Website author headshot
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.

Product Strengths

  • Beautiful finish with attention to detail, especially when seen in person
  • High-frequency energy adjustment and presence adjustment aid room placement
  • User-friendly and neutral due to the adjustments for different room types
  • Warmth and liveliness bring music to life
  • Easy integration with partner equipment and room setup

Product Considerations

  • Not the last word in dynamics
  • Not the last word in resolving fine detail
  • The camera doesn't really pick up on small details
  • Cabinet finish could be deeper to show off the grain in the wood
  • Not the most dynamic when it comes to reproducing bass

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. ATC SEM40s: SEM40s offer more sonic engagement due to thumping bass and rich midrange, but are a little dark on top
  • Vs. Triangle 40th Anniversary Comet speakers: Performance is increased in all regards

Takeaway: The Fyne Audio Vintage Classic 8s are hand-built in the UK and combine modern tech with retro style to give a warm—lively sound that's easy to adjust to your room. If you want distinctive sound and looks, and a speaker that's easy to live with, these could be for you.

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

Vintage Classic Viii SM

reviews

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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • System Type: 2 way, downwards firing port, with BassTrax Tractrix diffuser
  • Recommended amplifier power: 30 - 180 Watt RMS
  • Peak power handling: 360 Watt
  • Continuous power handling: 90 Watt RMS
  • Sensitivity: 91dB (2.83 Volt @ 1m)
  • Nominal impedance: 8 Ohm
  • Frequency response: 34Hz - 34kHz (-6dB typical in room)
  • Drive unit: 1 x 200mm IsoFlare point source driver, multi-fibre bass / midrange cone, FyneFlute surround with 25mm magnesium dome compression tweeter, ferrite magnet system
  • Crossover frequency: 1.8kHz
  • Crossover type: Bi-wired passive low loss, 2nd order low pass, 1st order high pass
  • System adjustments: High frequency energy (1.8kHz – 34kHz) +/- 3dB, Presence (2.5kHz - 5.0kHz) +/- 3dB
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 540 x 330 x 294mm (21.3 x 13.0 x 11.6")
  • Net Weight: 16.1kg (each)
  • Finishes: Walnut
  • Cabinet Construction: High density fibreboard, walnut veneered with extensive internal bracing
Taking us back to the golden days of traditional 'bookshelf' loudspeaker design, the Vintage Classic VIII SM standmount model brings all the nostalgic looks and rich performance of the Vintage Classic Series to a compact and easy to integrate loudspeaker. True to the series, the rectangular cabinets are hand-finished with walnut veneer and a deep black baffle, with gold trim and ample design cues from the 1970s.
Taking us back to the golden days of traditional ‘bookshelf’ loudspeaker design, the Vintage Classic VIII SM standmount model brings all the nostalgic looks and rich performance of the Vintage Classic Series to a compact and easy to integrate loudspeaker. True to the series, the rectangular cabinets are hand-finished with walnut veneer and a deep black baffle, with gold trim and ample design cues from the 1970s. Alongside the 250mm (8”) IsoFlare driver, the design incorporates a dedicated BassTrax porting implementation designed to deliver the very best performance from the 360 degrees LF wavefront while mounted above the floor level on stands. Vintage Classic VIII SM delivers simple, beautiful, and classic looks with a truly contemporary loudspeaker performance.
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:

  • Fyne Audio utilizes a unique IsoFlare driver, employing a point-source configuration by integrating the tweeter within the midrange/woofer, improving time alignment and creating a more cohesive soundstage.
  • They implement a BassTrax porting system, using a downward-firing port coupled with a Tractrix cone diffuser to evenly disperse low frequencies into the room, reducing placement sensitivity.
  • Fyne Audio meticulously crafts its cabinets with curved baffles and high-density materials, combined with internal bracing to minimize unwanted resonances.
  • The brand offers a customizable sound experience through the inclusion of a "Presence" control, which subtly adjusts the frequencies in the 2.5kHz - 5kHz range, allowing for tailoring the sonic output to individual preferences and room acoustics.

Fyne Audio 500 Series

  • Positioning: The entry-level option in Fyne Audio's lineup, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
  • Description: Features solid build and impressive bass weight, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms. Uses the IsoFlare point-source driver, which enhances stereo imaging and directivity, setting it apart from the more basic F300 series. While it offers a warm and welcoming sound, it may lack the punch and snap found in the higher-end F700 series.

Fyne Audio 700 Series

  • Positioning: A mid-range offering, providing a step up in performance and design sophistication from the 500 series.
  • Description: Features upscale looks and unique IsoFlare driver, delivering excellent stereo imaging and detail retrieval. Offers a more dynamic and engaging sound compared to the 500 series. The series includes a BassTrax Tractrix diffuser for improved bass dispersion, which is more refined than the simpler designs in the 500 series.

Fyne Audio F1 Series

  • Positioning: The flagship line, representing the pinnacle of their technological and design capabilities.
  • Description: A groundbreaking achievement with luxurious build and exceptional soundstage, making it suitable for audiophiles with larger budgets and dedicated listening spaces. Features advanced IsoFlare drivers and a unique BassTrax diffuser, offering superior integration and bass performance compared to the 700 series. The F1 series also includes a presence control for fine-tuning the sound, a feature not found in the lower series.

Fyne Audio Vintage Classic Series

  • Positioning: A premium offering that combines modern performance with retro aesthetics, appealing to enthusiasts of classic design.
  • Description: Known for articulate presentation and expressive dynamics. Features a large IsoFlare driver with a low crossover point, providing seamless midrange delivery that surpasses the integration found in the 700 series. The series also offers high sensitivity, allowing it to be driven by lower-powered amplifiers, which is a distinct advantage over the more power-hungry F1 series.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
31
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
90
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
52
Founding Year
2017

Our take on the brand

Fyne Audio's IsoFlare technology creates point-source drivers that radiate sound evenly in all directions, while their BassTrax system turns port energy into a 360-degree wave that makes speaker placement less critical. Their unique FyneFlute surround design and magnesium-dome compression drivers with cryogenically treated components work together to reduce distortion and improve musical accuracy.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

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?

From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Bowers & Wilkins
805 D4
9500
9500
/
22
Reviews
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.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  •   Excellent build quality, featuring a blend of aluminum, leather, and wood veneer, or gloss paint.
  •   Detailed sound with excellent stereo imagery.
  •   Good detail and clarity.
  •   Wide and deep soundstage.
  •   Design features contribute to cabinet rigidity and reduced coloration.

Product Considerations

  •   May sound bright with the wrong amplifier or cables.
  •   May require a high-power solid-state amp.
  •   Needs quality amplification and may sound soft if underpowered.
  •   Requires stands, adding to the overall cost.
  •   Bass may not satisfy those seeking high-output bass without a subwoofer.

Takeaway: The 805 D4 is an excellent speaker that is beautifully built and delivers a detailed and engaging sound. It's a great option for those seeking a premium listening 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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Gershman
Studio II
5500
5500
/
10
Reviews

Delivers performance beyond what is typically associated with its price.

Gershman Acoustics speakers use Back-wave Control Technology and bass trap designs to deliver deep, controlled bass from compact enclosures, defying expectations about speaker size and performance. Their unique cabinet designs, including truncated pyramid shapes and resonance control devices, help create an intimate, club-like listening experience with exceptional clarity and precision.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Full-range sound, impressive bass response, and the ability to pressurize a room, often negating the need for a separate subwoofer
  • Smooth, warm, and coherent midrange provides natural and engaging vocals and instruments for long listening sessions without fatigue
  • Well-extended treble presents in a naturally smooth, enjoyable, and pleasing manner
  • Excellent imaging and soundstage capabilities create a realistic and immersive listening experience
  • Sound reproduction makes it a speaker that one can live with
  • Connectivity options are available

Product Considerations

  • Quality amplification with sufficient power and current is required to achieve optimal performance and control the woofer effectively
  • The backplate for bass adjustment uses wood screws, making it easy to strip if not handled carefully
  • Placement and setup, especially stand height and toe-in, are crucial for achieving the best high-frequency response, it can sound dull if not optimized
  • May not be ideal for listeners who prefer a brighter, more forward sound signature or those who prioritize extreme loudness levels
  • Grilles may cause micro-rattling at moderate to loud listening levels due to weaker magnets

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Totem Acoustic Manny 2 Signature: The Studio 2 has a more forgiving presentation, denser midrange, and stronger bass
  • Vs Klipsch Forte 3: The Studio 2 offers a more natural tone, especially in the midrange and upper bass, along with greater soundstage depth
  • Vs Vienna Acoustics Mozart Symphony Editions: The Studio 2 beats them in bass and midrange
  • Vs Harbeth (SHL5 and Compact 7 XTs): The Studio 2 cannot be matched by the Harbeth's articulate bass response
  • Vs Celestion SL6-S: The Studio 2 has deeper roots in the trunk, and they got high branches and leaves, but they don't go all the way up to the highest branches and leaves at the tippy top

Takeaway:

The Studio 2 is a well-built bookshelf speaker that delivers a smooth, full-range sound with surprising bass and clear imaging, making for an engaging listening experience. With the right setup and quality components, these speakers can provide years of musical enjoyment in a variety of room sizes.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gershman Acoustics speakers use Back-wave Control Technology and bass trap designs to deliver deep, controlled bass from compact enclosures, defying expectations about speaker size and performance. Their unique cabinet designs, including truncated pyramid shapes and resonance control devices, help create an intimate, club-like listening experience with exceptional clarity and precision.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Dynaudio
Focus 10
5500
5500
/
9
Reviews
Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
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Product Strengths

  • Integrated technology allows direct high-resolution listening without extra devices
  • The speaker uses the same Pascal Class D amplification and processing technology from Dynaudio's Pro line Core series
  • Discrete amplification channel per driver: 110 watts for the tweeter and 280 watts for the woofer
  • Dirac Live room correction is available, which can tune some of the annoying sounds of a garage, for example, using the soft dome tweeter

Product Considerations

  • Running a digital coaxial cable from one speaker to the next results in the signal being sent at 24-96 kilohertz, which is a lower quality than what the master speaker receives (24-192)
  • There is no HDMI arc or e-arc connection
  • Drilling holes may be required to attach the speaker to stands
  • Setting up the speaker with the app is not as quick or seamless as Bluesound
  • A microphone is required to do Dirac room calibration

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs PSB Alpha IQs: Plays louder with a higher level of amplification
  • Vs Dynaudio Core 7: The Core 7 has more power and a slightly better tweeter and woofer, but is not as aesthetically pleasing and needs a Bluesound Node
  • Vs Dynaudio Evoke: It is similar to an Evoke speaker, but with a bigger woofer

Takeaway: The Focus recMsY5ljWopDD7UU is a sophisticated wireless speaker that pulls technology from Dynaudio's Pro line and features Dirac room calibration. It is ideal for someone looking for high-resolution listening without extra devices and who values sophisticated sound and aesthetics.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Arendal Sound
1528 Monitor 8
5900
5900
/
9
Reviews

Generating a powerful sound in a (slightly) less imposing form factor than 1528 Towers, 1528 Monitors deliver a clarity and depth that outshines many floor-standing speakers. Feel every detail with stunning precision, deep bass, and a rich, immersive soundstage. Sleek, modern design and versatile settings ensure perfect sound tailored to your environment. Enjoy full-range sound without needing a subwoofer.

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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Product Strengths

  • Exceptionally well-built, described as monolithic and like concrete bricks
  • The tweeter provides detailed highs, comparable to a good AMT tweeter, and performs effortlessly even at high volumes
  • The midrange is special, with a carbon graphene construction for well-behaved out-of-band performance and high output
  • The speaker's design allows for significant room gain, providing real bass extension below 20 Hz
  • Immense potential, described to be a top shelf product

Product Considerations

  • The image was a little high
  • The speakers want power from a good amplifier to really open up
  • The listener might not always be as emotionally convinced by the result as they perhaps should have been
  • The speakers are large and may be obtrusive for most UK spaces

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • vs Paradigm Founder 120Hs: Similar to the Paradigm Founder 120Hs, which have active jumpers
  • vs RBH SVTRs: The reviewer loves the RBH SVTRs, and these new speakers are being tested to see if they can be a game changer in the industry
  • vs Spendor Classic 3-1: Arendal 1528 is neutral from top to bottom, while Spendor is warm from top to bottom
  • vs Cabasse Morano: Cabasse Morano has some coloration, but the Arendal 1528 is dead neutral

Takeaway:

The Arundel Sound 1528 recMsY5ljWopDD7UU speakers are incredibly well-built with high-quality components that deliver an excellent listening experience. They are capable of filling large rooms with detailed sound and powerful bass.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Fyne
Vintage Five
4721
/
Released
2023
Like it's larger siblings, this 5" compact bookshelf design celebrates the cabinet finery of traditional loudspeakers alongside the cutting-edge audio engineering of Dr Paul Mills. The handcrafted enclosures of the Fyne Vintage Five are kept compact to allow easy integration into small and medium sized spaces.
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Fyne Audio's IsoFlare technology creates point-source drivers that radiate sound evenly in all directions, while their BassTrax system turns port energy into a 360-degree wave that makes speaker placement less critical. Their unique FyneFlute surround design and magnesium-dome compression drivers with cryogenically treated components work together to reduce distortion and improve musical accuracy.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Beautifully handcrafted with full birch cabinets and a unique, aesthetically pleasing design that stands out
  • Delivers a highly resolving and natural treble presentation with a lot of texture and detail
  • Mid-range is open, expansive, and highly resolving, making it the star of the show
  • Employs Basstrax technology for bass tuning, dispersing low-frequency sounds more uniformly and making the speakers less fussy about room placement
  • Impressive clarity, dynamic presentation, and precise stereo imaging provide an enjoyable listening experience

Product Considerations

  • Bass extension is limited due to the small driver size
  • Works best in smaller spaces and may find its limits at higher volumes or in medium to large rooms
  • Can be picky with compressed recordings, revealing the compression in the mid-range
  • The retro appearance may not appeal to everyone
  • Careful partnering with well-behaved electronics is required to avoid harshness in the higher frequencies

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal Kanta Number One: The Vintage Five has a more neutral treble and better treble texture detail, while the Focal is more forward and pushes detail to the front

Takeaway: The Fyne Vintage Five speakers combine a retro aesthetic with modern engineering, delivering a detailed and engaging sound that's especially impressive in the mid-range. They are ideal for listeners who appreciate quality craftsmanship and a nuanced soundstage in smaller listening spaces.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Fyne Audio's IsoFlare technology creates point-source drivers that radiate sound evenly in all directions, while their BassTrax system turns port energy into a 360-degree wave that makes speaker placement less critical. Their unique FyneFlute surround design and magnesium-dome compression drivers with cryogenically treated components work together to reduce distortion and improve musical accuracy.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sonus Faber
Duetto
3999
/
Released
2023
Duetto marks Sonus faber's inaugural active stereo wireless speaker system. Powered by four bespoke amplifiers, Duetto presents an all-in-one sound solution, harmoniously blending a multitude of connectivity options while keeping the listening experience wire-free.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Gorgeous sound is clear, smooth, detailed, and dynamic
  • Elegant design is dashingly elegant, minimalist aesthetic, and painstakingly crafted for equal parts style and substance
  • Impressive bass extension and output, described as deep and firm, surprising for their size
  • Clear midrange makes voices sound purposeful, characterful, and entirely present
  • Versatile connectivity with streaming and input options, including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, phono pre-amp, and HDMI ARC/eARC

Product Considerations

  • Some reviewers experienced streaming and HDMI ARC reliability issues
  • Input and control layout can be inconvenient and awkward
  • Prototype unit had operational bugs
  • No bass level adjustment is available, though it could be added in mobile app

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II—the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a similarly high-end option
  • Vs PSB Alpha iQ—the PSB Alpha iQ is a more compact wireless speaker package than the Sonus Faber and is comparatively lighter on bass

Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Duetto speakers are well-suited for those seeking amazing sound and a beautiful design in one package. These speakers are easy to connect and use, and fill the room with rich, detailed audio.

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
Buchardt
Anniversary 10
3988
/
Released
2023
The Anniversary 10 (A10) is a culmination of all the experience that we have gathered over the last 10 years of designing and building HiFi speakers. Over the last decade, we have produced and sold thousands of speakers to happy HiFi enthusiasts from all around the world. Listening to feedback from our customers, learning from the best and adding our own flavor to the mix, has created extremely popular and critically acclaimed speakers, and now, this has evolved into our best sounding speaker yet.
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Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional bass performance for its compact size, with bass that is fast, clear, and tight
  • Multiple 'Master Tunings' offer customizable sound profiles, adapting to different room acoustics and user preferences
  • A high-quality Purifi woofer and SB Acoustics tweeter contribute to clarity, detail, and low distortion
  • A solid wood cabinet made in Denmark provides a luxurious look and feel

Product Considerations

  • Bass output may diminish or be limited at high volumes to protect the drivers from damage
  • A separate purchase of the Platin Stereo Hub may be required for full wireless functionality and room correction
  • The 'Made in China' label applies to the electronics inside the cabinet
  • While the A10 offers impressive bass, some may still prefer to add a subwoofer for a true full-range experience

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, the A10 is more transparent with greater inner detail, clarity, and top-end extension—and deeper, tighter bass—while the S400 Mark II is more relaxed and forgiving with harsh recordings
  • Vs Buchardt A500, the A10 has comparable performance, with possibly a crisper sound in some instances

Takeaway: The Buchardt Anniversary 10 is a compact yet powerful speaker that offers a customizable listening experience. Its impressive bass and versatile tuning options make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality audio solution in a small to medium-sized room.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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MoFi
SourcePoint 10
2999
/
Released
2022
The SourcePoint 10 is designed like a cost-no-object loudspeaker, a complete from the ground up approach, to deliver the highest sound quality and value.
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MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Remarkable sound power and early directivity indexes make it a true point source speaker.
  • Special sound quality for the price offers a level of performance not typically found in speakers at this price point.
  • Very good neutrality is present when the speaker is turned off axis.
  • It is a very versatile speaker to drive.
  • The midrange presentation is very dead center and coherent.

Product Considerations

  • The bass does not reach as low as some listeners might prefer.
  • The speaker can get bright at times.
  • Care should be taken to place it not directly on axis, because when placed directly on axis, it is no longer a neutral speaker.
  • There's no stand included in the package.
  • It is made in China, and construction can be suspect.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15, the SourcePoint 10 is more precise and focused, while the PureAudioProject has a bigger soundstage.
  • Vs Fleetwood Deville SQ, they sounded more alike than different when in action, but SourcePoint was more extended from top to bottom and brought more lively dynamics and impact.
  • Vs Klipsch Heresy IV, the SourcePoint 10 is the superior speaker in every way from build to sound, with more refinement and smoothness, and it seems just as dynamic as the Klipsch.
  • Vs Dynaudio Special 40s, the SourcePoint 10 sounds much bigger, more dynamic, has much better bass, and fills a room with ease.
  • Vs KEF LS50 META, the LS50 sounds smaller, leaner, and not as special in the vocal region.

Takeaway:

The SourcePoint is a speaker with a neutral sound that originates from a single point, and it has remarkable early directivity indexes. It is a speaker that offers very good performance for the money, but careful attention needs to be paid to its placement in the room.

Video review

Our take on the brand

MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Perlisten
S4b
3995
/
Released
2021
I am the overperforming little guy who will demand your respect after your first audition. I can be a serious 2 channel system with a subwoofer, an LCR, or a surround channel. Effortless dynamics and lightspeed transients remain the common thread of all Signature series speakers including the S4b.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Solidly built with an inert cabinet, contributing to overall performance
  • Crazy linear/neutral sound from about 100Hz upwards
  • The beryllium tweeter provides nuanced, airy, and extended highs with a hint of shimmer for realistic metallic instruments
  • It creates a three-dimensional soundstage, making the speakers disappear sonically

Product Considerations

  • It does not have a great deal of bass on its own and may require a subwoofer for full-range playback, starting its roll-off at around 100Hz
  • While placement is flexible, a solid amplifier is required
  • The styling might be an acquired taste and could be considered overcomplicated by some
  • The high gloss finishes may not appear different from less expensive speakers, making it harder to justify the luxury price tag

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4: The S4B is more neutral/accurate, while the 805 D4 adds bass and treble energy
  • Vs Focal Canta No. 1: The S4B outperforms the Canta No. 1, which has chestiness in its bass and midrange due to its cabinet
  • Vs Revel Studio 2: The S4B reminded the reviewer of the Revel Studio 2, though the Revels had more bass
  • Vs Focal Diablo Utopia: The Perlisten are a great alternative if the Utopias are outside of your reach and are a more neutral and less bright speaker
  • Vs EgglestonWorks Nico Evo: The EgglestonWorks presentation is a little more mid-forward and less 3D than the Perlisten

Takeaway: The Perlisten S4b is a high-performing speaker that offers excellent clarity and a neutral sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts alike. The speaker's ability to create a detailed and immersive soundstage can bring music and movies to life.

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.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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