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.

Product Strengths

• Superb transparency and resolution are offered, delivering extreme levels of detail.
• Excellent soundstage and a holographic sound are produced, filling the room with music even when placed off-center.
• Midrange frequencies are more prominent, delivering clear vocals and rich background layers with excellent separation.
• Balanced, natural tonality and snappy impulse response are provided.
• It supports various connectivity options, including Aux, Optical, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast.

Product Considerations

• The balanced tonality features a prominent midrange, flatter bass, and smoother treble, which is different from V-shaped Bluetooth speakers.
• It lacks a customizable equalizer in the app, though one is planned for a future update.
• While the bass is present, it may not satisfy bass enthusiasts seeking overpowering low-end.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Vifa Copenhagen 2: Better clarity and detail, a wider soundstage, and more holographic sound are offered, while the Copenhagen 2 has more bass and a more V-shaped sound.
• Vs NHT C3 with SMSL AO300: A wider, airier, and more holographic soundstage is produced, while the detail and resolution are comparable.
• Vs Devialet Phantom II 95 dB: Better balance is displayed, for a more natural reproduction, while the Phantom II 95 dB has deeper and more powerful lows.
• Vs Sonos Five: It can fill the space better, while the Sonos Five reproduces music with more authority and generosity in the lows.

Takeaway: The Elipson W35 Xi delivers excellent transparency and detailed sound, making it a great choice for those who value clarity and a balanced signature. With its versatile connectivity and ability to create an immersive soundstage, it offers an enjoyable listening experience in any room.

Product Strengths

• Sweet and detailed audio performance with clear instrumental separation and expansive dimensionality
• Warm and full-bodied bass and midrange
• Clear yet 'mellow' treble, creating a pleasing sound signature
• Accurate sound that doesn't do much to color the recording, so listeners get a balanced presentation of the source content
• Good level of dynamic range for reasonably sized bookshelf speakers, and they can get louder than expected for their size/price class

Product Considerations

• The laid-back sound may occasionally obscure some definition
• The speakers run on the cooler side of things, never becoming too indulgent in any aspect and instead providing a sound that is accurate and slightly pulled back, but never muted or lifeless
• Asymmetry of the phase coherence of their vertical lobe can be a slight problem for anyone listening under the tweeter axis
• Does not feel as substantial as some other speakers in their price class

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Focal Vestia No. 1: Theva offers a lot of what makes the Vestia No. 1 great while saving money, but is not as immediately striking in detail or treble extension
• Vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3: Theva is more compact and easier to place, but doesn't look as premium
• Vs Polk Legend Series L100: Theva has a more laid-back sound profile, making it a better listen in most cases, while the L100 presents a more precise center image

Takeaway: The Theva No. 1 is a great speaker for enjoying detailed and smooth sound without harshness. It's a good option for different types of content, from music to movies, and is especially suited for smaller spaces.

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.

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.