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.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
S7i-C
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 298.6 x 1036.6 x 111.2mm (11.8 x 40.8 x 4.4")
- Mounting dimensions (HxWxD): 257 x 996 x 101.7mm (10.1 x 39.2 x 4.0")
- Weight: 26.4 kg (58.0 lbs.)
- Enclosure Alignment: 4-way acoustic suspension
- Driver compliment: DCP-Array: 28mm Beryllium, 28mm(2) Textreme TPCD, Woofers: 180mm(4) Textreme TPCD
- Sensitivity: 92.0dB / 2.83v / 1.0m
- Impedance: 4Ω nominal / 3.4Ω min
- Response Linearity: 80 - 20kHz +/-1.5dB window
- Frequency Response (-10dB): 47 - 37kHz
- Typical In Room bass extension: 39Hz
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 100 - 600W RMS
- SPL capability (100-20kHz): 119.8dB peak, 117.0dB peak <3% 2nd, 3rd Harmonics
- Certification: THX Dominus
Description
The next level in-wall with Directivity control to well below 1kHz while enabling a DPC array and timbre matching not only in the raw materials but in the critical frequency response, power response, and phase. In addition, the S7i is THX Dominus Center certified with the same amazing Sensitivity and THD as our famous S7c in-room center. A true value in the largest sized home theater in-walls compared to almost any in-wall on the market and can be utilized as an Center with an acoustically transparent screen or as just a Center in the Media room.
The next level in-wall with Directivity control to well below 1kHz while enabling a DPC array and timbre matching not only in the raw materials but in the critical frequency response, power response, and phase. In addition, the S7i is THX Dominus Center certified with the same amazing Sensitivity and THD as our famous S7c in-room center.
A true value in the largest sized home theater in-walls compared to almost any in-wall on the market and can be utilized as an Center with an acoustically transparent screen or as just a Center in the Media room. Based largely on our flagship S7t. This is the center channel implementation. Here we have adapted the design for inwall applications.
Shallow 4" mounting depth and integral aluminum extrusion rear enclosure insure consistent performance and minimal sound propagation to adjacent rooms. Featuring our proprietary DPC-Array controlling Mid/High frequencies, centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes. All transducers are developed ground up by our engineers – bringing decades of research, culminating in this world class design.
We teamed up with companies in the USA and Sweden to bring modern material science to hi-fi. Utilizing advanced Comsol acoustic modeling, our DPC-array is the result of 18 months of painstaking simulations and prototyping. The result is one of the most technologically ad...
A true value in the largest sized home theater in-walls compared to almost any in-wall on the market and can be utilized as an Center with an acoustically transparent screen or as just a Center in the Media room. Based largely on our flagship S7t. This is the center channel implementation. Here we have adapted the design for inwall applications.
Shallow 4" mounting depth and integral aluminum extrusion rear enclosure insure consistent performance and minimal sound propagation to adjacent rooms. Featuring our proprietary DPC-Array controlling Mid/High frequencies, centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes. All transducers are developed ground up by our engineers – bringing decades of research, culminating in this world class design.
We teamed up with companies in the USA and Sweden to bring modern material science to hi-fi. Utilizing advanced Comsol acoustic modeling, our DPC-array is the result of 18 months of painstaking simulations and prototyping. The result is one of the most technologically ad...
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
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:
- The DPC (Directivity Pattern Control) array, with its computer-modeled waveguide and specific driver arrangement, delivers exceptional soundstage cohesion and image placement, creating a more immersive listening experience.
- The brand employs a multi-driver design with carefully chosen materials, such as beryllium and thin-ply carbon diaphragms, to achieve ultra-low distortion and precise sound reproduction.
- Perlisten products are designed for seamless integration, achieving true timbre matching across their range of in-room, in-wall, and in-ceiling speakers, ideal for creating comprehensive audio/video systems.
- They are the first to achieve THX Certified Dominus status, indicating these speakers offer high output with low distortion, and can fill large rooms without compromising sonic quality.
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R5T
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the R-Series lineup.
- Description: Offers a great balance of performance and affordability, featuring the DPC-Array technology for precise sound control. Uses 165mm woofers made from HPF pulp, providing a rich bass experience, similar to the R7T but with fewer woofers, making it ideal for smaller rooms and tighter budgets.
R7T
- Positioning: A mid-range model in the R-Series, offering advanced features at a competitive price.
- Description: Features DPC-Array and long-excursion woofers, delivering low distortion and excellent directivity. Shares many technologies with the S-Series, like the S5T, but at a more accessible price point.
S5T
- Positioning: A high-performance model in the S-Series, designed for slightly smaller rooms.
- Description: Features advanced DPC-Array and thin-ply carbon diaphragm woofers, offering nearly the same SPL and sensitivity as the S7T. Provides a full-range performance similar to the flagship S7T but in a more compact form.
S7T
- Positioning: The flagship model in the S-Series, representing the pinnacle of Perlisten's audio technology.
- Description: Features DPC-Array and beryllium dome tweeters, delivering exceptional accuracy and dynamic range. Offers the most sophisticated sound experience in the lineup.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
1
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
138
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
35
Founding Year
2016
Our take on the brand
Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
As for as tech breakthroughs, we have our patented DPC array: a tweeter inside two midranges. This improves sensitivity and dynamics through such light drivers (3g or less).
Across our entire line, you’re getting 3D soundstaging, detail, dynamics, and low distortion. Most noticeable to the listener is the way sound propagates throughout the room: we focus on a wide dispersion left and right, and slightly limit it top to bottom to minimize first reflections on the floor and ceiling. This makes the speakers easier to place.
As you move up price in our line, the extent to which we do this passive beamforming on the vertical axis descends into a lower and lower frequency.
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Perlistens are generally not difficult to run. Take the S7t for example: High 80s, low 90s sensitivity. That can run with anything. But, because Perlistens can play so loud, they do like a lot of power to fully show off.
Two brands we generally pair Perlisten with: On the upper end is Audioflight from Italy. On the budget friendly end, Primare. But they've been paired with so much—we haven't come across a pairing they don't work with unless it's a 3W triode tube amp due to insufficient power.
From our interview with
Eric Smith
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Brand Page
What if you spend more?
No items found.
What competes at this price?
Dali
Phantom S-280
7000
/
Released
The PHANTOM S-280 is our no-compromise in-wall powerhouse of a speaker with two 8" bass/mid-range drivers, two 10" passive radiators and a rotatable hybrid tweeter module. It delivers clean, coherent, detailed, room-filling sound and is slim enough to fit into almost any standard wall.
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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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
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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Focal
1000 IWLCR Utopia
7999
/
Released
2021
The icon of the 1000 Series range, the Utopia 1000 IWLCR bi-amplifiable in-wall speaker sensitively reveals the finest sonic details of films. Thanks to its Focal technologies and numerous speaker settings, installation customization is total. For the ultimate home cinema system, the Utopia 1000 Series subwoofer can be combined with the speaker to deliver exceptional bass.
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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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
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Fonica
Flag M
7766
/
Released
FLAG M speakers guarantee excellent acoustic performance in medium-large rooms. The isodynamic technology allows to obtain a very uniform sound diffusion in the listening room. In the active digital version, equipped with remote control and digital inputs, the speakers become a complete audio system and you just need to connect a music source to enjoy your music.
Fonica International uses isodynamic technology in their speakers, which involves a thin Mylar membrane vibrating with neodymium magnets to create an ultra-slim design without internal resonance issues. Their handcrafted speakers are known for creating a large, dynamic soundstage with excellent sound diffusion, and they offer customization options to match various aesthetic preferences.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very slim, making them convenient to place in a room
- With no acoustic enclosure, they are free from colouration caused by internal resonances
- High and mid frequencies are clean, detailed, yet not fatiguing
- They can handle a variety of music genres, including Western Classical, Modern Pop, Hard Rock, Jazz, and Vocal based Music
- They create a large picturesque sound stage with placement of musicians across the stage
Product Considerations
- The aesthetic may not be for everyone
- Care is required when handling the speakers, especially with regard to children and animals
- The lower frequencies may take some time getting adjusted to, compared to the coloration of cabinet speakers
- The instruction manual is not so helpful, due to literal translation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Traditional Box Speakers–the Flag Ms offer a non-traditional approach to high-end quality listening
- Vs Traditional Box Speakers–the Flag Ms at the price point may be a worthy option when considering traditional box speaker competition
Takeaway: The Fonica International Flag M loudspeakers offer a unique listening experience with a sleek design and impressive soundstage. For those looking for a different approach to high-end audio, the Flag Ms are worth a listen.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Fonica International uses isodynamic technology in their speakers, which involves a thin Mylar membrane vibrating with neodymium magnets to create an ultra-slim design without internal resonance issues. Their handcrafted speakers are known for creating a large, dynamic soundstage with excellent sound diffusion, and they offer customization options to match various aesthetic preferences.
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Monitor
Cinergy 300
6500
/
Released
2022
The largest speaker in the range, providing the biggest sound. The Monitor Audio Cinergy 300 uses our latest mid-range driver technology for the purest possible audio.
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
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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
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
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