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
- The Manger Audio w1 speakers reproduce acoustic sensations equally well, regardless of the type of sound (concert, discussion, birdsong, wind).
- The Manger Sound Transducer used in the w1 renders music with surprising realism due to its bending wave design.
- The w1 speakers project natural, feather-like details, while maintaining a real-world sound nature.
- The w1 speakers offer transparent, detailed, and fast performance, mandatory for high-end products.
- The w1 speakers extend sonic depth in all dimensions and render complex spatial reality with refreshing lightness.
Product Considerations
- The Manger Audio w1 speakers' frequency range extends from 150 Hz, so magic below that range cannot be expected.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonus Faber Auditor: The w1 shares similar on-wall mounting, but employs a completely different driver principle.
Takeaway: The Manger Audio w1 speakers offer a unique and realistic sonic experience. They are a great entry point into the Manger speaker family, sharing the same renowned DNA and offering a different perspective on audio reality.
All
w1
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Type: Passive 1-Way On-Wall Speaker
- Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Frequency Range: 150 Hz – 40 kHz
- High pass frequency: 150 Hz
- Sensitivity: 89 dB 1 W/1 m
- Max SPL: 106 dB Peak
- Dimensions: 10.4" x 17.2" x 2.8"/5.4" (264 x 436 x 71/136 mm)
- Angle: 16°
- Weight: 17.6 lbs (8 kg)
- Recommended power: 50 – 200 W
- Connectors: Single-Wiring Terminal with 3 cable channels (Left/Right/Center)
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:
- Manger differentiates itself by focusing on temporal and tonal accuracy through their bending wave transducer design, which mimics the function of the basilar membrane in the human ear.
- The brand leverages the unique design of the Manger Sound Transducer, which avoids the traditional pistonic motion of conventional drivers, to achieve exceptional spatial representation and clarity.
- Manger offers extensive customization options, including a wide array of RAL and NCS colors, various finishes, and the capacity to custom-match interior decor.
Select products
Z1:
- Positioning: Compact speaker designed for versatile use in various environments.
- Description: Offers a natural sound with its modern woofer and patented Manger sound transducer. Compared to the P1, it is more compact and suitable for smaller spaces, while still providing powerful bass and clear mids. It is a great choice for those with limited space but who still want excellent sound quality without the need for large floor-standing speakers.
C1:
- Positioning: Active compact monitor for professional and home use.
- Description: Praised for its neutral sound reproduction, making it a favorite in recording studios. Unlike the Z1, this is an active system with built-in amplifiers, providing more flexibility in setup and integration into various audio environments. It is perfect for users who need precise sound reproduction in both professional and home settings.
P1:
- Positioning: Passive floor-standing speaker for high-fidelity audio enthusiasts.
- Description: Delivers natural timbres with its Manger sound transducer, offering a unique listening experience. Compared to the Z1, this floor-standing model provides a larger soundstage and more powerful bass, making it suitable for larger rooms and those who prioritize sound quality over compactness.
P2:
- Positioning: Passive flagship model for ultimate audio fidelity.
- Description: Designed for high-level audio reproduction, with its advanced woofer system and Manger sound transducer. It offers superior impulse fidelity and bass precision compared to the P1.
S1:
- Positioning: High-end active floor-standing speaker for discerning audiophiles.
- Description: Combines the Manger sound transducer with a powerful woofer, providing seamless audio with time-accurate reproduction. Unlike the P2, this is an active system, offering built-in amplification and advanced room correction features for users who want a high-end, all-in-one solution without the need for external amplifiers.
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?
The Manger driver is a different technical principle.
It's quite a full-range driver, and the technical principle it uses is a so-called bending wave driver. You’ve probably read that my father invented this driver. He figured out that a conventional driver always has its own sound or footprint. By measuring, he saw that a classical driver always stores energy due to its construction. It behaves like a mass-spring system —so it's never quite as fast as the electronic signal. It introduces a kind of delay through mechanical energy storage. So, by the time the next change in the music or sound happens, the driver is still moving in another direction. Avoiding this transient behavior of the conventional driver —this energy storage—was the intention. This led to our core technology, the Manger sound transducer with its bending wave principle, which doesn’t store energy and covers a range from 360 Hz up to 45 kHz. If you read reviews, the conclusion is always the same: it’s very neutral and very natural.
Philosophy of neutrality and natural reproduction.
I always say the Manger is like food without additives. People know from eating or restaurants what “no additives” means—so they have a comparison. If you don’t have experience with natural sound—which means you’re not used to going to concerts with natural instruments—you have no reference. And if you compare our loudspeakers with other loudspeakers, they all sound different, but you don’t know which one is “right” and for sure it is also a matter of taste. There is something objective in the sound reproduction —how you can recognize things like imaging and the character of instruments, these are all so-called transients and the better a loudspeaker can reproduce this the more natural and lifelike the sound reproduction is perceived. But if you have a technical artifact in between—and mainly it’s the loudspeaker—then it’s not so direct. It is also less relaxing but fatiguing.
What's your approach to customer support?
The best situation is always when the customer has a good relationship to the dealer. Sometimes, the customer invests so much time and gathers so much information that—depending on the dealer’s capabilities—the dealer may not know how to help. In such cases, the customer typically contacts the distributor. And if they’re still not satisfied, they can contact the manufacturer directly. I am always willing to answer any questions. This has to do with our philosophy, and also with the fact that we are not a big company. So everything is like a small restaurant: you talk directly to the cook. People feel good when their questions are answered seriously and competently.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
- Birds — Dominique Fils-Aimé | Album: Nameless | Genre: Blues / Jazz / Soul
- October — Göteborgs Kammerkör | Album: Viska du Vind | Genre: Folk / World
- Malletoba Spank — Duke Ellington | Album: Ellington Jazz Party | Genre: Jazz
- Celestial Echo — Malia & Boris Blank | Album: Convergence | Genre: Pop
- Reflexion — Markus Stockhausen | Album: Sol Mestizo | Genre: World
- Wheels Turn Beneath My Feet — Fink | Album: Wheels Turn Beneath My Feet | Genre: Rock
- Various tracks | Album: Musik von einem anderen Stern | (Manger CD and LP sampler)
What other products pair best with yours?
In my demonstrations and shows, I mainly pair with SPL (Sound Performance Lab). I really love this combination. For me, it’s always important to show the result to people—when everything is in balance, including the cost of the electronics and the cables. The products from SPL sound great. I also know that Accuphase fits very well, and of course, it's also a matter of taste. I have customers who pair with tube amplifiers as well.
Used
Manger
What if you spend more?
Alida CSC
Wilson Audio’s first wall‑mount loudspeaker was designed as part of the W.A.T.C.H. (Wilson Audio Theater Comes Home) system. This foundational creation’s sole purpose was be the surround‑sound component of a 5.1 installation while nonetheless offering the frequency response and dynamic contrast to complement Wilson Audio’s large floorstanding main speakers.
Over time, however, it became apparent that the performance of the W.A.T.C.H. Surround speaker was so good that people began using it as a wall‑mounted speaker in two‑channel music systems. Now found in bedrooms, offices, or other locations where space or architecture precludes the use of floorstanding loudspeakers, this need was recognized and the original Alida was born—designed for main‑channel playback while still excelling in multi‑channel surround applications.
Ultimate Emersion
Captivating multi‑channel audio and cinematic experiences await those who choose surround systems. Alida CSC is ready. Surround‑sound content has come a long way from its infancy in the early 1980s. Dolby Atmos systems now support configurations like 5.1.2 or 7.2.4 (the last number refers to ceiling‑mounted speakers).
Because Alida CSC remains the uncompromising choice for state‑of‑the‑art multi‑channel audio and surround sound, we developed—and now offer—the Alida Ceiling‑Mount option to accommodate the most ambitious Atmos setups.
Alida CSC includes numerous upgrades to the critical elements that sculpt its sound. From the Convergent Synergy Carbon (CSC) tweeter and custom in‑house crossovers to the mounting bracket employing our proprietary V‑Material, Alida CSC delivers the timbral neutrality, dynamic response, soundstage depth, and transparency of floorstanding Wilson Audio speakers—even under the demanding conditions of surface‑mounted applications and Dolby Atmos™ ceiling installations.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Alida CSC tweeter matches the Alexia V and Mezzo CSC, significantly improving sound.
- Technical upgrades in the Alida CSC dampen vibrations.
- Upgrading to Alida CSC from original Alida speakers creates a more cohesive and immersive sound experience.
- The Alida CSC enhances the reproduction of delicacy, detail, and dynamics in immersive music.
Product Considerations
- Bolting loudspeakers into one's walls and ceiling can raise anxiety.
- The Alida CSC is part of a very expensive system upgrade.
Takeaway: Upgrading to Alida CSC speakers can significantly enhance the immersive music listening experience, creating a crystal-clear sphere of sound in the listening room. The improved tweeter and vibration damping contribute to a more detailed and dynamic sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Børresen X series loudspeakers are not only a new entry-level into the Børresen universe, but also represents a real revolution in quality and performance in its price range. These speakers are created based on all the knowledge collected in the process of the creation of the M, 0 and Z-series. You´ll find components from these exclusive series in this Børresen X series loudspeakers – for instance the brand new Spread-tow carbon membrane, the highly praised Børresen ribbon tweeter and the use of copper caps in the magnetic motor system.
The X-series membrane that consists of three skins laminated into a single unit: two layers of spread carbon fiber, with a layer of aramid honeycomb spacers in between. The combination of these materials gives this membrane its unique properties. The spread-tow carbon fiber was designed to provide a skin with optimal stiffness. This unique feature of the membrane reduces sound-disturbing vibrations and resonances to unprecedented levels.
In the X-series magnet motor system, we use double copper caps on the pole rings to achieve high flux and low inductance. The use of copper caps has been adopted from the Børresen Z-series. Copper produces a response to flux changes – the better the counter-effect of these copper rings, the flatter the inductance curve, and the lower the electro-magnetic resonance.
The tweeter chosen for the Børresen X-series has the same design used in all other Børresen loudspeaker series. However, there is a reduction in magnet and iron mass. This is possible due to the extremely high efficiency of the original tweeter design. As a result, the efficiency has dropped only slightly from the exceptional 94 dB to 90 dB, but this is still an amazing efficiency for a tweeter.
The Børresen X-series is equipped with a parallel crossover built with the same high-quality components from the Z Series. This makes for a very mechanically stable crossover that minimizes its self-resonance.
The surface of the cabinet is finished in black or white piano lacquer and reinforced with carbon fiber inserts. The cabinet is made of a heavily braced wood composite material that has the property of eliminating sound distortion. The material used for the cabinet also reduces mechanical influences, especially hysteresis. The sonic result is clearly audible. The X-series is equipped with bass reflex ports. The tweeter is vented to compensate for the air pressure that builds up. The bass section consists of tuned ports calibrated for musically relevant frequencies.
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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The Estelon AURA loudspeaker is designed and constructed by taking into consideration the environmental acoustics of real-life listening spaces. It provides an immersive and captivating audio experience like no other among speakers of this size. To achieve this, AURA has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technology and unique features that set it apart from other loudspeakers in the market. The AURA is more than just a loudspeaker; it's a work of art that combines form and function to provide an unparalleled audio experience. With its unique design and advanced technology, AURA is sure to be a game-changer in the audio world.
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
A 3-way floor standing design, the Trapeze Reimagined features a proprietary 12-inch high-power mid/bass driver. A 5-inch-high speed midrange. And the only AMT-tweeter on the market that stays true to the original design from audio genius Dr. Oscar Heil. The three drivers combine to achieve an even power, flat frequency response to match the famous Brûel & Kjaer ideal room response.
A diffraction absorbing felt area around the treble and midrange drivers helps to create a rare and natural soundstage: prepare to be transported to the atmospheric heart of a live event. The low frequency tuning adds weight and drama to any music. The extremely low distortion of the bass driver allows unusually natural and dynamic vocals as well as a beautifully rich sound without boom or bloom that just sounds so right. No problems with bass, midrange, or treble. Just an open, rich, musical, and rhythmic reproduction of all kinds of music in all kinds of settings.
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
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- All three of the A25 speaker drivers are designed and handmade in-house in Switzerland to ensure low distortion, high precision, and the finest quality control
- Every A25 is sonically identical, meaning any two of the same model at any point in their production history will be a matched pair
- The A25M offers higher SPL at lower distortion
- Initial listening tests were very favorable, and the first things that stood out were the tight and controlled low end and super precise stereo imaging, leading to a huge sense of depth and space
- Mixes translated incredibly well to other systems, and when using them for mastering, the bass end was spot on, and the highs were incredibly detailed but not at all hyped or fatiguing
Product Considerations
- The A25Ms are very heavy, at 28.4kg each, and have the kind of proportions that make a one-person lift of such a weight risky
- The size and weight of the A25Ms mean they probably will not be considered for nearfield duties by the majority of potential users
- The overall tonal balance is a little prominent in the upper-mid band, and this sometimes adds a slight edge to some mix elements
- If considering a move to mid-field monitoring, room acoustics should probably be considered at the same time
- Enclosure color is an acquired taste
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ATC SCM45s, the ATCs just had that extra tiny level of detail in the mids—it comes down to personal choice
Takeaway: The A25M is genuinely revealing monitors that can provide great insight into the components of a mix and how they fit together. These are spectacular monitors with a tight, controlled low end and super precise stereo imaging, making them an excellent mid-field monitor for mixing and mastering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Huge soundstage that expands beyond the confines of the room
- Incredible flexibility regarding placement and orientation, including in-wall, on-wall, and floor-standing options
- Speakers reveal a level of detail that few other systems can match
- THX Ultra certified and built to achieve true cinema reference volume levels
Product Considerations
- System should be installed by a professional
- The HFT drivers that make the sound so revealing could appear a little bright if not correctly tuned
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Monitor Audio Cinergy comes dangerously close to dethroning Perlisten in terms of movie sound
Takeaway: The Cinergy series is a fantastic option for home cinema fans, giving the best possible sound quality with a design tailored to home theater needs. A well-planned and executed Cinergy system can rival many commercial cinemas, offering a truly immersive sound experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed and tuned specifically to stand or be mounted flush against a back wall for ideal room integration
- Lyngdorf says the FR-2 has an ideal low-frequency impulse response, resulting in a surprisingly tight and powerful bass unheard of with most freestanding speakers
- The FR-2 features 6.5-inch woofers that marry a lightweight aluminium cone with a vented die-cast basket and an extra-strong and large magnet to facilitate high volume and efficiency
- The FR-2's minimalist design with simple baffle and satin matte finishes allows it to aesthetically blend into the background
Product Considerations
- The FR-2 is designed to be placed against a rear wall, which may not be suitable for all listening environments
- The FR-2's shallow cabinet depth may be a limiting factor for some users
Takeaway: The Lyngdorf Audio FR-2 speakers are designed for those who need speakers placed against the wall. They are designed for tight and powerful bass, and to integrate well into a room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Immersive sound quality
- Can handle a lot of dynamics
- Impressive shallow installation depth (approximately 10cm) despite its size
- Solid construction using high-quality aluminum, steel, and MDF to counteract resonances
- Easy to install with clamps and a supplied Allen key
Product Considerations
- Standard white covers may need repainting to match specific wall colors
- Some users may desire a little deeper bass for movies
Takeaway: The DALI Phantom 280S offers immersive sound and dynamic performance while being relatively easy to install within a wall. Its solid construction and good finish make it a worthwhile consideration for a home theater or high-end audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- True audiophile performance with pinpoint imaging and a huge soundstage from an in-wall footprint rivaling free standing speakers
- Reference-grade materials such as inverted beryllium dome tweeter and W Cone sandwich drivers
- Utopia models feature a slick, modular, expandable design to fit a variety of installations
- LFE signals can be sent to the IWLCR Utopia when used in conjunction with the IWSUB-Utopia
Product Considerations
- Dog ears are finicky and may have issues when installing multiple sheetrock layers near max thickness rating
- Connection plates adhering to the joints and ends of the grilles don't always sit completely flat
- An equally capable processor with advanced EQ and amplifier stable into low impedance loads is required to maximize performance potential
- IWSUB Utopia models lack a vibration damping suspension system
Takeaway: The Focal Utopia offers audiophile-grade sound with flexible installation, making it a great choice for those who want top-notch performance without taking up floor space. With its advanced features and high-quality components, it delivers an immersive audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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