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
- Intricately detailed, articulate, and powerful sound across the soundstage
- Astonishing build quality with robust and weighty die-cast aluminium enclosures and a luxurious finish
- The Apex system delivers audiophile standard sound quality without making huge demands on living space
- The inert enclosures enable the Apex to deliver an astonishingly fast and detailed sound
- High frequencies are smooth, speech is clear, and the rear soundstage is expansive
Product Considerations
- Expensive compared to normal compact systems
- The AW12 subwoofer is quite heavy despite its compact dimensions
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Apex uses the same tech as Monitor Audio's Silver RX range, but it is 'distilled' down to fit a more compact cabinet size
- Apex is in a different league than other satellite systems, offering a level of sound quality not typically associated with satellite speakers
Takeaway: The Apex system offers detailed and powerful sound, with an astonishing build quality. It is a great choice for those seeking audiophile-level sound in a compact and stylish package.
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Manufacturer details
- Frequency Response: 60 Hz — 35 kHz
- Sensitivity (1W@1M): 87 dB
- Drive Unit Complement: 1 x 140 mm (5 1/2") RST mid-bass driver, 1 x 25 mm (1") C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
- Maximum SPL: 110.8 dBA
- Recommended Amplifier Requirements: 25 — 100 W
- Bass Alignment: Front ported - bass reflex. HiVE II port system
- Power Handling (RMS): 100 W
- Crossover Frequency: 3.0 kHz
- External Dimensions (Cabinet Only): 250 x 140 x 140 mm (9 13/16 x 5 1/2 x 5 1/2")
- External Dimensions (Including Table Stand): 280 x 150 x 180 mm (11 x 5 7/8 x 7 1/16")
- Weight: 3.95 kg (8lb 11 oz)
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:
- Monitor Audio's C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium) drivers, specifically their "Gold Dome" tweeters and mid-bass drivers, are consistently praised for their unique combination of lightness, rigidity, and damping, resulting in clear, detailed, and dynamic sound reproduction.
- The "Rigid Surface Technology" (RST and RST II), employed on Monitor Audio's driver cones, enhances their stiffness and reduces distortion, leading to a fuller, more textured, and controlled sound, especially in the bass frequencies.
- They've developed a signature sound that balances detail, clarity, and a lively, energetic presentation while being smooth and non-fatiguing, making their speakers suitable for long listening sessions across various music genres.
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Product Strengths
- Secure imaging, believable vocal and instrumental timbres, and a superb sense of atmosphere and presence
- The speaker does a 'small-box disappearing act supremely well,' not drawing attention to itself and letting the music spill forth
- Provides tight, tuneful, convincing, and properly focused bass that securely underpins the music
- Emphasizes detail and resolution, and has one of the best detail/resolution figures that one reviewer has heard in the price range
- Has a wide sound dispersion, allowing listeners to sit anywhere in the room and still have a great sound
Product Considerations
- Can get sharp—shouty—harsh at high listening volumes
- Bass may not be sufficient for those looking for a lot of bass, and a subwoofer is recommended
- Soundstage is fairly intimate
- The treble can be a bit too hard, and some reviewers wished for a treble cut switch
- One reviewer disliked the cartoonishly large binding posts, and dangling leads can contact the passive radiator
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400: The Argon3S sounds more neutral and mid-centric, has a sweeter voicing, and a sharper treble
- Vs KLH Model Five: The midrange is slightly cleaner on the Argon3S, but it sounds very focused in comparison
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless PRO: The baseline clarity is considerably better for the pricier Argon3S, but the soundstage is far more holographic on SVS Prime Wireless PRO
- Vs ATC SCM 11 Version 2: Similar frame of mind, but the Amphion Argon 3S is more expressive and colorful
Takeaway: The Argon 3S is a compact speaker with a focus on detail and clarity, perfect for those who enjoy analyzing their music, especially at low to moderate volumes. Its design ensures it sounds great in various placements, making it a versatile addition to any audiophile's setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Even though the S400 MKII shares the same appearances as its predecessor, the speakers are actually quite a different experience when you listen to them. If we are to put this experience into words, it could be something like...
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Surprisingly deep and controlled bass for its size, extending down to 33Hz, is delivered thanks to its passive radiator
- A sweet, smooth, detailed, airy, and intimate sound with a natural midrange that presents human voices remarkably well, is produced
- A wide and deep soundstage, excelling particularly in creating a three-dimensional listening experience with a strong front-to-back depth, is offered
- High-quality components in its crossover, including air core inductors and film capacitors, are used
- Exemplary off-axis performance due to the CDC waveguide, leading to evenly distributed in-room frequency response, excellent imaging, bigger soundstage, and improved transparency, is presented
Product Considerations
- A bit bright in the top end, particularly on-axis and even slightly off-axis, depending on the room acoustics, may be heard; sidewall absorption or equalization may be needed
- Vertical placement is temperamental; listeners should ensure their ears are aligned with the reference point between the waveguide and midwoofer
- A capable amplifier, ideally one with high output power and a high damping factor, is required to properly control the bass
- At high volumes, the speaker can experience compression and distortion, particularly in the higher frequencies and lower frequencies
- The direct sales model means there are no physical stores to demo the speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The S400 Mark II sounds bigger and more potent, although the LS50 Meta is more transparent and has higher clarity
- Vs Dynaudio Heritage Special: The S400 MkII offers comparable midrange and equal bass, while the Dynaudio has more sizzle on top and a little more of a plumper mid
- Vs Emotiva B2 Plus: The S400 Mark II has more refined treble and midrange, but the Emotiva is better for rock and metal music
- Vs Dynaudio Special 40: The S400 MkII is sweeter, more open, more spacious sounding, and has a more transparent midrange
- Vs Klipsch The7s: The S400 MKII has a wider soundstage radiation
Takeaway: The S400 Mark II is a great-sounding speaker with impressive bass for its size and is easy to listen to for hours. It is a good option for those looking for a high-fidelity listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Compact Design with a Big Impact One of our latest offerings, the SuperMon Mini is a true marvel of product design.Created by Jun Hyeog Seo (the founder at MonAcoustic and the chief engineer), whose jazz sensibilities and experience as a guitarist certainly come in handy, our product offering seeks to combine performance with a compact frame.In terms of outer construction, the enclosure on the speaker is reinforced with the highest quality materials including a 6601-grade aluminum that promises durability thanks to its anti-corrosion properties.Don’t let our condensed design fool you though, the SuperMon Mini marries top-notch build quality with unrivaled performance to deliver an audio performance beyond your wildest imagination/unlike anything else out there.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent imaging capabilities
- Over-the-top build quality and very attractive appearance
- The AMT tweeter does not leap out and scorch the ears, and the speaker is on the warmer side of sound voicing
- The build quality and design leads to longevity, and the speakers can potentially last for many decades with proper care
- Treble separation is amazing and is easily on par with speakers costing five, six, seven or even ten thousand dollars
Product Considerations
- A subwoofer is mandatory if you want to experience full range sound
- The recessed treble will not be to everyone's taste
- The waveguide may constrict the tweeter's output
- Elevated mid-bass may color the sound, and a more neutral response in that range would be preferred
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Treble separation on the SuperMon Mini is better than the Focal Canta No. 1
- Treble separation is better on the SuperMon Mini than on the Serhan Swift Mu2 Mk II
Takeaway: The SuperMon Mini is a small but mighty speaker with incredible imaging, build quality, and the potential to last a very long time. It is a great choice for those who want excellent sound in a compact and luxurious package with a preference for warmer sound and detailed imaging when paired with an appropriate amplifier and potentially a subwoofer.
Video review
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For those who dream of big sound but not big speakers Silverback 1 is a new member of the award-winning Silverback family. It's made for music lovers who dream of great music and sound experiences without having big speakers in the living room. Silverback 1 is the size of a sheet of A4 paper when viewed from the front. That's how small it is. The sound (on the other hand) fills the entire room.
We'll get back to that. Because the most striking thing about Silverback 1 is how incredibly discreet it is, although the amazing sound quality will probably surprise you the most. The sculptural design is created to fit into your home, without demanding too much attention.
Can be placed anywhere Hang it on the wall (with one screw) or place it on a shelf. A power cord is all it needs to become part of a wireless music system or home theater.
Amazing sound experiences have been enjoyed by those who have been willing to buy an expensive music system with exotic equipment and plenty of wires that are difficult to live with.
Award-winning sound and user-friendliness We've revolutionized that with Silverback. It's a family of wireless speakers that requires nothing more than a small digital control unit and a smartphone to deliver first class audio experiences. And it's easy to use. You only need two speakers, a small control unit and a smartphone. That's all. You don't need any equipment or plenty of wires.
The international trade press has named Silverback the world's best wireless speakers four times, and for good reason. You can connect your TV, turntable, computer, CD and games console to the control unit and integrate them into the wireless universe. Your music system can be exactly as simple or complex as you want.
Uses the laws of acoustics to its advantage Silverback 1 is made for placement near a wall. There are special acoustic conditions near walls and speakers need to be built for that location to sound perfect. Silverback 1 uses the laws of acoustics and digital technology to its advantage and achieves a perfectly balanced soundstage when placed near a wall.
And the sound… The first thing people notice about Silverback 1 is the amazing and pleasant bass. The sound is rich and warm, even when playing at low volume. This is due to the specially designed woofers and their perfect match with the built-in amplifiers. It sounds like a much bigger speaker and we're especially proud of its inviting musicality.
What surprises many music lovers next is the speaker's ability to bring vocals to life and how the sound of any instrument becomes clear and detailed. Silverback 1 is a 100% digital speaker built without the use of passive components that can make the sound unclear and muddy in regular speakers. Therefore, it creates a different and immersive experience.
The tweeter's patented acoustic lens covers the living room with sound, so you hear all the nuances of the sound, no matter where you are in the room. It can play surprisingly loud considering how small it is. But the built-in digital processors monitor and protect the speaker from overload, so you only have to think about what song you want to hear next.
Product Strengths
- Compact dimensions make them suitable for smaller rooms and wall mounting
- Delivers a big sound despite its small size
- Impressive dynamic capabilities
- Good bass performance considering the speaker size
- Clean and purposeful look in either sleek white or black satin finishes
Product Considerations
- Magnets holding the grilles in place aren't very strong
- Soundstage depth is limited, projecting sound forward of the speaker plane
- May exhibit some dynamic compression during complex musical passages
- The SA Cockpit app can be flaky and exhibit strange behavior
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Q Active 200 created a deeper and higher soundstage, while the Silverback 1 had better-defined lower notes, and dynamics were more compressed on the Q Active 200
Takeaway: The Silverback 1 system is a great option for those with limited space who don't want to compromise on sound quality, offering impressive performance in a compact and aesthetically pleasing package. They are designed to blend into a domestic space rather than dominate it.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The DALI Fazon Sat has a curved chassis made from dense cast aluminum that does not resonate
- The DALI Fazon Sat has a locking gimbaled mount to point the speaker, and a knurled knob to lock the speaker into position
- The DALI Fazon Sat has a magnetic grille with no visible fasteners
- The DALI Fazon Sat has a simultaneously techy and elegant look
- The DALI Fazon Sat assembles fairly easily, whether wall-mounted or used on the stand
Product Considerations
- The tiny screw terminals on the Fazon Sat for the speaker cables proved a little cumbersome, and limit the use of thin cables
- Although the Fazon Sat's bass response is rated to 86 Hz, its 4 1?2-inch woofer cannot deliver much volume at that frequency without distorting
- A high crossover point is needed to reduce upper bass distortion with the Fazon Sat
Takeaway: The DALI Fazon Sat speakers have great build quality and are easy to mount. They are sleek and will look good in your home.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wide soundstage and radiation pattern, both horizontally and vertically, contribute to an immersive listening experience
- Good mid-bass punch, with an elevated bump around 120Hz that gives the perception of more impact
- Neutral tonal balance, with a well-balanced sound that allows the music to shine
- Excellent dispersion characteristics make them suitable for modern spaces where acoustic treatments are limited
- Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs unwanted sound behind the tweeter for clearer sound
Product Considerations
- Compression and strain in the upper midrange can occur at high output levels (above 90dB at 10 feet)
- Some cabinet resonance exists
- Some detail, clarity, or attack is lacking from the speaker
- Not ideal for high output
- A slight dip around 1-2kHz exists that some people may not like
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the KEF Q350, the Q3 Meta has more body and weight in the bass regions, but the Q350 is slightly better and more lively sounding in the upper frequencies
- Compared to the Polk Audio Reserve R200, the Q3 Meta is more neutral
- Compared to the Paradigm Premier 100B, the Q3 Meta dispersion characteristics are better, so they do not need a sub
- Compared to the PSB Imagine B50, the B50 kept its composure better at much louder listening levels, and its tonal balance seemed somehow even more neutral
Takeaway: The KEF Q3 Meta is an enjoyable speaker with a wide soundstage and neutral sound that makes the music sound good. It's a great pick for aesthetics if one does not listen at dangerous sound levels.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Available in multiple vibrant colors, breaking the monotony of typical speaker designs
- Produces a surprisingly big and wide sound despite their compact size
- The MHEX woofer reacts very fast and sounds like paper
- Soundstage stretches from speaker to speaker
Product Considerations
- Sound profile shows a dip in mid-range and roll-off in high frequencies, potentially requiring EQ adjustments
- High frequencies roll off around 8k or so
- Limited bass response, which may need a subwoofer for rock music or larger rooms
- Not linear frequency response, which may impact sound clarity
- Overall sensitivity is about 83.4 dB, which is below manufacturer's specs
Takeaway: The KIN ONE speakers are small but can create a big sound with multiple color options. Though they may benefit from EQ and a sub, they can be a good option for smaller rooms.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful and solid build quality with a premium feel
- Delivers detailed sound, revealing new aspects in familiar music
- Versatile, suitable for various genres, and easy to set up
- Can fill a medium-sized room with sound, even as a single unit
- Offers wireless convenience with built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 support
Product Considerations
- Soundstage can feel flat, lacking depth and nuance in some recordings
- Can sound strained at high volumes
- The Braun app is easy to use, but slim on features
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Naim Mu-so Second Generation scores higher as an all-in-one, despite being more expensive
- The Braun has a more tasteful design and is cheaper, while both have similar specs as the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge
Takeaway: The Braun LE02 is a well-designed speaker that offers a balanced and detailed listening experience, making it great for streaming music. It is an easy-to-use, modern speaker that can bring new life to familiar songs.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clear, solid, and refined sound quality
- Conveniently compact and discreet, fitting easily into various spaces
- Feature an AMT-1 Air-Motion Transformer tweeter, which enhances clarity and imaging
- Snappy and agile bass for their size
- Feature every possible modern connection and streaming capability
Product Considerations
- Need a stout power amp to sing
- Lack dynamic variation and punch, making them less musically engaging to some reviewers
- Bass does not reach very deep, so a subwoofer may be needed for those who love bass
- Some reviewers experienced frustrating initial setup with the Piega Control app
- Some off-axis response issues
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: KEF LS50 Meta offer more musicality, dynamic variation, and transparency
- Vs Sonos Era 100: Ace 30 is able to play significantly louder and clearer, and with three to four times more dynamic punch
Takeaway: The Piega Ace 30 are compact and sleek speakers that offer a clear and refined sound, fitting easily into any room, or even function as left and right channels in a compact main stereo setup. If quality sound in a small package is desired, these could be a great fit.
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