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
- Tuned to sound like a mix of Harbeth (mid-range) and Bowers & Wilkins (treble), providing a unique and desirable sound signature
- Uses premium parts including exotic capacitors that bring a warm, juicy mid-range with beautiful musicality
- Creates a wide, large holographic soundstage, making the speakers disappear in the room
- Produces a heart-touching, soul-stirring performance, especially with vocal-centric music
- Offer refined sound with a beautiful glow, especially excelling in spatial and ambient music
Product Considerations
- Limited availability as they are a special edition and will not be restocked once sold out
- Recommended to be powered with at least 50 watts per channel for optimal performance
- Not ideal for large rooms or very loud listening sessions without a subwoofer
- Thomas mentioned they will not measure flat, so those who make purchasing choices from measurements might miss out on the sound
- Bass is rated down to 60 Hertz, and while sufficient for many genres in a small to medium room, it may not satisfy those seeking thunderous bass without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Has a lot of the Harbeth character, but with more volume range
- Similar treble performance to Bowers & Wilkins, with an extended and airy soundstage
Takeaway: The Galleon TS Voyager Mark II SE speakers are a special edition that combines the best qualities of Harbeth and Bowers & Wilkins speakers into a beautiful and magical listening experience. They are perfect for those who value mid-range warmth, a holographic soundstage, and a refined sound in small to medium-sized rooms.
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TS Voyager MK2 Special Edition
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Impedance: 8 Ohms Nominal
- Sensitivity: 83dB
- Dimensions: 7.5" W x 12" H x 8" D
- Weight: 5.10 kg each
- Tweeter: 28mm silk dome (Dayton RST28F-4)
- Woofer: 130mm treated paper cone (DC130A-8)
- Power Handling: 50 Wrms
- Frequency range: 60 hz - 22 khz
Unlike the TS Voyager Mk1, which drew its design inspiration from the BBC LS3/5A, we had a different design goal for the MK2. We designed the MK2 to amalgamate the qualities of speakers such as Harbeth and B&W. More specifically, the high-frequency detail extension mirrors that of a B&W speaker. We tuned the midrange to possess the tonal richness characteristic of speakers like Harbeth and Spendor. Finally, we designed the cabinet to be larger than typical desktop speakers, ensuring sufficient bass output to eliminate the need for a subwoofer in a desktop setup.
Sound Characteristics
High-Frequency Detail: The TS Voyager MK2 SE is a master of high-frequency detail. It uncovers every hidden nuance in the recording, yet it's carefully tuned to prevent listening fatigue, ensuring a pleasurable listening experience.
Midrange: We designed the midrange to be tonally rich and full-bodied, providing a warm and intimate listening experience.
Bass: The TS Voyager MK2 SE's larger sealed cabinet size allows for an impressive well controlled strong bass performance.
Standard or Special Edition?
Although the Mk2 and Mk2 SE share the same crossover design, the Mk2 SE utilizes higher-quality components. Specifically, the Mk2 SE uses air-core inductors instead of iron-core inductors and features superior capacitors and non-inductive wire wound resistors. This choice of ...
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:
Select products
TS-A75
- Positioning: A mid-range power amplifier with a high current design.
- Description: Features dynamic bass and an airy 3D soundstage. Uses a high current design with two 200W toroidal transformers and 20 capacitors, providing a total of 200k uf of capacitance, which is significantly more than most affordable amplifiers. This makes it ideal for users who want impactful bass and a holographic soundstage without breaking the bank, especially in small to medium-sized rooms.
TS34
- Positioning: A versatile tube integrated amplifier with EL34 tubes, delivering a lively and agile sound.
- Description: Can switch between Class A and Class AB modes, providing both warm midrange and powerful bass. Uses Jupiter Bumblebee capacitors to enhance midrange vocal performance, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a vintage-inspired sound with modern clarity.
TS-A20
- Positioning: A high-end Class A power amplifier designed for audiophiles.
- Description: Features exceptional resolution and dynamic range, enabled by its massive 400,000 microfarad capacitor bank. This allows it to deliver tight, nuanced bass and a 3D soundstage that rivals many tube amplifiers.
TS120
- Positioning: A flagship tube integrated amplifier combining tube and solid-state characteristics.
- Description: Offers a blend of smooth, airy soundstage and dynamic bass control, with the ability to switch between Class A and Class AB modes. Features high-quality components like Jupiter and Solen capacitors, providing a nuanced and fatigue-free listening experience.
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Used
Galion
What if you spend more?
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The TS Voyager TL speaker had three design goals:
Non-fatiguing: The treble of the TS Voyager TL was carefully tuned to be not harsh and not sibilant
Solid foundation: Bass is the foundation of a good-sounding system. The TS Voyager TL uses a transmission line design, allowing it to excel at low frequencies compared to speakers of a similar size
Pleasant to listen to: One of the key strengths of the TS Voyager is its buttery smooth midrange
Transmission Line Advantage
In a transmission line speaker, sound from the back of the speaker is channeled into a pathway inside the cabinet lined with damping material. The benefit of such a design is excellent high-fidelity and great low-frequency responses. As a result, the bass is big and enveloping. In addition, the strong low end bleeds into the lower midrange, giving the vocal extra body and warmth. Finally, thanks to the transmission line, you will hear more information in the midrange area.
Flexibility
The speaker comes with two foam sets, allowing you to experience different bass outputs. With the full foam completely closing the port, you will experience a tighter bass but with less output, which is ideal for desktop use. With the half foam, you will experience the best balance between bass tightness and punch. You can remove the foam completely if you want maximum bass output. You will need to experiment because not using any foam might give you the most balanced bass if you sit close to the speakers in a small room.
Musical
Suppose we define analytical speakers as speakers with a detailed presentation, where you can hear all the nuances and "analyze" everything in the music. In that case, the TS Voyager TL is not an analytical speaker. Instead, the TL is a musical speaker. It is musical because it is smoother, with no hard edges in the treble area. Instead of analyzing the music, you will simply enjoy the music. There is no harshness, nor is it sibilant. You can easily listen to them for hours with no listening fatigue.
Great for low volume listening
One of the key advantages of transmission line speakers is their ability to generate strong bass with lots of texture at low volume. This is ideal for anyone who enjoys listening at low volumes.
Breaking the rules
Usually, one of the criteria for good-sounding speakers is to eliminate resonance. The TS Voyager TL, unconventionally, embraces resonance. The cabinets are thin, and interestingly, the 'resonance' from the cabinet makes the speaker more 'musical' and fun. The bass has a certain elasticity thanks to this design.
8 Ohms Nominal Impedance
Built with high-quality film caps, and custom-made air and iron core inductors, only 6 components were needed in the crossover. By having fewer parts in the signal path, despite only being rated at 84dB, it is not a difficult speaker to drive thanks to its 8 ohms nominal impedance. A simple 50w integrated amplifier is all you need to bring these speakers to life.
Exotic Components
Aluminium Jupiter Capacitors were used in the crossovers to give these speakers a lush midrange. These are rarely used by any speakers in this price range due to cost. Not only did these Jupiter capacitors level up the midrange, but they also added 'air' into the soundstage.
From Jupiter's website
"Jupiter Vitamin-Q Aluminum Foil Paper in Oil Capacitors"
Authentically built to the original construction, housed in a solder-sealed true hermetic case. Jupiter Vitamin-Q creates the ultimate lush tone with mysteriously warm juicy midrange and excellent musical flow, with a slightly softer top and bottom end than the Comet Type."
Magnetic Grills and 5 Way Binding Posts
The TS Voyager TL includes a pair of black magnetic grills for extra protection. Fortunately, the tweeters are already protected by a metal mesh cover, so grills are optional for these speakers.
The TS Voyager TL also comes with five-way binding posts, allowing you to use all types of connectors.
Birchwood Instead of MDF
Unlike most speakers, birchwood was used instead of MDF. The satin brown stained natural birch finish has a deep and lustrous bronze-like tint with a hint of purple heartwood. The tinted wood is then sealed with multiple coats of hand-rubbed lacquer to achieve a deep and rich finish that is truly heirloom quality.
Button label
Measurements
Please note the bass bump in the measurements is due to the incomplete anechoic chamber. Measurements above 200hz are accurate.
Purple line: Port fully open
Green line: Port half open
Red line: Port fully closed
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The midrange is very natural sounding
- The treble region is neutral to the dark side of neutral, but still has good detail retrieval
- The speaker sound was always very pleasing across a wide range of amplifiers
- A strong bass foundation is provided for the rest of the performance
- A unique tonal character exists around its price point
Product Considerations
- Very strong bass means setup is crucial, as incorrect setup can lead to overly dark treble, muddy midrange, and excessive bass
- The bass is not the quickest or tightest, and doesn't have the most definition in its note-to-note distinction
- Harder to drive
- The reviewer's room had a resonant frequency that initially caused issues with the bass
- The cabinet, while beautiful, is not as rigid, heavy, and robust as some competitors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Buchardt p300: A warmer and tonally richer midrange and even stronger bass, while the Buchardt p300 is more neutral in its treble
- Vs. ELAC UBR 62: More powerful bass that is tuneful and organically rich with a tonally rich warm midrange, while the ELAC UBR 62 is technically excellent–but emotionless
Takeaway: It is a remarkable speaker with a pleasing sound and a benchmark midrange for its price category, making it a worthy addition to any collection if you want a strong bass foundation for your music With careful setup, it can provide a very real sounding musical experience
Video review
Our take on the brand
R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker’s performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design. It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5” hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.
Product Strengths
- Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
- Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
- Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
- A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
- Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences
Product Considerations
- The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
- The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
- Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
- The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
- Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
- Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta
Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Highly accurate sound with surprising dynamic and bass abilities
- Intuitive BluOS app provides access to many streaming services, multi-room control, and customisation options
- Wide range of connectivity options including HDMI eARC, phono inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- BluOS app required for setup and primary use, no dedicated remote control is provided
- BluOS app can be quirky, and there are potential setup difficulties and HDMI connectivity issues
- Lacks room EQ features for near-wall or desktop placement, and doesn't have enough output for larger rooms without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro, the Alpha iQ provides a deeper soundstage and more filled-in sound
- Vs Q Acoustics's Q Active 200, the Alpha iQ delivers greater sense of scale
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, the Alpha iQ provides more transparent sound and better dynamic range
- Vs ELAC Debut ConneX, the Alpha iQ offers wider-ranging connectivity and a dedicated control app
- Vs KEF LSX II, the Alpha iQ has a feature-rich app and multi-room audio skills
- Vs Alpha AM3, the Alpha iQ is physically larger, with more rated power and wireless connection between speakers
Takeaway: The PSB Alpha iQ is a compact, all-in-one streaming speaker system with excellent sound quality and versatility, making it a great addition to smaller spaces. Its multiple connectivity options and simple setup allow one to easily enjoy music from various sources.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Precise and stable stereo imaging
- Good detail retrieval
- Neutral tonal balance
- Versatile directivity
Product Considerations
- Bass extension requires a subwoofer for full-range playback, especially below the mid-40Hz range
- Potential for brightness, especially when toed-in directly towards the listening position
- Requires careful setup and experimentation with placement to optimize sound, especially in relation to the rear wall and toe-in
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SourcePoint 8 is more neutral, with a less elevated top end, while the SourcePoint 10 is brighter
Takeaway: The SourcePoint 8 is a well-engineered speaker that stands out for its clear imaging and ability to convey musical detail across different genres. It offers a balanced and neutral sound that makes it an engaging listening experience.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
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.
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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.
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Our Summary
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
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredible power handling capabilities, performing as well as speakers in the $2,000–$3,000 range
- Sound quality is comparable to stand-mount speakers in the $1,500–$2,000 range
- Build quality is phenomenal for its price point, with real wood veneer options available
- Produces a dense and deep soundstage, especially for a two-way design
- Neutral and clean sound with nice extension in the upper mid-range to high-frequency extension, avoiding a 'hot' sound
Product Considerations
- Stereo imaging is decent, but not as precise as some listeners may prefer
- The mid-range can be a weak point due to some potential resonance in the upper frequencies of the woofer's range
- The speakers are not the easiest to drive and pairing with neutral, slightly warmer amps is recommended
- The treble response is slightly forward with some extra sparkle which may not be ideal for those sensitive to higher frequencies
- While the bass is good, listeners of bass-heavy music may want to add a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. SVS Nano: The Ultra Evolution has a more open and expansive midrange and more linear bass, while the Nano has punchier—slightly boosted—bass
- Vs. Heco Salon Revolution 3: The Ultra Evolution is a good replacement since the Heco is discontinued, the Ultra Evolution favors neutrality, while the Heco has a warmer midrange, but the treble is very similar on both
- Vs. KEF R3 Meta: The SVS Ultra Evolution disappears better, but the R3 Meta sounds more neutral
- Vs. Dali Opticon II Mark IIs: Dali is warmer and more nuanced in the midrange but the Ultra Evolution is a little more exciting in its presentation
Takeaway: The SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf speakers provide exceptional performance for the price and create an immersive listening experience. They are well-built, attractive, and offer a balanced sound that makes them a strong contender in their price range.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wide range of connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.0 aptX, Wi-Fi, RCA/Phono input, optical input, and USB input.
- Enthusiastic and capable sound quality suitable for various music genres, with a mature sense of composure.
- Elegant and refined design with unique arrow-extended feet and premium grill, available in multiple color finishes.
- The included Triangle AIO app is well-designed, bug-free, and provides easy streaming from providers like Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, and Deezer, as well as basic EQ adjustments.
- Includes a built-in moving magnet phono stage for playing records directly.
Product Considerations
- The quality of the built-in phono stage isn't the best compared to streaming or other inputs
- The remote control is plastic and doesn't feel as premium as the speaker itself
- The included speaker cable is basic
- WiFi connectivity can have a delay when turning the speaker off and back on
- The bright LED indicating the source can be distracting for some users, though it can be dimmed or turned off
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the KEF LSX II, the AIO Twin is at half the price
- Triangle is more balanced, neutral, and composed than the Argon Audio Forte A5 MK2, while the Argon Audio Forte A5 MK2 is more V-shaped
Takeaway: The AIO is a versatile and good-sounding all-in-one speaker system that combines modern features with a stylish design, making it a great choice for those who want simplicity and convenience. The speaker's ability to handle various input sources, from streaming to vinyl playback, ensures that users can enjoy all of their music with ease.
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