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.
All
Acousta 117
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Colour Options: Bespoke premium matched Veneer, Black, White
- Horn Type: Front-loaded, folded Voigt horn
- Drive Unit Size: 8"
- Recommended Drive Unit: PM6A
- Alternative Drive Units: DX2, DX3, DX4, EX2, EX3, EX4, PM6C, PM7A
- Sensitivity: 98-105 dB
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohm
- Frequency Response: 35Hz - 20kHz
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 905mm x 470mm x 375mm
- Weight: 27kg
The PM6A The PM6A (with Voigt's whizzer cone design) produces a wide dispersion and an airy, spacious soundstage. Combined with the alnico magnet, the Voigt folded spatial diaphragm reproduces music with a detailed yet balanced midrange and tight, well-controlled bass. The PM6A offers an authentic musical listening experience, perfectly showcasing jazz, classical and acoustic recordings with its clean, natural timbre and ability to resolve fine inner details. The end result is an engaging yet uncoloured presentation that gets out of the way so the music can shine through.
Front facing Voigt horn The Voigt horn plays a key role in extending the Lowther Acousta's frequency response down into the bass region, while maintaining a high standard of clarity, precision and blend with the rest of the frequency range. The horn flares at the front and aims to provide a natural, unfatiguing low frequency response that blends seamlessly and reinforces (rather than overwhelm) the midrange.
Pair with Anything Whether you prefer the warm tones of a tube amplifier, the precision of a solid-state amp, or the efficiency of a class D amplifier, like a...
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
Select products
Lowther Voigt Horn Reproduction:
- Positioning: A historical commission-only design for large spaces.
- Description: Combines a vintage horn design with a modern bass chamber to extend low-frequency performance, offering a straightforward yet unique sonic reproduction. Compared to the later innovations in the lineup, such as the nuanced processing in the Hegeman or the dual-driver setup in the AudioVector, it suits buyers focused on classic design for expansive halls and large-room applications.
Lowther Edilia:
- Positioning: A compact, elegant model built for high-quality sound in a limited space.
- Description: Differentiated by its dual-driver system featuring the new PM7A and a modified bass driver, paired with a compact Voigt pipe architecture that refines acoustic performance. Compared to the larger AudioVector and TP2, the Edilia offers precise, balanced sound reproduction ideal for smaller rooms.
Lowther TP2:
- Positioning: A modern reinterpretation of the classic corner horn designed for customizable performance.
- Description: Features a dual-loaded horn design and supports versatile driver options like the PM4A paired with a Super Tweeter to achieve detailed and expansive sound. In contrast with the Edilia's intimate scale and the AudioVector's dual-driver emphasis, the TP2 delivers a flexible solution for users seeking a blend of traditional design and modern tuning.
Lowther AudioVector:
- Positioning: A handcrafted model that merges classic legacy with modern technology for large spaces.
- Description: Stands out with its dual Lowther drive units, a top-firing horn, and a reflective design that disperses sound evenly, ensuring a rich and immersive listening experience. Compared to the compact Edilia and the versatile TP2, the AudioVector offers an expansive soundstage and elevated acoustic detail.
Lowther Hegeman:
- Positioning: The flagship speaker renowned for its intricate engineering and premium craftsmanship.
- Description: Distinguished by innovative field coil driver technology and a reimagined curved composite horn that fuses historical design with advanced modern engineering. Compared to the balanced AudioVector and the modular TP2, the Hegeman represents the pinnacle of sonic excellence.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
We have an exemplary reputation for producing single-range drivers that do not use crossovers. We have been in business since the 1930s. Many other companies have copied us, but none are our equal.
What's your approach to customer support?
We do not use conventional distribution/retail models. The majority of our products are manufactured to order. We use a number of trade representatives and what we term as boutique dealers for countries outside of the UK. We would normally ask a customer to refer themselves to our local representative in the first instance, as they can then ascertain what assistance the customer may require before they go to any unnecessary expense. Support, however, is controlled via our UK operation. For example, we may issue replacement products directly, supply our representatives with OEM parts for them to fit locally, or generally offer advice.
We pride ourselves that having purchased Lowthers in 2018, we have worked very hard on customer support with a no-quibble warranty. We have re-introduced the Lowther for Life scheme. Once you are a Lowther customer, we will do our level best to ensure that you remain a Lowther customer for the rest of your life.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
Spanish Harlem – Rebecca Pidgeon (Chesky) – voice accuracy, instrument placement, depth of soundstage.
Wallace – Drive-By Truckers – dynamic range, visceral power.
Segue in C / bdb – Basie/Ellington (The First Time) – Duke on the left, Count on the right, spacious CBS studio recording.
What other products pair best with yours?
Lowther 'total sound philosophy' – matched with PX4 and our interconnects. Well set-up Lowthers will reveal weaknesses in the 'front end,' so phono/digital source should be carefully set up. Likewise, interconnects will vary tonal balance greatly.
Veracity Chrysalis pre-amp/DAC (if you can find one).
Raspberry Pi (Allo Digi hat, or similar) digital endpoint from server/file storage, JRiver library management.
Clean, modestly powered 'push-pull' amp: EL34 Howes / Leak S20.
Big REL subwoofer.
Used
Lowther
What if you spend more?
In the world of high-end audio, the new Lowther Edilia stands as an orchestration of cutting-edge engineering and artisanal craftsmanship. Designed as an elegant alternative to our renowned Almira model, the Edilia encapsulates TP2 level soundstage in a more compact, yet equally impressive form.
The New PM7A
At the core of the Edilia's performance is the Premium PM7A alnico full-range driver. Painstakingly selected for this dual-driver system, the PM7A serves as the sonic heart, offering unparalleled clarity and musical fidelity. The new premium driver features bring refinements in cone treatment and construction, providing a natural, smooth rendition of musical elements, devoid of the artificial colouration often imparted by crossover components.
The New DX2 Bass Driver
Complementing the PM7A is the modified DX2 tapped bass driver, which also incorporates our new premium Lowther driver advancements. Situated at the narrow end of the Voigt pipe, the DX2 offers a deep yet balanced bass output that is crisp, articulate, and perfectly in sync with the PM7A. The enhanced driver benefits from an L-Pad attenuation, allowing users to finely tune the bass character to suit the unique acoustics of their listening space.
Voigt flared pipe
The unique architecture of the Voigt pipe serves as the perfect acoustic chamber for the Edilia's dual drivers. Ingeniously designed, it enables the PM7A and DX2 to work in harmony. This results in a listening experience that is not only expansive but also intricately detailed, remaining faithful to Lowther's heritage of handcrafted musicality and your favourite music.
Handcrafted musicality
In crafting the Edilia, Lowther Loudspeakers has once again affirmed its commitment to delivering audio excellence. Each element, from the PM7A to the Voigt pipe, plays a part in this opulent auditory experience, a true testament to the legacy and future of Lowther's innovative loudspeaker design.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive history in speaker manufacturing
- Meticulous build process with attention to detail
- Focus on design contributes to high-quality products
Takeaway: Louder speakers are characterized by their rich history and design-focused production, contributing to high-quality hifi products. The company's meticulous approach is evident in its attention to detail.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Most affordable way into the true 800 series form factor, with the solid aluminum turbine head and the fully curved matrix-braced cabinet
- Features a one-inch diamond dome tweeter, which is a standout strength
- Midrange and vocal region from the Bowers favor a leaner, more technically accurate sound, going for outright clarity, and vocals sound particularly clear and clean
- Bases have casters integrated or built into them, making them easy speakers to move around for optimal positioning, and integrated spikes can then be used to securely position them
- Show-stoppingly gorgeous and sound simply fantastic
Product Considerations
- A much fussier speaker in every regard and require more thought and work to get the sound balance right
- Possible to come across maybe a little bit too lively in the treble
- Amplifier power, quality, and capability is hugely influential—hugely important for these speakers
- Due to their revealing nature, they don't play particularly well with poorer recordings such as metal and older rock
- Tweeter can get fairly harsh when the volume is turned to the extreme, pushing 90+ db for louder music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Bowers & Wilkins are a much fussier speaker in every regard than the Mission 770
- Paradigm Persona 5H is a little more "liquid" sounding
- Wilson Audio SabrinaX's finish is superior to that of the Bowers & Wilkins, dynamic, easy to drive, with a very familiar and very resolute sound
- Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4s are refined like an Aston Martin, and Tekton Ulfberhts are more like a Corvette C8
- Bowers & Wilkins 805D4 lacks the midrange prowess that the 803 has, and will most definitely need a subwoofer for even mild extension into bass
Takeaway: The 803 D4 speakers offer a fantastic listening experience with clear vocals and a grand soundstage, making music more engaging. They are an investment that can potentially improve over a long period of time through system upgrades and continued optimization.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The flagship of The Reference Series is the model that all other high-performance loudspeakers compare themselves against. Now with the extraordinarily capable 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, Reference 5 Meta exemplifies the passion for innovation that underpins KEF’s design philosophy.
Product Strengths
- Delivers a large, detailed—and scalable—sound that doesn't lose quality at different volumes
- Excels in creating a wide and deep soundstage, enhancing the listening experience with a sense of expansiveness
- Is emotionally engaging, creating a connection between the listener and the music
- The Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) significantly improves sound quality by absorbing unwanted frequencies, resulting in clearer and more accurate high-frequency reproduction
- Offers customisation for bass tuning with different port options to suit various room acoustics
Product Considerations
- Is a large and heavy speaker, requiring a substantial space and stable flooring
- Represents a significant investment
- While generally easy to drive, benefits from high-quality amplification to reveal its full potential
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audiovector R6 Arreté: R6 Arreté sounds extremely weightless and transparent, but doesn't have the same depth of bass as the Reference 5 Meta
- Vs Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition: The Serafino deliver the music nicely wrapped in a warm envelope that's very addictive, while the Reference 5 Meta focuses on detail and transparency
Takeaway:
The KEF Reference 5 Meta is a high-end loudspeaker that provides a detailed, emotionally engaging—and expansive—sound experience. With its advanced technology and customizable features, it is a great option for those looking to invest in a top-tier audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The SCM50 ASL (active) and SCM50 SL (passive) are designed to perform at their best in the recording studio or at home with the finest quality hi-fi equipment. The monitors' ability to reproduce music and speech with phenomenal accuracy, transparency and dynamics lies mainly in the SM75-150S soft dome midrange driver. However, recent modifications that include the new ATC SH25-76S tweeter and enhanced port profile have brought about further improvements to all performance parameters.
Each drive unit in the active model has its own dedicated and individually matched MOS-FET amplifier, while the 234mm/9″ bass driver incorporates ATC's unique Super Linear Magnet technology. Our active crossover network consists of a wide band-width, electronically balanced input stage with high common mode rejection and very low distortion. Like the HF, mid and bass drivers, all electronics are designed and manufactured in-house to create a no-compromise active system.
In passive form, the SCM50 SL provides broad and symmetrical dispersion, excellent amplitude and phase characteristics throughout the frequency range. Speakers are supplied with stands and fabric wrapped grills.
Available Finishes
Standard Veneers – Cherry, Walnut, Oak & Black Ash.
Standard Paints – Satin Black, Satin White
Premium Veneers (up-charge applies) – Rosewood, European Crown Cut Walnut, Pippy Oak, Burr Magnolia, Burr Poplar.
High Gloss (up-charge applies) – Clear High Glossed Veneer, Piano Black, Piano White
Our summary
Product Strengths
- ATC designs and builds every drive unit in-house, including voice coils, crossovers, and active amplification, allowing for complete control over every loudspeaker design decision
- In the active version, a more clearly defined soundstage has clearer, more well-defined individual elements, where everything pops out more from the background
- The active version has more energy, drive, and a more vivid overall presentation, resulting in a more tactile, energetic, and higher resolution sound
- The SCM50's woofer has an enviable ability to resolve textures and timbral colors, capably rendering the skins of bass drums, the flutter of tom-toms, or the dark voicing of orchestral bass viols as bows are dragged across their strings
- The SCM50 has an almost eerie immediacy that seems to glean the intent of the musician before their bow touches the string or a note escapes their lips, making piano reproduction breathtaking
- Connectivity is limited to a single XLR input, which may require adapters for single-ended sources
Product Considerations
- The active version is heavier than the passive version
- The owner must manually turn each speaker on and off, as there is no trigger or auto startup circuit
- The active version may pose challenges for owners of subwoofers needing high-level wiring connections, although workarounds exist
- Careful attention must be paid to positioning a pair of SCM50s, as the full-bandwidth—ported design means that placing them too close to a boundary wall will result in bass bloom
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SCM50 wins hands down over PureAudioProject Duet 15s for resolution, clarity, and dynamic shading
- The active version excels over the passive in solidity of soundstage, neutrality, and ultimate detail retrieval
Takeaway: The ATC SCM50 offers exceptional sound quality, whether in its active or passive configuration, thanks to ATC's engineering and in-house design. The ATC SCM50 is a choice that will bring musical joy for years to come.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
- Tight and accurate bass.
- Elegant design and high-quality build.
- Good value for the price.
Product Considerations
- Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
- Sweet spot is narrow.
- Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
- Positioning requires careful attention.
- Speakers are only available in black or white.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
- Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
- Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
- Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.
Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
- Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
- Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
- Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
- Connectivity options are solid
Product Considerations
- The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
- Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
- System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
- The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
- Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile
Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
- Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
- The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
- AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
- Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers
Product Considerations
- The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
- Stereo imaging could be more expansive
- The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase
Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass extension and higher dynamic range due to its larger size.
- The cabinet is designed to maximize bass performance using segmented inner chambers.
- A Beryllium tweeter is precisely positioned at the best height for listening, and the midrange is placed above the tweeter to time-align the drivers for coherency at the listening position.
- The midrange driver has Tuned Mass Damper technology, similar to what is employed in racecars and seismic building stabilization, allowing the driver to perform more consistently without losing performance.
Product Considerations
- A small apartment may not be the best destination for it, as it is a large speaker.
- Only a single pair of binding posts is included, so bi-amping or bi-wiring isn't an option.
- It may not be suited to very small rooms where the bottom end can be overpowering, and positioning is important to get the most out of the speaker.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Focal Sopra N°2: It betters it in terms of scale, presence, dynamics, and detail, resulting in a bolder presentation, greater subtlety, separation, texture, and brings more individual character to voices and instruments, a function of its far more sophisticated harmonic development.
- Vs. Wilson Audio's Sasha W/P: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a more enjoyable speaker to listen to and costs less; the Sopras are lush and wonderfully pleasant to listen to, as opposed to the Wilsons, which are more analytical and difficult to tune in properly.
- Vs. Focal Utopia Scala V2: The Sopra N°3 is a price and performance stepping-stone to the Utopia line.
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 speakers: Bowers & Wilkins speakers can often be a bit laid back and polite, making the Sopra N°3 a different alternative.
Takeaway: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a high-performing speaker that is able to play any type of music with subtle sounds and unbridled force. It brings the listener closer to the music, so they can feel all the energy of a live performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved feet allow for easier positioning by 'walking' the speaker into place
- New MPD III tweeter provides more detail while remaining smooth
- Demonstrates effortless presentation of scale and space, especially with demanding material
- Faithful communicator of musical color and character, capable of parsing subtleties of instrumental and vocal color
- Delivers soul-satisfying punch from electric bass and kick drum, transient crispness from keyboards and guitars, and a full-bodied reediness from alto sax
Product Considerations
- These speakers are power-hungry
- The Platinum 300 3G is a large loudspeaker, so it will dominate all but the most spacious listening rooms and is a two-person lift, minimum
- Decent money needs to be spent on partnering electronics
- A fair bit of space is needed to do their thing
- The level of control Monitor Audio asserts becomes inappropriate when the music is compressed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Generation 3 has improved in just about every way when compared to the Monitor Audio Platinum 300 2nd Generation
- Many engineering innovations found in Hyphn have "trickled down" to the current Platinum Series models, especially the transducers, when compared to the Monitor Audio Hyphn
Takeaway: The Platinum 300 3G offers a refined and smooth sound with great dynamics, making it an absolute value for its price range. It's a thoughtfully designed and beautifully built product that is imperturbable with dynamic material and a faithful communicator.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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