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.
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ONE
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
Description
Building on the highly successful lineage of the world-class Endeavor™ loudspeakers, Von Schweikert Audio is please to present our newest offering; the Endeavor™ Reference Edition. This model incorporates the highly refined full-range performance one expects from a VSA loudspeaker including our critically acclaimed Beryllium tweeter which is used throughout the VR and ULTRA line of flagship loudspeakers. The Endeavor RE also incorporates other design VSA elements like our proprietary Global Axis Intetegrated Network, Rear-Ambient Retrieval System, Bi-Wire inputs with isolated networks and high-quality crossover components. The Reference Edition is identical to our Special Edition in all ways except for finish. The Endeavor RE comes in our American Walnut finish which is much less expensive that the automotive finish on the Special Edition. Featuring advanced speaker components often found in systems many times our price: Anodized aluminum woofer cones, Kevlar midrange, and damped Beryllium dome tweeter to ensure highest level of sonic transparency possible. Rear ambience retrieval driver. To match the transient response and tone quality of the superb front tweeter, we have employed a 75mm ribbon tweeter driven by a Neodymium magnet system for the lowest distortion and widest frequency range we have measured from a 75mm ribbon. Top-class measurements with lowest distortion/coloration in its price range. Non-parallel walls and advanced cabinet design for sonic purity. Linkwitz-Riley crossover filters ensure correct phase coherence and timing.
Building on the highly successful lineage of the world-class Endeavor™ loudspeakers, Von Schweikert Audio is please to present our newest offering; the Endeavor™ Reference Edition. This model incorporates the highly refined full-range performance one expects from a VSA loudspeaker including our critically acclaimed Beryllium tweeter which is used throughout the VR and ULTRA line of flagship loudspeakers.
The Endeavor RE also incorporates other design VSA elements like our proprietary Global Axis Intetegrated Network, Rear-Ambient Retrieval System, Bi-Wire inputs with isolated networks and high-quality crossover components. The Reference Edition is identical to our Special Edition in all ways except for finish. The Endeavor RE comes in our American Walnut finish which is much less expensive that the automotive finish on the Special Edition.
Featuring advanced speaker components often found in systems many times our price: Anodized aluminum woofer cones, Kevlar midrange, and damped Beryllium dome tweeter to ensure highest level of sonic transparency possible. Rear ambience retrieval driver. To match the transient response and tone quality of the superb front tweeter, we have employed a 75mm ribbon tweeter driven by a Neodymium magnet system for the lowest distortion and widest frequency range we have measured from a 75mm ribbon.
Top-class measurements with lowest distortion...
The Endeavor RE also incorporates other design VSA elements like our proprietary Global Axis Intetegrated Network, Rear-Ambient Retrieval System, Bi-Wire inputs with isolated networks and high-quality crossover components. The Reference Edition is identical to our Special Edition in all ways except for finish. The Endeavor RE comes in our American Walnut finish which is much less expensive that the automotive finish on the Special Edition.
Featuring advanced speaker components often found in systems many times our price: Anodized aluminum woofer cones, Kevlar midrange, and damped Beryllium dome tweeter to ensure highest level of sonic transparency possible. Rear ambience retrieval driver. To match the transient response and tone quality of the superb front tweeter, we have employed a 75mm ribbon tweeter driven by a Neodymium magnet system for the lowest distortion and widest frequency range we have measured from a 75mm ribbon.
Top-class measurements with lowest distortion...
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:
- Von Schweikert products utilize proprietary crossover designs, including their Global Axis Integration Network (G.A.I.N.), and Acoustic Inverse Replication (A.I.R.) to enhance staging and imaging.
- They employ a rear-firing "Ambience Retrieval System" with adjustable output, designed to recreate the spatial information captured in recordings.
- Von Schweikert speakers often feature custom-designed drivers, frequently sourced from Accuton and Scan-Speak, and modified to their specifications.
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One Series
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a compact, full-range experience with a beryllium tweeter and aluminum woofers, providing a deep sound field. Unlike the VR Thirty, it focuses on affordability and compactness, making it ideal for smaller rooms and budgets.
VR Thirty
- Positioning: Mid-range line, balancing performance and price.
- Description: Features ceramic honeycomb woofers and a beryllium dome tweeter, delivering powerful bass and detailed highs. It offers a more advanced soundstage than the One Series.
Ultra Seven
- Positioning: High-end line, designed for large spaces and dynamic sound.
- Description: Incorporates advanced driver technology and a hybrid bass system, offering exceptional dynamics and phase coherence. It surpasses the VR Thirty in room adaptability and sound quality.
Ultra Nine
- Positioning: Premium line, offering superior soundstage and detail.
- Description: Includes advanced crossover components and a ribbon super-tweeter, enhancing space and transparency. It provides a more immersive experience than the Ultra Seven.
Ultra Eleven
- Positioning: Flagship line, representing the pinnacle of performance.
- Description: Features eleven drivers and dual subwoofers, delivering exceptional dynamics and scale. It offers the most comprehensive soundstage and detail in the lineup.
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Avg. Product Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used For Sale
15
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
251
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
14
Founding Year
1994
Our take on the brand
Von Schweikert's speakers deliver wide soundstage dispersion through novel "ambient recovery systems," creating a 3D-like soundstage. Their large dynamic range masters both subtle details and intense macro swings.
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What if you spend more?
Bowers & Wilkins
802 D4
31000
31000
/
13
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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Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with meticulous sanding, polishing, and assembly
- High level of detail reproduction with a clean and uncolored treble, thanks to the diamond tweeter
- Stable and efficient design with a wide frequency range and high sensitivity
- Iconic design with a teardrop-shaped cabinet to minimize diffraction and internal Matrix skeleton to reduce resonances
- Delivers music with extremely low distortion, allowing complex passages to breathe freely
Product Considerations
- Wheels underneath may mark parquet floors
- May lack some punch and dynamics in the mid-bass for some listeners
- Setup can benefit from careful physical adjustments for optimal performance
- Grills may be compelling as toys for young children
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 802 D4 is more musically compelling than the 802 D3
- The 802 D4 delivers more accuracy, especially in the mids and highs, than the 800 D2/D3
- The 802 D4 has an advantage in airiness, transparency and resolution, though the KEF Blade Two Meta has more brutal dynamics
- The 802 D4 has less exaggerated sibilance, though the Focal Sopra No3 is more powerful in the midrange
Takeaway: The 802 D4 is an ultra high-end speaker that combines advanced technology and top-shelf materials, delivering exceptional detail and a clean soundstage for an immersive listening experience. It is a speaker that may fill the soul with music.
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.
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Focal
Diva Utopia
39999
39999
/
7
Reviews
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.
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Product Strengths
- Excellent clarity, detail resolution, and agility in sound reproduction
- Impressive bass definition and punch, delivering huge amounts of bass effortlessly
- Combines muscularity, insight, scale, and attack for an engaging listening experience
- Design is unique and striking, with impeccable build quality and a flawless finish
- Offers extensive specification and numerous control options, all implemented expertly
Product Considerations
- Sonic presentation might be a little too 'safe' or 'civilizing', potentially losing some of the vibrant energy in music
- Lacks some features compared to competitors regarding connectivity and adjustability
- Requires a large listening space to avoid overpowering the room
- The provided remote casing feels cheap and insubstantial compared to the overall package
- Room correction (ADAPT) is not as automated or precise as some other systems and the application may crash
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: KEF LS60 offers more flexibility, including a subwoofer output, but at higher volumes, Focal Diva is the clear winner
- Vs Bang & Olufsen Beolab 90: Beolab 90 is in a league of its own and provides a more complete audio experience
- Vs Scala Utopia Evo: Diva Utopia is cheaper in the long run, as the Scala Utopia Evo needs additional components, such as Naim Classic components
- Vs Diablo Utopia Color Evos: The Color Evos may represent the ultimate Focal experience
Takeaway: The Diva Utopia is an all-in-one speaker with impressive sound that expertly combines performance and design. It offers a unique blend of luxury and high-end audio quality that can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a simplified audiophile experience.
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.
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TAD
TAD-CE1TX
35000
35000
/
7
Reviews
The critically acclaimed TAD-CE1 speaker system was known for its innovative design inside and out to reproduce musical sounds down to the last detail of the original—without adding or subtracting anything that might alter the subtleties and nuances intended by recording artists and producers. We have taken the already impressive performance of the CE1 to the next level when designing the new TAD-CE1TX—by incorporating refinements and innovations inside and out. The TAD-CE1TX gives a whole new meaning to the two-channel reproduction of music. The CE1TX combines the pinpoint localization of sound images with three-dimension-like sound-field reproduction between the right- and left-channel speakers to create a “being-there” experience for a listener. You would feel as if you were in a recording studio, listening to musicians play their parts. The CE1TX has exquisitely honed its quality to provide an immersive sound-field experience to you.
Technical Audio Devices is a hifi Japanese spinoff of Pioneer that focuses on highly accurate speakers, which reviewers widely regard as best-in-class. They're known for their unique vapor deposition technique for beryllium diaphragms, which provides superior strength and smooth performance up to 100 kHz. Their proprietary technologies include CST (Coherent Source Transducer) for controlled directivity from a single point.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Very high transparency, very neutral, very accurate sound elevates the reproduction of music
- Extraordinary leading edge response makes instruments, especially brass, sound lifelike
- The beryllium tweeter provides some of the best high-frequency response reviewers have heard
- Spatial aspects of recordings are delivered incredibly well, with imaging that is wide, spacious, and tall
- Solid construction uses birch wood bracing inside the cabinet and thick aluminum side plates for structural rigidity and dampening
Product Considerations
- The speakers are expensive, requiring a significant financial investment
- Low sensitivity rating of 85 dB potentially requires a high-powered amplifier for optimal performance
- While the bass response is clean and tight, some listeners may prefer to supplement with subwoofers for deeper bass extension, particularly for genres like electronica or organ music
- One reviewer found that the NAD M23 Class D amplifier pairing was a bit too transistory, too hard, not enough warmth—not enough soul
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Klipsch Jubilee: The Jubilee offers greater scale, plays louder with greater ease, and has bigger bass and dynamics, excelling in larger rooms
- Vs PureAudioProject Due at 15: The PureAudioProject offers greater scale and energizes the room more completely, representing significantly better value for the money
- Vs Kharma Elegance dB7-S: The Kharma offers greater bass shove but a less neutral, 'flamboyant' sound profile compared to the more 'modest, measured' CE1TX
Takeaway: The TAD-CE1TX offers high accuracy and neutral sound that audiophiles who value imaging and clarity will enjoy. With its high resolution, this is a speaker that rewards you with a quality sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Technical Audio Devices is a hifi Japanese spinoff of Pioneer that focuses on highly accurate speakers, which reviewers widely regard as best-in-class. They're known for their unique vapor deposition technique for beryllium diaphragms, which provides superior strength and smooth performance up to 100 kHz. Their proprietary technologies include CST (Coherent Source Transducer) for controlled directivity from a single point.
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Borresen
01
38500
38500
/
7
Reviews
We began with the launch of the highly acclaimed and award-winning 0-series loudspeakers. Willing to break new ground, we designed innovative electronic components, used unconventional materials and employed state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Since all of these audio components are engineered and assembled in-house, highest quality standards are permanently ensured.
The Børresen tweeter has exceptional efficiency. Elaborate finite element methods have been applied to linearize and optimize the magnetic flux field, to facilitate driver movement and to ensure high efficiency and outstanding linearity. The efficiency of this closed ribbon tweeter amounts to an exceptional 94dB and operates from approximately 2.5 kHz upwards. The moving mass is extremely low at 0.01 grams. The totally concealed tweeter has the capacity to operate at an incredible speed, which is an absolute prerequisite to unlocking the most subtle and refined sound details of any kind of music.
The Børresen membrane consists of a composite of two layers of very thin carbon on both sides of a 4 mm Nomex honeycomb core. This composite structure provides the ultimate combination of stiffness to weight ratio. The exceptionally low weight of only 5.5 grams allows a very high acceleration factor in the driver, resulting in both outstanding resolution and higher efficiency.
The Børresen magnet system is breaking new ground with its unique, innovative design. It uses 4 opposing neodymium ring-magnets and solid copper discs as pole pieces, eliminating iron and its associated distortion issues. This system provides faster driver response, refined detail, and authentic bass performance.
The cabinets are heavily braced, block milled, compressed wood structures, beautifully veneered in walnut and fitted with solid walnut inserts. They follow the best of Danish furniture design traditions. The tweeter section is vented to balance out the build-up of air pressure. The bass sections consist of tuned ports calibrated for musically relevant frequencies.
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.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Creates a realistic sense of scale, moving beyond the walls and ceiling to adapt the room to the recorded venue
- Exceptional immediacy and clarity across the musical spectrum
- Capable of producing deep and accurate bass, especially given its size
- Offers a very accurate rendition of music—completely uncolored and offering ultimate refinement
- Retrieves a high level of detail, harmonic separation, and immediacy due to fast and efficient drivers
- Speaker terminals will only accept banana/BFA-styled cable terminations
Product Considerations
- Has limited low-frequency extension given it is a stand-mounted monitor
- Requires careful system matching to ensure optimal performance
- Poor recordings will sound really poor due to the speaker's revealing nature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Franco Serblin Accordo Essence: Børresen has the upper hand on resolution and transparency
Takeaway: The Børresen 01 offers a high-fidelity experience by communicating musical nuances, capturing a live experience. These speakers excel in presenting the artist's intent, bringing listeners closer to the original performance.
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.
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What competes at this price?
Von Schweikert
Endeavor SE
27000
/
Released
2021
Building on the highly successful lineage of the world-class Endeavor™ loudspeakers, Von Schweikert Audio is please to present our newest offering; the Endeavor™ Special Edition. This model incorporates the highly refined full-range performance of its bigger brother, the E-5 including our critically acclaimed Beryllium tweeter which is used throughout the VR and ULTRA line of flagship loudspeakers. The Endeavor SE also incorporates other design VSA elements like our proprietary Rear-Ambient Retrieval System, Bi-Wire inputs with isolated networks and high-quality crossover components. Last but not least, the Special Edition comes in our high-gloss multi layer paint finish as standard, customer's can choose a custom color to accommodate their specific tastes with matching painted plinth for the highest level of fit and finish. Featuring advanced speaker components often found in systems many times our price: Anodized aluminum woofer cones, Kevlar midrange, and damped Beryllium dome tweeter to ensure highest level of sonic transparency possible. Rear ambience retrieval driver. To match the transient response and tone quality of the superb front tweeter, we have employed a 75mm ribbon tweeter driven by a Neodymium magnet system for the lowest distortion and widest frequency range we have measured from a 75mm ribbon. Top-class measurements with lowest distortion/coloration in its price range. Non-parallel walls and advanced cabinet design for sonic purity. Linkwitz-Riley crossover filters ensure correct phase coherence and timing.
Von Schweikert's speakers deliver wide soundstage dispersion through novel "ambient recovery systems," creating a 3D-like soundstage. Their large dynamic range masters both subtle details and intense macro swings.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality, often described as unbelievable for its size, delivers a natural and balanced sound, with a clarity and realism that brings music to life
- Impressive bass performance produces bass and dynamics that belie its moderate size, energizing rooms and reproducing bass with good pitch definition, texture, and tone
- Wide and deep soundstage portrays space exceptionally well, creating a wide and deep soundstage with good imaging, even on mono recordings, and the rear ambient tweeter enhances this spatial quality
- High-end components, including those found in Von Schweikert's Ultra series such as a beryllium tweeter, Masterbuilt internal wiring, and Mundorf capacitors and WBT binding posts are used
- The cabinet construction is designed to minimize resonance and coloration, employing a triple-wall panel
- A luxurious, automotive-grade finish is offered, which can be customized with bespoke colors, making it visually appealing and able to fit into various room decors
Product Considerations
- Powerful amplification (at least 100 watts per channel) is beneficial to unlock its full dynamic range and potential
- Careful setup and placement are crucial to optimize bass response, soundstage width, image specificity, and overall coherence
- The bass could sound slightly soft at times, possibly due to the room interaction or associated equipment
- While offering excellent value, the Endeavor Special Edition is still a significant investment, placing it in a competitive price bracket
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The ESE is a significant upgrade incorporating Ultra series technology, a new tweeter, improved binding posts, a rear-firing tweeter, and a better crossover
- While not in the same league as the Ultra 11, the ESE provides a taste of the Ultra series' technologies at a more accessible price point
Takeaway: The Endeavor offers an immersive listening experience with exceptional sound quality and a beautiful design. Its ability to create a realistic and engaging soundstage makes it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking a high-performance speaker system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Von Schweikert's speakers deliver wide soundstage dispersion through novel "ambient recovery systems," creating a 3D-like soundstage. Their large dynamic range masters both subtle details and intense macro swings.
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Bowers & Wilkins
803 D4
25000
/
Released
2022
803 D4 may be notably more compact than the 801 D4 or 802 D4, but it still bristles with technical innovation, most obviously in its use of a three-box construction. Its 130mm (5-in) midrange cone is carefully isolated from the impact of its bass cones thanks to its Turbine Head enclosure.
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.
Expand Details
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
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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Cabasse
The Pearl Keshi
26237
/
Released
2021
THE PEARL KESHI was named after the small natural pearls found in Tahiti and the South Seas. It combines all the qualities of Cabasse high-end connected solutions for the most impressive acoustic performance (soundstage, stereo image, timbre, etc.) in a miniature size. This system consists of a connected subwoofer and two tiny satellite speakers. This 3 components system features an original design subwoofer suspended in the air to limit the transmission of vibrations onto the floor.
Cabasse, a French hifi brand with roots dating back to 1742 in musical instrument making, is renowned for its unique coaxial speaker design where all sound waves emanate from a single point. Their flagship product, La Sphère, features a distinctive four-way coaxial drive unit array, while their patented HELD technology uses multiband dynamic signal processing to enhance bass dynamics without distortion.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Visually appealing with a distinctive, elegant, and small form factor, fitting well in smaller spaces and under monitors
- Good build quality and finish, using excellent materials, which creates a sense of pride of ownership
- Powerful sound for its size, offering ample audio presence and dynamic headroom
- Comprehensive control app that is stable, logical, and offers extensive functionality, including room calibration
- Coaxial design of the satellite speakers aims to improve stereo focus and time alignment
Product Considerations
- Sound can be bottom-heavy or 'wonky' with an overemphasis on bass that dominates the overall sonic signature
- Treble can be sharp, edgy, or unruly, especially at higher volumes
- The included remote control is more stylish than ergonomic and can be unresponsive, requiring re-pairing
- Lacks an HDMI input, which limits connectivity options, especially for TV use
- Fixed wiring of the satellite speakers can be inconvenient if shorter cables are needed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The KEF LS50 offers better-balanced sound and superior sound quality overall
- Genelec is more utilitarian in design
- The SVS Prime Wireless Pro and sub combo sounds better, but lacks the sex appeal
- The Devialet has more intense bass, but isn't as balanced or natural as The Pearl Keshi
Takeaway: The Cabasse Pearl Keshi offers audiophile sound in a stylish and compact package with innovative features. It could be a good fit if one wants a visually striking and complete audio system that can fit in a tight space.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cabasse, a French hifi brand with roots dating back to 1742 in musical instrument making, is renowned for its unique coaxial speaker design where all sound waves emanate from a single point. Their flagship product, La Sphère, features a distinctive four-way coaxial drive unit array, while their patented HELD technology uses multiband dynamic signal processing to enhance bass dynamics without distortion.
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Cabasse
Rialto
2995
/
Released
2022
Inspired by the most famous and oldest bridge in Venice, this new audio system named RIALTO symbolises the junction between traditional Hi-Fi and the connected technologies developed over the last 10 years by Cabasse. It embeds the best acoustic and software technologies and is composed of two connected active speakers, in a compact bookshelf format, with soft and rounded lines reminiscent of the Murano.
Cabasse, a French hifi brand with roots dating back to 1742 in musical instrument making, is renowned for its unique coaxial speaker design where all sound waves emanate from a single point. Their flagship product, La Sphère, features a distinctive four-way coaxial drive unit array, while their patented HELD technology uses multiband dynamic signal processing to enhance bass dynamics without distortion.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Powerful and deep bass response for its size
- Clear and natural sound reproduction, with vocals being particularly noteworthy
- An 'all-in-two' system, the RIALTO includes a streamer, DAC, pre-amp, and amp, making it easy to set up and use, especially with the Cabasse StreamCONTROL app
- Effective room correction helps to optimize the sound for the listening environment
- Elegant design and build quality
Product Considerations
- The lack of seamless gapless playback between digital tracks requires a workaround or use of an analog source
- The RIALTO has a laid-back treble response, which may not appeal to listeners who prefer a brighter sound
- Potential for technical hiccups exists, because of the amount of technology packed into the RIALTO
- Many features are controlled with the mobile app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The RIALTO provides a more balanced—and much more natural—listening experience than the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB Stereo
Takeaway: The Cabasse RIALTO is a compact and elegant audio system that offers powerful sound and a range of integrated features, making it a great choice for music lovers who want an easy-to-use and high-performing system. The sound quality and room correction allow it to adapt well to different listening spaces, offering an immersive experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cabasse, a French hifi brand with roots dating back to 1742 in musical instrument making, is renowned for its unique coaxial speaker design where all sound waves emanate from a single point. Their flagship product, La Sphère, features a distinctive four-way coaxial drive unit array, while their patented HELD technology uses multiband dynamic signal processing to enhance bass dynamics without distortion.
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KEF
Reference 5 Meta
24899
/
Released
2022
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.
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Our Summary
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.
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