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

  • Very clean sound, precise imaging qualities, and unfatiguing
  • Incredibly fast, open and well-resolved after a few days of use
  • Superb driver integration, and temporally and tonally coherent across a wide range of music
  • Full, deep and well-controlled bass
  • Resolving powers that provide detail and information

Product Considerations

  • At 45kg each, unpacking and locating them was not easy
  • The outrigger feet are £450 per speaker
  • The cost is £14900

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The larger Piega Coax Gen2 811 retails for £26400, and it shares many of the features of the 611—but it has a larger cabinet and bass drivers

Takeaway: The Piega Coax Gen2 611 is an impressive speaker with speed, accurate timing, and excellent imaging. It provides detailed yet powerful sound, making it a great choice for an end-game speaker in the average UK listening space.

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

Coax Gen2 611

reviews

[{"title":"Piega Coax Gen2 611 loudspeakers - HiFi and Music Source","link":"https://hifiandmusicsource.com/2024/12/piega-coax-gen2-611-loudspeakers","source":"HiFi and Music Source","datePublished":"2024"}]
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 – 250 watts
  • Sensitivity: 90 db/W/m
  • Impedance: 4 ohms
  • Frequency Range: 32 Hz – 50 kHz
  • Dimensions: H 46.06" x W 8.27" x D 12.20"
  • Weight: 99.0 lbs
  • Technology: 2 × 160 mm UHQD woofers, 3 × 160 mm UHQD passive radiators, 1 × C112+ coaxial ribbon
The Coax 611 combines sleek elegance with powerful performance in a design that fits effortlessly even in smaller living spaces. Its slender appearance belies a robust sound capability, providing a flawless audio experience that elevates music listening to new heights. Perfect for those who appreciate both style and sound, this speaker is a testament to sophisticated design and acoustic excellence.
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
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
12
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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
Stenheim
Alumine Two.Five
23500
23500
/
2
Reviews

The all-new Alumine Two.Five is the exciting latest addition to the Alumine range. It is the first floorstander in the line‑up and slots between the bookshelf Alumine Two and the floorstanding Alumine Three.

The iconic Alumine Two changed speaker design and redefined what was possible from a bookshelf speaker. It achieved this by combining elements that have served as the basis for every Stenheim speaker since: aluminum cabinets, highly efficient drivers and sophisticated crossovers that are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. The Alumine Two achieves its astonishing musicality partly by virtue of being a two‑way design, the crossover only having to deal with two drivers, the tweeter and the bass.

In audio, simplicity is the holy grail but extremely difficult to achieve. Now the Alumine Two.Five takes these same design concepts and applies them to a floorstanding cabinet for greater internal volume and bass extension. The design is still a two‑way, eschewing the compromises that may result from a more complicated crossover required to handle multiple different drivers.

The purity and simplicity that created the success of the Alumine Two is maintained, but the double bass drivers ensure room‑filling sound in larger spaces whilst giving greater extension in the low frequencies. The easily driven Alumine Two.Five is suitable for a wide range of high‑quality amplification and is the ideal partner for even modestly powered systems, such as tube amps, to deliver enthralling music with typical Stenheim clarity, detail and liveliness.

It is hand‑assembled in our manufacture in Switzerland with quintessential Swiss attention to detail and quality and is designed to perform for decades.

The classically elegant, slim cabinet makes it a beautiful addition to any listening space or living room, complementing any decor, without seeking to be the center of attention. That is the role performed by the sublime music it produces the moment you hit play.

The Alumine Two.Five is simply beautiful, however you look at it or listen to it.

Stenheim is a hifi speaker brand known for its aluminum enclosures and minimalist, Bauhaus-inspired design that appeals to both audiophiles and art lovers. Their speakers feature high sensitivity for compatibility with low-powered tube amplifiers and use paper and fabric cone drivers for a natural sound, setting them apart from brands that use ceramic or metal drivers.
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Product Strengths

  • Impressive build quality with all-aluminum cabinets
  • High sensitivity of 93dB, making them easy to drive with a variety of amplifiers
  • Tremendous dynamics
  • Bass that others close in size could not dream of providing
  • Clean, dynamic, and sophisticated sound with warmth and emotion, and a well-balanced tonality

Product Considerations

  • Very heavy at 100 pounds each
  • Do not come with grilles
  • Might not be as stable as some competitor speakers, even with the feet installed
  • Brutally simple and minimalist design might not appeal to everyone

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4: Both are open-sounding, dynamic and engaging, but the Stenheim Alumine Two.Five has punchier bass
  • Vs Magico A3: Comparable (perhaps a small increment better) dynamics, but are more expensive overall

Takeaway: The Stenheim Alumine Two.Five is a high-performance speaker that delivers evolved musical resolution and can fit into smaller spaces. It is easy to drive and makes the music important by getting out of the way.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Stenheim is a hifi speaker brand known for its aluminum enclosures and minimalist, Bauhaus-inspired design that appeals to both audiophiles and art lovers. Their speakers feature high sensitivity for compatibility with low-powered tube amplifiers and use paper and fabric cone drivers for a natural sound, setting them apart from brands that use ceramic or metal drivers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Voxativ
ALBERICH2
29900
29900
/
1
Reviews

The Alberich2 system is completely made of Metal This loudpspeaker consists of two handcrafted components: A set of Voxativ Hagen2 Metal monitors equipped with Voxativ AF-2B drivers which then sits upon a Voxativ Alberich2 Metal bass module. Both housings are completely made from Aluminium plates that are properly welded together. No wood is on this speaker system. The weight is 182 lbs (90kg).

Alberich2 plays wonderfully without any amplification. This is caused in the nature of our new premium black cone 5" driver. The AF-2.6. This driver combined with the complete resonance free housing will make you forget about other possibly bigger speakers. Closing your eyes strings and voices will drive you to tears and the bass makes your ceiling oscillate. Hope your neighbors are are real friends of yours.

But also at low volumes this is a wonderful new speaker that will amaze you due it's excellent musical balance caused by the ultra level Voxativ black series widebander. Given the high-efficiency nature of our drivers, Alberich2 pairs nicely with low wattage tube amps that also offer pre-amp RCA outputs to connect to the active bass module.

We do offer Alberich2 as a package. The inclusion of your choice of three integrated amps: A Voxativ T-211 Integrated tube amp to be included as a bundled system A Lyric Ti100 Integrated tube amp, special Voxativ modified, to be included as a bundled system. The Symphonic Line RG14, Voxativ version if you prefer solid state.

Voxativ is a Berlin-based hifi brand that handcrafts single-driver loudspeakers without crossovers, resulting in more coherent sound reproduction through their field coil drivers. Their speakers are specifically designed for audiophiles who prefer tube amplification, as their high-efficiency drivers perform exceptionally well with low-powered amplifiers.
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Product Strengths

  • The revised Hagen2 is purpose-tuned as part of the Alberich2 system, which improves the sound
  • Ripol subs are faster and better tuned than other available subs
  • Compact double decker packs the aces on bandwidth, LF control, and cosmetic footprint
  • Physical separation of bass bin from light-coned main driver
  • Dedicated bass volume control and adjustable filter hinge for in-room tonal balance

Product Considerations

  • Client complained of the total cost when added to Hagen2 pair

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Alberich2 is head-on competitive with Cube Audio's Nenuphar v2, packs the aces on bandwidth, LF control, and cosmetic footprint

Takeaway: The ALBERICH2, when combined with the Hagen2, creates a purpose-tuned speaker system that improves the sound. The ability to adjust bass volume and filter settings allows for tonal balance, and its size is compact for its class.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Voxativ is a Berlin-based hifi brand that handcrafts single-driver loudspeakers without crossovers, resulting in more coherent sound reproduction through their field coil drivers. Their speakers are specifically designed for audiophiles who prefer tube amplification, as their high-efficiency drivers perform exceptionally well with low-powered amplifiers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Product image
Bowers & Wilkins
803 D4
25000
25000
/
9
Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Product Strengths

  • Most affordable way into the true 800 series form factor, with the solid aluminum turbine head and the fully curved matrix-braced cabinet
  • Features a one-inch diamond dome tweeter, which is a standout strength
  • Midrange and vocal region from the Bowers favor a leaner, more technically accurate sound, going for outright clarity, and vocals sound particularly clear and clean
  • Bases have casters integrated or built into them, making them easy speakers to move around for optimal positioning, and integrated spikes can then be used to securely position them
  • Show-stoppingly gorgeous and sound simply fantastic

Product Considerations

  • A much fussier speaker in every regard and require more thought and work to get the sound balance right
  • Possible to come across maybe a little bit too lively in the treble
  • Amplifier power, quality, and capability is hugely influential—hugely important for these speakers
  • Due to their revealing nature, they don't play particularly well with poorer recordings such as metal and older rock
  • Tweeter can get fairly harsh when the volume is turned to the extreme, pushing 90+ db for louder music

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Bowers & Wilkins are a much fussier speaker in every regard than the Mission 770
  • Paradigm Persona 5H is a little more "liquid" sounding
  • Wilson Audio SabrinaX's finish is superior to that of the Bowers & Wilkins, dynamic, easy to drive, with a very familiar and very resolute sound
  • Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4s are refined like an Aston Martin, and Tekton Ulfberhts are more like a Corvette C8
  • Bowers & Wilkins 805D4 lacks the midrange prowess that the 803 has, and will most definitely need a subwoofer for even mild extension into bass

Takeaway: The 803 D4 speakers offer a fantastic listening experience with clear vocals and a grand soundstage, making music more engaging. They are an investment that can potentially improve over a long period of time through system upgrades and continued optimization.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Product image
KEF
Reference 5 Meta
24899
24899
/
5
Reviews

The flagship of The Reference Series is the model that all other high-performance loudspeakers compare themselves against. Now with the extraordinarily capable 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, Reference 5 Meta exemplifies the passion for innovation that underpins KEF’s design philosophy.

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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Product Strengths

  • Delivers a large, detailed—and scalable—sound that doesn't lose quality at different volumes
  • Excels in creating a wide and deep soundstage, enhancing the listening experience with a sense of expansiveness
  • Is emotionally engaging, creating a connection between the listener and the music
  • The Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) significantly improves sound quality by absorbing unwanted frequencies, resulting in clearer and more accurate high-frequency reproduction
  • Offers customisation for bass tuning with different port options to suit various room acoustics

Product Considerations

  • Is a large and heavy speaker, requiring a substantial space and stable flooring
  • Represents a significant investment
  • While generally easy to drive, benefits from high-quality amplification to reveal its full potential

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Audiovector R6 Arreté: R6 Arreté sounds extremely weightless and transparent, but doesn't have the same depth of bass as the Reference 5 Meta
  • Vs Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition: The Serafino deliver the music nicely wrapped in a warm envelope that's very addictive, while the Reference 5 Meta focuses on detail and transparency

Takeaway:

The KEF Reference 5 Meta is a high-end loudspeaker that provides a detailed, emotionally engaging—and expansive—sound experience. With its advanced technology and customizable features, it is a great option for those looking to invest in a top-tier audio system.

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
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Product Page

What competes at this price?

PIEGA
Premium Wireless Gen2 501
11428
/
Released
The Premium Wireless Gen 2 501 redefines elegance in a 3-way floor-standing speaker, ideally suited for small to medium-sized rooms. Standing just under one meter, it pairs one MDS mid-tone driver and four 120 mm MDS bass drivers with the acclaimed LDR-2642-MKII ribbon tweeter, all powered by a 180-watt amplifier. This combination produces a harmonious and intricately detailed sound with an impressive sense of three-dimensionality, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both visual appeal and exceptional audio performance in a compact form.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Elegant design with slim aluminum housings
  • High-quality transducer technology
  • Remarkable flexibility in feed options, including wireless
  • Precise and controlled reproduction with highest impulse fidelity due to closed construction and DSP linearisation
  • Room calibration ensures detailed, dynamically balanced, and natural sound even with imperfect room acoustics

Takeaway: The Piega Premium Wireless Series Gen2 offers a simple way to create a modern, premium hifi system. It provides high sound quality without sacrificing much space, offering all the functions expected from a modern hifi 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
Borresen
X3
11000
/
Released
2023
Børresen has developed a new entry-level speaker at an affordable price, making the Børresen speaker universe accessible to even more people. The Børresen X3 loudspeaker has been designed on the solid foundation of Børresen Acoustics' development traditions, design philosophy and technological know-how.
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Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
  • Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
  • Tight and accurate bass.
  • Elegant design and high-quality build.
  • Good value for the price.

Product Considerations

  • Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
  • Sweet spot is narrow.
  • Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
  • Positioning requires careful attention.
  • Speakers are only available in black or white.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
  • Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
  • Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
  • Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
  • Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.

Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Estelon
Aura
19900
/
Released
2023
The Estelon AURA loudspeaker is designed and constructed by taking into consideration the environmental acoustics of real-life listening spaces. It provides an immersive and captivating audio experience like no other among speakers of this size. To achieve this, AURA has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technology and unique features that set it apart from other loudspeakers in the market.
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Estelon crafts speakers using a proprietary marble-based composite material that provides advanced damping and rigidity, with their enclosures featuring no parallel walls and almost entirely curved surfaces to minimize sound diffraction. Their speakers resemble modernist sculptures and feature adjustable modules for optimizing performance in various room settings, along with premium Accuton drivers including diamond tweeters for precise high-frequency reproduction.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
  • Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
  • Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
  • Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
  • Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
  • Connectivity options are solid

Product Considerations

  • The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
  • Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
  • System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
  • The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
  • Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile

Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Estelon crafts speakers using a proprietary marble-based composite material that provides advanced damping and rigidity, with their enclosures featuring no parallel walls and almost entirely curved surfaces to minimize sound diffraction. Their speakers resemble modernist sculptures and feature adjustable modules for optimizing performance in various room settings, along with premium Accuton drivers including diamond tweeters for precise high-frequency reproduction.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Audiovector
Trapeze
19950
/
Released
2024
In 1979 Ole Klifoth launched the Trapeze. In doing so, he created the blueprint for all Audiovector speakers to come – including the pioneering focus on linear dynamics and linear phase through a true 6 dB per octave crossover. Fast forward 45 years and the new Trapeze Reimagined is based on the same principles as the original heritage model. And brought up to date with the very best, most innovative technology available. A homage to the company's very first loudspeaker. The embodiment of our passion, innovation, and love of music.
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Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
  • Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
  • The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
  • AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
  • Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers

Product Considerations

  • The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
  • Stereo imaging could be more expansive
  • The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase

Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Focal
Sopra N°3
12999
/
Released
Compactness, design and high-fidelity sound are the hallmarks of the Sopra N°3 luxury loudspeaker, which comes close to the ultimate performance of Focal's Utopia loudspeakers. It offers more powerful bass than its little sister, Sopra N°2, with its larger woofers. All music lovers will be seduced by Sopra N°3, which harmoniously deploys the bass.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent bass extension and higher dynamic range due to its larger size.
  • The cabinet is designed to maximize bass performance using segmented inner chambers.
  • A Beryllium tweeter is precisely positioned at the best height for listening, and the midrange is placed above the tweeter to time-align the drivers for coherency at the listening position.
  • The midrange driver has Tuned Mass Damper technology, similar to what is employed in racecars and seismic building stabilization, allowing the driver to perform more consistently without losing performance.

Product Considerations

  • A small apartment may not be the best destination for it, as it is a large speaker.
  • Only a single pair of binding posts is included, so bi-amping or bi-wiring isn't an option.
  • It may not be suited to very small rooms where the bottom end can be overpowering, and positioning is important to get the most out of the speaker.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Focal Sopra N°2: It betters it in terms of scale, presence, dynamics, and detail, resulting in a bolder presentation, greater subtlety, separation, texture, and brings more individual character to voices and instruments, a function of its far more sophisticated harmonic development.
  • Vs. Wilson Audio's Sasha W/P: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a more enjoyable speaker to listen to and costs less; the Sopras are lush and wonderfully pleasant to listen to, as opposed to the Wilsons, which are more analytical and difficult to tune in properly.
  • Vs. Focal Utopia Scala V2: The Sopra N°3 is a price and performance stepping-stone to the Utopia line.
  • Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 speakers: Bowers & Wilkins speakers can often be a bit laid back and polite, making the Sopra N°3 a different alternative.

Takeaway: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a high-performing speaker that is able to play any type of music with subtle sounds and unbridled force. It brings the listener closer to the music, so they can feel all the energy of a live performance.

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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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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