers that sound great without needing extra subwoofers.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Q Acoustics
Concept 50
2199
/
Released
2022
A sonic step-up from the Concept 30, this elegant floorstander takes everything great about its standmount brother but delivers more powerful audio, a deeper soundstage and increased bass extension through its leading-edge, low resonance cabinet.
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Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Fit and finish plus performance that is a bargain for around $3k/pair
  • Gelcore cabinet construction minimizes unwanted sound energy from resonance and vibrations
  • A tweeter that is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated (floating) from the baffle provides lower distortion
  • Size, weight, and richness of tone belies their size, with a wider baffle to each loudspeaker pointing at you
  • A mild sound throws emphasis back to the midrange that in itself seems almost holographic, as well as deeply insightful in a gentle but revealing manner

Product Considerations

  • A medium to large size room is required to shine, otherwise the bass will dominate
  • Flaws in poor recordings can be revealed due to their detail and accuracy—warts and all performance
  • The top-end is a little soft and gentle—classic BBC like—which may require amps with some zing to compensate
  • Listeners seeking absolute detail or transparency might not be satisfied because of Q Acoustics' house sound that massages treble and plumps up bass and lower mid
  • They don't go sub-40Hz deep, frequency response is rated at 42 Hz – 30 kHz (-6dB)

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Concept 50 offers excellent value with its blend of innovative design and high-quality sound, making it a great choice for enjoying music with a sense of depth and engagement. The Concept 50s are easy to listen to and fun.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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KLH
Model Five
1249
/
Released
2021
Model Five acoustic suspension speakers are known as one of the finest and most sought-after speakers for audiophiles, both new and seasoned. Our updated version of this classic speaker has real wood veneers, cast aluminum baskets, and uses acoustic suspension design principles made famous by founder Henry Kloss. The KLH Model Five vintage speaker is offered in three gorgeous finishes (English Walnut, West African Mahogany, and Nordic Noir), allowing the loudspeaker to blend with all home decor.
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KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Retro aesthetics reminiscent of vintage speakers, with a well-applied veneer and woven front panel
  • Balanced sound with clarity in the midrange and treble, creating an immersive listening experience
  • Good sensitivity makes them relatively easy to drive with a range of amplifiers
  • Acoustic suspension design provides tight bass and allows for flexible placement near walls
  • Three-position attenuation switch allows for adjustment to different room acoustics

Product Considerations

  • Can sound a bit bright out of the box, requiring a break-in period
  • Sound can harden a little when provoked by poor or bright recordings, and they are finicky about upstream electronics
  • Bass might not be punchy enough for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer or EQ adjustments
  • Lack of provision for spikes to fasten the speakers to the carpet
  • Grilles need to be off for best sound, according to one reviewer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the JBL L100, the Model Five is better balanced and more enjoyable to listen to
  • Compared to the NHT C3, the Model Five is an upgraded variant, offering deeper, wider sound and more resolution
  • Compared to the Buchardt S400, the Model Five sounds more open, brighter, and more detailed—with better instrument placement
  • Compared to the Aurender S5W, the Model Five reaches lower frequencies and has better overall resolution and detail
  • Compared to the Graham LS6, they perform on par, albeit via a different approach, trading in some refinement for a more direct—in-your-face sound

Takeaway: The KLH Model Five is a speaker with retro style and balanced sound. They are versatile and can be used in different listening spaces.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Q Acoustics
5040
1495
/
Released
2023
5040 is a notably compact floorstander with a modest footprint - which means it's ideal for those environments where space is at a premium but the desire for full-scale audio excitement (as well a visual gratification) is strong.
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Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent clarity and detail resolution, with leading edges of notes crisply defined
  • Accurate reproduction, with precise tonal accuracy and fine spatial definition within the soundstage
  • Superb build quality for the money, and they look more expensive than they are
  • Easy to drive without requiring excessive power to perform to their best
  • Soundstage width is better than the 3050i

Product Considerations

  • Needs care in system matching, as they are transparent and will reveal shortcomings in the source or amplifier
  • Can sound slightly lean throughout the lower midrange, and the highs can sometimes present as a bit hot depending on the content
  • Does not plumb the depths that some other floorstanders do
  • Not designed for pokey rooms and cupboard-sized man caves, they need to breathe and require adequate space
  • Some reviewers felt the build quality of the binding posts could be better

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The 5040 has a more neutral tonal balance with better-defined bass and exceptional clarity, while the 3050i delivers greater overall impact with its larger drivers and cabinet

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5040 is a well-built speaker that sounds great and looks modern, making it a good choice for those who want clarity and detail in their music, but system matching is important to avoid a bright presentation. These speakers are a strong statement in the right listening environment for the price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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