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

  • Impressive bass response and low-frequency extension, unusual for a bookshelf speaker
  • Tonally accurate with a neutral sound signature.
  • Good build quality with high-quality components, including a carbon fiber woofer, titanium dome tweeter, and aluminum front baffle.
  • Great imaging and soundstage.
  • IsoAcoustic feet are included for isolation.
  • Great dynamics and can be used for home theatre and music entertainment.

Product Considerations

  • Awkward binding post design.
  • May require some space from the wall behind the speakers.
  • The speaker is a mid-to-bigger sized bookshelf speaker.
  • Some reviewers found the styling to be conservative or understated.
  • Amplifier matching is important.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Revel M126Be, the PSB Synchrony B600 has better bass extension, impact, and punch in the mid-bass region.
  • Compared to the KEF LS50 Meta, the PSB Synchrony B600 sounded less dynamically alive and visceral—the KEF LS50 sounded more even.

Takeaway: The PSB Synchrony B600 speakers offer excellent sound and impressive bass for their size, and they are built with quality materials. They could be a great choice for anyone who wants a great listening experience and impressive bass response from a bookshelf speaker.

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

Synchrony B600

reviews

[{"title":"PSB Synchrony B600 Bookshelf Speaker Review","link":"https://www.audioholics.com/bookshelf-speaker-reviews/psb-synchrony-b600","source":"Audioholics","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"PSB Synchrony B600 Loudspeakers","link":"https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1634-psb-synchrony-b600-loudspeakers","source":"SoundStage! Hi-Fi","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"PSB Synchrony B600 Bookshelf Loudspeakers","link":"https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2022/7/20/lu42g19hck98c7glxikj5f7p536war","source":"Audiophilia","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"PSB Synchrony B600 Bookshelf Speakers Review","link":"https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/psb-synchrony-b600-bookshelf-speakers","source":"Ecoustics","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"PSB Synchrony B600 Bookshelf Speaker Review","link":"https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/speaker/bookshelf/psb-synchrony-b600-bookshelf-speaker-review","source":"Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"The BEST PSB Speakers for Home Audio? - Synchrony B600 Review - SoundStage! Take 2 (Ep:39)","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H70OifBfmM","source":"SoundStage! Network","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"PSB Synchrony B600 Lets the Good Times Roll!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhkE2K45cns","source":"Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"PSB Synchrony B600 Bookshelf Speaker Review Discussion","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS1-zfT79QE","source":"Audioholics","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"PSB Speakers Synchrony B600 & PWM Home Theater Speakers Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u735VPfEARU","source":"Shane Lee","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 vs. PSB Synchrony B600","link":"https://soundstagehifi.com/index.php/reader-feedback/1651-bowers-wilkins-705-s2-vs-psb-synchrony-b600","source":"soundstagehifi.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: 50 - 20,000Hz
  • Frequency Response On Axis @ 0° ±1 1/2dB: 55 - 20,000Hz
  • Off Axis @ 30° ±1 1/2dB: 55 - 10,000Hz
  • LF Cutoff -10dB: 35Hz
  • Sensitivity Anechoic Chamber: 86dB
  • Sensitivity Listening Room: 88dB
  • Impedance Nominal: 6 Ohms
  • Impedance Minimum: 4 Ohms
  • Input Power Recommended: 15 - 150 Watts
  • Program: 150 Watts
  • Tweeter: 1" (25mm) Titanium Dome with Ferrofluid
  • Woofer: 6 1/2" (165mm) Cast Basket Carbon Fibre Cone with Rubber Surround
  • Crossover: 2,200Hz, L4
  • Size (W x H x D): 9 x 15 1/2 x 11 1/2" (228 x 393 x 298mm)
  • Weight Net: 23 lbs (10.4 kg)
  • Finish: Satin Walnut, High Gloss Black
Experience extraordinary sound with PSB's Synchrony B600 Premium Bookshelf Speakers. These masterpieces redefine luxury audio, offering thrilling dynamics, impactful bass, transparent midrange, and superb micro-detail. With advanced driver designs, ultra-rigid enclosures, and integrated IsoAcoustics isolation, the B600 creates an immersive listening experience that's nothing short of exceptional.
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
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
87
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Brand Popularity
52
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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.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Sonus Faber
Duetto
3999
3999
/
19
Reviews

Powerful, rich sound in a compact design. Designed for both digital and analog sources, Duetto is a versatile combination of Italian style and contemporary function. Big sound in a compact design, 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.

Double the sound, not the size. Inspired by a harmony produced by two instruments, Duetto sets a new standard for wireless high-fidelity sound in a compact design.

Ultra Wide Band Technology

 Duetto employs Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, enabling communication between the two speakers. The wireless transmission avoids latency and interference by other home networks, while guaranteeing a wide frequency spectrum to send data signals at high speeds.

SENSO™ Technology by Sonus faber

 The leather top panel allows the user to control and set up speaker functions — such as playback, volume, input selection, and connections — with a buttonless interface through simple fingertip gestures.

Sonus faber's iconic lute-shaped design takes inspiration from musical instruments. Crafted from wood, the cabinet ensures structural solidity, rich timbre, and musicality, while effectively eradicating internal resonances to shape the unmistakable Sonus faber Natural Sound.

Hear – and see – to believe. Duetto takes note of Sonus faber's most iconic design cues and natural materials.

Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
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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 is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Buchardt
Anniversary 10
3988
3988
/
14
Reviews

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. The A10 is something we are truly proud of, both in terms of sound, look and production values. It is a true celebration of our passion for amazing high-end sound, great engineering and high value products.

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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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 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
MoFi
SourcePoint 10
2999
2999
/
12
Reviews
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
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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 known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Product image
Perlisten
S4b
3995
3995
/
12
Reviews

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. A bookshelf with this much technology is hard to find and can literally be the Ninja of any system. Bookshelf, main for a 2.1 system, LCR, Dominus Surround, it can transform into anything you need.

Features including our proprietary DPC-Array controlling Mid/High frequencies and centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes. All transducers are developed ground up by our engineers bringing decades of research and culminating in this world class design. All S-Series speakers share the same DPC-Array and benefit from our unique timbre matching technique across the entire series utilizing Beryllium and our advanced Carbon fiber.

These speakers are an acoustic suspension to meet the demands of any listening room with unparalleled dynamic range and musical finesse. Very impressive system alone or when combined with a PERLISTEN subwoofer. Great for use in 2.1 systems or any channel of theater system utilizing subwoofers. Can be used as surround, height or LCR. Bookshelf, stand or on-wall mounting with keyhole or available bracket.

Featuring our DPC-Array as for controlling Mid/High frequencies, centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes. This new tweeter/waveguide DPC-Array delivers amazing accuracy, smoothness, and directivity control to handle the critical vocal range and delicate treble. The S4b shares the same DPC-Array and benefits from our unique timbre matching technique as found in the entire S-Series range of speakers. Unparalleled dynamic range, low distortion and musical finesse. The PERLISTEN S4b continues the lineup of speakers that have the distinguished honor to be the world's first and only loudspeakers to be certified for THX Dominus – their highest rating.

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
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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 Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

PSB
Alpha iQ
1299
/
Released
2022
One system. One app. All the music. Just a left and right speaker and your smart phone is all that's needed to access your favourite tracks and albums from Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, internet radio, and more. Connect your TV, gaming console, or turntable for even more music listening options.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

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

Product Considerations

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

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

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

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

Video review

Our take on the brand

Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
PSB
Passif 50
2499
/
Released
2022
The PSB Passif 50 Standmount Loudspeaker, an Anniversary Edition, combines retro charm with contemporary audio prowess. Crafted to celebrate 50 years of PSB Speakers, it echoes the legendary Passif I and Passif II models. Immerse yourself in rich, true-to-nature sound with a touch of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Retro aesthetic with a tasteful open-grain walnut veneer finish and magnetically attached woven cloth grill
  • Produces music in an organic, textured and unstressed way, and has charm and appeal—producing a pleasantly relaxed and mellow sound
  • Easy to drive due to its moderate impedance and good sensitivity, making it versatile with different amplifiers
  • Minimal cabinet colorations to the sound
  • Soundstage is magnificent for a speaker of this price

Product Considerations

  • Included stands are short and the speaker tends to be top-heavy
  • Lacks very deep bass, might need to be paired with a subwoofer for bass-heavy music
  • Some may find the sound a little safe
  • Binding posts could be nicer
  • Grills attract cats

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Soliloquy 5.3s, the PSB Passif 50s offered much more clarity and detail

Takeaway: The PSB Passif 50 speakers offer a blend of vintage aesthetics and modern technology, creating a speaker that is pleasing to the eye and ear. With its balanced sound and easy placement, it is an excellent choice for music lovers looking for a versatile and enjoyable listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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KEF
R3 Meta
2430
/
Released
2023
Three-way bookshelf speaker R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker's performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design. It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5" hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.
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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

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

Product Considerations

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

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

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

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

Video review

Our take on the brand

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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MoFi
SourcePoint 8
1999
/
Released
2023
The SourcePoint 8 was carefully crafted the speaker to embody the same acoustic DNA as the widely acclaimed SourcePoint 10. The new SourcePoint 8 packs the same sonic excellence of its larger sibling into a more compact and manageable form factor. Andrew Jones and the team at MoFi Electronics scaled down the SourcePoint 10 to create a new speaker that can fit into a wider range of spaces, all while still delivering that big, satisfying sound that we know and love.
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MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Precise and stable stereo imaging
  • Good detail retrieval
  • Neutral tonal balance
  • Versatile directivity

Product Considerations

  • Bass extension requires a subwoofer for full-range playback, especially below the mid-40Hz range
  • Potential for brightness, especially when toed-in directly towards the listening position
  • Requires careful setup and experimentation with placement to optimize sound, especially in relation to the rear wall and toe-in

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The SourcePoint 8 is more neutral, with a less elevated top end, while the SourcePoint 10 is brighter

Takeaway: The SourcePoint 8 is a well-engineered speaker that stands out for its clear imaging and ability to convey musical detail across different genres. It offers a balanced and neutral sound that makes it an engaging listening experience.

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Our take on the brand

MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Sonus Faber
Lumina II
1299
/
Released
2021
The Lumina II enriches the range of two-way speakers in the Lumina family, offering a perfect solution for smaller rooms with uncompromising Natural Sound.
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Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Extremely good build quality, feeling solid and carefully assembled
  • Delivers well-defined, three-dimensional imaging and a snappy sense of timing
  • Combines exceptional midrange coherency
  • Known for a natural, open, and detailed sound
  • A beautifully three-dimensional speaker with very little perception of cabinet coloration or even cabinet presence

Product Considerations

  • Inherent bass response drops away slowly
  • Some recordings may sound a little sharp in the treble, but this is not the fault of the speakers
  • Some limits to detail retrieval
  • On the brighter side

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Lumina I: The Lumina II has meaningful extension below 50Hz, creating a believable weight and scale to the performance
  • Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The Sonus faber is easier to drive, more forgiving of less pristine recordings, and has an emotional quality that the LS50 Meta lacks

Takeaway: The Lumina II is a speaker that delivers many of the qualities that make Sonus faber loudspeakers stand out, offering an inviting and spirited sound that is also beautiful to look at. It represents an affordable way to experience Sonus faber's Italian-made craftsmanship and sonic signature.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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