Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

  • 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.

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

Ace 30

reviews

[{"title":"Piega Ace 30 - The Absolute Sound","link":"https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/piega-ace-30","source":"The Absolute Sound","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Piega Ace 30 review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/piega-ace-30","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Piega Ace 30 Wireless Bookshelf Speakers Reviewed","link":"https://futureaudiophile.com/piega-ace-30-wireless-bookshelf-speakers-reviewed","source":"futureaudiophile.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Recommended Amplifier Output: 20 - 150 watts
  • Sensitivity: 87db/W/m
  • Impedance: 4 ohms
  • Frequency Range: 50 Hz - 40 kHz
  • Dimensions: H 8.6" x W 5.5" x D 6.2"
  • Weight: 6.6 lbs
  • Technology: 1 x 120 mm MDS, 1 x AMT-1
Despite its small size, the Ace 30 is a true powerhouse. It impresses with its full, clear sound and impressively concentrated joy of playing. For large rooms and higher levels, the speaker can be perfectly combined with a PIEGA subwoofer.
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:

  • Piega speakers are crafted with seamless, extruded aluminum enclosures, designed by Swiss architect Stephan Hürlemann, which minimizes vibrations and resonances.
  • They utilize custom-designed Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeters, manufactured in-house, known for their clarity, detail, and extended high-frequency response.
  • Piega offers a unique Wireless Spatial Sound (WiSa) technology in select models, allowing for cable-free stereo or multi-channel setups without compromising audio quality.
  • The brand incorporates Tension Improve Module (TIM) technology, including TIM2 in newer generations, which tensions internal components to further reduce cabinet resonance and improve sonic purity.

Ace Series

  • Positioning: The entry-level lineup in PIEGA's offerings, designed for compact spaces and affordability.
  • Description: Features the AMT-1 Air Motion Transformer for detailed sound. Compared to the Premium Series, offers a more compact and budget-friendly option, making it ideal for small rooms or those seeking portability. While it lacks the advanced ribbon technology of the Coax and Master Line Source series, it provides a balanced sound suitable for everyday listening.

Premium Loudspeakers

  • Positioning: Sits in the mid-range of PIEGA's lineup, offering a balance of performance and design.
  • Description: Known for its elegant design and advanced ribbon tweeter technology, providing clear and precise audio. Features a reinforced aluminum structure that enhances sound clarity, setting it apart from the Ace Series.

Coax Gen2

  • Positioning: A high-end offering, positioned just below the flagship Master Line Source series.
  • Description: Stands out with its proprietary coaxial ribbon technology, delivering exceptional clarity and balance. Uses advanced TIM2 modules to reduce cabinet vibrations, offering superior sound purity compared to the Premium Series.

Master Line Source Gen2

  • Positioning: The flagship series, representing the pinnacle of PIEGA's technological innovation.
  • Description: Features innovative Line Source ribbon technology, providing exceptional sound with authentic and coherent sound reproduction. Uses a unique dipole speaker design that fills the space with a coherent cylinder sound wave, surpassing the capabilities of the Coax Gen2.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
12
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
198
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
27
Founding Year
1986

Our take on the brand

PIEGA is a hifi speaker brand that uses aluminum cabinets and Air Motion Transformer tweeters to achieve better sound quality than traditional speaker designs. The brand is known for making compact speakers that perform like much larger ones, with their TMicro 40 model reaching deep bass notes down to 50Hz despite its small size.

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?

Our ribbon tweeters, especially the coaxial versions used in our Coax and Master Line models, deliver exceptional resolution and spatial imaging. What’s particularly noteworthy is that we have been developing these tweeters entirely in-house for over 40 years – and we still manufacture them by hand at our facility in Horgen, Switzerland. The quality is, in our view, outstanding – not only acoustically, but also in terms of technical precision and minimal unit-to-unit variance.

Our aluminum enclosures, combined with internal damping and sandwich construction, ensure distortion-free performance – even at high volumes – and are a unique feature both acoustically and visually.

What's your approach to customer support?

We generally recommend that customers first reach out to their dealer or national distributor for any questions or issues. These partners are trained and authorized to assist quickly and effectively. In more complex cases – or when customers contact us directly – we are, of course, committed to providing personal and dedicated support.

Additionally, we regularly invite customers to visit our headquarters in Horgen. During these visits – which include a tour of our production and personal consultation – very close relationships have developed, and in some cases, even real friendships have formed. We take pride in maintaining close and reliable contact, even after the purchase.

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

  • “Queen Mary” – Francine Thirteen: For dynamics and tight bass, excellent at high volume.
  • “Liberty” – Anette Askvik: For atmospheric depth and spaciousness.
  • “The Headless Horseman” – Bobby Bass: Great for vocals and evaluating seamless transitions between multi-way drivers.

What other products pair best with yours?

We experience excellent synergy with HiFi Rose electronics – both sonically and aesthetically. Setups with T+A or Cambridge Audio also pair beautifully with our speakers. And of course, there are no limits at the high end: just recently, I heard a large Burmester and McIntosh system driving our Coax 811 at a dealer – the result was absolutely stunning. 

From our interview with
Martin Bühler
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
PIEGA
Ace 30 Wireless
2042
2042
/
2
Reviews
PIEGA is a hifi speaker brand that uses aluminum cabinets and Air Motion Transformer tweeters to achieve better sound quality than traditional speaker designs. The brand is known for making compact speakers that perform like much larger ones, with their TMicro 40 model reaching deep bass notes down to 50Hz despite its small size.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Diverse input options are available, including digital coax/optical, HDMI eARC, analog stereo, Ethernet, and infrared, allowing for flexible setup
  • Compatible with various streaming services like Apple Airplay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and DLNA
  • Clear and dynamic sound, with the AMT-1 tweeter providing clarity and imaging
  • Solid all-metal build with sleek design available in multiple finishes
  • Compact size allows them to fit discreetly in a room

Product Considerations

  • Initial setup can be frustrating, especially for iOS users requiring the Google Home app
  • The Piega Control app can be unreliable
  • Limited dynamic variation and punch—not musically engaging
  • Limited transparency compared to competitors

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. KEF LS50 Meta: The KEF LS50 Meta are more musical and offer better dynamic variation and scale
  • Vs. Bluesound Pulse 2i: The Bluesound Pulse 2i is a little more familiar to most consumers in terms of design and footprint
  • Vs. Triangle Borea BR08: The Triangle Borea BR08 are floorstanders, unlike the Piega Ace 30, which are bookshelf speakers

Takeaway: The Piega Ace 30 Wireless Speakers offer convenience and flexibility with their compact size, multiple streaming options, and solid build quality, making them a good choice for those seeking a high-end, discreet audio solution. They can serve as main speakers in a compact stereo system or integrate seamlessly into a whole-home or surround sound setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

PIEGA is a hifi speaker brand that uses aluminum cabinets and Air Motion Transformer tweeters to achieve better sound quality than traditional speaker designs. The brand is known for making compact speakers that perform like much larger ones, with their TMicro 40 model reaching deep bass notes down to 50Hz despite its small size.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
MonAcoustic
SuperMon Mini
2200
2200
/
6
Reviews

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.

MonAcoustic is a hifi speaker brand that uses isobaric designs and aluminum cabinets to achieve deeper bass from smaller enclosures, setting them apart from traditional wooden speakers. Their PlatiMon VC One speakers feature a unique virtual coaxial design with asymmetrical resonance-attenuation liners and twin rear ports specifically tailored for left and right channels, enhancing stereo imaging.
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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

Our take on the brand

MonAcoustic is a hifi speaker brand that uses isobaric designs and aluminum cabinets to achieve deeper bass from smaller enclosures, setting them apart from traditional wooden speakers. Their PlatiMon VC One speakers feature a unique virtual coaxial design with asymmetrical resonance-attenuation liners and twin rear ports specifically tailored for left and right channels, enhancing stereo imaging.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
KEF
R3 Meta
2430
2430
/
18
Reviews

R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker’s performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design. It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5” hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
  • Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
  • Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
  • A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
  • Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences

Product Considerations

  • The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
  • The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
  • Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
  • The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
  • Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
  • Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
  • Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta

Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
PSB
Alpha iQ
1299
1299
/
18
Reviews
Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Highly accurate sound with surprising dynamic and bass abilities
  • Intuitive BluOS app provides access to many streaming services, multi-room control, and customisation options
  • Wide range of connectivity options including HDMI eARC, phono inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth

Product Considerations

  • BluOS app required for setup and primary use, no dedicated remote control is provided
  • BluOS app can be quirky, and there are potential setup difficulties and HDMI connectivity issues
  • Lacks room EQ features for near-wall or desktop placement, and doesn't have enough output for larger rooms without a subwoofer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro, the Alpha iQ provides a deeper soundstage and more filled-in sound
  • Vs Q Acoustics's Q Active 200, the Alpha iQ delivers greater sense of scale
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, the Alpha iQ provides more transparent sound and better dynamic range
  • Vs ELAC Debut ConneX, the Alpha iQ offers wider-ranging connectivity and a dedicated control app
  • Vs KEF LSX II, the Alpha iQ has a feature-rich app and multi-room audio skills
  • Vs Alpha AM3, the Alpha iQ is physically larger, with more rated power and wireless connection between speakers

Takeaway: The PSB Alpha iQ is a compact, all-in-one streaming speaker system with excellent sound quality and versatility, making it a great addition to smaller spaces. Its multiple connectivity options and simple setup allow one to easily enjoy music from various sources.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Braun
LE02 HiFi Stereo Speaker with WIFI
749
/
Released
2021
Design speaker for high-quality streaming. Uniquely powerful with high dynamic range, a premium, mid-sized speaker delivering an immersive Braun sound experience.
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Braun Audio's LE series is a modern reinterpretation of Dieter Rams' 1959 designs, maintaining the minimalist aesthetic that earned recognition from the Museum of Modern Art. The speakers blend historical design elements from Braun's electrostatic speakers with modern features, including custom-designed woofers and a mechanical privacy button to disable the microphone, making them distinct in the smart speaker market.
Expand Details

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.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Braun Audio's LE series is a modern reinterpretation of Dieter Rams' 1959 designs, maintaining the minimalist aesthetic that earned recognition from the Museum of Modern Art. The speakers blend historical design elements from Braun's electrostatic speakers with modern features, including custom-designed woofers and a mechanical privacy button to disable the microphone, making them distinct in the smart speaker market.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Monitor
Apex A10
750
/
Released
The ultimate style speaker, combining the best of Monitor Audio technology in a stylish, compact and rigid die-cast alloy cabinet.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

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.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Dali
Fazon SAT
900
/
Released
The DALI FAZON SAT is an elegant and stylish satellite speaker in die-cast aluminium. Its compact size makes it a discreet solution for any stereo, surround sound and TV setup.
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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.
Expand Details

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.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Wharfedale
Evo4.2
899
/
Released
2021
Wharfedale's new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN. The primary focus is on the AMT development resulting in a radically different way of reproducing high frequency detail efficiently and accurately.
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Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
  • Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
  • Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
  • Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
  • Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price

Product Considerations

  • Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
  • Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
  • Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
  • Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
  • The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level

Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
5020
899
/
Released
2023
Experience all the scale and power of your favourite music without letting your loudspeaker dominate your room. The 5020 standmounting speaker will put your right in the heart of the music without putting itself at the heart of your space.
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Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
  • Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
  • Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
  • Taut and agile bass performance
  • Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
  • Connectivity options such as binding posts

Product Considerations

  • Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
  • Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
  • Bass response is somewhat subdued
  • Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
  • Grilles muddle the sound

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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