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

  • Well-balanced speakers provide reference sound reproduction in a very neutral and transparent manner
  • The system lacked nothing in terms of authority or clarity and delivered a thoroughly convincing performance
  • The Reference module's MTM array is on a remote-controlled pivot, so the mids and highs can be actively adjusted for listening position

Product Considerations

  • The room may need to be larger, as the open living room was still too small for the Statement, and only 10% power was being supplied to the bass modules
  • The Reference/Statement monoliths are not inexpensive

Takeaway: The Stenheim Reference speakers deliver a reference sound reproduction in a neutral and transparent manner, and the remote-controlled pivot for the mids and highs allows for easy adjustments. The audience was convincingly transported into a live show.

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

Reference Statement

reviews

[{"title":"A visit with the Stenheim Reference Statement","link":"https://pt.audio/2015/11/27/a-visit-with-the-stenheim-reference-statement","source":"pt.audio","datePublished":"2015"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency response: 10Hz to 100kHz
  • Power handling: Sub Tower: 3600W, Bass section: 1400W, Medium-tweeter section: 250W
  • System total power: more than 10,000W
  • Nominal impedance: 4 Ohms
  • Sensitivity: 96dB SPL/2.83V/1m
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 189cm x 37cm x 56cm (74.4" x 14.5" x 22")
  • Weight: 4 x 300kg (661.4lbs) including Ultimate Reference Stands
  • Drivers: 2 x 13" high excursion woofers, 4 x 16.5cm (6.5") neodymium medium drivers, 2 x neodymium tweeters, 2 x Ribbon supertweeters
The nec plus ultra. This speaker system was created in pure and well-studied lines to create not only a superb look, but unparalleled sound rendition, based on the concept behind the already well-reputed Reference. It will enthral future owners with its exceptional dynamics and musicality, its three-dimensional space and vibrantly alive, natural soundstage.
This speaker system was created in pure and well-studied lines to create not only a superb look, but unparalleled sound rendition, based on the concept behind the already well-reputed Reference. It will enthral future owners with its exceptional dynamics and musicality, its three-dimensional space and vibrantly alive, natural soundstage. Then there's its flawless rendering of any genre of music, along with impressive sound levels from the deepest bass to the highest notes. The Reference Statement is also remarkable in its exceptional ease-of-use, thanks to remote operation of the MTM couple (medium tweeter) diffusion angle. The sub tower extends the range of the deepest bass allowing the wideband Reference to reproduce the entire spectrum of high bass with even more dynamics and control. It also adapts to all amplification systems and rooms, thanks to a medium-bass and sub-bass frequency filter included in a separate unit that is added between the pre-amps and the amps.
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.

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
$100,001+
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.

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
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

No items found.

What competes at this price?

Aries Cerat
Aurora
105000
/
Released
2022
The Aurora is our newest speaker design, carrying some trickle down technology from our top model the Contendo, as well as some newly developed technologies
Check Amazon
Aries Cerat is a hifi brand known for its use of oversized components and TriodeFet technology, which combines tube and solid-state designs to create a distinctive sound signature. Their products, including the Kassandra DAC and Symphonia horn speakers, are built with massive power handling capabilities and carefully selected drivers to deliver a muscular, dynamic sound that rivals top analogue systems.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Surprisingly free of horn colorations
  • Very rich, present, and neutrally balanced

Product Considerations

  • The reviewer was sitting too close to hear them at their best in the small room
  • Looking a bit like something the Borg might have invented

Takeaway: The Aries Cerat Aurora Reference is a unique, horn-loaded speaker that sounds surprisingly good. They were considered the most interesting and novel new speaker at the show.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Aries Cerat is a hifi brand known for its use of oversized components and TriodeFet technology, which combines tube and solid-state designs to create a distinctive sound signature. Their products, including the Kassandra DAC and Symphonia horn speakers, are built with massive power handling capabilities and carefully selected drivers to deliver a muscular, dynamic sound that rivals top analogue systems.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Linn
360
110180
/
Released
2023
360 is audibly invisible. It produces a performance with unprecedented clarity and realism, that's entirely absent of sonic colouration. Incorporating innovative drive unit and amplifier technologies, 360 turns out our lowest ever levels of audible distortion. The honed curves of its cabinet are partnered with meticulously matched drive units to deliver the cleanest possible dispersion characteristics.
Check Amazon
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent imaging, providing a strong stereo image for multiple listeners due to wide dispersion and Space Optimisation+
  • Flexible and capable of playing all kinds of music, getting out of the music's way, and suitable for both large and smaller rooms
  • Dynamic, detailed, and can play at a wide range of volume levels, from quiet listening to near PA levels
  • Features a new driver array, including a Beryllium dome tweeter, thin-ply woven carbon fiber midrange (used on NASA's Mars Rover), and aluminum-magnesium alloy bass units
  • Incorporates new amplifier technologies—'Power DAC' for the lower bass and 'Adaptive Bias Control' for the mid and treble—reducing distortion

Product Considerations

  • The midrange dome is exposed, which might be a concern with children
  • Owners of previous Linn systems may find the price difficult to accept
  • Some audiophiles may prefer Linn to trawl its past rather than building its future, and they will want an Isobarik
  • Some audiophiles may not be able to see past the LP12

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The 360 offers significantly improved imaging and soundstaging compared to the Klimax 350

Takeaway: The Linn 360 is a high-end loudspeaker that provides excellent sound quality and flexibility, making it a great choice for enjoying music with friends or for personal listening sessions. Its innovative design and technology deliver a detailed and immersive audio experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Steinway Lyngdorf
Model C
100800
/
Released
2024
The Model C speakers is for those who seek the live dipole sound and demand enhanced bass for music and movies. The formula is simple: take the legendary Model D, then scale down the footprint and add powerful boundary woofers. The result is an attention-grabbing statement system that sets a new standard for full-bodied bass reproduction.
Check Amazon
Steinway Lyngdorf is unique for its fully digital amplification technology and RoomPerfect system, which processes signals entirely in the digital domain and automatically adapts sound to any room's acoustics without requiring acoustic treatment. Their systems are built as closed ecosystems with components that must work together, featuring distinctive dipole speakers that emit sound from both front and back to mimic how Steinway pianos interact with a room.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Replicates the resonance of live instruments due to open speaker design
  • Digital from source to driver, minimizing sound distortion
  • Provides audio output so precise you can pinpoint each instrument's location

Product Considerations

  • The only weak link might be musical taste

Takeaway: The Model C delivers incredibly precise audio, replicating live instrument resonance with minimal distortion. If pure sound is desired, and taste in music aligns, it is a great pick.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Steinway Lyngdorf is unique for its fully digital amplification technology and RoomPerfect system, which processes signals entirely in the digital domain and automatically adapts sound to any room's acoustics without requiring acoustic treatment. Their systems are built as closed ecosystems with components that must work together, featuring distinctive dipole speakers that emit sound from both front and back to mimic how Steinway pianos interact with a room.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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