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
- The Prestige Five cabinet is built and finished to very high tolerances
- Sonically, the Prestige Five is described as romantic and engaging, with a sweet well-rounded midrange, impressive bass, and airy highs that highlight extension and musicality over detail and accuracy
- Music hangs in the air in a wonderfully fulfilling way, allowing thoughts to evaporate, replaced by a living, breathing cloud of sound floating in space as if it was being created by a holographic projector—all life-like, rich, and dimensional
- They offer high resolution in an ear-friendly way that is not total neutrality, yet is extremely satisfying, firmly in the listenability gradient of an imaginary accuracy/listenability matrix, yet leaning towards the midpoint
- Nothing is offensive, and they can be listened to relentlessly with zero fatigue
Product Considerations
- Careful setup is important, because of their low extension, they require room to breathe and extra effort to get the most out of them
- There is a possibility that the Prestige Five gave a taste of what overloading a room sounds like, at least on a few big-bass selections, but not on the majority of things listened to
- A better feet arrangement, something that makes height adjustment easier to get the speakers bubble leveled, would be ideal
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Qln Prestige Three, the overall sound is simply a larger, more refined version of a P3, with the same great imaging qualities and dynamic speed, with an added something that gets closer to the music
- Vs Perlisten S7t Loudspeakers, the Qln are not as wildly lit up and energized, but offered up as believable a disappearing act as the S7t, while also making that apparition of sound image feel more fleshy
- Vs Wilson Audio SabrinaX, the SabrinaX seems very masculine
Takeaway: The Prestige Five offer a well-rounded, engaging presentation with incredible bass and seamless sound, making them easy to listen to and capable of creating a large, immersive soundstage. With careful setup, one can get a complete disappearing act.
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
Prestige Five
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Type: 2.5-way fullrange speaker
- Tweeter: 25mm wide surround, AirCirc magnet, soft dome
- Mid-Woofer: 184mm Kevlar® cone, under-hung magnet system
- Woofer: 184mm hard cone, under-hung magnet system
- Sensitivity: 89 dB SPL 1 Watt 1m, 100-10kHz
- Low frequency performance: -3dB 26Hz
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Amplifier requirements: 50-250 Watt RMS
- Terminal: Single wire, WBT Nextgen®
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 1000x210x600mm (cabinet), 1054x315x650mm (with feet)
- Weight: 41.0 kg each
- Standard finish: Walnut Piano, Walnut Matte, White matte
Description
We are pleased to introduce the Qln Prestige Five – an unprecedented 2.5-way, floor standing loudspeaker that marks the advancement and continuation our highly successful Prestige series. Decades of design experience has proven time and time again that what separates a good loudspeaker from an exceptional one is the midrange. For the Prestige Five, we spent years developing a new, superb sounding 184mm Kevlar® mid-woofer that conveys instruments and vocals with unprecedented clarity, resolution and naturalness.
We are pleased to introduce the Qln Prestige Five – an unprecedented 2.5-way, floor standing loudspeaker that marks the advancement and continuation our highly successful Prestige series.
Decades of design experience has proven time and time again that what separates a good loudspeaker from an exceptional one is the midrange. For the Prestige Five, we spent years developing a new, superb sounding 184mm Kevlar® mid-woofer that conveys instruments and vocals with unprecedented clarity, resolution and naturalness. From there, we listened for 1000s of hours to decide on the exact woofer and tweeter to carefully balance the music spectrum and housed them in their own non-resonant and optimally-tuned enclosures.
The Prestige Five exemplifies a timeless combination of form, function and performance. It is the fruit of Qln's four decades of speaker research, development, design and construction. A meticulous selection of matched components ensures every part of the speaker synergizes perfectly together. This was an extensive process involving multiple systems and genres of music over a long period of time to verify consistency.
When you experience the Prestige Five, we are highly confident that our design approach and efforts will make perfect sense to your ears. Your ears will tell you how right we are.
Decades of design experience has proven time and time again that what separates a good loudspeaker from an exceptional one is the midrange. For the Prestige Five, we spent years developing a new, superb sounding 184mm Kevlar® mid-woofer that conveys instruments and vocals with unprecedented clarity, resolution and naturalness. From there, we listened for 1000s of hours to decide on the exact woofer and tweeter to carefully balance the music spectrum and housed them in their own non-resonant and optimally-tuned enclosures.
The Prestige Five exemplifies a timeless combination of form, function and performance. It is the fruit of Qln's four decades of speaker research, development, design and construction. A meticulous selection of matched components ensures every part of the speaker synergizes perfectly together. This was an extensive process involving multiple systems and genres of music over a long period of time to verify consistency.
When you experience the Prestige Five, we are highly confident that our design approach and efforts will make perfect sense to your ears. Your ears will tell you how right we are.
Release Timeline
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:
- Qln speakers are voiced for a natural, organic sound that prioritizes a coherent and seamless presentation across the frequency range, offering an inviting listening experience.
- The brand employs its proprietary Qboard technology, utilizing a viscoelastic-damped sandwich construction, to minimize cabinet resonances and provide a quieter, less colored background for the music.
- Qln's speaker designs feature time-aligned driver configurations, often using a slanted baffle, to improve phase coherence and create a more focused and immersive soundstage.
Select products
Select product comparisons
PRESTIGE ONE
- Positioning: A compact 2-way monitor designed for small spaces and budget-friendly setups.
- Description: Uses a carefully matched Scan Speak driver with a slanted baffle and minimal cabinet design to provide clear imaging and balanced sound reproduction. In contrast to the larger floor-standing models, its simple design makes it ideal for small rooms and users with moderate needs, though it lacks the extended bass and advanced features seen in higher-tier products.
PRESTIGE THREE
- Positioning: A 2-way floor-standing speaker that builds on classic design with enhanced performance.
- Description: Features a custom-coated Kevlar woofer and advanced tweeter paired with a time-aligned cabinet for improved dynamics and clarity. Compared to the Prestige One, it delivers fuller bass and better dynamics.
PRESTIGE FIVE
- Positioning: A high-performance 2.5-way floor-standing speaker aimed at delivering refined dynamics and resolution.
- Description: Offers a custom 184mm Kevlar mid-woofer with an under-hung magnet system and non-resonant cabinet technology to achieve improved detail and controlled bass response. When compared to the Prestige One and Three, it provides a step-up in performance.
THE SIGNATURE
- Positioning: A flagship 2-way speaker that showcases advanced design and state-of-the-art driver technology.
- Description: Uses a specially coated Kevlar mid-woofer with Qboard cabinet construction to reduce resonance and deliver precise timing across the spectrum. In comparison to the Prestige series and even the Reference model, its refined driver and crossover technologies offer a higher level of clarity and engagement.
REFERENCE 9
- Positioning: A statement 3-way speaker engineered to set a new benchmark in detailed sound reproduction.
- Description: Integrates dedicated 7" midrange and 9" woofer drivers with proprietary Qboard technology to yield enhanced timing, low distortion, and precise dynamics. Compared with all other models in the lineup, it delivers the most advanced technological features and extended bass performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
3
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
337
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
6
Founding Year
1977
Our take on the brand
QLN is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique Qboard cabinet technology that minimizes resonances and enhances sound clarity, with their speakers featuring deep, non-parallel cabinet designs to reduce standing waves. Their speakers, found in both home and studio environments, use custom-developed drivers and proprietary Kevlar midrange and carbon sandwich cone woofers to deliver refined sound with exceptional midrange clarity.
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Used
Qln
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What if you spend more?
Bowers & Wilkins
803 D4
25000
25000
/
9
Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Most affordable way into the true 800 series form factor, with the solid aluminum turbine head and the fully curved matrix-braced cabinet
- Features a one-inch diamond dome tweeter, which is a standout strength
- Midrange and vocal region from the Bowers favor a leaner, more technically accurate sound, going for outright clarity, and vocals sound particularly clear and clean
- Bases have casters integrated or built into them, making them easy speakers to move around for optimal positioning, and integrated spikes can then be used to securely position them
- Show-stoppingly gorgeous and sound simply fantastic
Product Considerations
- A much fussier speaker in every regard and require more thought and work to get the sound balance right
- Possible to come across maybe a little bit too lively in the treble
- Amplifier power, quality, and capability is hugely influential—hugely important for these speakers
- Due to their revealing nature, they don't play particularly well with poorer recordings such as metal and older rock
- Tweeter can get fairly harsh when the volume is turned to the extreme, pushing 90+ db for louder music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Bowers & Wilkins are a much fussier speaker in every regard than the Mission 770
- Paradigm Persona 5H is a little more "liquid" sounding
- Wilson Audio SabrinaX's finish is superior to that of the Bowers & Wilkins, dynamic, easy to drive, with a very familiar and very resolute sound
- Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4s are refined like an Aston Martin, and Tekton Ulfberhts are more like a Corvette C8
- Bowers & Wilkins 805D4 lacks the midrange prowess that the 803 has, and will most definitely need a subwoofer for even mild extension into bass
Takeaway: The 803 D4 speakers offer a fantastic listening experience with clear vocals and a grand soundstage, making music more engaging. They are an investment that can potentially improve over a long period of time through system upgrades and continued optimization.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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KEF
Reference 5 Meta
24899
24899
/
5
Reviews
The flagship of The Reference Series is the model that all other high-performance loudspeakers compare themselves against. Now with the extraordinarily capable 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, Reference 5 Meta exemplifies the passion for innovation that underpins KEF’s design philosophy.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Product Strengths
- Delivers a large, detailed—and scalable—sound that doesn't lose quality at different volumes
- Excels in creating a wide and deep soundstage, enhancing the listening experience with a sense of expansiveness
- Is emotionally engaging, creating a connection between the listener and the music
- The Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) significantly improves sound quality by absorbing unwanted frequencies, resulting in clearer and more accurate high-frequency reproduction
- Offers customisation for bass tuning with different port options to suit various room acoustics
Product Considerations
- Is a large and heavy speaker, requiring a substantial space and stable flooring
- Represents a significant investment
- While generally easy to drive, benefits from high-quality amplification to reveal its full potential
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audiovector R6 Arreté: R6 Arreté sounds extremely weightless and transparent, but doesn't have the same depth of bass as the Reference 5 Meta
- Vs Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition: The Serafino deliver the music nicely wrapped in a warm envelope that's very addictive, while the Reference 5 Meta focuses on detail and transparency
Takeaway:
The KEF Reference 5 Meta is a high-end loudspeaker that provides a detailed, emotionally engaging—and expansive—sound experience. With its advanced technology and customizable features, it is a great option for those looking to invest in a top-tier audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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ATC
SCM50
24499
24499
/
4
Reviews
The SCM50 ASL (active) and SCM50 SL (passive) are designed to perform at their best in the recording studio or at home with the finest quality hi-fi equipment. The monitors' ability to reproduce music and speech with phenomenal accuracy, transparency and dynamics lies mainly in the SM75-150S soft dome midrange driver. However, recent modifications that include the new ATC SH25-76S tweeter and enhanced port profile have brought about further improvements to all performance parameters.
Each drive unit in the active model has its own dedicated and individually matched MOS-FET amplifier, while the 234mm/9″ bass driver incorporates ATC's unique Super Linear Magnet technology. Our active crossover network consists of a wide band-width, electronically balanced input stage with high common mode rejection and very low distortion. Like the HF, mid and bass drivers, all electronics are designed and manufactured in-house to create a no-compromise active system.
In passive form, the SCM50 SL provides broad and symmetrical dispersion, excellent amplitude and phase characteristics throughout the frequency range. Speakers are supplied with stands and fabric wrapped grills.
Available Finishes
Standard Veneers – Cherry, Walnut, Oak & Black Ash.
Standard Paints – Satin Black, Satin White
Premium Veneers (up-charge applies) – Rosewood, European Crown Cut Walnut, Pippy Oak, Burr Magnolia, Burr Poplar.
High Gloss (up-charge applies) – Clear High Glossed Veneer, Piano Black, Piano White
ATC is distinguished by manufacturing all drivers in-house and using a unique dual-suspension system in their tweeters that enhances stability without ferro-fluid. The brand, widely used in recording studios, features sealed cabinet designs for tight bass control and a proprietary 75mm soft-dome midrange driver that delivers precise, uncolored sound.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- ATC designs and builds every drive unit in-house, including voice coils, crossovers, and active amplification, allowing for complete control over every loudspeaker design decision
- In the active version, a more clearly defined soundstage has clearer, more well-defined individual elements, where everything pops out more from the background
- The active version has more energy, drive, and a more vivid overall presentation, resulting in a more tactile, energetic, and higher resolution sound
- The SCM50's woofer has an enviable ability to resolve textures and timbral colors, capably rendering the skins of bass drums, the flutter of tom-toms, or the dark voicing of orchestral bass viols as bows are dragged across their strings
- The SCM50 has an almost eerie immediacy that seems to glean the intent of the musician before their bow touches the string or a note escapes their lips, making piano reproduction breathtaking
- Connectivity is limited to a single XLR input, which may require adapters for single-ended sources
Product Considerations
- The active version is heavier than the passive version
- The owner must manually turn each speaker on and off, as there is no trigger or auto startup circuit
- The active version may pose challenges for owners of subwoofers needing high-level wiring connections, although workarounds exist
- Careful attention must be paid to positioning a pair of SCM50s, as the full-bandwidth—ported design means that placing them too close to a boundary wall will result in bass bloom
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SCM50 wins hands down over PureAudioProject Duet 15s for resolution, clarity, and dynamic shading
- The active version excels over the passive in solidity of soundstage, neutrality, and ultimate detail retrieval
Takeaway: The ATC SCM50 offers exceptional sound quality, whether in its active or passive configuration, thanks to ATC's engineering and in-house design. The ATC SCM50 is a choice that will bring musical joy for years to come.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ATC is distinguished by manufacturing all drivers in-house and using a unique dual-suspension system in their tweeters that enhances stability without ferro-fluid. The brand, widely used in recording studios, features sealed cabinet designs for tight bass control and a proprietary 75mm soft-dome midrange driver that delivers precise, uncolored sound.
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Sonus Faber
Serafino G2
26000
26000
/
4
Reviews
MASTERFULLY BUILT FOR AN ENDURING LEGACY
A nod to Santo Serafino, the legendary Italian luthier.Serafino delivers world-class sound on any stage.
MATCHING BEAUTY AND SOUND
In eighteenth century Venice, Santo Serafino masterfully built violins with matching beauty and sound. In keeping with his legacy, the second generation of the Sonus faber Serafino speaker marries artistry and sonic excellence. With upgraded drivers and a refined crossover, Serafino's second generation recreates the magic of a live performance.
VIOLIN-MAKING HERITAGE
Crafted like a fine instrument, Serafino draws inspiration from the artisanship of master luthier Santo Serafino. Its rounded cabinet design mirrors the graceful curves of a violin, enhancing both its visual allure and acoustic purity by reducing internal resonances.
Handcrafted in Sonus faber's Vicenza, Italy factory, each Serafino loudspeaker seamlessly melds nine layers of natural wood, carefully paired according to grain, and culminates with nine meticulous lacquer coats. This meticulous process, rooted in Sonus faber's tradition of wood craftsmanship, ensures each speaker embodies both quality and elegance.
Italian artisan hand-sands wood for a Sonus faber Serafino G2 floorstanding speaker, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship
A FULL SOUNDSTAGE CUSTOMIZED TO ANY SPACE
Serafino G2 harnesses cutting-edge technology from our Homage collection to encapsulate the emotional resonance of a live performance within a relatively compact design - much like a finely crafted violin.
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
- Stunning and unique aesthetics with a high-quality finish, including nine layers of natural wood and lacquer
- Very impressive audiophile soundstage that is layered with depth, allowing the listener to look 'through' the speakers
- Balanced sound with a sweetness to the treble and clear, focused vocals, regardless of the music content or volume
- Tight and controlled bass delivery that's detailed, articulate, and has a bouncy character—suitable for various room sizes
- Easy to drive with high sensitivity and works well with a range of amplifiers, even those significantly less expensive than the speakers themselves
Product Considerations
- Some audiophiles might find the overall dynamic liveliness a little too polite
- The bass, while satisfying, might be considered modest and not provide huge amounts of bass for bass enthusiasts
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Serafino has a warmer sound than the Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4
- Serafino is smoother and more relaxed in the higher frequencies than the Gryphon EOS 2
Takeaway: The Serafino speakers offer a unique blend of beautiful design and balanced sound, making them great for enjoying music for extended periods. Their elegant appearance and easy-to-listen-to nature make them worth considering for an all-around listening experience.
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.
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What competes at this price?
Borresen
X3
11000
/
Released
2023
Børresen has developed a new entry-level speaker at an affordable price, making the Børresen speaker universe accessible to even more people. The Børresen X3 loudspeaker has been designed on the solid foundation of Børresen Acoustics' development traditions, design philosophy and technological know-how.
Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
- Tight and accurate bass.
- Elegant design and high-quality build.
- Good value for the price.
Product Considerations
- Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
- Sweet spot is narrow.
- Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
- Positioning requires careful attention.
- Speakers are only available in black or white.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
- Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
- Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
- Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.
Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
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Estelon
Aura
19900
/
Released
2023
The Estelon AURA loudspeaker is designed and constructed by taking into consideration the environmental acoustics of real-life listening spaces. It provides an immersive and captivating audio experience like no other among speakers of this size. To achieve this, AURA has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technology and unique features that set it apart from other loudspeakers in the market.
Estelon crafts speakers using a proprietary marble-based composite material that provides advanced damping and rigidity, with their enclosures featuring no parallel walls and almost entirely curved surfaces to minimize sound diffraction. Their speakers resemble modernist sculptures and feature adjustable modules for optimizing performance in various room settings, along with premium Accuton drivers including diamond tweeters for precise high-frequency reproduction.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
- Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
- Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
- Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
- Connectivity options are solid
Product Considerations
- The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
- Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
- System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
- The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
- Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile
Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Estelon crafts speakers using a proprietary marble-based composite material that provides advanced damping and rigidity, with their enclosures featuring no parallel walls and almost entirely curved surfaces to minimize sound diffraction. Their speakers resemble modernist sculptures and feature adjustable modules for optimizing performance in various room settings, along with premium Accuton drivers including diamond tweeters for precise high-frequency reproduction.
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Audiovector
Trapeze
19950
/
Released
2024
In 1979 Ole Klifoth launched the Trapeze. In doing so, he created the blueprint for all Audiovector speakers to come – including the pioneering focus on linear dynamics and linear phase through a true 6 dB per octave crossover. Fast forward 45 years and the new Trapeze Reimagined is based on the same principles as the original heritage model. And brought up to date with the very best, most innovative technology available. A homage to the company's very first loudspeaker. The embodiment of our passion, innovation, and love of music.
Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
- Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
- The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
- AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
- Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers
Product Considerations
- The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
- Stereo imaging could be more expansive
- The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase
Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
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Focal
Sopra N°3
12999
/
Released
Compactness, design and high-fidelity sound are the hallmarks of the Sopra N°3 luxury loudspeaker, which comes close to the ultimate performance of Focal's Utopia loudspeakers. It offers more powerful bass than its little sister, Sopra N°2, with its larger woofers. All music lovers will be seduced by Sopra N°3, which harmoniously deploys the bass.
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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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass extension and higher dynamic range due to its larger size.
- The cabinet is designed to maximize bass performance using segmented inner chambers.
- A Beryllium tweeter is precisely positioned at the best height for listening, and the midrange is placed above the tweeter to time-align the drivers for coherency at the listening position.
- The midrange driver has Tuned Mass Damper technology, similar to what is employed in racecars and seismic building stabilization, allowing the driver to perform more consistently without losing performance.
Product Considerations
- A small apartment may not be the best destination for it, as it is a large speaker.
- Only a single pair of binding posts is included, so bi-amping or bi-wiring isn't an option.
- It may not be suited to very small rooms where the bottom end can be overpowering, and positioning is important to get the most out of the speaker.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Focal Sopra N°2: It betters it in terms of scale, presence, dynamics, and detail, resulting in a bolder presentation, greater subtlety, separation, texture, and brings more individual character to voices and instruments, a function of its far more sophisticated harmonic development.
- Vs. Wilson Audio's Sasha W/P: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a more enjoyable speaker to listen to and costs less; the Sopras are lush and wonderfully pleasant to listen to, as opposed to the Wilsons, which are more analytical and difficult to tune in properly.
- Vs. Focal Utopia Scala V2: The Sopra N°3 is a price and performance stepping-stone to the Utopia line.
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 speakers: Bowers & Wilkins speakers can often be a bit laid back and polite, making the Sopra N°3 a different alternative.
Takeaway: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a high-performing speaker that is able to play any type of music with subtle sounds and unbridled force. It brings the listener closer to the music, so they can feel all the energy of a live performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Monitor
Platinum 300 3G
17900
/
Released
2022
The Platinum 300 3G's combination of MPD III transducer, 4" RDT III mid-range driver and two 8" RDT III bass drivers allow it to deliver exceptional scale and depth. The worthy flagship of the Platinum Series 3G, this loudspeaker is quite simply the best in its class.
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.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved feet allow for easier positioning by 'walking' the speaker into place
- New MPD III tweeter provides more detail while remaining smooth
- Demonstrates effortless presentation of scale and space, especially with demanding material
- Faithful communicator of musical color and character, capable of parsing subtleties of instrumental and vocal color
- Delivers soul-satisfying punch from electric bass and kick drum, transient crispness from keyboards and guitars, and a full-bodied reediness from alto sax
Product Considerations
- These speakers are power-hungry
- The Platinum 300 3G is a large loudspeaker, so it will dominate all but the most spacious listening rooms and is a two-person lift, minimum
- Decent money needs to be spent on partnering electronics
- A fair bit of space is needed to do their thing
- The level of control Monitor Audio asserts becomes inappropriate when the music is compressed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Generation 3 has improved in just about every way when compared to the Monitor Audio Platinum 300 2nd Generation
- Many engineering innovations found in Hyphn have "trickled down" to the current Platinum Series models, especially the transducers, when compared to the Monitor Audio Hyphn
Takeaway: The Platinum 300 3G offers a refined and smooth sound with great dynamics, making it an absolute value for its price range. It's a thoughtfully designed and beautifully built product that is imperturbable with dynamic material and a faithful communicator.
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.
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