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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
Stella
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Tweeter: AMT (Air Motion Transformer)
- Mid-woofer Stella: 15 cm NEXTEL-treated paper
- Mid-woofer Amelia: 20 cm ALNICO with NEXTEL-treated paper cone
- Crossover: 6dB/octave
- Configuration: Bass reflex
- Cabinet Amelia: 30 mm MDF-bitumen sandwich construction
Description
Stella is an acoustic speaker designed with a meticulous approach focused on musicality and an in-depth study of its acoustic integration within its environment. This 2-way system is equipped with an AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter for high frequencies and a 15 cm NEXTEL-treated paper mid-woofer in a bass reflex configuration, driven by a 6dB/octave crossover filter.
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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:
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Alpha
- Positioning: The entry-level product designed for affordability and simple performance.
- Description: Offers fundamental RCA unbalanced modulation and loudspeaker connections with quality materials and Esprit's 5 micron plated connectors. Compared to the other lines, it has a simpler design and is well suited for small rooms or basic setups where budget and functionality are primary concerns.
Beta
- Positioning: The mid-tier line built to enhance sound reproduction with improved stability.
- Description: Uses air insulation, partial shielding, and advanced multi-layer plating to achieve a more pure and stable music signal. Compared to Alpha, it provides better electrical symmetry and detailed performance.
Lumina
- Positioning: The high-end cable series crafted with sophisticated hand assembly and extensive connectivity.
- Description: Incorporates multiple analog and digital links such as RCA, XLR, SPDIF, and AES/EBU along with triple isolation and refined copper-silver plating that set it apart. In contrast to Beta, Lumina offers broader functionality and superior precision.
Aura
- Positioning: The premium range that advances technology through an advanced dielectric polarisation system.
- Description: Features enhanced insulation on air, triple blindage (shielding), and refined polarisation techniques. Compared to Lumina, Aura provides even deeper performance refinement and connectivity options.
L'esprit
- Positioning: The flagship line representing the ultimate in musical expression and engineering excellence.
- Description: Employs an extensive copper strand design with robust triple isolation and double polarisation to capture every nuance. Compared to all the other products, L'esprit stands as the pinnacle choice for users with high technical demands and a need for maximum functionality.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
626
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
2
Founding Year
1997
Our take on the brand
Esprit Audio is distinguished by their unique cable design that combines soft and hard insulation with a proprietary "Silent Process" technology to combat unwanted noise at hyper frequencies. The brand's cables feature a distinctive polarization method that charges dielectric materials with continuous voltage, along with progressive shielding techniques where different cable sections have varying shield layers, all constructed with pure copper connectors and multiple layers of silver and copper plating.
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Espirit
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What if you spend more?
Wharfedale
Evo4.2
899
899
/
22
Reviews
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.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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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
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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Devialet
Mania
899
899
/
20
Reviews
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.
Devialet is a hifi brand that combines analog and digital amplification through their "Analog Digital Hybrid" technology, delivering extremely low distortion in sleek, minimalist speakers. Their signature Phantom speakers use high-pressure lateral drivers to produce ultra-deep bass down to 14 Hz, while their spherical design minimizes sound diffraction for consistent quality regardless of listening position.
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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
Our take on the brand
Devialet is a hifi brand that combines analog and digital amplification through their "Analog Digital Hybrid" technology, delivering extremely low distortion in sleek, minimalist speakers. Their signature Phantom speakers use high-pressure lateral drivers to produce ultra-deep bass down to 14 Hz, while their spherical design minimizes sound diffraction for consistent quality regardless of listening position.
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Q Acoustics
5020
899
899
/
18
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
- Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
- Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
- Taut and agile bass performance
- Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
- Connectivity options such as binding posts
Product Considerations
- Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
- Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
- Bass response is somewhat subdued
- Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
- Grilles muddle the sound
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.
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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Klipsch
RP-600M II
649
649
/
14
Reviews
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Product Strengths
- Larger horn tweeter and a new Cerametallic woofer, compared to its predecessor
- Upgraded binding posts and crossover plate elevate to Reference Premiere status
- Larger diameter voice coils and aluminum shorting rings on the woofers give the speaker better linearity throughout the bass, decrease distortion while upping power handling resulting in improved speed and accuracy
- Better detail retrieval, more articulate bass, and vastly improved soundstage width and imaging, compared to the RP-600M
- The binding posts are the same that are found on costlier Heritage speakers
Product Considerations
- Finish options did not receive an upgrade over the outgoing model, leaving customers with the same ebony or walnut wraps
- The tweeter may be too bright for some listeners who are sensitive to a more aggressive top end
- Rated sensitivity is 94.5dB, which is a decrease compared to the original's reported sensitivity of 96
- Needs a bit of space behind them and to the sides, or at least positioning on open shelves, if the powerful output from that port isn't to muddy the sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the older RP-600M, the new sounds far more linear
- The new is very easy to listen to for long periods of time, and while it still has a presence, a speed and transparency to the artist or instrument—at least with respect to the midrange—it is not as forward sounding as past designs
- The new proved to be surprisingly flat, but best of all, not the least bit fatiguing
- There was very little difference in tone with respect to the mids between the new and a costlier Revel bookshelf
- These two are actually pretty neck and neck
- As for the Wharfedale Evo 4.1, the Evo is better constructed, not to mention nicer looking
Takeaway: The RP-600M II is a refined speaker with better components, improved sound, and better bass response and imaging. It's a speaker that would be great for someone who likes to listen to a variety of music genres and wants a good-sounding speaker that can last a long time.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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What competes at this price?
Q Acoustics
M20
499
/
Released
2021
Designed to deliver stunning wireless high-resolution stereo sound, the flexible M20 HD audio system is the most powerful and immersive way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere in the home.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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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
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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SVS
Prime Bookshelf
299
/
Released
The Prime Bookshelf speakers are sonic overachievers on all levels. Stunningly dynamic, pinpoint accurate and utterly transparent, they deftly serve as reference monitor loudspeakers in a two-channel system, or as high performance front, center, or side/rear surround speakers in a multi-channel home theater.
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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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
Our take on the brand
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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Sonos
Move 2
419
/
Released
2023
Upgraded inside and out, our most powerful portable speaker delivers heart-pumping stereo sound wherever you want.
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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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
Our take on the brand
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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Beats
Pill
149
/
Released
2024
The upgraded Beats Pill is more advanced than ever. It's more powerful. It's lighter. It's more portable. It has up to 24 hours of battery life. And it's designed to look and sound incredible — inside your home and out and about.
Beats is a hifi brand known for its bass-heavy sound signature and bold designs that appeal to both music fans and fashion enthusiasts, targeting young adult demographics through celebrity endorsements and music video placements. The brand has expanded beyond its signature headphones to include speakers like the Beats Pill, while integrating Apple's W1 and H1 chips for enhanced wireless connectivity.
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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
Beats is a hifi brand known for its bass-heavy sound signature and bold designs that appeal to both music fans and fashion enthusiasts, targeting young adult demographics through celebrity endorsements and music video placements. The brand has expanded beyond its signature headphones to include speakers like the Beats Pill, while integrating Apple's W1 and H1 chips for enhanced wireless connectivity.
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Sonos
Era 300
419
/
Released
2023
With next-level audio that hits from every direction, Era 300 doesn't just surround you, it puts you inside your music. Featuring six optimally positioned drivers all around the front, sides, and top to support Dolby Atmos Music, the breakthrough acoustic design projects sound from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, immersing you in every dimension of the song.
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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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
Our take on the brand
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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