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.
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 Ultime Three
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Configuration: 8 transducers in full d'Appolito configuration
- Woofers: 4 x 32 cm high excursion
- Midrange: 2 x 16.5 cm neodimium drivers
- Tweeter: 1 x neodimium tweeter
- Super Tweeter: 1 x ribbon (+ 1 x optional back-firing ribbon)
- Frequency Response (Active): 15Hz to 100KHz
- Frequency Response (Passive): 25Hz to 100KHz
- Power Handling (Passive): 1000 W RMS
- Power Handling (Active): Bass section: 1400 W RMS - Medium-tweeter section: 250 W RMS
- Nominal Impedance: 4 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 96dB SPL/2.83V/1m (active version)
- Dimensions: Height 167cm (65.7") x Width 37cm (14.5") x Depth 56cm (22")
- Weight: 240kg (529.1lbs) each
- Warranty: 5 years
Description
A gateway to sonic nirvana. Invite a full symphony orchestra into your listening room, transform your house into a reverberating, organ-filled cathedral, or immerse yourself in the smoky atmosphere of a club with your favourite jazz singer just feet away. The Reference Ultime Three supplies a musical experience of unrivalled power, clarity and intimacy. The Reference Ultime Three first wowed audiophiles in 2014 where, surprisingly, it was the successor to the comparatively diminutive Alumine Two. This latter iconic speaker introduced a new concept in speaker design, that of marrying sonically inert aluminium cabinets with high-efficiency drivers and sophisticated crossovers.
Invite a full symphony orchestra into your listening room, transform your house into a reverberating, organ-filled cathedral, or immerse yourself in the smoky atmosphere of a club with your favorite jazz singer just feet away. The Reference Ultime Three provides a musical experience of unrivaled power, clarity and intimacy.
The Reference Ultime Three first wowed audiophiles in 2014 where, surprisingly, it was the successor to the comparatively diminutive Alumine Two. This latter iconic speaker introduced a new concept in speaker design, that of marrying sonically inert aluminum cabinets with high-efficiency drivers and sophisticated crossovers. If this combination could revolutionize bookshelf speakers, could it do the same for the largest floorstanders? The answer was a resounding "yes".
This is a speaker capable of producing a massive, cohesive soundstage and the full sonic spectrum of recorded music. Bass response goes down to an earth-tremoring 15 Hz providing the deepest lows whilst the 100 kHz top end provides bell-like clarity in the upper reaches of musical performance. As with all Stenheim speakers, the aim and the achieved result is to let the music speak for itself with all the immediacy, dynamism and excitement of the original performance. Despite their size, these are speakers that do not request to be center stage. They are simply the conduits to the most enth...
The Reference Ultime Three first wowed audiophiles in 2014 where, surprisingly, it was the successor to the comparatively diminutive Alumine Two. This latter iconic speaker introduced a new concept in speaker design, that of marrying sonically inert aluminum cabinets with high-efficiency drivers and sophisticated crossovers. If this combination could revolutionize bookshelf speakers, could it do the same for the largest floorstanders? The answer was a resounding "yes".
This is a speaker capable of producing a massive, cohesive soundstage and the full sonic spectrum of recorded music. Bass response goes down to an earth-tremoring 15 Hz providing the deepest lows whilst the 100 kHz top end provides bell-like clarity in the upper reaches of musical performance. As with all Stenheim speakers, the aim and the achieved result is to let the music speak for itself with all the immediacy, dynamism and excitement of the original performance. Despite their size, these are speakers that do not request to be center stage. They are simply the conduits to the most enth...
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
$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.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Stenheim
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What if you spend more?
No items found.
What competes at this price?
Stenheim
Reference Ultime Two
165000
/
Released
2021
The Reference Ultime Two is the most compact speaker in the Reference line, but it is still considerably bigger than the Alumine Five and built to a different scale. It is designed for larger spaces and to front more powerful systems, to fill big rooms with dynamic, captivating sound that covers the full bandwidth, providing deeper bass than is possible with a smaller cabinet design.
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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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality
- Good sound quality
- Great value for the money
- Easy to use interface
- Offers connectivity options
Product Considerations
- May not suit all listeners
- No balanced outputs
Takeaway: Overall, a solid product for the price point. It delivers good performance and offers a user-friendly experience.
Video review
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.
Product Page
Product Page
YG Acoustics
Sonja 3.2
161825
/
Released
2023
Sonja 3.2 is a true, reference loudspeaker, delivering the life-like, natural sound which is the hallmark of YG. Capable delicate holographic imaging while still recreating concert scale audio, it is one of the very best loudspeakers in the world.
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.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality using aerospace-grade aluminum
- Creates a holographic soundstage
- Delivers every genre with exceptional clarity and authority
- The design strives to editorialize the signal as little as possible, letting the music flow
Product Considerations
- Substantial investment required
- Considerable weight—145kg per speaker
- Demands thoughtful amplifier matching, requiring a lot of power to shine
- Requires optimal room placement
Takeaway: The YG Acoustics Reference Sonja 3.2 speakers are a masterpiece of acoustic engineering, providing a realistic, precise, and effortless sound experience. If one wants to hear their favorite music at its best, these speakers could be worth the investment.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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
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.
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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.
Product Page
Product Page
YG Acoustics
XX
225800
/
Released
2024
Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of YG Acoustics, XX 3 is a unique product: an ultimate performance loudspeaker that will redefine what you think is possible. Benefitting from the latest in driver and crossover technology, it offers the highest possible sound quality from a single tower design. It is an acoustic, scientific and engineering marvel.
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.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality
- Incredible bass
- Product is not an inferior DAC to Gordon
- Beats the Blackback at soundstage
- Connectivity options are strong
Product Considerations
- [Pricing complaints removed]
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.
Product Page
Product Page
Clarisys
Auditorium
149000
/
Released
2022
Experience Clarisys Audio's Auditorium for ultimate sound quality. Boasting neodymium magnets and a double-sided bass panel, double-sided midrange, and double-sided treble. All drivers are 100% identical, giving you perfect coherence.
Clarisys Audio speakers feature a unique double-sided ribbon design that enhances current flow and magnetic response, with a metal exoskeleton frame preventing the warping common in traditional ribbon speakers. The brand caters to tube amp enthusiasts through their use of Neodymium magnets for improved sensitivity, while offering DIY-friendly support and parts for vintage Apogee speaker refurbishment.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Experienced a 'wall of sound' from the speakers
- These speakers do not need room treatment
Product Considerations
- Extremely well-built, resulting in a thousand-pound shipping weight
- Speakers purchased at Audium come with a service, where if the buyer has issues, someone will fly to the buyer's home and fix them
Takeaway: The Audium speakers offer a phenomenal sound experience without needing extra sound treatment in the room. The build is solid, and the company will even fly to the buyer's house to fix them.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Clarisys Audio speakers feature a unique double-sided ribbon design that enhances current flow and magnetic response, with a metal exoskeleton frame preventing the warping common in traditional ribbon speakers. The brand caters to tube amp enthusiasts through their use of Neodymium magnets for improved sensitivity, while offering DIY-friendly support and parts for vintage Apogee speaker refurbishment.
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