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
- Bigger sized sound in a smaller package
- The sound stage is recreated beautifully and cast very wide with lots of depth, allowing the listener to hear deeper into the recording
- Weight and impact is produced for such small monitors, and the imaging is spot on with real depth, and the timbre of the instruments sounds right and realistic
- All types of music are handled with ease, and the listener is submerged into the music with fabulous abilities and attributes
- Relatively easy to drive with amplifiers ranging from 20 to 100 watts per channel
Product Considerations
- The rear cabinet is ported, which might affect placement depending on the room
Takeaway: The ProAc Response DB1's are great speakers that offer a high-fidelity sound and can handle all types of music, making them a great addition to any home. The speakers are built with quality materials and are sure to last.
All
Response DB1
reviews
[{"title":"ProAc DB1 Speakers Review","link":"https://www.thespeakershacks.co.uk/2019/09/proac-db1-speakers-review.html","source":"The Speaker Shack","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Images
No items found.
Manufacturer's details
Features
Specifications
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
- Recommended Amplifiers: 20 to 100 watts
- Frequency Response: 35Hz-30kHz
- Sensitivity: 87.5 dB linear for 1 watt at 1 metre
- Bass/midrange: ProAc 127mm (5") long throw unit with Pagina Mica cone and acrylic phase plug
- Tweeter: ProAc 25mm (1") silk dome with special coolant
- Height (Cabinet): 12.5" (320mm)
- Width (Cabinet): 7.28" (182mm)
- Depth (Cabinet): 10.4" (280mm)
- Weight: 8.8Kg (19.6lb)
- Standard Finishes: Black Ash, Mahogany, Cherry, Walnut, Oak, Silk White
- Premium Finishes: Rosewood, Ebony
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
With the DB1, ProAc has achieved in a small speaker, a sound normally associated with a larger speaker, particularly the bass response. The DB1 cabinet is made from different thicknesses of high density MDF and further damped by bitumen to control cabinet resonance.
With the DB1, ProAc has achieved in a small speaker, a sound normally associated with a larger speaker, particularly the bass response. The DB1 cabinet is made from different thicknesses of high density MDF and further damped by bitumen to control cabinet resonance. A newly designed long throw bass driver was used and ported at the rear. The cone is made from pulp and mica which is then elastic coated and fitted with our ProAc acrylic pole damping phase plug.
The crossover was designed to give a flatter response at high levels and the tweeter is the ProAc 1-inch silk dome similar to that used in other ProAc Response models. The midrange and high frequencies of the DB1 are superb and in the ProAc tradition, low in colouration and high in detail. The bass driver gives a wonderful bass quality, punchy and extended, similar to that which is experienced in a larger enclosure.
The resulting sound stage is also comparable to that of a larger speaker. Small mini monitor type loudspeakers, such as the DB1 have become very popular for those wishing for a high-quality sound with a minimal visual impact.
The crossover was designed to give a flatter response at high levels and the tweeter is the ProAc 1-inch silk dome similar to that used in other ProAc Response models. The midrange and high frequencies of the DB1 are superb and in the ProAc tradition, low in colouration and high in detail. The bass driver gives a wonderful bass quality, punchy and extended, similar to that which is experienced in a larger enclosure.
The resulting sound stage is also comparable to that of a larger speaker. Small mini monitor type loudspeakers, such as the DB1 have become very popular for those wishing for a high-quality sound with a minimal visual impact.
Overall product release timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and what stands out most is the following:
- ProAc speakers are known for their natural and musical sound reproduction, avoiding harshness and fatigue even over extended listening sessions.
- ProAc's commitment to designing their own drivers, often partnering with local or specialized manufacturers to meet their exact specifications, ensuring optimal integration and performance.
- Bottom-ported designs offer flexibility in room placement, mitigating common boundary issues and contributing to a more predictable and coherent bass response, even in smaller spaces.
Select products
Product lineup breakdown
Every ProAc is built by hand in Brackley with the company's own drive units, a hand-built crossover and a damped cabinet in real wood veneer. The Tablette 10 Signature and Response DB3 are compact stand mount speakers. The Response DT8 is the entry floorstander with two 6.5 inch drivers. The K Series swaps in a Kevlar cone and ribbon tweeter, and the K6 adds a 2 inch midrange dome that the K6 Signature enlarges to 3 inches. The K10 moves to 8 inch bass drivers.
- Start here. The Tablette 10 Signature fits a first system in a small room, with a larger midrange than the standard Tablette 10, in the $1,000 to $2,000 bracket.
- Sweet spot. The Response DT8 is the pick for a living room, since it is the first floorstander and reviewers describe it as dynamic and detailed over long listening.
- All in. The K10 is the flagship for listeners with a large dedicated room and powerful amplifiers, with headroom up to 500 watts.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
29
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
176
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
15
Founding Year
1979
Our take on the brand
ProAc is a British speaker maker, founded in 1979 by Stewart Tyler. The name is short for Professional Acoustics, after the professional-grade drive units he chose for the first range. Every speaker is built by hand in Brackley, with ProAc's own basket, cone and magnet assemblies in its drive units, a hand-built crossover, and a damped cabinet in real wood veneer. The K6 is named for the Kevlar cone of its woofer, and the compact Tablette 10 Signature and Studio SM100 bring the ProAc sound to smaller rooms.
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?
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?
From our interview with
.
Brand page
Used
ProAc
All the brand's used products, not just this one
What if you spend more?
Bowers & Wilkins
805 D4
9500
9500
/
22
Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins develops many of its own components in pursuit of a speaker that adds nothing to a recording and takes nothing away. The British company, founded in 1966 by John Bowers, pioneered Kevlar cones and developed the Matrix cabinet to cut resonance. The flagship Nautilus, built for dedicated listening rooms, uses tapered damping tubes to lower distortion. The 606 S3 and 603 S3 open the range with a Titanium Dome tweeter, and the 700 Series adds a Carbon Dome tweeter and Continuum cones. The Zeppelin is on our Best Wireless Speakers list.
Expand Details
.svg)
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality, featuring a blend of aluminum, leather, and wood veneer, or gloss paint.
- Detailed sound with excellent stereo imagery.
- Good detail and clarity.
- Wide and deep soundstage.
- Design features contribute to cabinet rigidity and reduced coloration.
Product Considerations
- May sound bright with the wrong amplifier or cables.
- May require a high-power solid-state amp.
- Needs quality amplification and may sound soft if underpowered.
- Requires stands, adding to the overall cost.
- Bass may not satisfy those seeking high-output bass without a subwoofer.
Takeaway: The 805 D4 is an excellent speaker that is beautifully built and delivers a detailed and engaging sound. It's a great option for those seeking a premium listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bowers & Wilkins develops many of its own components in pursuit of a speaker that adds nothing to a recording and takes nothing away. The British company, founded in 1966 by John Bowers, pioneered Kevlar cones and developed the Matrix cabinet to cut resonance. The flagship Nautilus, built for dedicated listening rooms, uses tapered damping tubes to lower distortion. The 606 S3 and 603 S3 open the range with a Titanium Dome tweeter, and the 700 Series adds a Carbon Dome tweeter and Continuum cones. The Zeppelin is on our Best Wireless Speakers list.
Product Page
Product Page
.png){kind=logo}
Gershman
Studio II
5500
5500
/
10
Reviews
Delivers performance beyond what is typically associated with its price.
Gershman Acoustics is a Canadian speaker maker, established in 1993 by Eli Gershman. Every speaker is handcrafted in Canada. The company's patented Bass Trap design controls the driver's back wave to extend bass and reduce resonance, and its upper models add the Separate Sub Alignment System to isolate the bass from the midrange and treble. The Studio II gives its tweeter a dual chamber, suits small and medium rooms and is on our Best Studio Monitors for Listening to Music list.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Full-range sound, impressive bass response, and the ability to pressurize a room, often negating the need for a separate subwoofer
- Smooth, warm, and coherent midrange provides natural and engaging vocals and instruments for long listening sessions without fatigue
- Well-extended treble presents in a naturally smooth, enjoyable, and pleasing manner
- Excellent imaging and soundstage capabilities create a realistic and immersive listening experience
- Sound reproduction makes it a speaker that one can live with
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- Quality amplification with sufficient power and current is required to achieve optimal performance and control the woofer effectively
- The backplate for bass adjustment uses wood screws, making it easy to strip if not handled carefully
- Placement and setup, especially stand height and toe-in, are crucial for achieving the best high-frequency response, it can sound dull if not optimized
- May not be ideal for listeners who prefer a brighter, more forward sound signature or those who prioritize extreme loudness levels
- Grilles may cause micro-rattling at moderate to loud listening levels due to weaker magnets
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Totem Acoustic Manny 2 Signature: The Studio 2 has a more forgiving presentation, denser midrange, and stronger bass
- Vs Klipsch Forte 3: The Studio 2 offers a more natural tone, especially in the midrange and upper bass, along with greater soundstage depth
- Vs Vienna Acoustics Mozart Symphony Editions: The Studio 2 beats them in bass and midrange
- Vs Harbeth (SHL5 and Compact 7 XTs): The Studio 2 cannot be matched by the Harbeth's articulate bass response
- Vs Celestion SL6-S: The Studio 2 has deeper roots in the trunk, and they got high branches and leaves, but they don't go all the way up to the highest branches and leaves at the tippy top
Takeaway:
The Studio 2 is a well-built bookshelf speaker that delivers a smooth, full-range sound with surprising bass and clear imaging, making for an engaging listening experience. With the right setup and quality components, these speakers can provide years of musical enjoyment in a variety of room sizes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gershman Acoustics is a Canadian speaker maker, established in 1993 by Eli Gershman. Every speaker is handcrafted in Canada. The company's patented Bass Trap design controls the driver's back wave to extend bass and reduce resonance, and its upper models add the Separate Sub Alignment System to isolate the bass from the midrange and treble. The Studio II gives its tweeter a dual chamber, suits small and medium rooms and is on our Best Studio Monitors for Listening to Music list.
Product Page
Product Page
Dynaudio
Focus 10
5500
5500
/
9
Reviews
Dynaudio's idea is to make its own drive units, from diaphragm to magnet, even for its entry-level speakers. The Danish company was founded in 1976 and builds its Heritage Special and Contour Legacy by hand in Skanderborg. The flagship Confidence range uses the Esotar 3 tweeter, whose Hexis inner dome damps resonance. Reviewers hear a smooth sound that suits long listening sessions. The Core and LYD ranges are studio monitors. The Emit range shares MSP cones with Evoke and suits smaller rooms, and the Special Forty is on our Best Bookshelf Speakers list.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Integrated technology allows direct high-resolution listening without extra devices
- The speaker uses the same Pascal Class D amplification and processing technology from Dynaudio's Pro line Core series
- Discrete amplification channel per driver: 110 watts for the tweeter and 280 watts for the woofer
- Dirac Live room correction is available, which can tune some of the annoying sounds of a garage, for example, using the soft dome tweeter
Product Considerations
- Running a digital coaxial cable from one speaker to the next results in the signal being sent at 24-96 kilohertz, which is a lower quality than what the master speaker receives (24-192)
- There is no HDMI arc or e-arc connection
- Drilling holes may be required to attach the speaker to stands
- Setting up the speaker with the app is not as quick or seamless as Bluesound
- A microphone is required to do Dirac room calibration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PSB Alpha IQs: Plays louder with a higher level of amplification
- Vs Dynaudio Core 7: The Core 7 has more power and a slightly better tweeter and woofer, but is not as aesthetically pleasing and needs a Bluesound Node
- Vs Dynaudio Evoke: It is similar to an Evoke speaker, but with a bigger woofer
Takeaway: The Focus recMsY5ljWopDD7UU is a sophisticated wireless speaker that pulls technology from Dynaudio's Pro line and features Dirac room calibration. It is ideal for someone looking for high-resolution listening without extra devices and who values sophisticated sound and aesthetics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dynaudio's idea is to make its own drive units, from diaphragm to magnet, even for its entry-level speakers. The Danish company was founded in 1976 and builds its Heritage Special and Contour Legacy by hand in Skanderborg. The flagship Confidence range uses the Esotar 3 tweeter, whose Hexis inner dome damps resonance. Reviewers hear a smooth sound that suits long listening sessions. The Core and LYD ranges are studio monitors. The Emit range shares MSP cones with Evoke and suits smaller rooms, and the Special Forty is on our Best Bookshelf Speakers list.
Product Page
Product Page
Arendal Sound
1528 Monitor 8
5900
5900
/
9
Reviews
Generating a powerful sound in a (slightly) less imposing form factor than 1528 Towers, 1528 Monitors deliver a clarity and depth that outshines many floor-standing speakers. Feel every detail with stunning precision, deep bass, and a rich, immersive soundstage. Sleek, modern design and versatile settings ensure perfect sound tailored to your environment. Enjoy full-range sound without needing a subwoofer.
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian speaker and subwoofer maker, started in 2015, that sells only direct. Its cabinets are high-density fiberboard with internal bracing, and many designs set the tweeter in a waveguide for controlled directivity and a smoother off-axis response. Its speaker series include the compact 1961, the THX Ultra certified 1723 and the 1528 flagship, with its 28mm lithium-magnesium tweeter and a Carbon-Graphene midrange. The 1723 S models use a 6.5-inch driver in place of the 8-inch for smaller rooms, and port plugs on many models let owners tune the bass.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptionally well-built, described as monolithic and like concrete bricks
- The tweeter provides detailed highs, comparable to a good AMT tweeter, and performs effortlessly even at high volumes
- The midrange is special, with a carbon graphene construction for well-behaved out-of-band performance and high output
- The speaker's design allows for significant room gain, providing real bass extension below 20 Hz
- Immense potential, described to be a top shelf product
Product Considerations
- The image was a little high
- The speakers want power from a good amplifier to really open up
- The listener might not always be as emotionally convinced by the result as they perhaps should have been
- The speakers are large and may be obtrusive for most UK spaces
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- vs Paradigm Founder 120Hs: Similar to the Paradigm Founder 120Hs, which have active jumpers
- vs RBH SVTRs: The reviewer loves the RBH SVTRs, and these new speakers are being tested to see if they can be a game changer in the industry
- vs Spendor Classic 3-1: Arendal 1528 is neutral from top to bottom, while Spendor is warm from top to bottom
- vs Cabasse Morano: Cabasse Morano has some coloration, but the Arendal 1528 is dead neutral
Takeaway:
The Arundel Sound 1528 recMsY5ljWopDD7UU speakers are incredibly well-built with high-quality components that deliver an excellent listening experience. They are capable of filling large rooms with detailed sound and powerful bass.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian speaker and subwoofer maker, started in 2015, that sells only direct. Its cabinets are high-density fiberboard with internal bracing, and many designs set the tweeter in a waveguide for controlled directivity and a smoother off-axis response. Its speaker series include the compact 1961, the THX Ultra certified 1723 and the 1528 flagship, with its 28mm lithium-magnesium tweeter and a Carbon-Graphene midrange. The 1723 S models use a 6.5-inch driver in place of the 8-inch for smaller rooms, and port plugs on many models let owners tune the bass.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Sonus faber
Duetto
3999
/
Released
2023
Duetto marks Sonus faber's inaugural active stereo wireless speaker system. Powered by four bespoke amplifiers, Duetto presents an all-in-one sound solution, harmoniously blending a multitude of connectivity options while keeping the listening experience wire-free.
Sonus Faber builds speakers like string instruments, with lute-shaped cabinets in solid walnut and other woods, finished in leather, and every finished speaker tuned by ear. The Italian company, founded in 1983 and based outside Vicenza, puts modern drivers inside those cabinets, and the Sonetto VIII carries the cork midrange chamber first used in the Suprema flagship. The house sound is rich and full without being tiring over a long evening. The Lumina series opens the range, and the Sonetto and Olympica ranges cover the middle.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous sound is clear, smooth, detailed, and dynamic
- Elegant design is dashingly elegant, minimalist aesthetic, and painstakingly crafted for equal parts style and substance
- Impressive bass extension and output, described as deep and firm, surprising for their size
- Clear midrange makes voices sound purposeful, characterful, and entirely present
- Versatile connectivity with streaming and input options, including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, phono pre-amp, and HDMI ARC/eARC
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers experienced streaming and HDMI ARC reliability issues
- Input and control layout can be inconvenient and awkward
- Prototype unit had operational bugs
- No bass level adjustment is available, though it could be added in mobile app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II—the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a similarly high-end option
- Vs PSB Alpha iQ—the PSB Alpha iQ is a more compact wireless speaker package than the Sonus Faber and is comparatively lighter on bass
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Duetto speakers are well-suited for those seeking amazing sound and a beautiful design in one package. These speakers are easy to connect and use, and fill the room with rich, detailed audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonus Faber builds speakers like string instruments, with lute-shaped cabinets in solid walnut and other woods, finished in leather, and every finished speaker tuned by ear. The Italian company, founded in 1983 and based outside Vicenza, puts modern drivers inside those cabinets, and the Sonetto VIII carries the cork midrange chamber first used in the Suprema flagship. The house sound is rich and full without being tiring over a long evening. The Lumina series opens the range, and the Sonetto and Olympica ranges cover the middle.
Product Page
Product Page
Buchardt
Anniversary 10
3988
/
Released
2023
The Anniversary 10 (A10) is a culmination of all the experience that we have gathered over the last 10 years of designing and building HiFi speakers. Over the last decade, we have produced and sold thousands of speakers to happy HiFi enthusiasts from all around the world. Listening to feedback from our customers, learning from the best and adding our own flavor to the mix, has created extremely popular and critically acclaimed speakers, and now, this has evolved into our best sounding speaker yet.
Buchardt Audio is a Danish speaker maker that sells direct to customers instead of through dealers and distributors. Many of its compact speakers use passive radiators for deeper bass than the cabinet size suggests, and waveguides that match the directivity of the tweeter and woofer for a wide, even soundstage. Its own workshop in Silkeborg makes many of the cabinets and stands from solid European wood. The active Anniversary 10, which is on our Best Active Speakers list, supports Mastertunings, downloadable DSP profiles that adapt the sound to the room and placement.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional bass performance for its compact size, with bass that is fast, clear, and tight
- Multiple 'Master Tunings' offer customizable sound profiles, adapting to different room acoustics and user preferences
- A high-quality Purifi woofer and SB Acoustics tweeter contribute to clarity, detail, and low distortion
- A solid wood cabinet made in Denmark provides a luxurious look and feel
Product Considerations
- Bass output may diminish or be limited at high volumes to protect the drivers from damage
- A separate purchase of the Platin Stereo Hub may be required for full wireless functionality and room correction
- The 'Made in China' label applies to the electronics inside the cabinet
- While the A10 offers impressive bass, some may still prefer to add a subwoofer for a true full-range experience
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, the A10 is more transparent with greater inner detail, clarity, and top-end extension—and deeper, tighter bass—while the S400 Mark II is more relaxed and forgiving with harsh recordings
- Vs Buchardt A500, the A10 has comparable performance, with possibly a crisper sound in some instances
Takeaway: The Buchardt Anniversary 10 is a compact yet powerful speaker that offers a customizable listening experience. Its impressive bass and versatile tuning options make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality audio solution in a small to medium-sized room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Buchardt Audio is a Danish speaker maker that sells direct to customers instead of through dealers and distributors. Many of its compact speakers use passive radiators for deeper bass than the cabinet size suggests, and waveguides that match the directivity of the tweeter and woofer for a wide, even soundstage. Its own workshop in Silkeborg makes many of the cabinets and stands from solid European wood. The active Anniversary 10, which is on our Best Active Speakers list, supports Mastertunings, downloadable DSP profiles that adapt the sound to the room and placement.
Product Page
Product Page
MoFi
SourcePoint 10
2999
/
Released
2022
The SourcePoint 10 is designed like a cost-no-object loudspeaker, a complete from the ground up approach, to deliver the highest sound quality and value.
MoFi Electronics is an American maker of turntables, phono stages, cartridges and speakers, founded in 2014. It grew out of Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, the record label behind the Original Master Recording series. The StudioDeck uses a 10-inch straight aluminum tonearm for low tracking error, and the UltraDeck adds constrained layer damping with three aluminum plates. Andrew Jones designed the SourcePoint speakers, which put the tweeter in the center of a concentric woofer. The UltraPhono doubles as a headphone amplifier, and the StudioPhono is on our Best Phono Preamps list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkable sound power and early directivity indexes make it a true point source speaker.
- Special sound quality for the price offers a level of performance not typically found in speakers at this price point.
- Very good neutrality is present when the speaker is turned off axis.
- It is a very versatile speaker to drive.
- The midrange presentation is very dead center and coherent.
Product Considerations
- The bass does not reach as low as some listeners might prefer.
- The speaker can get bright at times.
- Care should be taken to place it not directly on axis, because when placed directly on axis, it is no longer a neutral speaker.
- There's no stand included in the package.
- It is made in China, and construction can be suspect.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15, the SourcePoint 10 is more precise and focused, while the PureAudioProject has a bigger soundstage.
- Vs Fleetwood Deville SQ, they sounded more alike than different when in action, but SourcePoint was more extended from top to bottom and brought more lively dynamics and impact.
- Vs Klipsch Heresy IV, the SourcePoint 10 is the superior speaker in every way from build to sound, with more refinement and smoothness, and it seems just as dynamic as the Klipsch.
- Vs Dynaudio Special 40s, the SourcePoint 10 sounds much bigger, more dynamic, has much better bass, and fills a room with ease.
- Vs KEF LS50 META, the LS50 sounds smaller, leaner, and not as special in the vocal region.
Takeaway:
The SourcePoint is a speaker with a neutral sound that originates from a single point, and it has remarkable early directivity indexes. It is a speaker that offers very good performance for the money, but careful attention needs to be paid to its placement in the room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MoFi Electronics is an American maker of turntables, phono stages, cartridges and speakers, founded in 2014. It grew out of Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, the record label behind the Original Master Recording series. The StudioDeck uses a 10-inch straight aluminum tonearm for low tracking error, and the UltraDeck adds constrained layer damping with three aluminum plates. Andrew Jones designed the SourcePoint speakers, which put the tweeter in the center of a concentric woofer. The UltraPhono doubles as a headphone amplifier, and the StudioPhono is on our Best Phono Preamps list.
Product Page
Product Page
Perlisten
S4b
3995
/
Released
2021
I am the overperforming little guy who will demand your respect after your first audition. I can be a serious 2 channel system with a subwoofer, an LCR, or a surround channel. Effortless dynamics and lightspeed transients remain the common thread of all Signature series speakers including the S4b.
Perlisten is an American speaker and subwoofer maker, founded in 2016. Its speakers are built around the DPC (Directivity Pattern Control) array, a computer-modeled waveguide and driver arrangement that controls how sound spreads into the room, which reviewers credit for precise imaging. S-Series models pair a beryllium dome tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm drivers. In 2020 Perlisten had the first products certified to THX Dominus, a standard for high output at low distortion in large rooms. The S5t is the tower for slightly smaller rooms, and the S7t is on our Best Floorstanding Speakers list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solidly built with an inert cabinet, contributing to overall performance
- Crazy linear/neutral sound from about 100Hz upwards
- The beryllium tweeter provides nuanced, airy, and extended highs with a hint of shimmer for realistic metallic instruments
- It creates a three-dimensional soundstage, making the speakers disappear sonically
Product Considerations
- It does not have a great deal of bass on its own and may require a subwoofer for full-range playback, starting its roll-off at around 100Hz
- While placement is flexible, a solid amplifier is required
- The styling might be an acquired taste and could be considered overcomplicated by some
- The high gloss finishes may not appear different from less expensive speakers, making it harder to justify the luxury price tag
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4: The S4B is more neutral/accurate, while the 805 D4 adds bass and treble energy
- Vs Focal Canta No. 1: The S4B outperforms the Canta No. 1, which has chestiness in its bass and midrange due to its cabinet
- Vs Revel Studio 2: The S4B reminded the reviewer of the Revel Studio 2, though the Revels had more bass
- Vs Focal Diablo Utopia: The Perlisten are a great alternative if the Utopias are outside of your reach and are a more neutral and less bright speaker
- Vs EgglestonWorks Nico Evo: The EgglestonWorks presentation is a little more mid-forward and less 3D than the Perlisten
Takeaway: The Perlisten S4b is a high-performing speaker that offers excellent clarity and a neutral sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts alike. The speaker's ability to create a detailed and immersive soundstage can bring music and movies to life.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Perlisten is an American speaker and subwoofer maker, founded in 2016. Its speakers are built around the DPC (Directivity Pattern Control) array, a computer-modeled waveguide and driver arrangement that controls how sound spreads into the room, which reviewers credit for precise imaging. S-Series models pair a beryllium dome tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm drivers. In 2020 Perlisten had the first products certified to THX Dominus, a standard for high output at low distortion in large rooms. The S5t is the tower for slightly smaller rooms, and the S7t is on our Best Floorstanding Speakers list.
Product Page
Product Page
TRIANGLE
Capella
2749
/
Released
2024
CAPELLA embodies the ambition of an enthusiastic team to combine the acoustic experience of TRIANGLE with advanced sound signal processing technologies in a refined enclosure. Made in France, CAPELLA provides a complete, intelligent audio system with unprecedented performance. Entirely configurable to suit your taste and environment, CAPELLA adapts and fits your needs.
Triangle is a French loudspeaker maker founded in 1980 by Renaud de Vergnettes. It has its own manufacture in Picardy, and many of its speakers use horn-loaded tweeters. Reviewers credit its cellulose cones with realistic midrange tone. The entry Borea line braces its drivers against cabinet vibration, and the Borea BR03 is on our Best Bookshelf Speakers list. The Magellan models top the range. Owners who want a system without a separate amplifier can choose active models such as the AIO Twin and LN01A, both on our Best Powered Speakers for Turntables list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent wireless stability, pairing easily and remaining connected even with other wireless activity
- Big, confident, and enjoyable sound, with surprising bass extension for its size
- Aesthetically pleasing design, with unique and attractive finish options
- Versatile connectivity options through its media hub, including multiple digital and analog inputs, plus Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Chromecast
Product Considerations
- The absence of a dedicated streaming app may require reliance on third-party apps or external streamers
- The system could benefit from a slightly more refined sonic presentation, needing a touch more sweetness and natural warmth
- There can be some audible amplifier noise at idle/start-up, depending on proximity
- The base of the speakers can be quite large, potentially requiring dedicated stands for proper placement
- No wired subwoofer output
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to KEF LS50 Wireless II, the Capella will appeal to those who would rather have a more classic, wood-cabineted speaker on show than the ultra-modern aesthetic of the Brit boxes
- Compared to Triangle Borea BR03 BT, the Triangle Capella active speaker system is much more ambitious, with more advanced drivers and superior fit and finish
- Compared to Buchardt A10, the Triangle Capella and Buchardt A10 are more similar than different, but still pretty different, as they use the same concept
Takeaway: The Triangle Capella is a convenient and stylish all-in-one system that delivers a big and enjoyable sound. It's a great choice for those seeking hifi audio without the complexities of traditional separates.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Triangle is a French loudspeaker maker founded in 1980 by Renaud de Vergnettes. It has its own manufacture in Picardy, and many of its speakers use horn-loaded tweeters. Reviewers credit its cellulose cones with realistic midrange tone. The entry Borea line braces its drivers against cabinet vibration, and the Borea BR03 is on our Best Bookshelf Speakers list. The Magellan models top the range. Owners who want a system without a separate amplifier can choose active models such as the AIO Twin and LN01A, both on our Best Powered Speakers for Turntables list.
Product Page
Product Page
How to buy
Speakers
Search every hifi product
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
