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

  • Buxom amplitude in the bass and exceeds the original Voxativ Ampeggio in bandwidth
  • Operates with very high magnification power regarding tone density, transitional fluidity, scale, coherence, continuousness, and the transference of encoded energy or musical charge
  • Properly omnivorous rather than exclusionary to amplifiers, making amplifier pairing quite practical
  • Has an enormous 35-6.300Hz bandwidth of its main driver, which turns de facto point source
  • Beautifully continuous in how its core texture operates unbroken bottom to top, creating a sound built from the ground up

Product Considerations

  • The bass, while robust, is not about jackhammer dryness and forced staccato violence
  • Not enormously resolved when considering resolution as the ability to render audible the microscopic, such as accelerated transients and an incisive treble
  • The Wave 40 has more micro detail magnification
  • Pays a small price in textural looseness in the bass due to pursuing maximum reach
  • Placing the speakers straight on the floor without spikes results in the tightest bass, but reduces extension and amplitude

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Voxativ, the Prime sounds very different, and those imprinted on that genre might not fully recognize it
  • Compared to the Wave 40, the Prime goes after max reach classifying as full-range, while the Wave 40 produces tighter mid bass with less redolence
  • Compared to the Von Schweikert Unifield Three MkII, the Prime plays it perfectly conventional on basic linearity as the absence of liberties

Takeaway: The Tune Audio Prime offers a unique sound signature with deep bass and a continuous sound texture, making it an interesting alternative to typical widebander speakers. It is also amplifier-friendly, making it a worthwhile consideration for audiophiles looking for a distinctive listening experience.

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

Prime

reviews

[{"title":"6moons audio reviews: Tune Audio Prime","link":"http://6moons.com/audioreviews/tuneaudio/4.html","source":"6moons.com","datePublished":""}]
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 Sensitivity: 93db
  • Impedance Nominal: 8ohms
  • Crossover: @ 6300HZ
  • Recommended Power: > 8watt
  • Dimensions: H116cm, W28cm, D49cm
  • Weight: 33Kgr each
The PRIME brings high-end performance to even the most compact spaces, combining meticulous engineering with a minimalist design.
PREMIUM SONICS… WHEN SPACE IS AT A PREMIUM.

High quality 6.5" wide range driver for low & mid frequencies upgraded in house, horn loaded super tweeter with AlNiCo magnet assembly and titanium diaphragm for high frequencies.

PRIME, a two way design, with the smallest footprint possible to house a bass horn. Bass horn fires to the floor using our mass loading technique and it's build entirely of grade A, 13 layer Baltic birch plywood.

Mid frequencies are radiated directly by the wide range driver cone, while the high frequencies are handled by a horn loaded super tweeter. On the horn build, special care has being given for minimal losses, uniformly distribute the energy build up, routing and grounding.

The crossover point is set well above the critical mid range and it's of 1st order, exhibiting zero phase shift. The crossover parts are hard wired for best contact and the board is located at the bottom of the bass horn well away from the magnetic fields of the drivers. All internal wiring are custom made in house of high purity OFC copper with waxed cotton insulation.
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:

Tune Audio PRIME

  • Positioning: A compact loudspeaker designed for high-efficiency performance in limited spaces.
  • Description: Features a high-quality 6.5-inch wide-range driver paired with a horn-loaded super tweeter and an advanced mass-loading bass horn with a phase-perfect first-order crossover, ensuring clean sound in a small footprint. Compared to larger models like Marvel and Avaton, its streamlined design offers premium sonic detail for tighter rooms at a more accessible budget and functionality level.

Tune Audio MARVEL

  • Positioning: A two-way loudspeaker that blends simplicity with horn engineering for refined audio reproduction.
  • Description: Combines an 8-inch wide-range driver with a proprietary epoxy compound tractrix horn that supports a back-loaded bass horn for smooth, detailed sound. In contrast to PRIME's compact architecture, Marvel provides a larger driver and adjustable beam characteristics.

Tune Audio EPITOME

  • Positioning: A mid-tier horn loudspeaker evolving from the flagship, aimed at delivering precise sound in mid to large listening spaces.
  • Description: Uses a 15-inch driver with Virtual Mouth Technology and adjustable high-frequency beam alignment to achieve smooth bass response and clear highs with meticulously designed external crossovers. When compared to MARVEL's straightforward two-way design and Anima's multi-horn alignment, the Epitome offers versatile tuning capabilities and balanced performance at a slightly lower premium than top-end models.

Tune Audio ANIMA

  • Positioning: A three-way loudspeaker featuring a distinctive multi-horn design intended for dynamic and immersive sound.
  • Description: Features a downward-firing bass horn, a side midrange horn, and a top high-frequency horn that are mechanically time-aligned to deliver coherent sound with enhanced sensitivity. Compared to the Epitome's simpler layout and Avaton's full-scale flagship approach, the Anima provides advanced user-adjustable tuning and expressive detail.

Tune Audio AVATON

  • Positioning: The flagship horn loudspeaker engineered for expansive listening spaces and uncompromising high-end performance.
  • Description: Integrates Virtual Mouth Technology with a massive 18-inch super-linear driver, an asymmetrical midbass horn with triple-layered damping, and precision first-order crossover networks for superior bass and clarity. In contrast to all other models—such as Anima's dynamic multi-horn setup or Epitome's accessible design—the Avaton delivers ultimate sonic resolution and extensive customization.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
495
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
7
Founding Year

Our take on the brand

Tune Audio specializes in horn speakers with unique designs like their Prime model's rear horn that loads with the floor for superior bass texture, and their speakers feature wide-bandwidth drivers (35-6,300Hz) that act as point sources. Their high-sensitivity designs (93dB) are particularly suited for single-ended triode amplifiers, making them a favorite among tube amplifier enthusiasts.

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

Used

TuneAudio

No items found.
No items found.

What if you spend more?

Product image
Bowers & Wilkins
803 D4
25000
25000
/
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

  • 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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
KEF
Reference 5 Meta
24899
24899
/
5
Reviews

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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
ATC
SCM50
24499
24499
/
4
Reviews

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. However, recent modifications that include the new ATC SH25-76S tweeter and enhanced port profile have brought about further improvements to all performance parameters.

Each drive unit in the active model has its own dedicated and individually matched MOS-FET amplifier, while the 234mm/9″ bass driver incorporates ATC's unique Super Linear Magnet technology. Our active crossover network consists of a wide band-width, electronically balanced input stage with high common mode rejection and very low distortion. Like the HF, mid and bass drivers, all electronics are designed and manufactured in-house to create a no-compromise active system.

In passive form, the SCM50 SL provides broad and symmetrical dispersion, excellent amplitude and phase characteristics throughout the frequency range. Speakers are supplied with stands and fabric wrapped grills.

Available Finishes

Standard Veneers – Cherry, Walnut, Oak & Black Ash.

Standard Paints – Satin Black, Satin White

Premium Veneers (up-charge applies) – Rosewood, European Crown Cut Walnut, Pippy Oak, Burr Magnolia, Burr Poplar.

High Gloss (up-charge applies) – Clear High Glossed Veneer, Piano Black, Piano White

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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Sonus Faber
Serafino G2
26000
26000
/
4
Reviews

MASTERFULLY BUILT FOR AN ENDURING LEGACY

A nod to Santo Serafino, the legendary Italian luthier.Serafino delivers world-class sound on any stage.

MATCHING BEAUTY AND SOUND

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.

VIOLIN-MAKING HERITAGE

Crafted like a fine instrument, Serafino draws inspiration from the artisanship of master luthier Santo Serafino. Its rounded cabinet design mirrors the graceful curves of a violin, enhancing both its visual allure and acoustic purity by reducing internal resonances.

Handcrafted in Sonus faber's Vicenza, Italy factory, each Serafino loudspeaker seamlessly melds nine layers of natural wood, carefully paired according to grain, and culminates with nine meticulous lacquer coats. This meticulous process, rooted in Sonus faber's tradition of wood craftsmanship, ensures each speaker embodies both quality and elegance.

Italian artisan hand-sands wood for a Sonus faber Serafino G2 floorstanding speaker, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship

A FULL SOUNDSTAGE CUSTOMIZED TO ANY SPACE

Serafino G2 harnesses cutting-edge technology from our Homage collection to encapsulate the emotional resonance of a live performance within a relatively compact design - much like a finely crafted violin.

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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

TuneAudio
Epitome
10181
/
Released
2023
Three-way, all-passive, fully horn-loaded loudspeaker. The EPITOME is a trickle down evolution of our flagship AVATON, crafted to deliver uncompromising horn performance for mid to large listening spaces.
Check Amazon
Tune Audio specializes in horn speakers with unique designs like their Prime model's rear horn that loads with the floor for superior bass texture, and their speakers feature wide-bandwidth drivers (35-6,300Hz) that act as point sources. Their high-sensitivity designs (93dB) are particularly suited for single-ended triode amplifiers, making them a favorite among tube amplifier enthusiasts.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Adding subs results in a 'transformation,' opening up the midrange and revealing more tonal colors
  • With added woofers, the ability to energize air at middle and upper bass frequencies is increased, leading to less distortion due to individual woofers moving less
  • With extra woofers reveals the nuances of the components driving it, allowing audiophiles to discern differences in power cords and interconnects
  • Maintains its composure from a whisper to ear-deafening levels, due to the expansive and unrestricted way it energizes a room
  • Invites repeated listening sessions, revealing more of the music with each new power amplifier, preamp, or processor

Product Considerations

  • The only real negative to adding the extra bass architecture is the requirement of three sets of speaker cables
  • The terminals used would have been more at home in a $500 speaker; the reviewer does not care for them in a product as upscale as this
  • With the extra woofers attached, the impedance comes in at about 4 Ohms

Takeaway: The Epitome is a speaker that provides an ease and unrestricted nature of the sound, especially when coupled with subs. It invites listeners to participate in the performance without causing fatigue, making it a Component of Exceptional Merit.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Tune Audio specializes in horn speakers with unique designs like their Prime model's rear horn that loads with the floor for superior bass texture, and their speakers feature wide-bandwidth drivers (35-6,300Hz) that act as point sources. Their high-sensitivity designs (93dB) are particularly suited for single-ended triode amplifiers, making them a favorite among tube amplifier enthusiasts.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Borresen
X3
11000
/
Released
2023
Børresen has developed a new entry-level speaker at an affordable price, making the Børresen speaker universe accessible to even more people. The Børresen X3 loudspeaker has been designed on the solid foundation of Børresen Acoustics' development traditions, design philosophy and technological know-how.
Check Amazon
Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
Expand Details

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

Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Estelon
Aura
19900
/
Released
2023
The Estelon AURA loudspeaker is designed and constructed by taking into consideration the environmental acoustics of real-life listening spaces. It provides an immersive and captivating audio experience like no other among speakers of this size. To achieve this, AURA has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technology and unique features that set it apart from other loudspeakers in the market.
Check Amazon
Estelon crafts speakers using a proprietary marble-based composite material that provides advanced damping and rigidity, with their enclosures featuring no parallel walls and almost entirely curved surfaces to minimize sound diffraction. Their speakers resemble modernist sculptures and feature adjustable modules for optimizing performance in various room settings, along with premium Accuton drivers including diamond tweeters for precise high-frequency reproduction.
Expand Details

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

Our take on the brand

Estelon crafts speakers using a proprietary marble-based composite material that provides advanced damping and rigidity, with their enclosures featuring no parallel walls and almost entirely curved surfaces to minimize sound diffraction. Their speakers resemble modernist sculptures and feature adjustable modules for optimizing performance in various room settings, along with premium Accuton drivers including diamond tweeters for precise high-frequency reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Audiovector
Trapeze
19950
/
Released
2024
In 1979 Ole Klifoth launched the Trapeze. In doing so, he created the blueprint for all Audiovector speakers to come – including the pioneering focus on linear dynamics and linear phase through a true 6 dB per octave crossover. Fast forward 45 years and the new Trapeze Reimagined is based on the same principles as the original heritage model. And brought up to date with the very best, most innovative technology available. A homage to the company's very first loudspeaker. The embodiment of our passion, innovation, and love of music.
Check Amazon
Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
  • Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
  • The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
  • AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
  • Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers

Product Considerations

  • The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
  • Stereo imaging could be more expansive
  • The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase

Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Focal
Sopra N°3
12999
/
Released
Compactness, design and high-fidelity sound are the hallmarks of the Sopra N°3 luxury loudspeaker, which comes close to the ultimate performance of Focal's Utopia loudspeakers. It offers more powerful bass than its little sister, Sopra N°2, with its larger woofers. All music lovers will be seduced by Sopra N°3, which harmoniously deploys the bass.
Check Amazon
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 bass extension and higher dynamic range due to its larger size.
  • The cabinet is designed to maximize bass performance using segmented inner chambers.
  • A Beryllium tweeter is precisely positioned at the best height for listening, and the midrange is placed above the tweeter to time-align the drivers for coherency at the listening position.
  • The midrange driver has Tuned Mass Damper technology, similar to what is employed in racecars and seismic building stabilization, allowing the driver to perform more consistently without losing performance.

Product Considerations

  • A small apartment may not be the best destination for it, as it is a large speaker.
  • Only a single pair of binding posts is included, so bi-amping or bi-wiring isn't an option.
  • It may not be suited to very small rooms where the bottom end can be overpowering, and positioning is important to get the most out of the speaker.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Focal Sopra N°2: It betters it in terms of scale, presence, dynamics, and detail, resulting in a bolder presentation, greater subtlety, separation, texture, and brings more individual character to voices and instruments, a function of its far more sophisticated harmonic development.
  • Vs. Wilson Audio's Sasha W/P: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a more enjoyable speaker to listen to and costs less; the Sopras are lush and wonderfully pleasant to listen to, as opposed to the Wilsons, which are more analytical and difficult to tune in properly.
  • Vs. Focal Utopia Scala V2: The Sopra N°3 is a price and performance stepping-stone to the Utopia line.
  • Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 speakers: Bowers & Wilkins speakers can often be a bit laid back and polite, making the Sopra N°3 a different alternative.

Takeaway: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a high-performing speaker that is able to play any type of music with subtle sounds and unbridled force. It brings the listener closer to the music, so they can feel all the energy of a live performance.

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
Product Page
Product Page

How to buy

Speakers

Search all hifi products

Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.