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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

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

Manufacturer details

  • Weight: 1155g
Our Droplet pendant speakers are the antidote to bland boxy speakers and faceless in-ceiling varieties. The solution to the challenges of open architecture and high ceilings, and a welcome injection of personality, style and colour for applications that demand real hi-fi quality audio in a design-focussed, decor-friendly form. The Micro SE version of Droplet benefits from a vast sound stage and increased frequency range.
The Micro SE version of Droplet benefits from a vast sound stage and increased frequency range.
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:

  • They employ a spherical enclosure design, diverging from the typical box shape to minimize internal standing waves and external baffle diffraction.
  • The brand utilizes a cylindrical diaphragm tweeter (CDT) to project high frequencies in a wide, uniform 180-degree arc, creating a larger and more open soundstage compared to conventional dome tweeters.
  • Gallo designs speakers with a single, full-range driver to eliminate the need for a crossover network, thereby improving transparency and coherence.
  • The brand has developed a proprietary S2 damping technology, using a unique enclosure filling material to mimic a larger cabinet volume and enhance bass response in compact speakers.

Micro

  • Positioning: A compact high-end small speaker designed for versatile home audio.
  • Description: Features a 4-inch all-metal spherical enclosure that minimizes internal resonance and diffraction for clear imaging. Compared to the higher-powered models, it offers a unique compact form factor with flexible mounting options while sacrificing the extended frequency range seen in later series.

A'Diva SE

  • Positioning: A high-performance compact speaker focused on peak audio delivery for music and movies.
  • Description: Uses a proprietary ultra-wide dispersion flat-diaphragm transducer and Optimised Pulse Technology to reduce distortion and extend frequency response. In contrast to the Micro, it provides enhanced power handling and spatial characteristics without needing extra low-end support, and stands apart from design-centric options like the Droplet variants.

Droplet

  • Positioning: A design-focused variant that melds decorative aesthetics with quality hi-fi sound.
  • Description: Builds on the core technologies of the Micro and A'Diva families while offering a pendant-style form factor suited to open spaces and architectural integration. Compared to the compact Micro and the performance-enhanced A'Diva SE, it delivers balanced acoustics with an emphasis on visual appeal and installation flexibility.

Strada 2

  • Positioning: A reference loudspeaker engineered for audiophile audiovisual performance.
  • Description: Incorporates an Optimised Pulse Technology system along with a re-engineered cylindrical diaphragm tweeter to achieve textbook dispersion and an expansive soundstage. Compared to the smaller and more design-focused models, it offers superior power handling and clarity for larger rooms.

TR-3D

  • Positioning: A powerful subwoofer designed to complement the speaker lineup with precise, adjustable bass.
  • Description: Features a 10-inch long-throw driver powered by a 300 Watt Class-D amplifier and patented S2 bass loading technology for smooth low-frequency performance. Unlike the full-range speakers which focus on mid and high frequencies, it allows for fine tuning of bass response to adapt to various room sizes.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
11
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
229
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
20
Founding Year
1993

Our take on the brand

Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.

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?

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From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Gallo Acoustics
Droplet A'Diva SE
502
502
/
1
Reviews
Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Our summary

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
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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Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
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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Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Q Acoustics
5020
899
899
/
18
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

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

What competes at this price?

Gallo Acoustics
Droplet A'Diva
439
/
Released
The A'Diva version of Droplet provides half an octave of extra bass, allowing it to be used without a subwoofer for some applications.
Check Amazon
Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Quite nice packaging, straightforward and simple, with a clean design
  • Speakers give a very clear, very crisp sound
  • The casing is one seamless metal casing with no joins and looks amazing

Product Considerations

  • With thick speaker cables, there can be a balancing act to keep the speaker from rolling off a table
  • The Profile sub, when set to auto, can take 5-10 seconds to detect a signal and kick into life
  • Bass performance is limited if used alone and should be paired with bass/sub-woofers, especially the Nucleus Micro

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+, the A'Diva Ti is outperformed in sound quality by the less expensive Emotiva Airmotiv B1+

Takeaway: The Gallo Acoustics A'Diva speakers are well-designed and manufactured, offering a stylish look and clear sound. They provide a treat for the ears and provide consistent sound when watching TV.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Gallo Acoustics
A'diva Habitat
472
/
Released
2021
HABITAT introduces some much needed style into the utilitarian outdoor speaker category, the all-stainless steel, IP66 rated Habitat range is derived from the timeless 4" and 5" spherical forms of our classic Micro and A'Diva speakers.
Check Amazon
Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Very clear, very crisp sound
  • Special filling inside called branded K2 helps produce a fuller, deeper sound from such a tiny speaker
  • Seamless metal casing
  • Can use banana plugs to connect speaker cable, or push naked speaker wire into the connections and tighten

Product Considerations

  • Frequency response ranges from 76Hz down to about 20kHz
  • Comes with a little o-ring for placing on a shelf, ensuring the speaker sits and won't roll away

Takeaway: The A'diva speakers are easy to set up and install into a home system, and the sound quality is good and fantastic. The speakers give a very clear, very crisp sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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.
Check Amazon
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

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

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sonos
Move 2
419
/
Released
2023
Upgraded inside and out, our most powerful portable speaker delivers heart-pumping stereo sound wherever you want.
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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.
Expand Details

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

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