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 build quality with all-aluminum cabinets
- High sensitivity of 93dB, making them easy to drive with a variety of amplifiers
- Tremendous dynamics
- Bass that others close in size could not dream of providing
- Clean, dynamic, and sophisticated sound with warmth and emotion, and a well-balanced tonality
Product Considerations
- Very heavy at 100 pounds each
- Do not come with grilles
- Might not be as stable as some competitor speakers, even with the feet installed
- Brutally simple and minimalist design might not appeal to everyone
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4: Both are open-sounding, dynamic and engaging, but the Stenheim Alumine Two.Five has punchier bass
- Vs Magico A3: Comparable (perhaps a small increment better) dynamics, but are more expensive overall
Takeaway: The Stenheim Alumine Two.Five is a high-performance speaker that delivers evolved musical resolution and can fit into smaller spaces. It is easy to drive and makes the music important by getting out of the way.
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
Alumine Two.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: Passive 2-way floor-standing speaker
- Drivers: 2x 16.5cm (6.5") woofers, 1x 2.6cm (1") softdome tweeter
- Design: Front bass reflex
- Sensitivity: 93dB SPL, half space
- Power handling: 125W RMS, 250W Peak
- Minimum recommended power: 10W
- Frequency response: 35Hz to 30kHz
- Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms
- Dimensions: Height 94.5cm (37.2") x Width 23cm (9") x Depth 27.5cm (10.8")
- Weight: 45kg (100lbs) each
- Finish: Available in metallic Light Grey or Dark Grey with black front and rear
- Warranty: 5 years
Description
The all-new Alumine Two.Five is the exciting latest addition to the Alumine range. It is the first floorstander in the line-up and slots between the bookshelf Alumine Two and the floorstanding Alumine Three.
The all-new Alumine Two.Five is the exciting latest addition to the Alumine range. It is the first floorstander in the line‑up and slots between the bookshelf Alumine Two and the floorstanding Alumine Three.
The iconic Alumine Two changed speaker design and redefined what was possible from a bookshelf speaker. It achieved this by combining elements that have served as the basis for every Stenheim speaker since: aluminum cabinets, highly efficient drivers and sophisticated crossovers that are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. The Alumine Two achieves its astonishing musicality partly by virtue of being a two‑way design, the crossover only having to deal with two drivers, the tweeter and the bass.
In audio, simplicity is the holy grail but extremely difficult to achieve. Now the Alumine Two.Five takes these same design concepts and applies them to a floorstanding cabinet for greater internal volume and bass extension. The design is still a two‑way, eschewing the compromises that may result from a more complicated crossover required to handle multiple different drivers.
The purity and simplicity that created the success of the Alumine Two is maintained, but the double bass drivers ensure room‑filling sound in larger spaces whilst giving greater extension in the low frequencies. The easily driven Alumine Two.Five is suitable for a wide range of high‑quality amplificatio...
The iconic Alumine Two changed speaker design and redefined what was possible from a bookshelf speaker. It achieved this by combining elements that have served as the basis for every Stenheim speaker since: aluminum cabinets, highly efficient drivers and sophisticated crossovers that are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. The Alumine Two achieves its astonishing musicality partly by virtue of being a two‑way design, the crossover only having to deal with two drivers, the tweeter and the bass.
In audio, simplicity is the holy grail but extremely difficult to achieve. Now the Alumine Two.Five takes these same design concepts and applies them to a floorstanding cabinet for greater internal volume and bass extension. The design is still a two‑way, eschewing the compromises that may result from a more complicated crossover required to handle multiple different drivers.
The purity and simplicity that created the success of the Alumine Two is maintained, but the double bass drivers ensure room‑filling sound in larger spaces whilst giving greater extension in the low frequencies. The easily driven Alumine Two.Five is suitable for a wide range of high‑quality amplificatio...
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:
- Stenheim designs and manufactures speakers featuring robust aluminum enclosures, achieved through precision CNC machining and internal bracing, to minimize cabinet resonance and maximize internal volume.
- These speakers uniquely combine traditional driver materials like coated silk-dome tweeters and pulp-cone woofers with the modern, high-rigidity aluminum cabinets, providing a balance of warmth, detail, and dynamic expression.
- They are intentionally designed with high sensitivity and a stable impedance, making them relatively easy to drive with a wide range of amplifiers, including low-powered tube amplifiers.
- Stenheim emphasizes a strategic collaboration with driver manufacturers like PHL, allowing them to precisely tailor driver specifications, mechanical characteristics, and surface coatings to meet their desired sonic signature.
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Select product comparisons
Alumine Three
- Positioning: The compact, high-quality speaker in the Stenheim lineup, offering a more accessible entry point for audiophiles.
- Description: Delivers exceptional sound quality in a compact form, making it ideal for smaller rooms or those seeking portability. It shares core technologies with the Alumine Five, such as high efficiency and aluminum construction, but its smaller size allows for high performance at a lower price point, making it suitable for those with budget constraints or limited space.
Reference Ultime Two
- Positioning: The most compact model in the Reference line, designed for larger spaces and powerful systems.
- Description: Offers deep bass and dynamic sound, ideal for filling large rooms with captivating audio. It features a full d'Appolito design and advanced cabinet construction, providing deeper bass and better transient response than the Alumine series.
Reference Ultime Three
- Positioning: A high-end floorstanding speaker in the Reference line, designed for large spaces and ultimate sound quality.
- Description: Delivers a massive, cohesive soundstage with deep bass and high-frequency clarity, ideal for large rooms and immersive listening experiences. It features a complex driver array and optional active crossover, offering more detailed and authentic sound compared to the Reference Ultime Two.
Statement
- Positioning: The flagship model in the Stenheim lineup, offering the pinnacle of audio performance and design.
- Description: Provides groundbreaking sound rendition with exceptional dynamics and a natural soundstage, suitable for the most discerning audiophiles. It features a complex multi-way system with active crossovers and motorized angle adjustment, offering the most advanced technology and performance in the lineup, making it ideal for those seeking the ultimate in sound quality and willing to invest significantly in their audio system.
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Avg. Product Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used For Sale
4
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
312
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
9
Founding Year
2010
Our take on the brand
Stenheim is a hifi speaker brand known for its aluminum enclosures and minimalist, Bauhaus-inspired design that appeals to both audiophiles and art lovers. Their speakers feature high sensitivity for compatibility with low-powered tube amplifiers and use paper and fabric cone drivers for a natural sound, setting them apart from brands that use ceramic or metal drivers.
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Stenheim
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What if you spend more?
Kii
Three BXT
31155
31155
/
6
Reviews
Elegant and powerful, our BXT turns any pair of Kii THREE into unrivaled floor-standing speakers.
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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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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YG Acoustics
Carmel 3
30374
30374
/
4
Reviews
Our Reference range demonstrates the very best that can be achieved in accuracy and musicality. We are honored that these models are some of the most awarded loudspeakers in the world. They combine advanced materials with cutting edge science and engineering. They are designed without compromise, with the singular aim of transporting listeners into the heart of the music.
Carmel 3 delivers the highest accuracy and musicality possible from a compact two-channel loudspeaker. We have applied many of our technologies from the XV, Sonja and Hailey to a compact form factor that is compatible with any room. Carmel 3 throws a huge sound-stage with effortless detail. Incredible delicacy is combined with huge power and authority.
The Reference speakers are structured from high-grade aerospace aluminum, machined in-house to an incredible precision. The speakers are meticulously hand-built by experts in our Colorado workshop. The Reference 3 models include new technologies and design innovations based on novel theoretical models, detailed multi-domain simulations and thousands of hours of listening. The end result: loudspeakers which convey every nuance of emotion, each musical cue from the tiniest microdetail to the visceral impact of the most thunderous crescendo.
An entirely new, hybrid Lattice tweeter uses a novel airframe in a specially-selected aerospace alloy, machined by YG Acoustics. It delivers exceptionally low distortion over a huge bandwidth, with wide angular dispersion to support a large sweet-spot. Groundbreaking, third-generation Ultracoherent crossovers apply a deep understanding from simulation to deliver performance never before possible. Our BilletCore drivers use advanced motors and cones machined in-house from solid billet, offering some of the highest performance and lowest distortion in any driver available today.
YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with precision-machined aluminum alloy cabinets minimizing resonances
- Striking dynamic punch and surprising low-end power for its size, with tight, controlled bass
- Presents a vivid, lifelike midrange and highs with extraordinary detail, scalpel-sharp resolution, and refinement
- Wide dispersion from the tweeter leads to seamless integration and a larger listening sweet spot
- Tonally balanced with a pleasing, slightly colored sound that avoids harshness, making it versatile across genres
Product Considerations
- Can be ultra-fussy about recording and system quality, highlighting deficiencies in less-than-perfect recordings
- Requires high-quality partnering equipment to achieve peak performance and reveal its capabilities fully
- While not particularly difficult to drive, it benefits from an amplifier with plenty of muscle
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Carmel 3 surpasses the Magico S1MK2 as an absolute favorite two-way speaker
- The Carmel 3 is more revealing of recording flaws, while the Audiovector R 6 Arreté smooths over some imperfections
- Rivals such as Wilson Benesch reveal at least as much as the Carmel 3, including the odd hard edge to sound, but don't focus on it—YG seems to want to highlight every deficiency rather than give a more balanced view of the recording
Takeaway: The Carmel 3 is a compact yet powerful speaker that delivers exceptional detail and dynamic sound, making it a great fit for audiophiles who want a high-end listening experience in small- to medium-sized rooms. Its ability to reveal the nuances in music makes listening sessions consistently engaging and enjoyable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
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PIEGA
Coax Gen2 811
34995
34995
/
1
Reviews
PIEGA is a hifi speaker brand that uses aluminum cabinets and Air Motion Transformer tweeters to achieve better sound quality than traditional speaker designs. The brand is known for making compact speakers that perform like much larger ones, with their TMicro 40 model reaching deep bass notes down to 50Hz despite its small size.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Engaging, naturalistic presentation
- The coaxial ribbon midrange and tweeter contribute to vocal transparency and distinctiveness
- Robust bass foundation
- Uncanny lack of cabinet resonance coloration
- Connectivity options...
Product Considerations
- The reviewer had difficulty reattaching the grilles after removing them
- The brushed aluminum finish might suggest an icy sound signature that isn't accurate
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 811s sometimes reminded the reviewer of the Raidho TD3.8s in their sound presentation
Takeaway: The Piega Coax 811 Gen2 speakers offer great vocal transparency and robust bass, making them enjoyable for critical listening. Their engaging and natural sound is worth the investment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
PIEGA is a hifi speaker brand that uses aluminum cabinets and Air Motion Transformer tweeters to achieve better sound quality than traditional speaker designs. The brand is known for making compact speakers that perform like much larger ones, with their TMicro 40 model reaching deep bass notes down to 50Hz despite its small size.
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Bowers & Wilkins
802 D4
31000
31000
/
13
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
- 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.
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What competes at this price?
Voxativ
ALBERICH2
29900
/
Released
2024
The Alberich2 system is completely made of Metal. This loudspeaker consists of two handcrafted components: A set of Voxativ Hagen2 Metal monitors equipped with Voxativ AF-2B drivers which then sits upon a Voxativ Alberich2 Metal bass module. Both housings are completely made from Aluminium plates that are properly welded together. No wood is on this speaker system. The weight is 182 lbs (90kg).
Voxativ is a Berlin-based hifi brand that handcrafts single-driver loudspeakers without crossovers, resulting in more coherent sound reproduction through their field coil drivers. Their speakers are specifically designed for audiophiles who prefer tube amplification, as their high-efficiency drivers perform exceptionally well with low-powered amplifiers.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The revised Hagen2 is purpose-tuned as part of the Alberich2 system, which improves the sound
- Ripol subs are faster and better tuned than other available subs
- Compact double decker packs the aces on bandwidth, LF control, and cosmetic footprint
- Physical separation of bass bin from light-coned main driver
- Dedicated bass volume control and adjustable filter hinge for in-room tonal balance
Product Considerations
- Client complained of the total cost when added to Hagen2 pair
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Alberich2 is head-on competitive with Cube Audio's Nenuphar v2, packs the aces on bandwidth, LF control, and cosmetic footprint
Takeaway: The ALBERICH2, when combined with the Hagen2, creates a purpose-tuned speaker system that improves the sound. The ability to adjust bass volume and filter settings allows for tonal balance, and its size is compact for its class.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Voxativ is a Berlin-based hifi brand that handcrafts single-driver loudspeakers without crossovers, resulting in more coherent sound reproduction through their field coil drivers. Their speakers are specifically designed for audiophiles who prefer tube amplification, as their high-efficiency drivers perform exceptionally well with low-powered amplifiers.
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Bowers & Wilkins
803 D4
25000
/
Released
2022
803 D4 may be notably more compact than the 801 D4 or 802 D4, but it still bristles with technical innovation, most obviously in its use of a three-box construction. Its 130mm (5-in) midrange cone is carefully isolated from the impact of its bass cones thanks to its Turbine Head enclosure.
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
- 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
/
Released
2022
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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Our Summary
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
/
Released
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.
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
/
Released
2023
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.
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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