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
- Combination of better performance while also making the loudspeaker compatible with a wide range of electronics and cables
- Excellent upper midrange and treble detail without hardness
- Truly low musical bass integrated into the overall response of the speaker
- Better performance with a balance of sound qualities that make it a pleasure to listen to over extended periods
- Exceptional value in hifi
Product Considerations
- Bass section is not room-placement-proof, care is needed to keep the subwoofer level restrained
- Paint drips are all over the internals and can be seen once the cover is removed, and the metal grill is poorly constructed and flimsy considering the cost
- Needs a minimum listening volume, at lower volumes music can feel a bit disjointed and not fully formed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Reference is a major improvement over Triton One, with meaningful sonic advances
- Increased control and articulation of bass, compared to Triton One
Takeaway: The GoldenEar Triton Reference is an excellent speaker that sounds great and offers exceptional value for the money, delivering near state-of-the-art sound. The Triton Reference can easily be compared to speakers from other brands costing considerably more.
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
Triton Reference
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
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Driver Complement: One Reference High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT Tweeter, Two 6" High-Definition Cast-Basket Reference Mid/Bass Drivers, Three 6" x 10" Long-Throw Quadratic Reference Subwoofer Bass Drivers, Four 9.5" x 10.5" Quadratic Planar Back-Wave-Driven Radiators
- Passive Radiator Surface Area: 66.77in2 (430.79cm2)
- Efficiency: 93dB 1W/1M @ 4Ω (2.83V/1M)
- Frequency Response: 26Hz – 25kHz typical (-6dB on axis @ 26Hz, anechoic bass response)
- Nominal Impedance: 4Ω
- Recommended Amplification: 20 – 750Wpc
- Built-In Subwoofer Power Amplification: 1500W peak/750W RMS, DSP-Controlled
- Dimensions: 9.1" (23.36 cm) W x 19.4" (47.6 cm) D x 58" (147.27 cm) H (with base, no spikes)
- Weight: 108 lbs (49.8 kg)
Description
Launched at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, the Triton Reference was designed with a mandate to establish a new and long-lasting standard for affordable excellence. We believe we filled the mandate. While others have come and gone, T-Ref has maintained its place in showrooms, homes, and Stereophile's esteemed "Recommended Components." In fact, to this day, it holds the distinction of being the most affordable loudspeaker listed in the magazine's Class A (Full Range) category, ranked right alongside speakers costing well over $200,000/pr.
The Triton Reference is the evolution of all we've learned so far, taken to a stunning level of sonic performance and sophisticated visual design. All the components are specifically developed for use in the Reference, including the fully-balanced and the powerful subwoofer amplifier and 56-bit DSP control unit. The 6˝ upper/bass/midrange drivers incorporate a low-mass voice coil and cone with unique low-mass bonding to the butyl rubber surround for improved transient response.
The 6˝x10˝ active low-frequency drivers for the built-in powered subwoofers have 40% more surface area than the active drivers used in other Tritons. The Reference High-Velocity Folded-Ribbon tweeter incorporates 50% more rare-earth neodymium magnet material than do our non-Reference HVFR tweeters, for improved transient response and higher efficiency. The four inertially balanced 10.5˝x 9.5˝ side-mounted (two on each side), planar back-wave-driven radiators are similar to those used in the SuperSub X, but have been retooled to allow for even greater excursion.
The Reference has been engineered to perform with a dramatic and authoritative voice, comparable to speakers many times its surprisingly affordable price. They completely disappear, with superb three-dimensional imaging that stretches from wall to wall and beyond. Tremendous time and energy has been put into the voicing of the speaker and the se...
The 6˝x10˝ active low-frequency drivers for the built-in powered subwoofers have 40% more surface area than the active drivers used in other Tritons. The Reference High-Velocity Folded-Ribbon tweeter incorporates 50% more rare-earth neodymium magnet material than do our non-Reference HVFR tweeters, for improved transient response and higher efficiency. The four inertially balanced 10.5˝x 9.5˝ side-mounted (two on each side), planar back-wave-driven radiators are similar to those used in the SuperSub X, but have been retooled to allow for even greater excursion.
The Reference has been engineered to perform with a dramatic and authoritative voice, comparable to speakers many times its surprisingly affordable price. They completely disappear, with superb three-dimensional imaging that stretches from wall to wall and beyond. Tremendous time and energy has been put into the voicing of the speaker and the se...
Release Timeline
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:
- GoldenEar speakers strive to balance high-fidelity sound reproduction with practicality for everyday living, designed to integrate seamlessly into a variety of hifi and home theater scenarios.
- They are known for their semi-active speaker designs which incorporate powered subwoofers, giving users greater placement flexibility and robust bass without requiring additional amplification for the low end.
- GoldenEar speakers utilize a proprietary High-Velocity Folded Ribbon (HVFR) tweeter which allows for fine resolution and dynamic high frequencies, in addition to avoiding screechiness.
- The brand leverages access to extensive research and development capabilities including its own anechoic chamber to develop drivers tuned to their intended role.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Triton Seven
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the Triton series, offering a compact and affordable option.
- Description: Delivers deep bass performance without a built-in subwoofer. Features a High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT Tweeter and dual 5.25" mid/bass drivers, providing a rich soundstage similar to the Triton Five but at a lower cost, making it ideal for small to medium rooms.
Triton Five
- Positioning: Positioned above the Triton Seven, offering enhanced dynamic range and bass extension.
- Description: Features four side-mounted sub-bass radiators for deeper bass, making it suitable for larger rooms or home theater setups. Shares the same tweeter as the Triton Seven but adds larger mid/bass drivers, providing a more robust sound.
T66
- Positioning: Part of the new T Series, positioned as a modern take on the classic Triton design.
- Description: Features a built-in DSP-controlled subwoofer and a refined crossover design, offering a sleek look and powerful sound. Stands out with its bi-wire capability and improved internal wiring.
Triton One.R
- Positioning: A high-end model in the Triton series, offering reference-quality sound.
- Description: Equipped with a 1600-watt subwoofer amplifier and advanced drivers, delivering detailed sound for large spaces. Shares technology with the flagship Triton Reference but at a lower price.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
44
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
55
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
28
Founding Year
2010
Our take on the brand
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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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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Used
GoldenEar
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
KEF
LS60 Wireless
5499
5499
/
19
Reviews
Bring the track spirit into your home with LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition, created in partnership with and inspired by the British Racing Green of the iconic brand.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Product Strengths
- Striking, sleek, and modern design that complements modern interiors
- Incorporates KEF's Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for neutral, open, detailed sound, reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter
- Includes Uni-Core force-canceling woofers that reduce cabinet vibrations, contributing to balanced and detailed bass
- The KEF Connect app allows for adjustments to fit the listening environment
- Offers high connectivity and is a true stand-alone system
Product Considerations
- Bass can be a bit too much out of the box, requiring adjustments via the app or placement considerations
- Not well-suited for those who have many signal sources to connect to
- Some reviewers found the bass lacked definition in the upper bass, with unclear instrument placement, even after adjusting EQ settings
- The included remote control is considered basic or cheap
- Mandatory online registration and administrator-level internet connection requirements for the app may be a drawback for privacy-conscious users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, the LS60 Wireless can achieve similar sound quality with adjustments, at a lower price point, although the Beolab 28 sounds 'more right' straight out of the factory
- Compared to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the LS60 Wireless is preferred stylistically, achieves near full-range playback, and has a more slim design, although it costs more and also provides much deeper bass
- Compared to the Q Acoustics Active 400 Towers, the LS60 Wireless has no issues with products not working
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless are stylish, all-in-one speakers that deliver a balanced, detailed sound with advanced technology. They are a convenient, high-performing solution for those seeking a streamlined audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
KEF
LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition
6599
6599
/
9
Reviews
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality, with reviews noting neutral and balanced sound, meticulous detail retrieval, and delicate micro-dynamics
- Good imaging and soundstage, with the ability to create a wide and immersive soundstage with precise imaging
- Sleek design, with their elegance and ability to complement modern interiors
- Powerful and well-controlled bass, thanks to the Uni-Core driver technology
- Wide array of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, RCA, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Qobuz
Product Considerations
- Relatively expensive compared to other active speaker systems
- Some reviewers noted occasional signal dropouts between the primary and secondary speakers when connected wirelessly
- The KEF Connect app is essential for full functionality and optimal setup, which may not appeal to users who prefer physical controls
- Bass output can be sensitive to room placement and may require adjustments to avoid boominess
- Connecting multiple external devices can result in significant cable clutter, despite being marketed as wireless
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28: The LS60 offers comparable performance at roughly half the price, though the Beolab 28 is noted as sounding better out-of-the-box without EQ
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II: The LS60 offers improved performance and near full-range playback, but at a higher price, the LS50 Wireless II offers similar clarity with a slightly warmer sound
- Vs Klipsch Forte 4: The LS60 is more suited for home theater use and surface more detail
- Vs Q Acoustics Q Active 400 Towers, Dali Oberon 7C Wireless, and Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duos: The LS60 is considered a better, more refined and adjustable package
- Vs Hegel H190 & KEF LS50 Meta with KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 communicates the forward force of music better and has features such as Tidal Connect and room EQ
- Vs Lindemann TD-AI1120, KEF LS50 Meta & KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 cannot be matched in scale and effortless dynamics
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless is a fantastic, all-in-one speaker system that sounds great and looks stylish. They are easy to set up and use, and will fill a room with music for years to come.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
Dynaudio
Focus 30
8250
8250
/
8
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.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Transparent presentation, effortless dynamics, pinpoint imaging, and bass extension
- Sounds more neutral, more open and slightly better focused, especially in the lower octaves
- Detail is defined, and the dynamic performance is highly nuanced and sensitive
- Dirac Live compatibility allows for highly customizable and smooth sound
- Plays with an authority normally associated with speakers twice their size
Product Considerations
- The status LED on the front does not replace a display
- Setup is not exactly intuitive
- Without Dirac Live, the bass can sometimes be too strong for music listening
- A dedicated midrange unit would give both strings and woodwinds more depth and body
- Dirac adjustment slightly reduces volume levels, as some frequencies are attenuated
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: The bass response is tighter and better defined
- Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: The soundstage is more open and transparent
- Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: The stereo perspective is more sharply defined, and the soundstage is larger
- Vs ELAC Navis ARF-51 & NAD C 658: A deeper soundstage is created, with better front-to-back layering and image specificity
- Vs ELAC Navis ARF-51 & NAD C 658: During intense passages, the presentation was more transparent
- Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: Piano sounds better because nuances are more clearly defined and the treble reproduction is airier
Takeaway: The Dynaudio Focus 30 is a great system because it sounds very detailed with pinpoint imaging. The Focus 30 is perfectly suited as a wireless speaker for those seeking excellent sound in their home.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
Paradigm
Founder 120H
7649
7649
/
8
Reviews
5-driver, 3 way hybrid floostanding with active bass, ported enclosure
Paradigm is a Canadian hifi speaker brand that designs and builds their products locally, using advanced materials like beryllium in their drivers and their proprietary PPA lens technology for better sound dispersion. Their speakers are favored by audiophiles seeking high-end sound at relatively lower prices, and they integrate Anthem Room Correction technology to optimize performance in modern open-concept homes with challenging acoustics.
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Product Strengths
- Anthem Room Correction (ARC) Genesis allows use to calibrate the speakers to specific room acoustics up to 300 Hz
- Hybrid design features built-in amplifiers powering the bass section, delivering up to 1000 watts for the three woofers per speaker, which allows accurate and controlled reproduction of powerful bass
- Delivers detailed, dynamic, and musically engaging sound with deep, controlled bass and clean and sparkling highs
- High premium finish and the cabinet is soft to the touch
- The design is elegant, with a tapered cabinet and an angled crease running diagonally across the side panel
Product Considerations
- At more down-to-earth levels it became pretty evident that the 120H are well overendowed in the bass department
- The design issue of the Paradigms active X-over network somewhat 'screws' up the sound at SPL below 75dB
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Founder 120H has a larger cabinet and Carbon-X bass drivers than the Paradigm Founder 100F
- The Founder 120H has an overall fuller and more rounded sound than the Revel F228Be, but Revels have a slightly more refined-sounding treble response
- The Founder 120H delivers high-end audio performance at more attainable prices than the Paradigm Persona 9H
- The Founder 120H has that same deep dynamic capacity where they do not fluster easily—if at all—when pushed
Takeaway: The Paradigm Founder 120H offers high-performance sound and technology, like room correction, at a more accessible price. The active bass section, quality design, and build make this a compelling listening experience for any music genre.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Paradigm is a Canadian hifi speaker brand that designs and builds their products locally, using advanced materials like beryllium in their drivers and their proprietary PPA lens technology for better sound dispersion. Their speakers are favored by audiophiles seeking high-end sound at relatively lower prices, and they integrate Anthem Room Correction technology to optimize performance in modern open-concept homes with challenging acoustics.
Product Page
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What competes at this price?
GoldenEar
T66
3450
/
Released
2024
The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar's new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else.
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
- Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
- High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
- A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
- The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal
Product Considerations
- Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
- The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
- Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
- Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations
Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.
Video review
Our take on the brand
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
Product Page
Product Page
KEF
LS60
4999
/
Released
2022
It will feel like you’re inside the game, the film, the music. Refining what immersive experience really means, the LS60 Wireless delivers truly realistic, high-fidelity sound for home entertainment. Its slim, plug and play design, packed with KEF’s key technology, offers the whole package: not only does it look as good as it performs, it boasts extensive connectivity options. A transportive experience, powered by unequalled engineering.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Phenomenal performance combines with great aesthetics and ease of use
- The Uni-Q driver provides a great, all-encompassing sense of sound and captures every element of the track
- Offers a wealth of customization via the KEF Connect app, including EQ settings, wall mode, and bass extension
- Every driver is paired with a custom amplifier, eliminating the need to choose separate components
- Integrates multiple streaming options including Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Chromecast
Product Considerations
- Bluetooth 4.2 may be seen as outdated
- The included remote control is basic
- Bass can be too much straight out of the box and may require adjustment
- Some may not like the decision being taken away of choosing a specific amplifier or DAC
- Output may be limited for very large rooms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- LS60 uses a lot of similar technology found in the KEF Blades
- LS60 can play much louder and deeper, and are more dynamic and even more open than KEF LS50 Wireless II
- LS60 goes deeper in the bass than Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo
- LS60 has more outstanding range and bass dynamics than DALI Rubicon 6 C and PIEGA Premium Wireless 701
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless is a convenient and great-sounding speaker system with a slim design and comprehensive features that's easy to set up and customize for various listening preferences. It's a good choice if you want a simple, high-quality audio solution without needing separate components.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
Genelec
6040R
3395
/
Released
2021
The 6040R fuses the very best of Finnish technology and design, bringing exceptional performance and beautiful aesthetics to all lovers of high quality audio.
Genelec is a hifi speaker brand known for their unique coaxial driver design where the tweeter is embedded in the mid-woofer, ensuring all frequencies come from the same point in space. The brand pioneered the use of recycled aluminum for speaker cabinets in 1996, and their Smart Active Monitoring systems automatically adapt to room acoustics, making them particularly valuable for professional studio environments.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Rock-solid build quality with die-cast aluminum construction leading to a durable and rigid design without resonances
- Precise and balanced sound, suitable for all musical styles without emphasis, with warm vocals and good intimacy
- Powerful dynamics and serious SPL capability from a small cabinet, delivering decent sound even in larger rooms
- Features Genelec's GLM room correction system, which is flexible, fast, and provides a comprehensive report about the listening space with recommendations
- Elegant and unique design that looks good from any angle, and doesn't take up much footprint in the room
Product Considerations
- All connections use professional standards, and balanced outputs are preferred
- The GLM kit is an additional cost
- The professional XLR cable connections can seem cumbersome
- There is no wireless connectivity or network option
- The manual is quite involved and detailed for GLM, and could be improved with a quick start manual
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Reference Techniques SBR1: The SBR1 has better bass insight and space and more 'hifi glossy silkiness,' while the 6040R is a better 'music communicator'
- Vs ATC SCM40 actives: The ATC is better in timbre and bass-treble coherence, but the 6040R is more precise, dynamic, and easier to integrate
- Vs KEF LS50 Metas and a Buchardt i150 amplifier: The 6040R has greater drive and greater soundstage precision
Takeaway: The 6040R is a well-built speaker system with great sound, room correction, and built-in power amps, making it a long-lasting music system with all-round sound. It is a compact, elegant design that delivers an exceptional and uncolored listening experience, and it has enough power and nuance to play any type of music in any situation.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Genelec is a hifi speaker brand known for their unique coaxial driver design where the tweeter is embedded in the mid-woofer, ensuring all frequencies come from the same point in space. The brand pioneered the use of recycled aluminum for speaker cabinets in 1996, and their Smart Active Monitoring systems automatically adapt to room acoustics, making them particularly valuable for professional studio environments.
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Product Page
Q Acoustics
Q Active 400
2999
/
Released
2021
An entire high-resolution wireless audio system, delivering uncompromised hi-fi sound that fits conveniently and seamlessly into your lifestyle. Q Acoustics has designed the Q Active range from the ground up, with the express intent of delivering an uncompromised, versatile high-resolution system that can play music from any source – TV, network music streamer, smartphone, laptop, and even a turntable.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Expansive sound delivery thanks to BMR drivers, creating a room-filling sound
- Energetic performance and fun sound
- Solid bass response
- Extremely well made and employing a new form of 'Dart' bracing to add stiffness to the cabinet and mechanical stability to the drivers
Product Considerations
- Soundstage loses some focus, not ideal for a specific listening position
- Design is an acquired taste
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Q Active 400 delivers a bigger soundstage and deeper bass than the Q Acoustics Q Active 200
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Q Active 400 is an impressive wireless system that sounds great and is easy to use, providing a cohesive performance with a wide delivery and powerful bass. It's a flexible system that can integrate into many different home setups to provide an all-in-one solution.
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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Product Page
PMC
active twenty5.24i
2700
/
Released
2024
The largest two-way speaker in the range, the Active twenty5.24i combines the resolution and power of our active technology with our in-house drivers and ATL, for performances with realism, precision, and breathtaking dynamics.
PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a crisp, open sound with a pacy and tuneful low end
- Bass is balanced and clearly included in the soundscape, even at low volumes
- The tweeter is better balanced with the midrange, and now you can fully hear the overtones ringing freely from Keith Jarrett's piano
- Bass goes below 30 Hz in a normal room
- Easy to listen to with the transmission line bass extension, creating a flowing and endless musical experience
Product Considerations
- Diamond black finish is prone to fingerprints
- Needs an amplifier with sufficient headroom for loud transients
- Requires some space in the room to perform well
- Could use a little more energy in the upper midrange for piano timbre
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The PMC twenty5 24i delivers deeper bass with more authority than the KEF R11
- The PMC twenty5 24i has a better bass foundation than the Piega Premium 701
- The PMC twenty5 24i reaches deeper in frequency than the Sonus faber Sonetto V
Takeaway: The PMC twenty5.24i delivers a crisp, open sound with a tuneful low end that complements a wide range of music. Its ability to reveal nuances in recordings and its balanced sound make it worth a listen.
Video review
Our take on the brand
PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
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