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
- The VR-55 Aktive employs a very narrow, chamfered front baffle designed to promote wide dispersion
- The VR-55 Aktive uses a triple-layered wall construction that exploits the natural effects of using three disparate layers as a resonance-cancellation system
- The VR-55 Aktive features a Rear Ambiance Retrieval ribbon tweeter intended to match the transient response and tonal quality of the superb front tweeter and to help effectively replicate the concert hall (or recording studio's) acoustic space
- The custom-built drivers are astonishingly fast, with rise and settle times rivaling—possibly surpassing—the best heard from any driver of equivalent size
- The rear panel's contents contribute significantly to the VR-55 Aktive's unique ability to seamlessly integrate with any room
Product Considerations
- Component pairing is crucial to really discover what the speaker has to say, so be prepared to match it with only the best electronics and sources
- The assistance of at least one other person should be considered mandatory for installation and setup
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The VR-55's level of performance so closely mimicked that haunting experience—the creation of an unqualified suspension of disbelief, the sense that one was in the presence of a live performance and not a loudspeaker
- Bass coherence, depth, and impact, overall tonal balance, and degree of spatial re-creation were considerably more refined and accurate than had been realized with the VR-5 Anniversary
Takeaway: The VR-55 Aktive is a compellingly accurate, resolute, coherent, and extraordinarily musical loudspeaker that delivers music in a resolute yet wholly organic manner, making it a worthwhile investment. Its ability to vanish from the listening room and seamlessly integrate into any room makes it a special product.
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
VR.fifty
reviews
[{"title":"Von Schweikert Audio VR-55 Aktive Loudspeaker","link":"https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/von-schweikert-audio-vr-55-aktive-loudspeaker","source":"The Absolute Sound","datePublished":"2015"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
Description
Featuring ceramic honeycomb woofers and midrange drivers along with a damped Beryllium dome tweeter, the measured distortion is less than 0.5% at normal listening levels. These drivers, when mounted in our Pat. Pending Triple Wall Laminate noise reducing cabinet, will reproduce the sonic tapestry with clarity and musicality that we have all been searching for. The VR-55 MkII represents over 40-years of our proprietary sound engineering! In it’s standard configuration, the VR-55 MkII is offered as a traditional and purely passive reference loudspeaker with extremely accurate linear response from the factory. But for those interested in achieving the optimum linear response in their room with the fastest, tightest and deepest bass possible, we offer the VR-55 MkII Aktive version which incorporates our proprietary 800w R.M.S. Amplifiers. With traditional passive speakers, the listening room will dictate not only where the speakers will need to be placed but also how good the bass will ultimately sound. With our VR-55 MkII Aktive version, each channel incorporates a 800-watt built-in R.M.S. Amplifier between the woofer binding posts and the passive crossover network for the dual bass drivers. This allows the owner to decide exactly where they would like to place the speakers in the room and then adjust the bass drivers with an analog attenuator to deliver highly accurate linear response in that location, regardless of room dynamics. This bi-amp technique allows anyone, in any room, to achieve superb bass depth and also enables matching of the bass level to the upper frequency ranges. Finally, a speaker for every room! To add the depth found in the concert hall, we have provided a rear-firing ribbon tweeter along with our Ambience Retrieval System with Effects Level Control. This Dipolar Design creates a “bubble” of sound rather than a narrow “beam,” generating a huge sweet space. For those listeners who do not require a subwoofer amplifier, we also build a Passive version.
Featuring ceramic honeycomb woofers and midrange drivers along with a damped Beryllium dome tweeter, the measured distortion is less than 0.5% at normal listening levels. These drivers, when mounted in our Pat. Pending Triple Wall Laminate noise reducing cabinet, will reproduce the sonic tapestry with clarity and musicality that we have all been searching for. The VR-55 MkII represents over 40-years of our proprietary sound engineering!
In it's standard configuration, the VR-55 MkII is offered as a traditional and purely passive reference loudspeaker with extremely accurate linear response from the factory. But for those interested in achieving the optimum linear response in their room with the fastest, tightest and deepest bass possible, we offer the VR-55 MkII Aktive version which incorporates our proprietary 800w R.M.S. Amplifiers.
With traditional passive speakers, the listening room will dictate not only where the speakers will need to be placed but also how good the bass will ultimately sound. With our VR-55 MkII Aktive version, each channel incorporates a 800-watt built-in R.M.S. Amplifier between the woofer binding posts and the passive crossover network for the dual bass drivers. This allows the owner to decide exactly where they would like to place the speakers in the room and then adjust the bass drivers with an analog attenuator to deliver highly accurate linear r...
In it's standard configuration, the VR-55 MkII is offered as a traditional and purely passive reference loudspeaker with extremely accurate linear response from the factory. But for those interested in achieving the optimum linear response in their room with the fastest, tightest and deepest bass possible, we offer the VR-55 MkII Aktive version which incorporates our proprietary 800w R.M.S. Amplifiers.
With traditional passive speakers, the listening room will dictate not only where the speakers will need to be placed but also how good the bass will ultimately sound. With our VR-55 MkII Aktive version, each channel incorporates a 800-watt built-in R.M.S. Amplifier between the woofer binding posts and the passive crossover network for the dual bass drivers. This allows the owner to decide exactly where they would like to place the speakers in the room and then adjust the bass drivers with an analog attenuator to deliver highly accurate linear r...
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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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Select product comparisons
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
$40,001-$75,000
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?
Monitor
Hyphn
95000
95000
/
6
Reviews
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Unique design where form follows function, resulting in a contemporary and sleek aesthetic
- Incredibly tight, impactful, articulate, and controlled bass response with impressive dynamic power and clarity
- Seamless integration of midrange and tweeter via the M-Array, creating a virtual point source for maximum imaging and soundstage
- Exceptional clarity, transparency, and detail retrieval across the entire frequency spectrum
- Soundstage is incredibly wide, deep, accurate, and immersive with instruments placed precisely in a three-dimensional field
Product Considerations
- Significant power from amplifiers is required to perform optimally, with recommendations ranging from 200 to 1600 watts RMS
- The Hyphn is a large and heavy speaker, needing a decent-sized room and strong flooring
- Sensitivity is rated at 86 dB, which is considered low and necessitates high-power amplification
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonus Faber: Hyphn has a far more forward-sounding presentation compared to the more relaxed and recessed soundstage of Sonus Faber
- Vs JBL Everest DD67000: Hyphn's bass is not as 'huge' as some monster high-end speakers like JBL's Everest, but it is tighter and more tuneful
Takeaway: Monitor Audio's Hyphn is a state-of-the-art loudspeaker with a unique design, delivering exceptional clarity, deep bass, and a wide soundstage. If unrestrained performance and a forward-looking aesthetic are desired, the Hyphn is worth considering for an immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Product Page
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Borresen
M1
100000
100000
/
4
Reviews
When designing the Børresen M series loudspeakers, Børresen's overriding goal was to challenge existing technological constraints and pioneer into new and unorthodox realms of audio technology. This comprises the absolutely new design of loudspeaker components, finding effective ways to fight resonance and vibrations, and searching for materials that provide the ultimate properties to elevate the sound quality to unprecedented new level.
The basket is a real revolution – it is a topology-optimized 3D-printed basket made of zirconium, which ensures maximum rigidity and thus minimum vibration and resonance. The basket is not just a placeholder for the membrane. The energy generated by the membrane is also held by the structure behind it.
The membrane is designed to achieve maximum stiffness with minimum noise. The membrane for the M1 is the most advanced and sophisticated speaker membrane on the market. The M1 membrane has the highest stiffness and the lowest membrane resonance.
The patented Børresen iron-free magnetic system has been further refined. Børresen uses iron-free drivers in all its loudspeakers. Their inductance is about ten times lower than that of conventional drivers.
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 M1 cabinet is constructed with additional 5mm braced, block-milled, pressed wood structures. In addition, braces are built into the sides of the speaker to give the cabinet even more rigidity and mechanical stability.
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
- Enormously large soundstage and big-bore sound at party SPL without any sensible struggle, as if tailored specifically for large spaces
- Highly articulated pinpoint accurate sound that was as deep as it was spatially grand
- A broad arsenal of tools allows it to switch between these opposite profiles and their derivatives fluently and without fail
- The most refined treble that the reviewer had heard yet—exceptionally informative, remarkably smooth, nuanced, delicate, admirably extended and very sweet
Product Considerations
- A modest dress code doesn't quite communicate how costly it is, as many speaker sets priced lower look just as good
- Vertically aligned speaker posts a bit below this opening are flush with their plate and compliant only with banana/BFA-style terminations, which may be a con to some users
- Recommended amps are at least twice as strong, especially in large spaces
- Really thrives in large spaces
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Martin Logan Summit X: Instrumental and vocal outlines noticeably juicier, more three-dimensional, tangible, natural and further away from the listening seat
Takeaway: The Børresen M1 is a unique speaker that defies expectations, delivering an expansive and detailed soundstage typically associated with much larger speakers. These speakers can provide an exceptional listening experience if space and budget allow.
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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Avantgarde
Trio G3
91000
91000
/
3
Reviews
Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.
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Product Strengths
- Impressive midbass solidity
- Remarkable fidelity at lower volumes due to the alacrity of its drivers
- Comprehensive and dynamic sound signature with plenty of detail and clarity
- The newly developed tweeter allows for faster response and a frequency range that easily extends to 28,000Hz
- Features a modular design, offering flexibility with passive, iTron active, and all-in-one wireless streaming versions
Product Considerations
- Integrating the Spacehorn subwoofers requires careful alignment
- High-quality source components are needed to match its performance level
- Some reviewers found that the iTron amplification did not produce the requisite bloom and musicality for classical and jazz music
Takeaway: The Avantgarde Trio G3 speaker is a top-tier audio system known for its exceptional sound reproduction and flexibility with different configurations. If you appreciate high-quality audio performance and aesthetics and want a sound system that sounds exciting and sophisticated, it is an excellent option.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.
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MBL
101 E MKII
90000
90000
/
3
Reviews
MBL is a German hifi brand known for its unique Radialstrahler technology, which uses petal-like drivers that emit sound in an omnidirectional 360-degree pattern, eliminating the typical "sweet spot" found in conventional speakers. Their speakers are designed to fill rooms with concert hall-like sound through both direct and reflected waves, creating a more natural and immersive listening experience throughout the entire space.
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Product Strengths
- An all-encompassing sound keeps listeners rooted to their seats
- A unique 360° sound wave design creates a natural balance of direct and reflected sounds
- A truly huge, yet meticulously crafted, soundscape is created
- Not physically evident in the aural landscape, offering a sound that seems to have no origin
- Integration of the woofer's and melon's outputs was far smoother than previous models
Product Considerations
- High-powered amplifiers capable of delivering ample amounts of current are required due to its insensitivity (around 80dB)
- Placement can be tricky, needing more space away from room boundaries than some rooms can provide
- The biggest problem has always been the audible lack of seamless integration between the bass box and the stack of omnis atop it
- A 'chesty, compressed, almost grainy midbass coloration' can be exhibited if placement and other factors are not optimized
Takeaway: The MBL Radialstrahler 101 E MkII loudspeaker offers a distinctive and immersive listening experience thanks to its unique omnidirectional design. It can fill the room with a natural and balanced sound, creating a captivating musical soundscape for the listener.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MBL is a German hifi brand known for its unique Radialstrahler technology, which uses petal-like drivers that emit sound in an omnidirectional 360-degree pattern, eliminating the typical "sweet spot" found in conventional speakers. Their speakers are designed to fill rooms with concert hall-like sound through both direct and reflected waves, creating a more natural and immersive listening experience throughout the entire space.
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What competes at this price?
Bowers & Wilkins
801 D4 Signature
55000
/
Released
2023
The 801 D4 Signature is an optimized version of our most advanced loudspeaker. It features meticulously evolved technology, carefully crafted design and unique finishes that culminate in the pinnacle of performance. This is Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Signature flagship loudspeaker.
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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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Each detail of the Signature has been carefully crafted and sees numerous updates over the standard 801, including crossover upgrades and a modified cabinet with a refined downward firing port
- The bass presentation on the 801 Signature was better across the board, it was tighter, a little more pronounced and forward, and definitely more defined
- Bass goes beyond just hitting the low notes, the woofers showcase some of the clearest, most audible detail and texture
- Vocalists and actors have better inflection, greater scale, and detail playing at low volumes
- When properly set up, the Signature is one of the most holographic windows to music experienced
- Speakers need power, the Arcam was impressive and even got the 801s to play loud, but the Macintosh MC312 made the Signature sound flow-like water
Product Considerations
- The Signature's impedance fluctuates wildly, ranging from a nominal 8 ohms and dipping lower than 3, so you need an amplifier that does more than just work
- Placement matters: if placed too close to the wall, the bass response became too pronounced and even boomy at times
- The Signature can come off as bright, and in extreme cases, it might be fatiguing to some
- Poor recordings won't get a free pass, there's bound to be a track or two that's going to leave your playlist rotation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Klipsch La Scala, both speakers excel at the recreation of space in true-to-life dynamics
- Compared to the Wharfedale Elysian 4, the Elysian doesn't play as deep, is richer in the mid-range, and nowhere near as extended up top, so it's not the Signature's equal
- Compared to the Wilson Audio Want Puppy, the two speakers are similar in size, driver complement, build and finish quality, price, and target market
- Compared to the SVS Titan, the Titans sound two-dimensional and fat, compared to the Signature's far more realistic and natural-sounding bass
- Compared to the KEF R11 Meta, the Signature's beefy presence makes for a far grander statement
Takeaway: The 801 Signature is a speaker that elevates the listening experience to another level because it is designed with incredible attention to detail. It will be an emotional and immersive experience to own these speakers.
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.
Product Page
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Bowers & Wilkins
801 D4
42000
/
Released
2021
The loudspeaker that sets the standard other high-end designs will be judged by for years to come. Endowed with every new technology the 800 Series Diamond has to offer, the reference-quality 801 D4 is an instant icon.
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
- Powerful and deep bass with fast transient attack and rich tonal shades
- Sweeter-sounding tweeter that integrates more fluidly with the midrange without sacrificing detail
- Balanced and coherent presentation across the frequency range
- Sounds are reproduced with clarity, detail, and dynamic contrasts
- Impressive soundstage imaging with accurately-sized images, providing a wide, tall, and deep soundstage
Product Considerations
- High-quality amplification with plenty of power is required, designed for use with amplifiers of up to 1000W
- Due to its size and the power it requires, it needs to be placed in a large room
- The weight of over 100 kg per speaker can make placement difficult—requiring assistance for lifting and maneuvering, especially on non-smooth surfaces
- The grilles can be a tricky fit
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs 800 D3: Faster and tighter bass register with a sweeter-sounding tweeter and improved decoupling
- Vs 802 D4: More bass, the 802 D4 had better blend
Takeaway:
The 801 D4 is a high-performance speaker known for its powerful and nuanced sound, exceptional imaging, and refined design, and it is capable of delivering a captivating listening experience. It is worth the investment for audiophiles who want detail and high-quality sound.
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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Wilson Audio
Alexia V
71000
/
Released
2022
Wilson Audio is well known for its continuous pursuit of "Excellence in All Things™" and persistent R&D advancements. As development finished on Alexx V ® and as Alexia ® Series 2 reached its five year anniversary, Wilson Audio's Engineers were put to the test to see how far they could push Alexia's performance envelope. What unfolded is nothing short of remarkable. More than thirty areas of improvement were identified and refined. Benefiting from the enormous evolutions found in Chronosonic XVX ® and Alexx V, Alexia V truly sits upon the shoulders of giants.
Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Alexia V brings many of the qualities of the Chronosonic XVX to a smaller and more affordable loudspeaker
- Spectacular bass performance delivers powerful weight and muscularity without sounding thick or overblown
- Midrange shares harmonic beauty and warmth with the XVX, offering smoothness and ease
- The Alexia V presents real life to the listener in a way that previous versions cannot match
- Every detail of the design and build exudes the highest level of quality and craftsmanship
Product Considerations
- Premium-priced, putting it out of reach for many music lovers
- Alexia V sounds a bit more forward, incisive, and "extraverted" compared to the XVX
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Alexia V shares many sonic characteristics with the Chronosonic XVX, but sounds a bit more forward, incisive, and 'extraverted', the XVX is more subtle, refined, darker in tonal balance, and 'bigger' sounding
- Alexia V is unequivocally superior to the Series 2 in every way
Takeaway: The Alexia V brings many of the best qualities from Wilson Audio's top-of-the-line speakers into a more manageable size and price point. The sound is both powerful and refined, making listening to music an engaging experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
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Dali
Epikore 11
60000
/
Released
2023
Harnessing 40 years of audio excellence, this exceptional 4½-way floorstanding loudspeaker includes four powerful 8-inch woofers, a highly dynamic 6½-inch midrange and our signature EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter module mounted in an advanced, real-wood veneer cabinet.
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional transparency and is capable of reproducing quiet details with precision
- Accessible and easy sound that draws the listener in
- The EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter is superb, providing silky highs beyond belief, regardless of volume
- Massive, subtly rounded, full-bodied bass which is remarkably deep, and delivers incredibly clear and defined punch
Product Considerations
- A large speaker that will dominate a room, requiring a large listening space to truly sing
- Bass can be somewhat elevated, depending on the room size
- Not exactly modest in its choice of amplifier
Takeaway: The Epikore 11 is a high-end speaker that combines power and refinement to deliver a transparent, detailed and engaging listening experience. It is also well-built with premium materials and is beautifully styled.
Video review
Our take on the brand
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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Magico
S3
45500
/
Released
2023
Magico's flagship loudspeaker, the incomparable M9, was as much a tour de forceengineering exercise as a finished product. The knowledge distilled and technological advances gained in the M9 development have been applied to the new S3 which reaps the rewards of those monumental efforts. With new state-of-the-art R&D capabilities, we set out to redesign the S3 Mk II loudspeaker to achieve audible improvements in every parameter. With new enclosure, drivers, and coupling system, the S3 accomplishes far more than the initial design brief.
Magico is one of the leading American hifi brands, celebrated for its speakers' precision, clarity, and transparency. This reputation is built on the founder’s meticulous focus on eliminating vibrations, a design principle that customers claim significantly enhances sound quality. Their speakers incorporate carbon fiber and aluminum, along with custom-made drivers, to deliver a highly transparent listening experience. Magico’s sound is incredibly revealing, though some listeners may find it unforgiving with poorly recorded material. These speakers are favored by reviewers and audiophiles who prioritize transparency and accuracy above all else.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautifully finished cabinet constructed from heavy metal, using four extruded aluminum panels
- Delivers a presentation that's vivid, refined, and compelling
- Low distortion and an absence of cabinet resonance allows the listener to hear deeper into the music
- Images like a point source, but has three-way midrange clarity and gut-punching bass
- Extremely transparent and uncolored, making it very responsive to changes in upstream components
Product Considerations
- May require careful system matching to avoid revealing flaws in the upstream components due to its high resolution
- Bass response below 30Hz may not be particularly satisfying
- Some reviewers noted that the grilles are sonically intrusive
- Heavyweight hifi typically requires assistance in its unboxing and installation, given the weight and the sheer size of the wooden packing crate in which it's delivered
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Magico S3 MKII—the new S3 has been completely revised and re-engineered, using techniques and technologies developed for the M9 flagship, with a 30% quieter enclosure
Takeaway:
The Magico S3 delivers a pure and detailed sound, making music feel vibrant and dynamic, without adding its own color. If you want to really hear what your music and audio equipment can do, the S3 is a great pick.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Magico is one of the leading American hifi brands, celebrated for its speakers' precision, clarity, and transparency. This reputation is built on the founder’s meticulous focus on eliminating vibrations, a design principle that customers claim significantly enhances sound quality. Their speakers incorporate carbon fiber and aluminum, along with custom-made drivers, to deliver a highly transparent listening experience. Magico’s sound is incredibly revealing, though some listeners may find it unforgiving with poorly recorded material. These speakers are favored by reviewers and audiophiles who prioritize transparency and accuracy above all else.
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