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 good imaging and a clean mid to high end
  • Sounds good, even at higher volumes
  • Produces a smooth midrange, ample bass, and refined highs
  • The enclosure feels strong and durable
  • Can be mounted almost anywhere and then turned so that it fires in the best direction

Product Considerations

  • Is power hungry and needs at least 75 watts per side
  • At first, pointing the tweeters too low made them sound a bit dull
  • An amp with an output of at least 50Wpc should be considered the minimum for outdoor play, and 100Wpc or more would be even better

Takeaway: The CS1000 is a versatile and durable speaker that delivers good sound both indoors and outdoors. It is easy to install with adjustable wall brackets.

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

CS1000

reviews

[{"title":"PSB CS1000 Outdoor/Indoor Loudspeakers","link":"https://www.soundstagexperience.com/index.php/equipment-menu/222-psb-cs1000-outdoorindoor-loudspeakers","source":"soundstagexperience.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"PSB CS1000 Outdoor Speakers Review","link":"https://emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/58793/psb-cs1000-outdoor-speakers-review","source":"emotivalounge.proboards.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

  • Frequency Response On Axis @ 0° ±3dB: 45-23,000Hz
  • Frequency Response On Axis @ 0° ±1 1/2dB: 59-20,000Hz
  • Frequency Response Off Axis @ 30° ±1 1/2dB: 59-10,000Hz
  • LF Cutoff -10dB: 40Hz
  • Sensitivity Anechoic Chamber: 86dB
  • Sensitivity Listening Room: 88dB
  • Impedance Nominal: 8 Ohms
  • Impedance Minimum: 6 Ohms
  • Input Power Recommended: 20 - 150 Watts
  • Input Power Program: 150 Watts
  • Tweeter: 1" (25mm) Titanium Dome with Ferrofluid Neodymium Magnet
  • Woofer: 6 1/2" (165mm) Clay/Ceramic reinforced Polypropylene Cone Rubber Surround
  • Crossover: 2,200Hz, LR4
  • Internal Volume: 0.3 cu ft (8.5L)
  • Design Type: Bass Reflex
  • Size (W x H x D): 9 1/4 x 12 1/4 x 11 3/4" (235 x 310 x 296mm)
  • Weight Net: 10lb (4.5kg)/each
  • Weight Shipping: 24lb (11kg)/pair
  • Finish: Black or White
Wherever you take it, the CS1000 combines durability and versatility with PSB's signature sound quality. Whether creating the right ambiance for your business or relaxing on your patio, the CS1000 delivers an audiophile-level listening experience through its high-quality drivers that provide crisp highs and deep, dynamic lows.
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:

  • PSB's loudspeaker designs, refined at Canada's National Research Council for 50 years, emphasize wide bandwidth, low distortion, and broad, even dispersion.
  • The brand offers exceptional value by using lessons learned from flagship Synchrony lines in more affordable speakers, often outperforming competitors at similar price points.
  • Unlike many brands, PSB resists the urge to design cost-no-object loudspeakers, remaining committed to creating high-end audio components that people can afford.
  • They have developed their own Amplitude Perfect Linkwitz-Riley 4th order crossover, featuring high-voltage poly film capacitors and oxygen-free interconnect wire for precise driver control.

Alpha T20 Tower

  • Positioning: The entry-level model in the PSB lineup, offering an affordable yet high-quality audio experience.
  • Description: Delivers a rich and full-bodied sound with its dual 5 ¼" woofers and ¾" aluminum dome tweeter, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Unlike the more expensive models, it focuses on providing excellent sound quality at a budget-friendly price, making it perfect for those who want good sound without breaking the bank.

Imagine T65

  • Positioning: A mid-range offering in the PSB lineup, providing a balance of performance and price.
  • Description: Stands out with its 3-way dual bass reflex design, offering deep bass and clear highs, making it suitable for both music and home theater use. It provides a more refined sound compared to the Alpha series, with better bass response and higher power handling.

Passif 50

  • Positioning: A special edition model celebrating PSB's 50th anniversary, positioned as a premium offering with a vintage aesthetic.
  • Description: Combines retro design with modern technology, featuring a 1" titanium dome tweeter and a 6.5" woofer with an 8" passive radiator for precise bass. It offers a unique blend of nostalgia and advanced audio performance, setting it apart from the more modern-looking models like the Imagine T65.

Synchrony T800 Tower

  • Positioning: The flagship model in the PSB lineup, offering the highest level of performance and craftsmanship.
  • Description: The groundbreaking Synchrony T800 Tower is engineered for audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience, with its advanced motor structure and sophisticated crossover design for minimal distortion and high sound pressure levels. It surpasses other models in the lineup with its superior build quality and acoustic performance, making it ideal for large rooms and those who desire the best soundstage and clarity. Its premium price reflects its top-tier status, offering features and sound quality that justify the investment for serious audio enthusiasts.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
87
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
52
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
41
Founding Year
1972

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.

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?

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From our interview with
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What if you spend more?

Product image
Amphion
Argon3S
1615
1615
/
8
Reviews
Amphion is a Finnish hifi speaker brand that uses passive radiators instead of bass ports and places the crossover point at 1600 Hz (below critical hearing range) to achieve better phase coherence and driver integration. Their speakers, handmade in Finland, are particularly popular in professional studios due to their waveguide technology and electrically simple design that enhances resolution while creating a seamless soundstage.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Secure imaging, believable vocal and instrumental timbres, and a superb sense of atmosphere and presence
  • The speaker does a 'small-box disappearing act supremely well,' not drawing attention to itself and letting the music spill forth
  • Provides tight, tuneful, convincing, and properly focused bass that securely underpins the music
  • Emphasizes detail and resolution, and has one of the best detail/resolution figures that one reviewer has heard in the price range
  • Has a wide sound dispersion, allowing listeners to sit anywhere in the room and still have a great sound

Product Considerations

  • Can get sharp—shouty—harsh at high listening volumes
  • Bass may not be sufficient for those looking for a lot of bass, and a subwoofer is recommended
  • Soundstage is fairly intimate
  • The treble can be a bit too hard, and some reviewers wished for a treble cut switch
  • One reviewer disliked the cartoonishly large binding posts, and dangling leads can contact the passive radiator

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Buchardt S400: The Argon3S sounds more neutral and mid-centric, has a sweeter voicing, and a sharper treble
  • Vs KLH Model Five: The midrange is slightly cleaner on the Argon3S, but it sounds very focused in comparison
  • Vs SVS Prime Wireless PRO: The baseline clarity is considerably better for the pricier Argon3S, but the soundstage is far more holographic on SVS Prime Wireless PRO
  • Vs ATC SCM 11 Version 2: Similar frame of mind, but the Amphion Argon 3S is more expressive and colorful

Takeaway: The Argon 3S is a compact speaker with a focus on detail and clarity, perfect for those who enjoy analyzing their music, especially at low to moderate volumes. Its design ensures it sounds great in various placements, making it a versatile addition to any audiophile's setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Amphion is a Finnish hifi speaker brand that uses passive radiators instead of bass ports and places the crossover point at 1600 Hz (below critical hearing range) to achieve better phase coherence and driver integration. Their speakers, handmade in Finland, are particularly popular in professional studios due to their waveguide technology and electrically simple design that enhances resolution while creating a seamless soundstage.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Arendal Sound
1723 Height S
1700
1700
/
1
Reviews
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
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Product Strengths

  • Technically the best speakers the reviewer has ever reviewed, based on objective measurements
  • Optimized with a six and a half inch driver, the transition from the mid-range to the tweeter is seamless
  • Great directivity index, making them EQable and sound good even without EQ
  • Precise imaging creates a wide soundstage and a strong center image
  • Well-made with HDF enclosure, rhodium binding posts, and good crossover components for the price

Product Considerations

  • Requires a subwoofer for deep bass extension
  • Aesthetics are plain, and may not appeal to those seeking visually striking speakers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Philharmonic Audio BMRs, the Arendal 1723 has more precise imaging, while the BMRs have a wider but softer soundstage

Takeaway: The Arendal 1723 speakers offer top-notch technical performance and precise imaging, making them great for both two-channel and home theater setups when paired with a subwoofer. Their neutral sound and EQ-ability make them a versatile and high-performing choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Buchardt
S400 MKII
2204
2204
/
11
Reviews

Even though the S400 MKII shares the same appearances as its predecessor, the speakers are actually quite a different experience when you listen to them. If we are to put this experience into words, it could be something like...

Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Surprisingly deep and controlled bass for its size, extending down to 33Hz, is delivered thanks to its passive radiator
  • A sweet, smooth, detailed, airy, and intimate sound with a natural midrange that presents human voices remarkably well, is produced
  • A wide and deep soundstage, excelling particularly in creating a three-dimensional listening experience with a strong front-to-back depth, is offered
  • High-quality components in its crossover, including air core inductors and film capacitors, are used
  • Exemplary off-axis performance due to the CDC waveguide, leading to evenly distributed in-room frequency response, excellent imaging, bigger soundstage, and improved transparency, is presented

Product Considerations

  • A bit bright in the top end, particularly on-axis and even slightly off-axis, depending on the room acoustics, may be heard; sidewall absorption or equalization may be needed
  • Vertical placement is temperamental; listeners should ensure their ears are aligned with the reference point between the waveguide and midwoofer
  • A capable amplifier, ideally one with high output power and a high damping factor, is required to properly control the bass
  • At high volumes, the speaker can experience compression and distortion, particularly in the higher frequencies and lower frequencies
  • The direct sales model means there are no physical stores to demo the speakers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The S400 Mark II sounds bigger and more potent, although the LS50 Meta is more transparent and has higher clarity
  • Vs Dynaudio Heritage Special: The S400 MkII offers comparable midrange and equal bass, while the Dynaudio has more sizzle on top and a little more of a plumper mid
  • Vs Emotiva B2 Plus: The S400 Mark II has more refined treble and midrange, but the Emotiva is better for rock and metal music
  • Vs Dynaudio Special 40: The S400 MkII is sweeter, more open, more spacious sounding, and has a more transparent midrange
  • Vs Klipsch The7s: The S400 MKII has a wider soundstage radiation

Takeaway: The S400 Mark II is a great-sounding speaker with impressive bass for its size and is easy to listen to for hours. It is a good option for those looking for a high-fidelity listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Focal
300 IWLCR 6
1199
1199
/
4
Reviews
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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Product Strengths

  • Tool-less design with the Easy Quick Install (EQI) system allows for quick and easy installation
  • Flax cone drivers offer light, stiff cones with good natural damping
  • The design allows for both horizontal and vertical installation by rotating the high-frequency/mid-range pod
  • Delivers impressive dynamics, a clean, neutral balance, and articulate dialogue handling
  • Easy to drive with an amplifier

Product Considerations

  • The Easy Quick Install (EQI) system may not work in all situations due to space constraints behind the wall
  • The open-back design can make the speaker's balance dependent on the installation environment, potentially requiring EQ adjustments
  • Adding the included black acoustic cloth to the grille darkens the overall color shade, which is not ideal for color matching applications
  • If a clamp breaks on the tool-less design, it is not easily replaceable
  • Requires more horizontal spacing than speakers with traditional dogears, requiring installers to be more careful about between-stud placement

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal Kanta No. 2: The Kanta No. 2 has a weightier midrange, superlative upper frequencies, more depth, wider soundstage, and improved imaging, though the 300IWLCR6's sound quality is satisfying
  • Vs PSB W-LCR: The PSB exhibits a very slight nasal characteristic, which is not noticed on the Focal LCRs
  • Vs Martin Logan Axis: The Martin Logan Axis has impressive imaging and upper-end frequency output due to its folded ribbon tweeter, which is very different from the Focals' inverted dome aluminum and magnesium tweeter

Takeaway: The Focal 300IWLCR6 in-wall loudspeaker is easy to install and delivers great sound for music and movies, especially when paired with a good subwoofer. The speaker can be easily installed, and it can fit into various home theater setups.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

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
Focal
Theva Surround
649
/
Released
2023
Theva Surround is the wall-mount speaker from the Theva range. It completes your Home Cinema system and can be easily installed in different spots to enjoy total sound immersion. Boasting a TNF tweeter and a Slatefiber cone speaker driver – both exclusive Focal technologies –, it spatialises every listening session for an uncompromising sound experience.
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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

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

Product Considerations

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

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

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

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

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
KEF
Q3 Meta
799
/
Released
2024
The Q3 Meta HiFi speaker is designed to deliver precise sound quality in a midsize package. Featuring a 6.5" 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT™, you can enjoy sound with pristine clarity, every time. Whether you're enhancing your home theatre system or enjoying your favourite music, the bookshelf speaker delivers high-fidelity sound with exceptional depth and detail.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Wide soundstage and radiation pattern, both horizontally and vertically, contribute to an immersive listening experience
  • Good mid-bass punch, with an elevated bump around 120Hz that gives the perception of more impact
  • Neutral tonal balance, with a well-balanced sound that allows the music to shine
  • Excellent dispersion characteristics make them suitable for modern spaces where acoustic treatments are limited
  • Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs unwanted sound behind the tweeter for clearer sound

Product Considerations

  • Compression and strain in the upper midrange can occur at high output levels (above 90dB at 10 feet)
  • Some cabinet resonance exists
  • Some detail, clarity, or attack is lacking from the speaker
  • Not ideal for high output
  • A slight dip around 1-2kHz exists that some people may not like

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the KEF Q350, the Q3 Meta has more body and weight in the bass regions, but the Q350 is slightly better and more lively sounding in the upper frequencies
  • Compared to the Polk Audio Reserve R200, the Q3 Meta is more neutral
  • Compared to the Paradigm Premier 100B, the Q3 Meta dispersion characteristics are better, so they do not need a sub
  • Compared to the PSB Imagine B50, the B50 kept its composure better at much louder listening levels, and its tonal balance seemed somehow even more neutral

Takeaway: The KEF Q3 Meta is an enjoyable speaker with a wide soundstage and neutral sound that makes the music sound good. It's a great pick for aesthetics if one does not listen at dangerous sound levels.

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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KIN By Totem
Kin One
524
/
Released
2024
Experience exceptional audio performance with the KIN One, a compact speaker designed to surpass the expectations of small speaker systems. Leveraging Totem's latest advancements in driver technology and cabinet design, the KIN One delivers a remarkably large soundstage and immersive audio experience. Perfectly paired with the KIN AMP, this speaker offers powerful, lifelike sound in a sleek, modern package.
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Known for its use of handmade Torrent drivers, Kin by Totem eliminates crossover distortions to deliver clean, unaltered audio, coupled with its signature micro-size speakers that defy traditional performance limitations. The brand’s achievements include influencing compact speaker trends while maintaining premium audio quality.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Available in multiple vibrant colors, breaking the monotony of typical speaker designs
  • Produces a surprisingly big and wide sound despite their compact size
  • The MHEX woofer reacts very fast and sounds like paper
  • Soundstage stretches from speaker to speaker

Product Considerations

  • Sound profile shows a dip in mid-range and roll-off in high frequencies, potentially requiring EQ adjustments
  • High frequencies roll off around 8k or so
  • Limited bass response, which may need a subwoofer for rock music or larger rooms
  • Not linear frequency response, which may impact sound clarity
  • Overall sensitivity is about 83.4 dB, which is below manufacturer's specs

Takeaway: The KIN ONE speakers are small but can create a big sound with multiple color options. Though they may benefit from EQ and a sub, they can be a good option for smaller rooms.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Known for its use of handmade Torrent drivers, Kin by Totem eliminates crossover distortions to deliver clean, unaltered audio, coupled with its signature micro-size speakers that defy traditional performance limitations. The brand’s achievements include influencing compact speaker trends while maintaining premium audio quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Axiom
M3 (Computer Speakers)
898
/
Released
High-end computer performance demands high-power output speakers, and the Axiom M3 computer speakers deliver – in spades! You'll get output that's up to 1400% more than common computer speakers on the market today. It's not just about volume: all that extra power means your speakers will play movies, music and games with uncompromised clarity – no cutting out or compressing when the action gets hot.
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Axiom Audio manufactures its own drivers and features unique design elements like rear-firing drivers with DSP processing, die-cast metal faceplates that act as heatsinks, and Vortex ports to reduce air turbulence. Their speakers, including the LFR1100 and M100 v4, are known for uncommon features at their price points, such as seven drivers per speaker for greater linearity and the ability to reach exceptionally low frequencies of 15Hz in their subwoofers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The tapered cabinet design eliminates internal resonance, making it lightweight and rigid
  • It uses a custom-designed Vortex port that provides more volume in less space
  • A unique design allows the woofer to roll off naturally at 2.2kHz, eliminating the need for a low-cost crossover component that could degrade audio signal quality
  • Offers a neutral and realistic midrange, providing a natural and realistic sound
  • Clarity and resolution, particularly in the midrange area, is well-received

Product Considerations

  • Minute gaps were found in the seams of the custom vinyl finish under scrutiny
  • Since it is a rear port, some room will need to be left for the speaker to breathe

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the KEF Q1, the M3 had clearer differentiation and separation of choir and orchestra, and French horns had much more balance and presence

Takeaway: The Axiom M3 is a well-designed speaker that offers excellent value and performs above expectations. It could be a great choice for anyone wanting a clean, neutral sound with great dynamics for casual listening.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Axiom Audio manufactures its own drivers and features unique design elements like rear-firing drivers with DSP processing, die-cast metal faceplates that act as heatsinks, and Vortex ports to reduce air turbulence. Their speakers, including the LFR1100 and M100 v4, are known for uncommon features at their price points, such as seven drivers per speaker for greater linearity and the ability to reach exceptionally low frequencies of 15Hz in their subwoofers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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