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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.

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.

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency Response (±3 dB): 60Hz - 23kHz
  • Sensitivity: 87 dB
  • Impedance: 4 Ω (minimum 3,5Ω)
  • Power Rating: 60W RMS
  • System: 2-drożna
  • Crossover Frequencies: 2,4 kHz
  • Enclosure Type: Bass-reflex (+plug)
  • Connector Type: Dual (bi-wire / bi-amp)
  • Tweeter: 1" aluminum-magnesium
  • Midwoofer: 6" aluminium-ceramic
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 380 x 210 x 280 mm
  • Weight: 2 x 10,5 kg
  • Grille: Black acoustic fabric or natural linen
  • Finishes: Real wood veneer: Black Ash or American Walnut
  • Material: Two layers of MDF (total thickness: 3/4")
ZGB-401 is a compact speaker system with a bass-reflex construction, designed specifically for bookshelf speaker enthusiasts. Equipped with an advanced 2-way system utilizing a precise crossover, it ensures a linear sound characteristic, providing faithful reproduction of musical material.
Bookshelf speakers by Unitra. The enclosure features a closed-box construction with a bass-reflex design. Specially selected high and low-midrange transducers operate in a 2-way system to produce the sound. The set is known for its efficiency and dynamics. It seamlessly pairs with any amplifier.
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:

WSH-605 Wzmacniacz Zintegrowany:

  • Positioning: The entry-level integrated amplifier designed for compact spaces and everyday use.
  • Description: Offers a straightforward circuit design that provides clean amplification with minimal complexity. Compared to other products in the lineup, it lacks advanced connectivity and tuning features, making it ideal for users on a tight budget or those in small rooms.

CSH-801 Odtwarzacz CD:

  • Positioning: The mid-range CD player focused on quality disc playback.
  • Description: Delivers clear and precise CD reproduction with a reliable transport mechanism and well-tuned digital processing. In comparison with the integrated amplifiers, its single-function design emphasizes high fidelity for dedicated CD systems.

ZGB-401 Kolumny Głośnikowe Podstawkowe:

  • Positioning: The entry-level bookshelf speaker system tailored for small to medium rooms.
  • Description: Produces balanced sound with clear midrange performance due to its efficient driver configuration. Compared to the floorstanding speakers, it has a simpler design with less bass extension, making it a cost-effective choice for users with limited space or budget constraints.

WSH-805 Wzmacniacz Zintegrowany:

  • Positioning: A higher-end integrated amplifier aimed at enthusiasts who demand refined performance and build quality.
  • Description: Features advanced amplification circuits and enhanced tone control that ensure low distortion and rich sound details. When matched with the WSH-605, its superior connectivity and power output justify a higher budget.

ZGZ-801 Kolumny Głośnikowe:

  • Positioning: A premium floorstanding speaker system built for spacious rooms and high-performance listening.
  • Description: Uses a multi-driver configuration that creates a wider soundstage with improved clarity and deeper bass extension. Compared to the bookshelf speakers, it offers better dynamics and a fuller frequency response.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
550
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
6
Founding Year
1961

Our take on the brand

Unitra, established in 1961, was a consortium of over 60 Polish electronics manufacturers, including notable firms like Diora, Radmor, and Fonica, collectively advancing the nation's audio technology landscape. They've since been revived with a focus on modern amplifiers sporting classic aesthetics.

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?

Dual-Mono Class A Architecture: Unlike many amplifiers that cut corners with shared power supplies or Class AB switching, our WSH-805 amplifier is a true dual-mono, fully discrete Class A design — with separate toroidal transformers for left and right channels. This preserves signal integrity, improves stereo separation, and delivers the kind of rich, analog warmth that’s becoming rare in the industry.

Bistable switches and the ability to control key functions via our patented switching system. It’s a unique combination of precision, durability, and tactile satisfaction. This is something you won’t find in most modern hi-fi equipment.

We also implement a current feedback topology, which, while more challenging to design and fine-tune, offers superior performance in terms of dynamic range, speed, and feedback response. It allows our amplifiers to handle complex signals with greater accuracy and musicality.

Finally, we’re proud of the unmistakable vintage character and appearance of our products. For us, "vintage" doesn’t just mean retro styling. It means embracing timeless design while building everything with modern technology and contemporary engineering standards. It’s a fusion of heritage and innovation, and a signature of everything we do at Unitra.

In terms of vintage products, we just released a new version of WSH-805 amp, called Classic edition. It is a tribute to the legacy of Unitra, blending the timeless elegance of natural wood and brass with the power of precision engineering. With its refined design, this special edition highlights the beauty of craftsmanship and the enduring charm of classic hi-fi.

What's your approach to customer support?

At Unitra, we take support personally. Our products are designed and hand-assembled in Poland by a close-knit team of engineers and technicians so if something goes wrong, it often ends up in the hands of the people who built it. There is great movie, made by polish YT channel, "Factories", where You can see the whole process of doing the amplifiers.

For day-to-day questions, customers can of course reach out to their dealer or distributor. But if the issue concerns something deeper or if a customer simply wants to talk directly with us, we’re always available. On our website you can find a direct contact via email [email protected] and we try to handle the issue as quickly as we can.

Our mission is to create timeless and repairable devices. We design them in a way that allows a single faulty component to be replaced, not the entire product. It’s something we’re proud of and see as a feature of the future even though, to us, it’s simply common sense and a matter of respect for quality craftsmanship.  

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

1. Jennifer Warnes/ Soundtrakc: The Hunter/ song: Somewhere, somebody (CD).

The track is built around a very distinctive bassline that forms a solid foundation for the entire composition.  

This track is ideal for testing the depth and precision of bass reproduction. It’s also excellent for evaluating how well a system handles simultaneous vocals — their separation, balance, and harmonic interplay.

2. Daft Punk Random Access Memories Get Lucky (Vinyl)

 This track is ideal for testing bass control, vocal clarity, and dynamics. The funky guitar groove and bass line reveal how well speakers handle rhythm and sound separation. Additionally, the delicate, spacious electronic elements in the background help evaluate the width of the soundstage, while the clear but subtle vocals aid in assessing midrange detail.  

3.Allan Taylor Colour to the moon Colour to the moon (CD)

Great for testing vocal clarity, midrange detail, and separation of individual elements in the soundscape. This track shows how well the equipment handles intimate, acoustic recordings (separation of 2 guitars) and the natural sound of instruments.

4. Johnny Cash American IV Hurt (Vinyl)

An excellent track for testing vocal clarity and its emotional depth. Cash's voice is very expressive, which allows you to assess how the equipment reproduces details in the low and mid tones (for vocals). The delicate guitar and strings require precision in reproducing quiet, subtle sounds. Attention should be paid to the dynamics, as the song gradually gains intensity, and each addition of an instrument gives the impression of a larger sonic space.

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
Kasia Binkiewicz
.
Brand Page

Used

UNITRA

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Bowers & Wilkins
805 D4
9500
9500
/
22
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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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  •   Excellent build quality, featuring a blend of aluminum, leather, and wood veneer, or gloss paint.
  •   Detailed sound with excellent stereo imagery.
  •   Good detail and clarity.
  •   Wide and deep soundstage.
  •   Design features contribute to cabinet rigidity and reduced coloration.

Product Considerations

  •   May sound bright with the wrong amplifier or cables.
  •   May require a high-power solid-state amp.
  •   Needs quality amplification and may sound soft if underpowered.
  •   Requires stands, adding to the overall cost.
  •   Bass may not satisfy those seeking high-output bass without a subwoofer.

Takeaway: The 805 D4 is an excellent speaker that is beautifully built and delivers a detailed and engaging sound. It's a great option for those seeking a premium listening experience.

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
Gershman
Studio II
5500
5500
/
10
Reviews

Delivers performance beyond what is typically associated with its price.

Gershman Acoustics speakers use Back-wave Control Technology and bass trap designs to deliver deep, controlled bass from compact enclosures, defying expectations about speaker size and performance. Their unique cabinet designs, including truncated pyramid shapes and resonance control devices, help create an intimate, club-like listening experience with exceptional clarity and precision.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Full-range sound, impressive bass response, and the ability to pressurize a room, often negating the need for a separate subwoofer
  • Smooth, warm, and coherent midrange provides natural and engaging vocals and instruments for long listening sessions without fatigue
  • Well-extended treble presents in a naturally smooth, enjoyable, and pleasing manner
  • Excellent imaging and soundstage capabilities create a realistic and immersive listening experience
  • Sound reproduction makes it a speaker that one can live with
  • Connectivity options are available

Product Considerations

  • Quality amplification with sufficient power and current is required to achieve optimal performance and control the woofer effectively
  • The backplate for bass adjustment uses wood screws, making it easy to strip if not handled carefully
  • Placement and setup, especially stand height and toe-in, are crucial for achieving the best high-frequency response, it can sound dull if not optimized
  • May not be ideal for listeners who prefer a brighter, more forward sound signature or those who prioritize extreme loudness levels
  • Grilles may cause micro-rattling at moderate to loud listening levels due to weaker magnets

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Totem Acoustic Manny 2 Signature: The Studio 2 has a more forgiving presentation, denser midrange, and stronger bass
  • Vs Klipsch Forte 3: The Studio 2 offers a more natural tone, especially in the midrange and upper bass, along with greater soundstage depth
  • Vs Vienna Acoustics Mozart Symphony Editions: The Studio 2 beats them in bass and midrange
  • Vs Harbeth (SHL5 and Compact 7 XTs): The Studio 2 cannot be matched by the Harbeth's articulate bass response
  • Vs Celestion SL6-S: The Studio 2 has deeper roots in the trunk, and they got high branches and leaves, but they don't go all the way up to the highest branches and leaves at the tippy top

Takeaway:

The Studio 2 is a well-built bookshelf speaker that delivers a smooth, full-range sound with surprising bass and clear imaging, making for an engaging listening experience. With the right setup and quality components, these speakers can provide years of musical enjoyment in a variety of room sizes.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gershman Acoustics speakers use Back-wave Control Technology and bass trap designs to deliver deep, controlled bass from compact enclosures, defying expectations about speaker size and performance. Their unique cabinet designs, including truncated pyramid shapes and resonance control devices, help create an intimate, club-like listening experience with exceptional clarity and precision.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Dynaudio
Focus 10
5500
5500
/
9
Reviews
Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
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Product Strengths

  • Integrated technology allows direct high-resolution listening without extra devices
  • The speaker uses the same Pascal Class D amplification and processing technology from Dynaudio's Pro line Core series
  • Discrete amplification channel per driver: 110 watts for the tweeter and 280 watts for the woofer
  • Dirac Live room correction is available, which can tune some of the annoying sounds of a garage, for example, using the soft dome tweeter

Product Considerations

  • Running a digital coaxial cable from one speaker to the next results in the signal being sent at 24-96 kilohertz, which is a lower quality than what the master speaker receives (24-192)
  • There is no HDMI arc or e-arc connection
  • Drilling holes may be required to attach the speaker to stands
  • Setting up the speaker with the app is not as quick or seamless as Bluesound
  • A microphone is required to do Dirac room calibration

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs PSB Alpha IQs: Plays louder with a higher level of amplification
  • Vs Dynaudio Core 7: The Core 7 has more power and a slightly better tweeter and woofer, but is not as aesthetically pleasing and needs a Bluesound Node
  • Vs Dynaudio Evoke: It is similar to an Evoke speaker, but with a bigger woofer

Takeaway: The Focus recMsY5ljWopDD7UU is a sophisticated wireless speaker that pulls technology from Dynaudio's Pro line and features Dirac room calibration. It is ideal for someone looking for high-resolution listening without extra devices and who values sophisticated sound and aesthetics.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Arendal Sound
1528 Monitor 8
5900
5900
/
9
Reviews

Generating a powerful sound in a (slightly) less imposing form factor than 1528 Towers, 1528 Monitors deliver a clarity and depth that outshines many floor-standing speakers. Feel every detail with stunning precision, deep bass, and a rich, immersive soundstage. Sleek, modern design and versatile settings ensure perfect sound tailored to your environment. Enjoy full-range sound without needing a subwoofer.

Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
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Product Strengths

  • Exceptionally well-built, described as monolithic and like concrete bricks
  • The tweeter provides detailed highs, comparable to a good AMT tweeter, and performs effortlessly even at high volumes
  • The midrange is special, with a carbon graphene construction for well-behaved out-of-band performance and high output
  • The speaker's design allows for significant room gain, providing real bass extension below 20 Hz
  • Immense potential, described to be a top shelf product

Product Considerations

  • The image was a little high
  • The speakers want power from a good amplifier to really open up
  • The listener might not always be as emotionally convinced by the result as they perhaps should have been
  • The speakers are large and may be obtrusive for most UK spaces

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • vs Paradigm Founder 120Hs: Similar to the Paradigm Founder 120Hs, which have active jumpers
  • vs RBH SVTRs: The reviewer loves the RBH SVTRs, and these new speakers are being tested to see if they can be a game changer in the industry
  • vs Spendor Classic 3-1: Arendal 1528 is neutral from top to bottom, while Spendor is warm from top to bottom
  • vs Cabasse Morano: Cabasse Morano has some coloration, but the Arendal 1528 is dead neutral

Takeaway:

The Arundel Sound 1528 recMsY5ljWopDD7UU speakers are incredibly well-built with high-quality components that deliver an excellent listening experience. They are capable of filling large rooms with detailed sound and powerful bass.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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What competes at this price?

Sonus Faber
Duetto
3999
/
Released
2023
Duetto marks Sonus faber's inaugural active stereo wireless speaker system. Powered by four bespoke amplifiers, Duetto presents an all-in-one sound solution, harmoniously blending a multitude of connectivity options while keeping the listening experience wire-free.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Gorgeous sound is clear, smooth, detailed, and dynamic
  • Elegant design is dashingly elegant, minimalist aesthetic, and painstakingly crafted for equal parts style and substance
  • Impressive bass extension and output, described as deep and firm, surprising for their size
  • Clear midrange makes voices sound purposeful, characterful, and entirely present
  • Versatile connectivity with streaming and input options, including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, phono pre-amp, and HDMI ARC/eARC

Product Considerations

  • Some reviewers experienced streaming and HDMI ARC reliability issues
  • Input and control layout can be inconvenient and awkward
  • Prototype unit had operational bugs
  • No bass level adjustment is available, though it could be added in mobile app

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II—the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a similarly high-end option
  • Vs PSB Alpha iQ—the PSB Alpha iQ is a more compact wireless speaker package than the Sonus Faber and is comparatively lighter on bass

Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Duetto speakers are well-suited for those seeking amazing sound and a beautiful design in one package. These speakers are easy to connect and use, and fill the room with rich, detailed audio.

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
Buchardt
Anniversary 10
3988
/
Released
2023
The Anniversary 10 (A10) is a culmination of all the experience that we have gathered over the last 10 years of designing and building HiFi speakers. Over the last decade, we have produced and sold thousands of speakers to happy HiFi enthusiasts from all around the world. Listening to feedback from our customers, learning from the best and adding our own flavor to the mix, has created extremely popular and critically acclaimed speakers, and now, this has evolved into our best sounding speaker yet.
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Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional bass performance for its compact size, with bass that is fast, clear, and tight
  • Multiple 'Master Tunings' offer customizable sound profiles, adapting to different room acoustics and user preferences
  • A high-quality Purifi woofer and SB Acoustics tweeter contribute to clarity, detail, and low distortion
  • A solid wood cabinet made in Denmark provides a luxurious look and feel

Product Considerations

  • Bass output may diminish or be limited at high volumes to protect the drivers from damage
  • A separate purchase of the Platin Stereo Hub may be required for full wireless functionality and room correction
  • The 'Made in China' label applies to the electronics inside the cabinet
  • While the A10 offers impressive bass, some may still prefer to add a subwoofer for a true full-range experience

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, the A10 is more transparent with greater inner detail, clarity, and top-end extension—and deeper, tighter bass—while the S400 Mark II is more relaxed and forgiving with harsh recordings
  • Vs Buchardt A500, the A10 has comparable performance, with possibly a crisper sound in some instances

Takeaway: The Buchardt Anniversary 10 is a compact yet powerful speaker that offers a customizable listening experience. Its impressive bass and versatile tuning options make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality audio solution in a small to medium-sized room.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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MoFi
SourcePoint 10
2999
/
Released
2022
The SourcePoint 10 is designed like a cost-no-object loudspeaker, a complete from the ground up approach, to deliver the highest sound quality and value.
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MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Remarkable sound power and early directivity indexes make it a true point source speaker.
  • Special sound quality for the price offers a level of performance not typically found in speakers at this price point.
  • Very good neutrality is present when the speaker is turned off axis.
  • It is a very versatile speaker to drive.
  • The midrange presentation is very dead center and coherent.

Product Considerations

  • The bass does not reach as low as some listeners might prefer.
  • The speaker can get bright at times.
  • Care should be taken to place it not directly on axis, because when placed directly on axis, it is no longer a neutral speaker.
  • There's no stand included in the package.
  • It is made in China, and construction can be suspect.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15, the SourcePoint 10 is more precise and focused, while the PureAudioProject has a bigger soundstage.
  • Vs Fleetwood Deville SQ, they sounded more alike than different when in action, but SourcePoint was more extended from top to bottom and brought more lively dynamics and impact.
  • Vs Klipsch Heresy IV, the SourcePoint 10 is the superior speaker in every way from build to sound, with more refinement and smoothness, and it seems just as dynamic as the Klipsch.
  • Vs Dynaudio Special 40s, the SourcePoint 10 sounds much bigger, more dynamic, has much better bass, and fills a room with ease.
  • Vs KEF LS50 META, the LS50 sounds smaller, leaner, and not as special in the vocal region.

Takeaway:

The SourcePoint is a speaker with a neutral sound that originates from a single point, and it has remarkable early directivity indexes. It is a speaker that offers very good performance for the money, but careful attention needs to be paid to its placement in the room.

Video review

Our take on the brand

MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Perlisten
S4b
3995
/
Released
2021
I am the overperforming little guy who will demand your respect after your first audition. I can be a serious 2 channel system with a subwoofer, an LCR, or a surround channel. Effortless dynamics and lightspeed transients remain the common thread of all Signature series speakers including the S4b.
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Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Solidly built with an inert cabinet, contributing to overall performance
  • Crazy linear/neutral sound from about 100Hz upwards
  • The beryllium tweeter provides nuanced, airy, and extended highs with a hint of shimmer for realistic metallic instruments
  • It creates a three-dimensional soundstage, making the speakers disappear sonically

Product Considerations

  • It does not have a great deal of bass on its own and may require a subwoofer for full-range playback, starting its roll-off at around 100Hz
  • While placement is flexible, a solid amplifier is required
  • The styling might be an acquired taste and could be considered overcomplicated by some
  • The high gloss finishes may not appear different from less expensive speakers, making it harder to justify the luxury price tag

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4: The S4B is more neutral/accurate, while the 805 D4 adds bass and treble energy
  • Vs Focal Canta No. 1: The S4B outperforms the Canta No. 1, which has chestiness in its bass and midrange due to its cabinet
  • Vs Revel Studio 2: The S4B reminded the reviewer of the Revel Studio 2, though the Revels had more bass
  • Vs Focal Diablo Utopia: The Perlisten are a great alternative if the Utopias are outside of your reach and are a more neutral and less bright speaker
  • Vs EgglestonWorks Nico Evo: The EgglestonWorks presentation is a little more mid-forward and less 3D than the Perlisten

Takeaway: The Perlisten S4b is a high-performing speaker that offers excellent clarity and a neutral sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts alike. The speaker's ability to create a detailed and immersive soundstage can bring music and movies to life.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Triangle
Capella
2749
/
Released
2024
CAPELLA embodies the ambition of an enthusiastic team to combine the acoustic experience of TRIANGLE with advanced sound signal processing technologies in a refined enclosure. Made in France, CAPELLA provides a complete, intelligent audio system with unprecedented performance. Entirely configurable to suit your taste and environment, CAPELLA adapts and fits your needs.
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Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent wireless stability, pairing easily and remaining connected even with other wireless activity
  • Big, confident, and enjoyable sound, with surprising bass extension for its size
  • Aesthetically pleasing design, with unique and attractive finish options
  • Versatile connectivity options through its media hub, including multiple digital and analog inputs, plus Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Chromecast

Product Considerations

  • The absence of a dedicated streaming app may require reliance on third-party apps or external streamers
  • The system could benefit from a slightly more refined sonic presentation, needing a touch more sweetness and natural warmth
  • There can be some audible amplifier noise at idle/start-up, depending on proximity
  • The base of the speakers can be quite large, potentially requiring dedicated stands for proper placement
  • No wired subwoofer output

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to KEF LS50 Wireless II, the Capella will appeal to those who would rather have a more classic, wood-cabineted speaker on show than the ultra-modern aesthetic of the Brit boxes
  • Compared to Triangle Borea BR03 BT, the Triangle Capella active speaker system is much more ambitious, with more advanced drivers and superior fit and finish
  • Compared to Buchardt A10, the Triangle Capella and Buchardt A10 are more similar than different, but still pretty different, as they use the same concept

Takeaway: The Triangle Capella is a convenient and stylish all-in-one system that delivers a big and enjoyable sound. It's a great choice for those seeking hifi audio without the complexities of traditional separates.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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