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
- Exceptional neutrality and natural tonal balance over its usable range
- Miraculous midrange accuracy that makes the listener feel as if they are listening to the real thing
- Deceptively strong and realistic bass for the speaker's size
- Clear and silky smooth treble response
- Easy to drive with a benign impedance load
Product Considerations
- Limited deep bass extension
- Available only in Cherry or Tamo Ash finish
- Custom stands required
- Some reviewers find the XD upgrade to be incremental rather than a major overhaul
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Quad ESLs, the C7ES-3 XD offers similar coherence, transparency, and resolution, rivalling the Quads
Takeaway: The Harbeth C7ES-3 XD is a speaker that gets the midrange right, making vocals and instruments sound incredibly lifelike, and is easy to place in most rooms. This speaker provides a listening experience that can be enjoyed for hours on end.
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
C7ES-3 XD
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
- Technical Features: 200mm Harbeth RADIAL2™ bass/mid; 25mm ferrofluid-cooled tweeter
- Frequency response: 45Hz – 20kHz, ±3dB free-space, grille on, smooth off-axis response
- Impedance: 6 ohms, easy to drive
- Sensitivity: 86dB/2.83V/1m axial
- Amplifier suggestion: Works with a wide range of amplifiers – suggested from 25W/channel
- Power handling: 150W programme
- Dimensions: 520 x 272 x 305 mm (+12mm for grille and binding posts)
- Connectors: Two 4mm Harbeth branded binding posts
- Weight: 13.2kg each (without packing)
- Space needs: Overall response optimised for use away from walls
- Stands: Optimally to bring ears level with tweeters. (Tweeter: 440mm up from cabinet base)
Description
Allow sensational music moments to come to life at the comfort of your home with the multi-award winning, medium-sized C7ES-3 XD loudspeaker. Acclaimed for its accurate three-dimensional sound, this speaker will impress even the most religious demands of an audiophile.
Allow sensational music moments to come to life at the comfort of your home with the multi-award winning, medium-sized C7ES-3 XD loudspeaker. Acclaimed for its accurate three-dimensional sound, this speaker will impress even the most religious demands of an audiophile. The Harbeth secret for accuracy and lifelike sound is the meticulous attention to detail during the design stage. Critically important, but hidden, is the crossover, which carefully integrates the drive units across a wider horizontal and vertical arc. Incremental changes to this fundamental component have allowed this legendary loudspeaker to present the most challenging instruments with increased presence and transparency. No other loudspeaker communicates the emotional power of the artist so eloquently.
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:
- The brand prioritizes natural, neutral sound reproduction rooted in BBC design principles, updated with proprietary technology like RADIAL2 cone material.
- Harbeth's cabinets utilize thin-walled construction with specifically damped panels, allowing them to "breathe" and contribute to a warm, involving low end while maintaining a clean midrange.
- They are designed to be relatively easy to drive, working well with a wide range of amplifiers, including tube and solid-state options, emphasizing quality over high power.
- Alan Shaw meticulously refines existing designs over long periods, with "XD" versions incorporating small but significant improvements in crossover components and internal wiring for enhanced clarity and integration.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Harbeth P3ESR XD
- Positioning: The most compact model in Harbeth's lineup, ideal for small spaces.
- Description: Offers exceptional transparency and accurate bass, thanks to its RADIAL2 cone technology. Unlike larger models like the C7ES-3 XD, it is optimized for smaller rooms and can be driven by low-powered amplifiers, making it a cost-effective choice for those with limited space and budget.
Harbeth C7ES-3 XD
- Positioning: A medium-sized speaker positioned as a versatile option for various room sizes.
- Description: Known for its three-dimensional sound, features a meticulously designed crossover for enhanced presence and transparency. It offers a broader soundstage compared to the P3ESR XD.
Harbeth M30.2 XD
- Positioning: Serves as a compact reference monitor, ideal for critical listening.
- Description: This model excels in midrange clarity and controlled bass, using a RADIAL2 bass/mid unit derived from the M40.3. It offers a more refined sound than the C7ES-3 XD.
Harbeth SHL5plus XD
- Positioning: A mid-sized, high-end stand-mounted loudspeaker.
- Description: Features a 3-way design with a SuperTweeter, delivering a large, powerful sound with remarkable transparency. It surpasses the M30.2 XD in terms of soundstage and detail.
Harbeth M40.3 XD
- Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Harbeth's loudspeaker design.
- Description: With a 3-way vented system and a large bass unit, it offers groundbreaking realism and expansive bass. It provides the most comprehensive soundstage and detail in the lineup, suitable for large rooms and listeners seeking the ultimate in audio performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
75
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
94
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
6
Founding Year
1977
Our take on the brand
Harbeth is one of the original British hifi brands, with roots in the British Broadcasting Corporation. Their speakers are renowned for using specialized materials in their drivers, allowing for vocal reproduction with lifelike accuracy. Harbeth speakers are designed with a focus on human speech, capturing the emotional nuance of voices in a way that few other brands can. While they perform well with instruments, their mastery of vocal clarity and natural sound makes them particularly appealing for listeners who value expressive and authentic voice reproduction.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Used
Harbeth
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Harbeth
SHL5plus XD
7790
7790
/
4
Reviews
The definitive Harbeth loudspeaker delivers the ultimate high-end audio experience. The SHL5plus XD gets the very best from the Harbeth-made 200mm RADIAL2™ bass/mid driver. The system sound is large, powerful and transparent with an astonishing freshness. The ultimate mid-sized stand-mounted loudspeaker.
Harbeth is one of the original British hifi brands, with roots in the British Broadcasting Corporation. Their speakers are renowned for using specialized materials in their drivers, allowing for vocal reproduction with lifelike accuracy. Harbeth speakers are designed with a focus on human speech, capturing the emotional nuance of voices in a way that few other brands can. While they perform well with instruments, their mastery of vocal clarity and natural sound makes them particularly appealing for listeners who value expressive and authentic voice reproduction.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers clarity across the intended bandwidth with outstanding linearity from 40Hz and up
- Masterful reproduction of midrange frequencies, especially with classical music, jazz, and vocals
- Expansive and accurate soundstage, with precise left and right imaging
- Understated elegant finish with attention to detail
- Easy to drive with a variety of amplifiers
Product Considerations
- Bass may be less pronounced than some listeners are used to, possibly requiring a subwoofer for some music genres like organ, symphonies, hard rock, and electronica
- May reveal the slightest hiss in recordings or noise in the hifi chain
- The soundstage depth may be perceived as condensed into a narrow vertical plane in some rooms
- Requires a decent amplifier to show its true nature
- Beaming may occur due to the 8" mid-woofer crossover to tweeter at 3500 Hz
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared spec for spec to the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Ones, both designers aspire to give a flat frequency curve
Takeaway: The SHL5plus XD speakers offer a detailed and balanced sound that brings music to life across many genres. Their ability to work well with various amplifiers and their beautiful design make them a worthwhile investment for serious music lovers
Video review
Our take on the brand
Harbeth is one of the original British hifi brands, with roots in the British Broadcasting Corporation. Their speakers are renowned for using specialized materials in their drivers, allowing for vocal reproduction with lifelike accuracy. Harbeth speakers are designed with a focus on human speech, capturing the emotional nuance of voices in a way that few other brands can. While they perform well with instruments, their mastery of vocal clarity and natural sound makes them particularly appealing for listeners who value expressive and authentic voice reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
Harbeth
M30.2 XD
5222
5222
/
1
Reviews
Harbeth is one of the original British hifi brands, with roots in the British Broadcasting Corporation. Their speakers are renowned for using specialized materials in their drivers, allowing for vocal reproduction with lifelike accuracy. Harbeth speakers are designed with a focus on human speech, capturing the emotional nuance of voices in a way that few other brands can. While they perform well with instruments, their mastery of vocal clarity and natural sound makes them particularly appealing for listeners who value expressive and authentic voice reproduction.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Easy to listen to, with a gentle midrange warmth
- Handles rhythms and dynamics accurately
- Produces realistic tones with outstanding midrange clarity and smooth integration with the treble
- Voices proved a particular treat, both male and female vocals shone out
Product Considerations
- A little harder to drive than many small speakers
- Needs to be positioned carefully to give its best
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 705 Signature, Harbeth M30.2 XD sounded a lot warmer and noticeably less opaque
Takeaway: The Harbeth Monitor M30.2 XD is a very special speaker that sounds great, especially when paired with a good amplifier. It's enjoyable to listen to and will likely bring a smile to your face.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Harbeth is one of the original British hifi brands, with roots in the British Broadcasting Corporation. Their speakers are renowned for using specialized materials in their drivers, allowing for vocal reproduction with lifelike accuracy. Harbeth speakers are designed with a focus on human speech, capturing the emotional nuance of voices in a way that few other brands can. While they perform well with instruments, their mastery of vocal clarity and natural sound makes them particularly appealing for listeners who value expressive and authentic voice reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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.
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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.
Expand Details
Our summary
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.
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Product Page
What competes at this price?
Harbeth
P3ESR XD
3190
/
Released
2022
Harbeth's development team has, once again, redefined what is possible from this use anywhere loudspeaker. The completed redesign maximises the performance potential of the Harbeth exclusive 110mm RADIAL2™ Cone Technology – delivering breathtaking transparency, accurate bass and dynamic integration across the audio spectrum.
Harbeth is one of the original British hifi brands, with roots in the British Broadcasting Corporation. Their speakers are renowned for using specialized materials in their drivers, allowing for vocal reproduction with lifelike accuracy. Harbeth speakers are designed with a focus on human speech, capturing the emotional nuance of voices in a way that few other brands can. While they perform well with instruments, their mastery of vocal clarity and natural sound makes them particularly appealing for listeners who value expressive and authentic voice reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Breathtaking transparency, accurate bass and dynamic integration across the audio spectrum
- Capable of being used in a wide range of listening environments and optimised to present an easy electrical load to even low powered amplifiers
- Superior fit and finish
- Clean and clear of tone
Product Considerations
- The numbers reveal a not especially efficient box with less than optimal bass response
- Requires close listening distance, and careful positioning
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The P3ESR XD was always a touch warmer than the Falcon Gold Badge LS3/5a, and better balanced but thicker than the 5a in the upper bass/lower midrange, this XD version is outstandingly clean in that region
Takeaway: The Harbeth Audio P3ESR XD is a great option for audiophiles who want high-quality sound in a smaller package, and it is a remarkable value for its price. With its adaptability and refined sound, the P3ESR XD can bring a warm embrace to the musical intentions of the artists and engineers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Harbeth is one of the original British hifi brands, with roots in the British Broadcasting Corporation. Their speakers are renowned for using specialized materials in their drivers, allowing for vocal reproduction with lifelike accuracy. Harbeth speakers are designed with a focus on human speech, capturing the emotional nuance of voices in a way that few other brands can. While they perform well with instruments, their mastery of vocal clarity and natural sound makes them particularly appealing for listeners who value expressive and authentic voice reproduction.
Product Page
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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