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
- Beautifully and gracefully accurate, musical, and endlessly enjoyable speakers
- Bass notes are delivered with transient clarity and definition that is as good as the midrange and treble
- Smooth and extended treble response gives a certain energy, verve, and life to music
Product Considerations
- A good amplifier is required, the right amplifier is crucial for optimal sound
- There is a lack of home cinema speakers, so no center speaker or any on-wall speakers are available if integrating the Parker Duo into a home cinema system
- Expensive, especially considering the dedicated stands
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ATC SCM50 ASL: The Parker Duo offers a smoother, more graceful vocal delivery with a full and tonally rich sound, whereas the ATC SCM50 excels in raw vocal clarity
- Vs KEF Reference 3: The KEF Reference 3 can give a bit more bass, but the Parker Duo delivers clearer bass
Takeaway: The Parker Duo is a special speaker that offers excellent sound quality and clarity. With the right amplifier, it can provide an immersive and enjoyable listening experience, perfect for audiophiles who appreciate high-end audio.
All
Parker Duo
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Speaker (front): 1" pure ceramic tweeter (upgradable to Diamond), 7.5" ceramic bass/midrange
- Speaker (back): 9" Aluminium passive radiator
- Frequency range: 36-40000 Hz +-2dB
- Power rating: 200 W
- Sensitivity: 88 dB/2.83 V
- Impedance: 6 ohms (3.1 Ohms min)
- Type: 2-way
- Crossover frequency: Multi diverse order, 2200 Hz
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 22-28 x 42 x 36 cm (8.7-11 x 16.5 x 14.2")
- Net weight: 18 kg (40 lbs)
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:
- They achieve exceptional sonic purity by utilizing drivers made from materials such as ceramic and diamond, allowing for minimal distortion and maximum clarity across the entire frequency spectrum.
- Marten speakers often utilize a multi-way design, with each driver meticulously integrated through advanced crossover technologies, ensuring a balanced and coherent soundstage.
- The brand utilizes Jorma Design internal wiring in their speakers, ensuring signal purity and maximizing performance by partnering with a cable manufacturer renowned for high-quality audio cables.
Select products
Oscar
- Positioning: The entry-level lineup, designed to offer high-quality sound at a more accessible price point.
- Description: Delivers the true Marten sound with newly designed drivers that maintain quality while being cost-effective. Unlike the higher-end Coltrane series, focuses on affordability without sacrificing the core sound characteristics, making it ideal for those with budget constraints who still desire high-end audio performance.
Mingus
- Positioning: Positioned as a high-end option, drawing inspiration from the flagship Coltrane series.
- Description: Incorporates diamond drivers and custom designs that enhance clarity and strength, setting them apart from the Parker series. They offer a more sophisticated sound with advanced driver technology.
Coltrane
- Positioning: The flagship lineup, representing the pinnacle of technological innovation and sound quality.
- Description: Renowned for their first-order crossover and Accuton Cell drivers, providing unmatched time and phase coherence. This series offers the ultimate in sound reproduction with extreme clarity and resolution, surpassing the Mingus series in both performance and price.
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?
Marten uses high quality drivers that are custom to our models often in exotic materials like diamond, beryllium, ceramics and aluminium. Marten is one of very fiev manufactures that is implementing first order crossover filters. This we do in all models in the Mingus and Coltrane range.
What's your approach to customer support?
Initially customers are advised to contact the dealer they bought their speakers from, when support is needed, if they have bought speakers second hand it's recommended to to contact the appointed distributor. Of course customers are also welcome to contact Marten directly via our info email and get support that way. We value customer support highly and help our dealers and distributors to take care of customers if something has happened. Customers should never ever hesitate to contact us or our partners.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
We have many but here are three of our test tracks, St James Infirmary (live edition) Angela Brown, Someday you'll be sorry Harry Connick Jr, V. Panis angelicus (Soprano) Ensemble vocal de Lausanne.
What other products pair best with yours?
We do a lot of testing and development on brands like Halcro, Audiaflight, MSB and CH-precision. But we also know that customers use Gryphon, Goldmund, Soulution and Esoteric among many other brands in their home systems.

Used
Marten
What if you spend more?
The design of the AN-J Loudspeaker, by contrast, follows an altogether different philosophy. It calls for a cabinet that complements the chosen drive units, rather than fighting against them. Instead of trying to kill the resonances, we tailor the cabinet to place them in frequency bands where they aid and enhance the operation of the drive units, culminating in a loudspeaker system that makes the most of the preceding amplifier’s output. The material choice for the cabinet is an area where a great deal of research and development has taken place. Over the years, we have tried many different materials and combinations, a time consuming endeavour culminating in the current design, which utilises the highest quality birch ply for the entire cabinet. Bracing and internal damping is kept to a minimum and strategically applied to help, not hinder the drivers.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Solid bass performance for a speaker of its size
- Able to do justice to any genre of music and at realistic volume levels
- Very easy to drive
- Offers a balanced presentation from top to bottom with seamlessness between the woofer and tweeter
- Started sounding like far more than a pair of 8″ two-way monitors when properly positioned along the side walls
Product Considerations
- Achieving the best imaging and deep bass may require experimenting with toe-in and distance from corners and the back wall
- Does not provide much forward/backward information, with the image typically stopping at the outer edge of the speakers
- The basic 'D' model comes only in black ash veneer, while higher-end models offer more choices
- Bass can be overblown if not adjusted properly in room placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AN-E has more bass, is easier to drive, and has a bigger presentation
- Some may prefer the J because they find it a more taught presentation in the mid bass, as well as more "present" in the voice band
Takeaway:
The AN-J is a near full-range loudspeaker capable of articulation and organic flow, making music sound natural and engaging. If someone is looking for a communicative quality that remains consistent wherever they listen, then the AN-J could be a good fit.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The one standmount model in the Reference series could be the only loudspeaker you ever need. A three-way model boasting KEF’s 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, Reference 1 Meta is capable of delivering expansive, high-performance sound that goes way beyond what its relatively compact size would suggest was possible.
Product Strengths
- Balanced, refined, and musical performance
- Fine stereo imaging and a wide—beautifully focused—soundstage
- Impressive bass power and authority for a standmount speaker
- Excellent build quality and finish
- Uni-Q driver produces a consistent dispersion pattern
Product Considerations
- Demands an amplifier with plenty of power due to its low sensitivity (85dB/W/m) and 4 Ohm impedance (minimum 3.2 Ohms)
- Dedicated stands are expensive (S-RF1)
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4: Sounds larger-scale, more muscular, and punchy
Takeaway: The KEF Reference 1 Meta is a superb speaker combining excellent sound with clever engineering, well suited for audiophiles looking for a high-quality listening experience. It delivers an immersive and detailed soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Adept at handling complex compositions and uncovering the finest sonic detail without losing track of the musical picture as a whole
- Gets listeners closer than ever to the artist's intent
- Excellent sense of detail, of boundaries naturally drawn
- High-frequencies sound realistic and natural
Product Considerations
- Low frequencies were somewhat lightweight
- With such a tipped-up tweeter, the resulting sound could be too bright
- Due to a lack of boundary reinforcement, Bowers & Wilkins speakers with top-mounted tweeters always drop off below around 5kHz
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Magico A1, Magico A1 aim for pure neutrality
- Versus Dynaudio Confidence 20, Dynaudio Confidence 20 is for listeners who just want to enjoy their music
Takeaway: The 805 D4 makes music sound very realistic and clear, almost as if you are there. It can make a small room feel big with its sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Features a 1-inch pure beryllium inverted dome tweeter that rests inside its own chamber, which acts as a tuned resonator, and helps give the speaker its iconic profile
- The cabinet's shape helps to mechanically time-align the two drivers and optimize the phase between them
- Bass is firm, free of any distortion or boominess, and agile when driven correctly with a capable amplifier
- The speaker is neutral throughout the midrange, and clear, focused, and detailed
- Transparency to the music and resulting 3-dimensional soundstage that is boundary-defying in almost all directions, with dynamics close second only to the La Scala
Product Considerations
- For true full-range playback, a subwoofer is required
- The beryllium tweeter has the ability to showcase the flaws in poor recordings
- Sound improves the more upmarket the accompanying equipment is
- Amplification pairing is vital and can drastically change the sound
- Placement of these speakers in different spots in the room changed the sound drastically
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Diablo's have more detail on tap but remain smooth and realistic, with the midrange being leaner but cleaner than the Fleetwood Deville SQ
- The Diablo will offer everything the Sonus Faber Sopra 1 does—and even more
Takeaway: The Focal Diablo Utopia Color Evo speakers are transparent and reveal details in music with incredible imaging, making for a fun listening experience. To hear all the nuances in music, these speakers could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
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
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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Integrated technology allows direct high-resolution listening without extra devices
- The speaker uses the same Pascal Class D amplification and processing technology from Dynaudio's Pro line Core series
- Discrete amplification channel per driver: 110 watts for the tweeter and 280 watts for the woofer
- Dirac Live room correction is available, which can tune some of the annoying sounds of a garage, for example, using the soft dome tweeter
Product Considerations
- Running a digital coaxial cable from one speaker to the next results in the signal being sent at 24-96 kilohertz, which is a lower quality than what the master speaker receives (24-192)
- There is no HDMI arc or e-arc connection
- Drilling holes may be required to attach the speaker to stands
- Setting up the speaker with the app is not as quick or seamless as Bluesound
- A microphone is required to do Dirac room calibration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PSB Alpha IQs: Plays louder with a higher level of amplification
- Vs Dynaudio Core 7: The Core 7 has more power and a slightly better tweeter and woofer, but is not as aesthetically pleasing and needs a Bluesound Node
- Vs Dynaudio Evoke: It is similar to an Evoke speaker, but with a bigger woofer
Takeaway: The Focus recMsY5ljWopDD7UU is a sophisticated wireless speaker that pulls technology from Dynaudio's Pro line and features Dirac room calibration. It is ideal for someone looking for high-resolution listening without extra devices and who values sophisticated sound and aesthetics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptionally well-built, described as monolithic and like concrete bricks
- The tweeter provides detailed highs, comparable to a good AMT tweeter, and performs effortlessly even at high volumes
- The midrange is special, with a carbon graphene construction for well-behaved out-of-band performance and high output
- The speaker's design allows for significant room gain, providing real bass extension below 20 Hz
- Immense potential, described to be a top shelf product
Product Considerations
- The image was a little high
- The speakers want power from a good amplifier to really open up
- The listener might not always be as emotionally convinced by the result as they perhaps should have been
- The speakers are large and may be obtrusive for most UK spaces
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- vs Paradigm Founder 120Hs: Similar to the Paradigm Founder 120Hs, which have active jumpers
- vs RBH SVTRs: The reviewer loves the RBH SVTRs, and these new speakers are being tested to see if they can be a game changer in the industry
- vs Spendor Classic 3-1: Arendal 1528 is neutral from top to bottom, while Spendor is warm from top to bottom
- vs Cabasse Morano: Cabasse Morano has some coloration, but the Arendal 1528 is dead neutral
Takeaway:
The Arundel Sound 1528 recMsY5ljWopDD7UU speakers are incredibly well-built with high-quality components that deliver an excellent listening experience. They are capable of filling large rooms with detailed sound and powerful bass.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Magellan line represents Triangle's 'all out, cost no object designs'—making these speakers among the best the brand makes
- The tweeter provides an accurate, smooth, and fluid musical quality, highlighting fine details and upper harmonics
- The midrange/bass driver delivers firm and dynamic bass frequencies while maintaining clarity and finesse in the vocal register
- They offer fantastic clarity and an open sound, making listening to music an exciting experience—allowing listeners to soak it all in
- The speaker creates a wide sweet spot great for listening with more than one person
Product Considerations
- The speakers can sound overly bright, hard-edged, and forward if not properly run-in, requiring a break-in period before critical listening
- They need careful partnering with electronics to avoid an overly bright sound, as they aren't particularly forgiving of aggressive recordings or brighter-sounding equipment
- The bass may sound weak in a large room, so Triangle suggests a small to medium room for these speakers
- The packaging may not be sufficient, as the speakers are heavy and shipped in one box, potentially damaging the packing materials
- Siting can be critical, with placement affecting the bass quality—positioning them too close to the rear wall can negatively impact the bass
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Børresen X1: The Triangle Magellan Duetto has a more open and airy sound, whereas the X1 has a more bass-centric sound
- Vs Daniel Hertz Ambers and Focal Diablo: The Triangle Magellan Duetto offers more musical information
Takeaway: The Triangle Magellan Duetto is a high-end bookshelf speaker known for its clarity, detail, and engaging sound. Beautifully crafted, they are a great way to enjoy music if a detailed and lively sound is desired.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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