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 width and spaciousness
  • The ribbon tweeter delivers an impressively even spread of high frequency energy that is free from any harshness or aggression
  • The dedicated midrange driver means the Quad's abilities with vocals and instruments are superb
  • A sense of scale and effect allows appreciation of the music on its own merits
  • Involvement can be demonstrated at surprisingly low volume levels

Product Considerations

  • The rosewood finish might be brash
  • Fairly big size
  • The way it makes music can sometimes lack the 'grab you by the lapels' style excitement that some people crave

Takeaway: The Z-4 is a big and beautifully made loudspeaker that delivers music on a grand scale, and it is easy to drive. It offers a refined and spacious sound.

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

Z-4

reviews

[{"title":"Quad Z-4 Floorstanding Speaker Review","link":"https://www.avforums.com/reviews/quad-z-4-floorstanding-speaker-review.13516","source":"AVForums","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Quad Z-4 Floorstanding HiFi Stereo Speaker Review","link":"https://www.hifireport.com/quad-z-4-floorstanding-hifi-stereo-speaker-review","source":"hifireport.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

  • Model: Z-4
  • General description: Floor-standing
  • Enclosure type: bass reflex
  • Bass Driver: 3 x 165mm glass fibre
  • Mid Range Driver: 150mm glass fibre
  • Treble driver: 90x12mm true ribbon
  • AV shield: No
  • Sensitivity (1W @ 1m): 90db
  • Recommended amplifier power: 60-250w
  • Nominal impedance: 4Ω
  • Minimum impedance: 3.6Ω
  • Frequency response (+/-3dB): 47Hz - 20kHz
  • Bass extension (-6dB): 40Hz
  • Crossover frequency: 300Hz & 3.5kHz
  • Cabinet Volume: 43L
  • Dimensions: 1175 x 267 x 340 mm
QUAD proudly announce Z Series, our new flagship ribbon loudspeaker range. After taking a new approach to ribbon tweeter design using a unique sandwich formation, an exceptionally robust, high power speaker has been engineered, yet with the delicate sound, conventional ribbon speakers are known for.
QUAD proudly announce Z Series, our new flagship ribbon loudspeaker range. After taking a new approach to ribbon tweeter design using a unique sandwich formation, an exceptionally robust, high power speaker has been engineered, yet with the delicate sound, conventional ribbon speakers are known for. Z Series is housed beautifully curved piano lacquered cabinets, available in black, white and rosewood.
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:

  • Quad, a British hifi manufacturer with a long history dating back to the 1950s, is renowned for its iconic QUAD II Power Amplifier and ESL electrostatic speaker, maintaining a brand heritage built on exceptional sound quality.
  • The brand has a long history of developing electrostatic panel loudspeaker technology, which has influenced the design and sonic qualities of their planar magnetic headphones, aligning with their heritage.
  • Quad products are known for offering an exceptional price/performance ratio, often delivering superb sound quality and features that punch far above their price point.

Vena II

  • Positioning: The entry-level integrated amplifier in Quad's lineup.
  • Description: Offers a compact design with a powerful Class AB amplifier, making it ideal for small rooms or those seeking a neat setup. It features a high-quality phono stage for vinyl enthusiasts, which is not available in the more advanced Artera models, providing excellent value for those with a diverse music collection. Its Bluetooth streaming capability and multiple digital inputs make it versatile for modern digital sources, unlike the more traditional QII-Integrated.

QII-Integrated

  • Positioning: A mid-range integrated amplifier that combines classic design with modern functionality.
  • Description: Features a push-pull KT66 output configuration, delivering a warm, rich sound that appeals to those who appreciate vintage audio aesthetics. Unlike the Vena II, it includes a high-quality built-in phono stage, making it a great choice for vinyl lovers who want a classic tube sound. Its power output is lower than the Artera models.

Artera Solus

  • Positioning: A high-end all-in-one system combining a CD player, DAC, pre-amplifier, and power amplifier.
  • Description: Features sleek design and comprehensive functionality, integrating a CD player and Bluetooth connectivity, which the QII-Integrated lacks. Uses an ESS ES9018 DAC for superior digital audio performance, making it ideal for users who want a high-quality, all-in-one solution. Its power output and connectivity options surpass those of the Vena II.

Artera Solus Play

  • Positioning: The flagship model, adding wireless streaming capabilities to the Artera Solus.
  • Description: Enhances the Artera Solus with DTS Play-Fi technology, allowing high-resolution wireless audio streaming, which is not available in the other models. The advanced streaming features and high power output provide a multi-room audio experience with the convenience of wireless connectivity.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
74
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
61
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
29
Founding Year
1936

Our take on the brand

Quad Hifi is renowned for its legendary electrostatic loudspeakers, first introduced with the ESL-57 in 1957, which are celebrated by audiophiles for their exceptional clarity and detail. The brand's groundbreaking 33 preamplifier and 303 power amplifier from the 1960s were among the first to successfully use solid-state technology with a unique "tilt" tone control that adjusts frequency response around a central point, rather than conventional bass and treble adjustments.

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Our interview with the brand

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What if you spend more?

Product image
KEF
LS60 Wireless
5499
5499
/
19
Reviews

Bring the track spirit into your home with LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition, created in partnership with and inspired by the British Racing Green of the iconic 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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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Striking, sleek, and modern design that complements modern interiors
  • Incorporates KEF's Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for neutral, open, detailed sound, reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter
  • Includes Uni-Core force-canceling woofers that reduce cabinet vibrations, contributing to balanced and detailed bass
  • The KEF Connect app allows for adjustments to fit the listening environment
  • Offers high connectivity and is a true stand-alone system

Product Considerations

  • Bass can be a bit too much out of the box, requiring adjustments via the app or placement considerations
  • Not well-suited for those who have many signal sources to connect to
  • Some reviewers found the bass lacked definition in the upper bass, with unclear instrument placement, even after adjusting EQ settings
  • The included remote control is considered basic or cheap
  • Mandatory online registration and administrator-level internet connection requirements for the app may be a drawback for privacy-conscious users

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, the LS60 Wireless can achieve similar sound quality with adjustments, at a lower price point, although the Beolab 28 sounds 'more right' straight out of the factory
  • Compared to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the LS60 Wireless is preferred stylistically, achieves near full-range playback, and has a more slim design, although it costs more and also provides much deeper bass
  • Compared to the Q Acoustics Active 400 Towers, the LS60 Wireless has no issues with products not working

Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless are stylish, all-in-one speakers that deliver a balanced, detailed sound with advanced technology. They are a convenient, high-performing solution for those seeking a streamlined audio setup.

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
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Bowers & Wilkins
703 S3
5999
5999
/
11
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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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Superb design and build quality.
  • Articulate sound, especially in the upper midrange and treble regions.
  • Very good imaging, with strong definition and delineation between instruments and performers.
  • Vivid and clear midrange, revealing subtle details in recordings.
  • Transparency ensures more of the music is heard as it was intended.

Product Considerations

  • A capable amplifier is needed due to impedance dips to 3.1 ohms.
  • Not a bass-heavy speaker.
  • The tweeter can become too much if listening to poorly recorded music or at very high volumes.
  • The bass can sound a bit thin, depending on room size and personal preference.
  • Can sound a little bit cool when playing certain types of music.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF R11 Meta—KEFs presented more physical scale with respect to soundstage, with even greater width.
  • Vs Polk R700 and Klipsch RP8000F Mk2—Not better than the B&Ws, but aren't embarrassed by them either.
  • Vs B&W 805 D IV—In one listening room, the 703 is nearly as good.
  • Zoo sound a little bit warmer.

Takeaway: The 703 S3 makes listening engaging and fun, with dynamic sound suitable for both music and movies. It brings clarity to vocals, especially at lower volumes, making it great for late-night listening.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Bowers & Wilkins
702 S3
6999
6999
/
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Trickle-down technology from the 800 series narrows the gap with higher-end models
  • Improved clarity of details, accuracy, and soundstage width compared to previous 702 models
  • Clean and articulate bass is often attributed to the downward-firing port and plinth arrangement
  • Excellent imaging and soundfield, with impressive width and height
  • Delivers high definition and low coloration, offering a taste of the 800 Series experience

Product Considerations

  • Careful positioning is required to achieve optimal tonal balance and musicality
  • A reasonably powerful amplifier (minimum 75W recommended) is needed to perform at its best
  • May not be a great match for valve amplifiers, preferring solid-state options
  • The satin black MDF plinths are integral and require additional floor space
  • Difficult to move around due to their weight (over 40 kg each) and lack of handholds

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the 702 S2 and 702 Signature, the S3 has improved clarity, accuracy, and soundstage width
  • Compared to the Focal Aria 936 K2, the reviewer prefers the aesthetics of the 702 S3

Takeaway: The 702 S3 is a well-built loudspeaker offering a significant upgrade in sound quality. Trickle-down technology gives a taste of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship series at a more affordable price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
KEF
LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition
6599
6599
/
9
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sound quality, with reviews noting neutral and balanced sound, meticulous detail retrieval, and delicate micro-dynamics
  • Good imaging and soundstage, with the ability to create a wide and immersive soundstage with precise imaging
  • Sleek design, with their elegance and ability to complement modern interiors
  • Powerful and well-controlled bass, thanks to the Uni-Core driver technology
  • Wide array of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, RCA, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Qobuz

Product Considerations

  • Relatively expensive compared to other active speaker systems
  • Some reviewers noted occasional signal dropouts between the primary and secondary speakers when connected wirelessly
  • The KEF Connect app is essential for full functionality and optimal setup, which may not appeal to users who prefer physical controls
  • Bass output can be sensitive to room placement and may require adjustments to avoid boominess
  • Connecting multiple external devices can result in significant cable clutter, despite being marketed as wireless

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28: The LS60 offers comparable performance at roughly half the price, though the Beolab 28 is noted as sounding better out-of-the-box without EQ
  • Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II: The LS60 offers improved performance and near full-range playback, but at a higher price, the LS50 Wireless II offers similar clarity with a slightly warmer sound
  • Vs Klipsch Forte 4: The LS60 is more suited for home theater use and surface more detail
  • Vs Q Acoustics Q Active 400 Towers, Dali Oberon 7C Wireless, and Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duos: The LS60 is considered a better, more refined and adjustable package
  • Vs Hegel H190 & KEF LS50 Meta with KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 communicates the forward force of music better and has features such as Tidal Connect and room EQ
  • Vs Lindemann TD-AI1120, KEF LS50 Meta & KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 cannot be matched in scale and effortless dynamics

Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless is a fantastic, all-in-one speaker system that sounds great and looks stylish. They are easy to set up and use, and will fill a room with music for years to come.

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
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

QUAD HIFI
Revela 2
4495
/
Released
2023
A floor-standing speaker incorporating twin 6.5″ woofers and a 6″ midrange mounted on a rigid die-cast chassis; this combination delivers a rich, controlled bass output with superb dynamic performance. QUAD's Director of Acoustics, Peter Comeau, has furthered his ground-breaking engineering work in further developing this Ribbon HF with over four years of research to bring a new level of musical delicacy, smoothness and 'hear-through' performance, thus revealing beautiful details of your music collection with a truly breath-taking performance.
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Quad Hifi is renowned for its legendary electrostatic loudspeakers, first introduced with the ESL-57 in 1957, which are celebrated by audiophiles for their exceptional clarity and detail. The brand's groundbreaking 33 preamplifier and 303 power amplifier from the 1960s were among the first to successfully use solid-state technology with a unique "tilt" tone control that adjusts frequency response around a central point, rather than conventional bass and treble adjustments.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality.
  • True Ribbon tweeter provides excellent, clean resolution in the high frequencies.
  • Delivers a coherent, dynamic, and room-filling sound with low coloration, offering a rich and rounded sound suitable for long listening sessions.
  • Powerful and satisfying bass.
  • Creates an exquisite 3-D soundstage and provides spot-on imaging.

Product Considerations

  • Careful setup, including toe-in and vertical tilt, is crucial to avoid excessive high-frequency energy and to optimize imaging.
  • Less forgiving of poorly recorded music.
  • Presence and treble can be a touch restrained.
  • Hip-hop may sound too bass-heavy.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Improves upon the S-5 with a cleaner midrange, better imaging, presence, and superior bass performance.

Takeaway: The Quad Revela 2 combines elegant aesthetics with a balanced and enjoyable sound, making it suitable for listeners seeking a well-rounded speaker. With a focus on clean resolution and powerful bass, it offers an immersive listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Quad Hifi is renowned for its legendary electrostatic loudspeakers, first introduced with the ESL-57 in 1957, which are celebrated by audiophiles for their exceptional clarity and detail. The brand's groundbreaking 33 preamplifier and 303 power amplifier from the 1960s were among the first to successfully use solid-state technology with a unique "tilt" tone control that adjusts frequency response around a central point, rather than conventional bass and treble adjustments.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
GoldenEar
T66
3450
/
Released
2024
The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar's new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else.
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GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
  • Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
  • High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
  • A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
  • The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal

Product Considerations

  • Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
  • The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
  • Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
  • Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations

Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.

Video review

Our take on the brand

GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sonus Faber
Lumina V
2999
/
Released
2021
Lumina V is the flagship three-way floor standing model in the collection. A slender speaker with high-power handling and fast transient response, Lumina V produces a natural, generous, and emotional sound for an immersive listening experience.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Elegant design with a combination of wood and leather that gives a classy appearance
  • Impressive bass output, with some reviewers noting deep and tuneful bass
  • The midrange is articulate and expressive, delivering vocals with palpability and detail
  • Smooth and detailed high-end reproduction, thanks to the Damped Apex Dome (DAD) tweeter
  • Relatively easy to drive with a sensitivity of 89-90dB

Product Considerations

  • Requires careful placement to achieve the best balance, especially regarding toe-in
  • The bass can sometimes be perceived as boomy depending on the room acoustics
  • Some reviewers mention the included binding posts are cheap

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Q Acoustics Concept 50, the Lumina V has a more live sound, but the Concept 50 is more neutral, and more inert
  • Compared to the Polk R700, the Lumina V is sonically similar to the R700, but with slightly less bass and a smaller cabinet—with better aesthetics; the R700 is more full range and warmer
  • Compared to the Spendor A4 or ProAc Response DT8, the Lumina V is not as precise, but offers a natural sonic grace

Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Lumina V is an elegant speaker that delivers detailed sound and impressive bass. It is a great option if you want speakers that look as good as they sound.

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
Perlisten
R7t
4995
/
Released
2022
You wanted a flagship R-Series to fill larger rooms based on the trickle-down technology from the S-Series. The second-best two-channel system in our line-up still rivals most competitor's flagship. Employing the same DPC array and long-excursion woofers for extremely low distortion and our beam forming controlled directivity down to 500Hz make this a full-range masterpiece only rivaled by our own award-winning S7t.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Remarkably coherent and balanced sound profile, resulting from well-engineered and matched drivers and cabinet
  • An uncanny ability to 'disappear' in the listening room
  • The DPC array design contributes to a wide horizontal dispersion, allowing a broader sweet spot for multiple listeners
  • Accurate sound reproduction and neutral enough for studio use
  • A high level of dynamic ability, good low-end control, and a cavernous soundstage

Product Considerations

  • Only available in gloss black and gloss white finishes, which might not suit all tastes or home décor
  • The price point is a significant investment, placing it beyond the reach of many
  • Some reviewers noted a mild treble roll-off, or smooth character that was overly kind on poor recordings and might lack the sparkle and excitement some listeners prefer
  • Setting up requires assistance, due to the weight
  • The lower bass extension may not satisfy deep bass enthusiasts, with extension starting to drop below 40Hz

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Perlisten S7t, the S7t offers more overall weight, bottom-end reach, resolution, and dynamic speed, but the R7t shines brightly on its own
  • Compared to the EgglestonWorks Oso, the Oso presented a more muscular version of the music with more bottom end oomph, while the R7t conveyed music's finer points with more apparent resolution
  • Compared to the KEF Reference 3, the KEF may yield deeper bass extension due to greater cabinet volume, and the scale of the soundstage may also be improved, but the Perlisten offers a superior disappearing act

Takeaway: The Perlisten R7t are well-built speakers that provide a detailed and immersive listening experience, with their advanced design and unique driver array creating a spacious soundstage. Their cutting-edge design creates a great listening experience.

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
Triangle
Esprit 40th - Antal 40th
4000
/
Released
2023
Antal and Comète are two emblematic models of the brand. They reflect the philosophy of the company: making sound accessible to the widest variety of customers possible through simple processes designed to foster emotion. The Antal 40th floorstander features a new rose gold anodized magnesium dome tweeter, offering high efficiency and controlled distortion.
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Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent midrange imaging and naturalness, described as smooth and stunning
  • Smooth treble with a timbre and natural decay that allows for hours of listening without fatigue
  • Expansive soundstaging with good imaging, height, and depth
  • Stellar overall balance makes it an outstanding performer
  • Beautiful wood veneer with high polish lacquer and attention to detail in construction

Product Considerations

  • Bass will not reach subterranean levels, a subwoofer may be required for strong bass enthusiasts
  • Speakers may benefit from more power
  • "Messy music" (genres with rawness or grime) may not be conveyed as well, as the speaker can be a little polite
  • Excellent clarity was brilliantly showcased by Ray Gelato's Basin Street Blues, beautifully recorded on the Linn label, which may not appeal to all audiences

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the standard Antal Ez, the 40th Anniversary edition uses a lighter—more rigid anodized-magnesium tweeter for higher efficiency, lower distortion, and better directivity

Takeaway: The Triangle Antal 40th Anniversary is a well-balanced and beautiful loudspeaker with a stunning midrange that provides a musical and engaging listening experience. Its clarity, expansive soundstage, and beautiful design make it a great addition to any audiophile's setup

Video review

Our take on the brand

Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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