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.
All
REFERENCE MK2
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Type: 3.5 ways
- Sensitivity: 89db /1W /1m
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
- Bandwidth: 22-40000 Hz
- Power Handling: 300W (recommended amplifier > 60W)
- Dimensions: 1800x650x45 mm
- Weight: 82kg
As a sign of providence, at the same time, we received a phone call from Philippe Teissier du Cros, a fabulous sound engineer who has been practicing his art for many years with our favourite musicians. We asked him to accompany us in this ambitious project, to which he responded with enthusiasm! The specifications for the diptyque reference were born out of our questions and passionate exchanges.
We questioned all the existing technical solutions, and in particular to obtain powerful and controlled low frequencies down to the infra-bass. Our research and innovation work led us to develop a totally new technology that we have patented: the "Crossed Push pull". Each bass cell is driven by two independent coils (set of ribbons), one vertical and one horizontal. This exclusive technology allows the 12 µm mylar membrane to be set in vibration by hundreds of small square motors. The "crossed push-pull" technology allows to control the vibrations of the membrane without deformation. This guarantees very li...
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:
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DP 85
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for compactness and affordability.
- Description: Offers great music from the smallest flat speaker in the lineup, featuring a 0.132m² low-midrange cell and a 30 cm ribbon tweeter. It is ideal for moderate-sized rooms and provides natural sound without colorations, making it a good choice for those with limited space and budget compared to larger models like the DP 115.
DP 140 MKII
- Positioning: Advanced model for music lovers seeking enhanced sound experience.
- Description: Features two bass-medium cells and a 55 cm ribbon tweeter, providing transparency and a wide soundstage. It is designed for those who want a more immersive audio experience in larger spaces, offering more power and coherence than the DP 115.
Reference
- Positioning: Flagship model, representing the pinnacle of the lineup.
- Description: Uses the patented "Crossed Push Pull" technology for controlled low frequencies and a wide spectrum midrange ribbon. It delivers groundbreaking performance and represents the ultimate in sound realism and innovation, offering unmatched performance and technology compared to all other models in the lineup.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
We’re about planar magnetic speakers—with actual bass. Many others of this type don't have bass. Instead of just having magnets on one plane on either side of the voice coil, we put them front and back. We’re a cross between a Magnepan and a Martin Logan insofar as this driver topology inspiration. This gives you more x-max so you can get more output, which means better bass response.
Tradeoffs: More expensive, and possibly still not as bassy as the biggest EDM speakers can pull off. But it’s magical for everything else.
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
What if you spend more?
The best is in the middle ("In medio stat virtus" the Romans used to say) so in normal size rooms, from 25sqm (250sqft) to 100sqm (1000sqft) we recommend our BOTTICELLI model.
The two panels size is quite classical: 0.64m (25″) wide and 1.77m (70″) height, with a total of 0.9sqm (10sqft) woofer surface on the two channels and weight of 115Kg (255lb) per channel. High sensitivity of 94dB makes possible to use virtually any amplifier.
It is possible to upgrade to Botticelli X or XX buying the two external passive crossovers using an exclusive topology and bigger/higher quality components, connecting cables between speaker and crossover are included. X external crossovers are 430x330x130mm each weight 25Kg including the transparent acrylic base, XX external crossovers are 680x450x130mm each weight 45Kg including the transparent acrylic base.
XX version is using even bigger and higher quality components and connecting cables compared to X version and the result is higher resolution and transparency, it is like upgradind the speakers by one or two levels.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Huge and crystal clear soundscape
- Cellar deep, effortless, and authoritative bass
- Very good resolution and precision of instruments in a symphony orchestra
- Formidable dynamic capabilities
Product Considerations
- A heavy speaker, weighing 115 kg
- Price is high
Takeaway: The AlsyVox BOTTICELLI speakers provide a compelling and impressive sound, with great dynamics and fantastic resolution. If you are looking for speakers to convey all details in music, this could be for you.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Plenty of deep, satisfying bass and detail, and could go quite loud, even with just 4.3 watts per channel
- One of the most beautiful speakers
- The construction quality and materials are without compromise
- Seamless from top to bottom, which shouldn't be a surprise for full range drivers
- The dispersion characteristics aren't that unusual, the speakers sounded superb from anywhere in the room
Product Considerations
- The distance from the front wall is important because it determines the wavelengths that are reinforced in the room, so experimentation is useful
- The reflectivity of the front wall surface behind the speaker is important
Takeaway: The Songer Audio S2 loudspeakers have great bass and detail and can play loudly, also they are beautiful speakers. The S2 is special because it sounds good everywhere in the room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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