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.
All
Talis S 330
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Principle: Floor-standing speaker 3-way, bass reflex
- Power rating Nominal: 200 Watts
- Power rating Music: 270 Watts
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
- Frequency range: 25 - 40000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 87 dB
- Drive units bass: 2 x 170 mm
- Drive units midrange: 1 x 120
- Drive units highrange: 1 x 25 mm
- Crossover frequencies: 250 / 2200 Hz
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 105 x 21 x 28 cm
- Weight: 33 kg
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:
- T+A leverages a high-voltage (HV) power supply to achieve a tube-like response from solid-state components, increasing the voltage rail to 100 volts compared to the typical +/-16 to 24 volts.
- They employ a proprietary "True 1-bit" DSD converter, processing DSD data in its native bitstream form, rather than converting it to PCM, in select DACs and players.
- T+A incorporates in-house designed switching power supplies over off-the-shelf components, maximizing current delivery and improving sonic payoff.
Select products
CALA Series:
- Positioning: Designed for music enthusiasts who value compactness and simplicity without compromising on sound quality.
- Description: Offers a sleek design with a purist front panel. Features a DSP-controlled sound management system, which is not found in the more traditional E-Series, providing enhanced sound customization options.
Caruso Series:
- Positioning: A compact all-in-one music system that combines modern functionality with high-quality sound.
- Description: Stands out with its integrated 7-inch HD touchscreen and NavigatorOS, offering intuitive control and a modern user interface, unlike the more traditional controls of the E-Series. It handles streaming, CD playback, and radio in a single device.
E-Series:
- Positioning: A classic stereo system that integrates modern digital capabilities with traditional high-fidelity sound.
- Description: Combines the sound quality of an audiophile amplifier with digital streaming capabilities, offering a balance between traditional and modern audio needs. Unlike the more compact Caruso, provides higher power output and more connectivity options.
R-Series:
- Positioning: T+A's oldest and most important product group, known for its high-end performance and classic design.
- Description: Uses high-voltage technology for superior linearity and transient response, setting it apart from the more compact Series 200. Designed for users who prioritize high power output and detailed sound reproduction.
HV-Series:
- Positioning: T+A's flagship line, representing the pinnacle of high-end audio technology and performance.
- Description: Uses high-voltage technology to achieve exceptional sound quality, with separate high-performance converters for PCM and DSD. Offers the highest level of performance and build quality compared to other series.
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Used
T+A
What if you spend more?
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 amplification and is the ideal partner for even modestly powered systems, such as tube amps, to deliver enthralling music with typical Stenheim clarity, detail and liveliness.
It is hand‑assembled in our manufacture in Switzerland with quintessential Swiss attention to detail and quality and is designed to perform for decades.
The classically elegant, slim cabinet makes it a beautiful addition to any listening space or living room, complementing any decor, without seeking to be the center of attention. That is the role performed by the sublime music it produces the moment you hit play.
The Alumine Two.Five is simply beautiful, however you look at it or listen to it.
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Our summary
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.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Alberich2 system is completely made of Metal This loudpspeaker 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).
Alberich2 plays wonderfully without any amplification. This is caused in the nature of our new premium black cone 5" driver. The AF-2.6. This driver combined with the complete resonance free housing will make you forget about other possibly bigger speakers. Closing your eyes strings and voices will drive you to tears and the bass makes your ceiling oscillate. Hope your neighbors are are real friends of yours.
But also at low volumes this is a wonderful new speaker that will amaze you due it's excellent musical balance caused by the ultra level Voxativ black series widebander. Given the high-efficiency nature of our drivers, Alberich2 pairs nicely with low wattage tube amps that also offer pre-amp RCA outputs to connect to the active bass module.
We do offer Alberich2 as a package. The inclusion of your choice of three integrated amps: A Voxativ T-211 Integrated tube amp to be included as a bundled system A Lyric Ti100 Integrated tube amp, special Voxativ modified, to be included as a bundled system. The Symphonic Line RG14, Voxativ version if you prefer solid state.
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
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
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.
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
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Elegant design with slim aluminum housings
- High-quality transducer technology
- Remarkable flexibility in feed options, including wireless
- Precise and controlled reproduction with highest impulse fidelity due to closed construction and DSP linearisation
- Room calibration ensures detailed, dynamically balanced, and natural sound even with imperfect room acoustics
Takeaway: The Piega Premium Wireless Series Gen2 offers a simple way to create a modern, premium hifi system. It provides high sound quality without sacrificing much space, offering all the functions expected from a modern hifi setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very clean sound, precise imaging qualities, and unfatiguing
- Incredibly fast, open and well-resolved after a few days of use
- Superb driver integration, and temporally and tonally coherent across a wide range of music
- Full, deep and well-controlled bass
- Resolving powers that provide detail and information
Product Considerations
- At 45kg each, unpacking and locating them was not easy
- The outrigger feet are £450 per speaker
- The cost is £14900
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The larger Piega Coax Gen2 811 retails for £26400, and it shares many of the features of the 611—but it has a larger cabinet and bass drivers
Takeaway: The Piega Coax Gen2 611 is an impressive speaker with speed, accurate timing, and excellent imaging. It provides detailed yet powerful sound, making it a great choice for an end-game speaker in the average UK listening space.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Prodigious bass performance, with great articulation and texture
- Smooth and natural midrange, particularly in its lifelike presentation of the human voice
- Silky smooth and well-polished treble, but not dazzling
- Proved an extremely easy speaker to listen to for long periods even at high volumes, due to its good-natured sonic disposition
- The cabinet is well braced internally, and the outrigger feet and binding posts seemed solidly built
Product Considerations
- Attack transients of instruments like piano seemed a little soft
- High range was not as incisive, transparent, or open compared to the reviewer's reference speakers
- The soundstage didn't envelop the listener as much as it does on some recordings
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- S 230 sounded fuller and weightier in the bass compared to Dynaudio C2 Signature, but was a little less nimble and revealed slightly less texture
- S 230 was smoother in the midrange compared to Dynaudio C2 Signature, but the C2s were more revealing of the underlying details
- C2's treble had a greater upper-treble presence and were generally more incisive, transparent, and open compared to S 230, while the S 230's magnesium domes sounded fuller and richer, and their delivery was smoother and more relaxed
Takeaway: The Criterion S 230 is a capable speaker that offers a natural and neutral sound, making it enjoyable for extended listening sessions. It performs well across the frequency range, particularly excelling in its smooth midrange and lifelike vocal reproduction.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
- Tight and accurate bass.
- Elegant design and high-quality build.
- Good value for the price.
Product Considerations
- Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
- Sweet spot is narrow.
- Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
- Positioning requires careful attention.
- Speakers are only available in black or white.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
- Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
- Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
- Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.
Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
- Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
- Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
- Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
- Connectivity options are solid
Product Considerations
- The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
- Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
- System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
- The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
- Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile
Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.
Video review
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