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

  • Produces a beautiful and natural sound with transparency, revealing the heart and sheer beauty of the music
  • Offers powerful and clean bass, going lower than many large speakers
  • Has excellent imaging capabilities, creating a three-dimensional soundstage with fully formed instruments and voices
  • Well-built with high-quality materials, showcasing superb levels of finish and elegant design, with hand-polished wood from Italy
  • Incorporates advanced technology, including redesigned drivers, a unique midrange sub-enclosure ('Intono'), and a 'Stealth Ultraflex' porting system for improved bass

Product Considerations

  • The graphite finish, while conservative, might be preferred over black in some home theater situations, as it provides depth and color variation
  • The grilles require a firm grip when removing or tensioning the strings into position

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to previous generations of Amati, the G5 has fewer weaknesses, with improved bass authority and the ability to handle a wider range of musical genres
  • The sound is bigger compared to the Serafino, making it more suitable for larger rooms

Takeaway: The Amati G5 produces amazing sound and allows you to connect with the emotion of your music. It's a well-engineered piece of audio equipment with a beautiful design.

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

Amati G5

reviews

[{"title":"Sonus faber Amati G5: sounds better than it looks","link":"https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/sonus-faber-amati-g5-sound-and-looks","source":"The Ear","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Sonus faber Homage Amati G5 Loudspeaker","link":"https://www.hifinews.com/content/sonus-faber-homage-amati-g5-loudspeaker","source":"Hi-Fi News","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"WORLD PREMIER REVIEW: Sonus Faber Amati G5","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BaPmXs80P0","source":"Audio Excellence Canada","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Sonus faber Amati 5th Generation Speakers | The Iconic New Homage Collection Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtt1WW56kGg","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • System: 3.5 way, Midrange sealed box with Intono, Woofers vented box "Stealth Ultraflex" system
  • Sensitivity: 91 dB SPL (2.83V/1 m)
  • Frequency response: 28 Hz – 35000 Hz
The flagship of the Sonus faber Homage collection, Amati draws inspiration from the artistry of violin craftsmanship. Uniting artistic form and musical function, the 5th generation of Amati is infused with new technology and stunning detail.
Inspired by Italian renaissance violin maker Nicolò Amati.

The fifth generation of the Amati loudspeaker pays tribute to artistic form and musical function.

A LEGACY OF SONIC PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN

The flagship of the Sonus faber Homage collection, Amati draws inspiration from the artistry of violin craftsmanship. Uniting artistic form and musical function, the 5th generation of Amati is infused with new technology and stunning detail.

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

Amati speakers feature lute-shaped cabinets with graceful curves, optimizing elegance and acoustics. Handcrafted in Vicenza, Italy, they use nine layers of wood, grain-matched and adorned with nine layers of fine lacquer. Meticulous handcrafting guarantees quality and elegance, echoing Sonus faber's woodwork tradition.

ENHANCED WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

Amati G5 incorporates essential Sonus faber technologies from the Homage collection. It features a striking midrange driver and woofer powered by advanced Neodymium magnets for precise midrange control. The redesigned woofer is equipped with ultra-light voice coils for improved speed and power, ensuring long-lasting, detailed sound without distortion.
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:

  • The brand distinguishes itself through its "Lute" shaped cabinet design, aimed at minimizing internal resonances and optimizing sound dispersion.
  • Sonus Faber tunes its speakers to be relatively neutral and non-fatiguing, yet also rich and full, making them enjoyable for long listening sessions across various music genres.
  • Sonus Faber leverages its Italian heritage by incorporating materials like leather, wood, and sometimes concrete, into its designs, creating visually striking products.

Lumina V Amator

  • Positioning: A slender 3-way floorstanding speaker designed for those seeking powerful, immersive sound in a compact form.
  • Description: Impresses with its upgraded crossover network, enhancing the listening experience with improved frequency response. Compared to the Sonetto VIII, it offers a more compact design suitable for smaller spaces, while still delivering robust sound. Its use of iconic Sonus Faber materials like wood and leather provides a luxurious feel, making it ideal for those with a moderate budget seeking high-quality aesthetics and performance.

Sonetto VIII

  • Positioning: The flagship model of the Sonetto collection, representing a high-end luxury speaker with a focus on natural sound.
  • Description: Stands out with its use of a bespoke cork chamber to enhance midrange clarity, a feature borrowed from the flagship Suprema. It offers a powerful 3-way design, making it suitable for larger rooms compared to the Lumina V Amator.

Olympica Nova V

  • Positioning: The flagship of the Olympica Nova collection, embodying Sonus Faber's Natural Sound signature.
  • Description: Features a 3-way ported tower design with three woofers for powerful low frequencies, setting it apart from the Sonetto VIII's 3-way design. Its asymmetrical lute-shaped cabinet minimizes internal resonances, offering a purer sound.

Serafino

  • Positioning: Part of the Homage collection, offering a balance of artistry and sonic excellence.
  • Description: Incorporates upgraded drivers and a refined crossover, delivering a soundstage that captures the essence of live performances. Compared to the Amati, it offers a more compact design while still providing a rich, full sound.

Amati

  • Positioning: The flagship of the Homage collection, inspired by the artistry of violin craftsmanship.
  • Description: Features advanced Neodymium magnets and ultra-light voice coils for precise sound control, distinguishing it from the Serafino's design. Its elegant lute-shaped cabinet and meticulous craftsmanship make it a top choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience.

Suprema

  • Positioning: The pinnacle of Sonus Faber's design, representing the most ambitious project in their lineup.
  • Description: Features a sophisticated four-column system, including two main columns and two subwoofers. Its innovative combination of drivers and external electronic crossover sets it apart from the Amati and other models.
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Avg. Product Price
$30,001-$40,000
Used For Sale
71
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
33
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
42
Founding Year
1983

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.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Sonus Faber
Stradivari G2
50000
50000
/
1
Reviews

An Iconic Legacy Redesigned

Designed in honor of Antonio Stradivari, the second generation of Stradivari is steeped in tradition - yet reinvented with modern innovation and elegance.

A FINE INSTRUMENT

The violins of Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari are universally celebrated as some of the finest ever crafted. Stradivari's commitment to precision, artistry, and innovation continue to be reflected in this new generation of the Stradivari loudspeaker.

Released twenty years after the original design to the HiFi world by storm, the evolution of Stradivari coincides with Sonus faber's 40th anniversary, emphasizing our commitment to both honoring our roots and staying on the forefront of acoustical engineering.

DEDICATION TO PROGRESS AND INGENUITY

Stradivari takes inspiration from the Italian Renaissance violin making tradition. In the eighteenth century, advancements in violin making challenged classical rules by enlarging the instrument's shape to create a unique tone.

Similarly, the reintroduction of the Stradivari speaker uses the latest advancement in audio technology to widen and enhance the soundstage. With cutting-edge engineering in low-frequency management, one of Stradivari's most distinctive features is the ability to adjust the woofers to the size of the room, individually adapting pristine sound to every unique space.

TRADITIONAL DESIGN WITH A MODERN TOUCH

Stradivari maintains the legacy of meticulous woodworking and artisanship at the heart of every Sonus faber product. Seven layers of lacquer result in a rich red finish that covers the entire body of the Stradivari. The iconic front soundboard evokes the artistry of timeless wood-crafted musical instruments with modern influences woven in through interspersed aluminum architecture.

The design of the Stradivari maximizes the power of low frequencies with a unique design that expands the soundstage. Through careful simulations and adaptations run by our Research and Design team, the non-parallel walls within the acoustic chamber of the woofers prevent the formation of standing waves above the tuned frequencies. The result is the highest quality sound reproduction with our signature Natural Sound.

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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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • The second-generation Stradivari has a new shape and up-to-date tech, but captures the spirit of the original loudspeakers from 20 years ago
  • The new Stradivari has been "artistically redesigned and technologically improved" with premium woodwork and first-rate finishes
  • The speaker's approach to low-frequency management includes adjustable woofers that allow the listener to tweak the Stradivari's bass output to suit the size of the listening room
  • The Tripod DAD Arrow Point tweeter reportedly results in greater high-frequency dispersion and control, even at higher volumes
  • The midrange driver benefits from Sonus faber's "Intono Technology," which guarantees the most natural possible reproduction of the midrange frequencies

Product Considerations

  • The original Stradivari speaker launched 20 years ago, and in the intervening decades, Sonus faber has moved away from the wide-baffled, shallow-bodied design of that speaker, focusing instead on designs with somewhat more conventional proportions
  • The poetic language used to describe the technology is probably the result of a translation from Italian

Takeaway: The Stradivari is a beautifully designed speaker with innovative technology, offering an adjustable and tailored listening experience. Its blend of classic aesthetics and modern audio advancements makes it a unique product.

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
Bowers & Wilkins
801 D4 Signature
55000
55000
/
14
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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Product Strengths

  • Each detail of the Signature has been carefully crafted and sees numerous updates over the standard 801, including crossover upgrades and a modified cabinet with a refined downward firing port
  • The bass presentation on the 801 Signature was better across the board, it was tighter, a little more pronounced and forward, and definitely more defined
  • Bass goes beyond just hitting the low notes, the woofers showcase some of the clearest, most audible detail and texture
  • Vocalists and actors have better inflection, greater scale, and detail playing at low volumes
  • When properly set up, the Signature is one of the most holographic windows to music experienced
  • Speakers need power, the Arcam was impressive and even got the 801s to play loud, but the Macintosh MC312 made the Signature sound flow-like water

Product Considerations

  • The Signature's impedance fluctuates wildly, ranging from a nominal 8 ohms and dipping lower than 3, so you need an amplifier that does more than just work
  • Placement matters: if placed too close to the wall, the bass response became too pronounced and even boomy at times
  • The Signature can come off as bright, and in extreme cases, it might be fatiguing to some
  • Poor recordings won't get a free pass, there's bound to be a track or two that's going to leave your playlist rotation

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Klipsch La Scala, both speakers excel at the recreation of space in true-to-life dynamics
  • Compared to the Wharfedale Elysian 4, the Elysian doesn't play as deep, is richer in the mid-range, and nowhere near as extended up top, so it's not the Signature's equal
  • Compared to the Wilson Audio Want Puppy, the two speakers are similar in size, driver complement, build and finish quality, price, and target market
  • Compared to the SVS Titan, the Titans sound two-dimensional and fat, compared to the Signature's far more realistic and natural-sounding bass
  • Compared to the KEF R11 Meta, the Signature's beefy presence makes for a far grander statement

Takeaway: The 801 Signature is a speaker that elevates the listening experience to another level because it is designed with incredible attention to detail. It will be an emotional and immersive experience to own these speakers.

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
801 D4
42000
42000
/
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

  • Powerful and deep bass with fast transient attack and rich tonal shades
  • Sweeter-sounding tweeter that integrates more fluidly with the midrange without sacrificing detail
  • Balanced and coherent presentation across the frequency range
  • Sounds are reproduced with clarity, detail, and dynamic contrasts
  • Impressive soundstage imaging with accurately-sized images, providing a wide, tall, and deep soundstage

Product Considerations

  • High-quality amplification with plenty of power is required, designed for use with amplifiers of up to 1000W
  • Due to its size and the power it requires, it needs to be placed in a large room
  • The weight of over 100 kg per speaker can make placement difficult—requiring assistance for lifting and maneuvering, especially on non-smooth surfaces
  • The grilles can be a tricky fit

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs 800 D3: Faster and tighter bass register with a sweeter-sounding tweeter and improved decoupling
  • Vs 802 D4: More bass, the 802 D4 had better blend

Takeaway:

The 801 D4 is a high-performance speaker known for its powerful and nuanced sound, exceptional imaging, and refined design, and it is capable of delivering a captivating listening experience. It is worth the investment for audiophiles who want detail and high-quality sound.

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
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Wilson Audio
Alexia V
71000
71000
/
9
Reviews

Form Follows FunctionV-Material is nested in the top of the woofer and midrange enclosures for increased vibration mitigation and control. By using X-Material throughout all three modules, and methodically refining the internal bracing and panel thicknesses, Wilson Audio's Engineers have enhanced enclosure damping to a new standard for this product category.

Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
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Product Strengths

  • Alexia V brings many of the qualities of the Chronosonic XVX to a smaller and more affordable loudspeaker
  • Spectacular bass performance delivers powerful weight and muscularity without sounding thick or overblown
  • Midrange shares harmonic beauty and warmth with the XVX, offering smoothness and ease
  • The Alexia V presents real life to the listener in a way that previous versions cannot match
  • Every detail of the design and build exudes the highest level of quality and craftsmanship

Product Considerations

  • Premium-priced, putting it out of reach for many music lovers
  • Alexia V sounds a bit more forward, incisive, and "extraverted" compared to the XVX

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Alexia V shares many sonic characteristics with the Chronosonic XVX, but sounds a bit more forward, incisive, and 'extraverted', the XVX is more subtle, refined, darker in tonal balance, and 'bigger' sounding
  • Alexia V is unequivocally superior to the Series 2 in every way

Takeaway: The Alexia V brings many of the best qualities from Wilson Audio's top-of-the-line speakers into a more manageable size and price point. The sound is both powerful and refined, making listening to music an engaging experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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What competes at this price?

Bowers & Wilkins
802 D4
31000
/
Released
2021
Built to similar proportions as the flagship 801 D4, the 802 D4 offers much of the performance of its sibling, including the same Turbine™ Head enclosure for its midrange drive unit, yet is more affordable overall.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality with meticulous sanding, polishing, and assembly
  • High level of detail reproduction with a clean and uncolored treble, thanks to the diamond tweeter
  • Stable and efficient design with a wide frequency range and high sensitivity
  • Iconic design with a teardrop-shaped cabinet to minimize diffraction and internal Matrix skeleton to reduce resonances
  • Delivers music with extremely low distortion, allowing complex passages to breathe freely

Product Considerations

  • Wheels underneath may mark parquet floors
  • May lack some punch and dynamics in the mid-bass for some listeners
  • Setup can benefit from careful physical adjustments for optimal performance
  • Grills may be compelling as toys for young children

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The 802 D4 is more musically compelling than the 802 D3
  • The 802 D4 delivers more accuracy, especially in the mids and highs, than the 800 D2/D3
  • The 802 D4 has an advantage in airiness, transparency and resolution, though the KEF Blade Two Meta has more brutal dynamics
  • The 802 D4 has less exaggerated sibilance, though the Focal Sopra No3 is more powerful in the midrange

Takeaway: The 802 D4 is an ultra high-end speaker that combines advanced technology and top-shelf materials, delivering exceptional detail and a clean soundstage for an immersive listening experience. It is a speaker that may fill the soul with music.

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
Focal
Diva Utopia
39999
/
Released
2024
DIVA UTOPIA combines the best of Focal Acoustics and Naim Electronics. This active bass-reflex speaker offers high-quality sound, the latest wireless technologies, and extensive connectivity for exceptional listening experiences. Whether it's music, movies, or video games, it revolutionises home listening and frees you from all constraints. With DIVA UTOPIA and its unique design, simply plug in, connect, and enjoy the pure sound of Focal.
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Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent clarity, detail resolution, and agility in sound reproduction
  • Impressive bass definition and punch, delivering huge amounts of bass effortlessly
  • Combines muscularity, insight, scale, and attack for an engaging listening experience
  • Design is unique and striking, with impeccable build quality and a flawless finish
  • Offers extensive specification and numerous control options, all implemented expertly

Product Considerations

  • Sonic presentation might be a little too 'safe' or 'civilizing', potentially losing some of the vibrant energy in music
  • Lacks some features compared to competitors regarding connectivity and adjustability
  • Requires a large listening space to avoid overpowering the room
  • The provided remote casing feels cheap and insubstantial compared to the overall package
  • Room correction (ADAPT) is not as automated or precise as some other systems and the application may crash

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: KEF LS60 offers more flexibility, including a subwoofer output, but at higher volumes, Focal Diva is the clear winner
  • Vs Bang & Olufsen Beolab 90: Beolab 90 is in a league of its own and provides a more complete audio experience
  • Vs Scala Utopia Evo: Diva Utopia is cheaper in the long run, as the Scala Utopia Evo needs additional components, such as Naim Classic components
  • Vs Diablo Utopia Color Evos: The Color Evos may represent the ultimate Focal experience

Takeaway: The Diva Utopia is an all-in-one speaker with impressive sound that expertly combines performance and design. It offers a unique blend of luxury and high-end audio quality that can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a simplified audiophile experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Kii
Three BXT
31155
/
Released
The Kii THREE BXT system is an exceptional upgrade designed to enhance any Kii THREE setup's acoustical accuracy and clarity. This system adds eight extra drivers and a powerful 2,000 watts of amplification per speaker (16 drivers and 7,000 watts total per pair) in a sleek floor-standing module. It extends the range and sound pressure level of the Kii THREE and preserves its unique room-friendly cardioid system for precise, proper directionality.
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Kii Audio's unique "Active Wave Focusing" technology creates a cardioid pattern that minimizes room reflections and directs sound energy forward, allowing their speakers to maintain consistent sound quality even when placed near walls or corners. Each Kii THREE speaker uses six custom Ncore amplifiers and multiple DACs with advanced DSP processing to deliver full-range sound from a compact design that outperforms much larger systems.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • When combined with the BXT module, the system delivers tight, dynamic, and nuanced bass reproduction
  • The addition of the BXT allows the system to reveal subtle details in the lower frequencies that are typically missed
  • The BXT system offers a balanced sound, with the midrange frequencies benefiting from the addition of the BXT module
  • Are relieved of some bass duties, letting them focus more on the mids
  • The combination with the BXT module creates a cardioid dispersion pattern, reducing reflections from side and rear walls—minimizing the influence of room acoustics
  • Ease of use is another strength of the concept

Product Considerations

  • Some perceive it as sounding 'too digital' or 'too analytical' on its own, lacking the warmth of other speakers, but the BXT module helps to address this
  • The display on the Kii Control is considered small, making it difficult to read in poor lighting conditions

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus ATC speakers, ATC speakers have a warmer, more colorful sound

Takeaway: The system, especially when paired with the BXT module, delivers exceptional sound quality with deep, controlled bass and reduced room interaction. For those wanting a system with great clarity and power, this could be a good pick.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Kii Audio's unique "Active Wave Focusing" technology creates a cardioid pattern that minimizes room reflections and directs sound energy forward, allowing their speakers to maintain consistent sound quality even when placed near walls or corners. Each Kii THREE speaker uses six custom Ncore amplifiers and multiple DACs with advanced DSP processing to deliver full-range sound from a compact design that outperforms much larger systems.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Klipsch
Jubilee
35998
/
Released
2022
The Klipsch Jubilee is founder Paul W. Klipsch's (PWK) final project. His dream was to create a loudspeaker to satisfy even the most ardent audiophiles. Originally intended to be the successor to the Klipschorn, PWK soon realized it was much more than that.
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Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Extraordinary bass response that goes down to 18 hertz
  • They play quietly very well, maintaining detail and presence even at low volumes
  • The sound is dynamic and powerful, with an effortless quality
  • They don't sound like horns
  • Wide soundstage, and imaging is precise and focused

Product Considerations

  • At $36,000 a pair, the Jubilee speakers represent a significant financial investment
  • The DSP has the potential for problems
  • A larger room where the speakers can be placed further apart and further away would improve the sound further
  • The speaker is large, which may pose aesthetic or practical challenges for some rooms

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Jubilee is considered a step up from the Klipschorn
  • The Jubilee is a whole different thing than the Klipsch Cornwall
  • Jubilee tends to have better bottom end and better top end than the Klipschorn

Takeaway: The Klipsch Jubilee is a unique speaker that sounds great and can fill a large room with ease. It offers a powerful and dynamic listening experience that is different from other speakers.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Wilson Audio
The WATT/Puppy
38500
/
Released
2024
Introducing a remastering to one of, if not the most, iconic loudspeaker designs: The WATT/Puppy. Inspired by the original WATT/Puppy's legacy, the development of this instantly recognizable design began with a hopeful vision: to create a WATT/Puppy that would honor the original designer by utilizing current technologies and innovations refined for more than 50 years. Simply put, to build a WATT/Puppy that Dave Wilson would have built if he had the resources then that Wilson Audio now possesses.
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Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Remarkable soundstage width and depth, creating a vivid and immersive listening experience
  • Excellent detail retrieval and clarity across the frequency spectrum
  • Powerful and controlled bass response
  • Evolutionary transmutation that embodies Wilson Audio's entire current philosophies and peak technologies

Product Considerations

  • The price point may be a limiting factor for some potential buyers, especially given the proximity to the Sasha V's price
  • Requires careful setup and positioning to achieve optimal performance
  • Bass response may be overblown at times

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sabrina X: The WATT/Puppy clearly betters the Sabrina X
  • Vs Sasha V: Uses identical drivers but the Sasha V deploys larger cabinetry
  • The Wat Puppy is a little dog that is demanding of attention versus the Sasha—which is effortless
  • Vs Watt Puppy System 8: The WATT/Puppy outperforms the System 8 in every area, from low frequency extension and slam, to soundstage depth and width

Takeaway: The WATT/Puppy is a high-performing speaker system that combines advanced technology with a legacy design to provide a detailed and engaging listening experience. Its ability to create a wide and deep soundstage while maintaining clarity and control makes it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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