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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.
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Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions Speaker: 103 x 19 x 25 cm (40.55 x 7.48 x 9.84 in) (W x D x H)
- Dimensions Monobloc Player: 31.5 x 22.9 x 5.2 cm (12.40 x 9.02 x 2.05 in) (W x D x H)
- Weight Speaker: 2 x 38.3 kg (2 x 84.44 lbs)
- Weight Monobloc Player: 11 kg (24.25 lbs)
- Connectivity: Wired up to 192 kHz/24 bit | Wireless up to 96 kHz/24 bit
- Monobloc Inputs & Outputs: Analog (RCA), Digital S/PDIF (RCA)
- Monobloc Inputs: Digital S/PDIF (Toslink), Digital Audio (HDMI ARC Connector)
- Sources: USB, SSD
- Streaming: Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer and Spotify
Description
The HOUCHMAND audio system consists of one Monobloc player and two active Speakers. A harmonized system that breaks with everything you've heard so far. The design? Pure. The quality? Outstanding. The audio experience? Exceptional.
Two speakers that seamlessly match their design and acoustic performance to your interior. Selected piano lacquer colors combined with gold or platinum finishes make the HOCHMAND speaker a work of art in your home ambience. A detailed and three-dimensional sound stage is achieved by using a special coaxial construction for the midrange-driver and tweeter. The integrated room compensation EQ allows an acoustic adaptation to your individual living space.
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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:
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HOUCHMAND MONOBLOC PLAYER
- Positioning: An adaptable streaming and connectivity unit designed for flexibility and ease of integration.
- Description: Offers broad digital and analog input options with integrated streaming services and an easy-to-use app, making it a practical choice for small rooms or users prioritizing connectivity on a moderate budget. Compared to the premium handcrafted speakers, it delivers functional performance without the emphasis on elaborate artisanal design or advanced acoustic tuning.
HOUCHMAND SPEAKERS
- Positioning: A high-end active speaker system crafted for a luxurious audio experience.
- Description: Features a unique coaxial driver design and proprietary Purity Path Technology that minimizes time smearing to provide a detailed, room-adaptive soundstage. Compared to the monobloc player, these speakers incorporate extensive hand-polished finishes and bespoke materials, setting them apart with premium acoustic performance and design sophistication.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
633
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
2
Founding Year
2014
Our take on the brand
Houchmand is a German hifi brand that handcrafts speakers with Purity Path Technology to prevent time smearing effects, while using a coaxial construction for midrange and tweeter to achieve detailed, three-dimensional sound. The brand's Bauhaus-inspired designs feature luxurious materials like 24ct gold and piano varnish finishes, making their speakers both audio systems and aesthetic pieces.
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Our interview with the brand
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Used
Houchmand
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Pylon Audio
Jasper 23
766
766
/
3
Reviews
Pylon Audio is a hifi speaker brand that uses advanced technologies like industrial vibrometers and an anechoic chamber, along with unique materials such as Endumax in their driver designs. The brand stands out for its exceptional woodwork that has attracted global orders from other hifi companies, and offers extensive customization through RAL color options, with 60% of their production being exported internationally.
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Product Strengths
- Build quality and sound exceed expectations for the price
- Beautiful lacquer finish, demonstrating mastery
- Natural, consistent, smooth, slightly warmed, dynamic, and resolving sound
- Very good dynamics and space, allowing for an immersive listening experience with proper positioning and equipment
- Extremely dynamic, natural, full, and versatile sound, particularly for the Jasper 23 Active
Product Considerations
- Stabilizing plinths are too narrow, making the speakers prone to tipping
- Matte finishes can be challenging to keep pristine, requiring regular polishing
- A powerful and high-quality amplifier is necessary to perform at its best, along with a high-end source and audiophile-grade cabling
- Two bass-reflex ports at the back require more distance between the speakers and the rear wall
- The Stereo Hub lacks a LAN jack for the active version (Jasper 23 Active)
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Jasper 23's bass focuses on rhythm, pace, dynamics and kick, whereas the Audiovector QR5 provides a subwoofer-type belly massage
- Both the System Audio Legend 60.2 Silverback and Buchardt Audio A700 are larger than the Jasper 23 Active, making placement in a medium-sized room risky
Takeaway: The Jasper 23 series offers beautiful design and great sound. It is well-built, versatile, and a good choice for those who prioritize audio quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pylon Audio is a hifi speaker brand that uses advanced technologies like industrial vibrometers and an anechoic chamber, along with unique materials such as Endumax in their driver designs. The brand stands out for its exceptional woodwork that has attracted global orders from other hifi companies, and offers extensive customization through RAL color options, with 60% of their production being exported internationally.
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Argon Audio
Fenris A55
629
629
/
1
Reviews
Argon Audio is a Scandinavian hifi brand that combines elegant aesthetics with advanced acoustic technologies, including their unique Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser system for turntables and powerful compact speakers that deliver deep bass. Their products, from the versatile TT-4 turntable to the SOLO streaming box, stand out for delivering performance that exceeds expectations at their price points, particularly in terms of precision and dynamic range.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Can play louder and more powerfully than the Fenris A5 and A4 models
- Has a fresh and open sound where no tonal range is left behind, making it easy to listen to
- Has enough power to fill a large living room
- Has a full set of analogue and digital inputs, including a turntable input and HDMI input
Product Considerations
- The sound can become somewhat harsh when the volume is turned up
- Dynamics are limited at higher volumes, with the music becoming a wall of sound
- Requires space and should be positioned away from walls and corners for best bass response
- There is no option to choose whether the active speaker should act as the left or right channel
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Argon Audio Forte A55, the Fenris A55 is less nuanced
- Compared to a Bluetooth table speaker or a Sonos Play:5, the Fenris A55 provides 'bloody real stereo'
Takeaway: The Argon Audio Fenris A55 is a full-grown floorstanding speaker that plays openly and engagingly. Its multiple inputs and powerful sound can emphasize that music is taken seriously.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Argon Audio is a Scandinavian hifi brand that combines elegant aesthetics with advanced acoustic technologies, including their unique Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser system for turntables and powerful compact speakers that deliver deep bass. Their products, from the versatile TT-4 turntable to the SOLO streaming box, stand out for delivering performance that exceeds expectations at their price points, particularly in terms of precision and dynamic range.
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Dali
Katch G2
600
600
/
12
Reviews
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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Product Strengths
- Refined audio performance with a rich, crisp response
- Supports a strong array of Bluetooth codecs, including AAC, AptX, AptX HD, and SBC
- Classy, designer materials and look with real leather strap
- Extended battery life to boast 30 hours of playtime
- Impressive bass weight and excellent clarity
Product Considerations
- Audio is muddy and constrained, especially in 'warm' mode
- Limited on-device controls, with no music controls for play, pause, or skip
- Lacks speakerphone functionality
- Not water or dust resistant
Takeaway: The Dali Katch G2 is a stylish, portable speaker that provides a refined listening experience, especially with detailed mids and highs. With its excellent Bluetooth codec support and long battery life, it is suitable for both home use and travel.
Video review
Our take on the brand
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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Triangle
AIO Twin
799
799
/
10
Reviews
The AIO TWIN speakers are packed with technologies and TRIANGLE know-how. Versatile and in a sleek design, they are a state-of-the-art product. With all the features and performances of a modern Hi-Fi system, they offer a rich, precise, and detailed sound.With Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily stream your music in high-resolution (24 bits / 192 KHz) from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. They also feature a Phono input, compatible with most turntables available on the market.You will appreciate their minimalist design and wide range of finishes: Graphite Black, Frosted White, Linen Grey, Abyssal Blue and Brown Maple.
Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
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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.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
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What competes at this price?
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.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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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.
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Sonos
Move 2
419
/
Released
2023
Upgraded inside and out, our most powerful portable speaker delivers heart-pumping stereo sound wherever you want.
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.
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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.
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Beats
Pill
149
/
Released
2024
The upgraded Beats Pill is more advanced than ever. It's more powerful. It's lighter. It's more portable. It has up to 24 hours of battery life. And it's designed to look and sound incredible — inside your home and out and about.
Beats is a hifi brand known for its bass-heavy sound signature and bold designs that appeal to both music fans and fashion enthusiasts, targeting young adult demographics through celebrity endorsements and music video placements. The brand has expanded beyond its signature headphones to include speakers like the Beats Pill, while integrating Apple's W1 and H1 chips for enhanced wireless connectivity.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Simple Bluetooth speaker connects and pairs easily without needing an app
- Rated IP67 against water and dust, making it durable for splashes and rain
- Can be used to charge other small devices via USB-C
- Lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around with a removable lanyard
- Plays nicely with both iOS and Android devices
Product Considerations
- The soft touch rubber coating is a dust magnet
- The Beats app is barebones, with no EQ controls
- Can't playback stereo content without pairing another speaker
- Audio can get muddy and lose detail at high volumes
- Some controls have a learning curve
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Beats Pill+: The 2024 Beats Pill is lighter, has better build quality, a more balanced sound, and support for voice assistants, but lacks Bluetooth multipoint support and stereo playback without pairing
- Vs JBL Flip 6: Has a more balanced sound out-of-the-box, a longer battery life, and voice assistant support, but JBL is better built and offers a graphic EQ in the companion app
Takeaway: The Beats Pill is a simple, portable, and durable Bluetooth speaker that sounds good, especially at its price. It's easy to connect to devices and take anywhere.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Beats is a hifi brand known for its bass-heavy sound signature and bold designs that appeal to both music fans and fashion enthusiasts, targeting young adult demographics through celebrity endorsements and music video placements. The brand has expanded beyond its signature headphones to include speakers like the Beats Pill, while integrating Apple's W1 and H1 chips for enhanced wireless connectivity.
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Sonos
Era 300
419
/
Released
2023
With next-level audio that hits from every direction, Era 300 doesn't just surround you, it puts you inside your music. Featuring six optimally positioned drivers all around the front, sides, and top to support Dolby Atmos Music, the breakthrough acoustic design projects sound from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, immersing you in every dimension of the song.
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.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive spatial audio delivers a more immersive and 3D soundscape compared to traditional stereo, when playing Dolby Atmos content
- Wide, room-filling sound projects further and more confidently than other similar wireless speakers
- Can be used as Dolby Atmos surround speakers, delivering multi-channel rears for the first time
- Includes both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6) connectivity
Product Considerations
- The spatial audio experience is heavily dependent on the quality of the Dolby Atmos mix, and some mixes can be disappointing
- Touch controls don't provide the tactile feedback of physical buttons
- The Sonos app can be slow and not always intuitive to use
- Spatial audio tracks can only be played over Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth
- No Google Assistant
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Era 300 offers a more refined sound, with a deeper bassline and better wraparound sound, compared to Amazon Echo Studio
- The Era 300 has better dynamics, and supports Dolby Atmos, compared to Sonos Five—the slightly larger Five can reproduce a more extended low bass and offers superior stereo music playback
- Era 300 gets slightly louder and has slightly better directivity and features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, whereas the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) can only connect via Wi-Fi
Takeaway: The Sonos Era 300 excels at spatial audio playback, and the spatial audio from a single wireless speaker feels detailed, engaging and accomplished. It's a great addition to any home, offering immersive sound for both music and movies.
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.
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Sonos
Era 100
230
/
Released
2023
Featuring next-gen acoustics and new levels of connectivity, Era 100 transforms any room with the finely tuned stereo sound and rich bass your music deserves.
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
- Delivers stereo sound, unlike the Sonos One, due to angled tweeters
- Has a larger woofer, resulting in deeper bass
- Features Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, offering more flexibility
- Easy to set up and use with the Sonos app, which integrates many music sources
- Includes Trueplay room tuning, now available for Android users, which optimizes the speaker's sound based on its placement in the room, and adjustable EQ
Product Considerations
- The Apple HomePod 2 provides more natural warmth of human voices
- A separate adapter is needed for a wired connection, and it's not included in the box
- Lacks Google Assistant support
- Android users may find the Quick Tuning feature is not as capable as the iOS version
- Isn't designed for outdoor use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Era 100 has better sound quality with cleaner bass and can playback stereo content without downmixing to mono, compared to Sonos One/One SL
- Era 100 is more affordable and compact but lacks Dolby Atmos support, compared to Sonos Era 300
- Era 100 is cheaper but doesn't have a built-in battery for portability, compared to Sonos Move 2
Takeaway: The Sonos Era 100 is a versatile wireless speaker with great sound, enhanced bass, and easy integration with streaming services. It's a solid choice for anyone seeking a compact, all-in-one speaker that delivers both convenience and quality audio for an immersive listening experience.
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.
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