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
- Phenomenal transient speed and incisiveness without blur or overhang
- Extremely visual and pin-point locked soundstage
- Energetically front-row centre, though on visual perspective—casts a stage of capacious depth far behind
Product Considerations
- The upper range of female voices was slightly elevated to give a small dose of beyond-textbook presence
- Harbeth fans and annual subscribers to opera balcony seat would pass, because Hagen isn't about their more laid-back hall sound perspective
- Overdamping betrays a hyper-clipped cadence with super-short decays, crippled bass, and far too much white in the colour palette
Takeaway: Hagen's directness and leave-no-doubts diction stand out, making it an excellent candidate, especially with the right amplifier. It is a great choice for listeners who want a front-row center experience with a visual and pin-point locked soundstage.
All
HAGEN²
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Frequency Response: 50 - 33,000 Hz
- Driver: Voxativ AF-1.9 or AF-2B
- Efficiency AF-1.9: 88 / 95.0 dB / 2.83V / 1m
- Efficiency AF-2B: 92.0 / 97.0 dB / 2.83V / 1m
- Capacity: 50W sinus
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 20.5 x 36 x 25 cm (8" x 14" x 10")
- Weight: 6 kg / 14 lbs, Metal Version: 20 kg / 38 lbs
New in 2024 is the optimized Horn contour and the new drivers: AF-19 or AF-2B. These do have an optimized linearity and more bass than the predecessors. Also new in 2024 is the full Metal Version: The complete housing is produced out of 0,5" (13mm) thick Aluminium plates. This gets heavy: 38lbs (20 kg). And the sound? Simply wonderful.
The housing design is a short back-loaded horn, but modified with our unique Voxativ Acoustic Stealth Technology® (AST®). It prevents the build up of unwanted resonances and standing waves within the housing in a way that helps to tame the colorations that could occur.
Our new 5" handmade paper cone drivers light yet rigid cone is made from Japanese calligraphy paper. This cone is driven by our Neodymiun magnet design inclusive of the AF-1.9 or AF-2B. The Hagen II Monitor is made with highest quality workmanship – coated with real piano lacquer that dresses this premium speaker with an elegant shine.
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:
- They distinguish themselves by hand-crafting nearly every component of their wideband drivers in-house, allowing for complete control over design and materials, including specialized paper diaphragms and unique motor designs.
- The brand's speakers often feature back-loaded horn designs and proprietary Acoustic Stealth Technology (AST) to optimize bass response and manage internal resonances without traditional crossovers.
- Voxativ creates complete audio systems, including amplifiers and cables, designed to synergize with their wideband drivers, ensuring optimal performance and a cohesive sonic signature.
Select products
HAGEN² TOWER
- Positioning: A compact, budget-friendly tower designed for small rooms.
- Description: Delivers clear, direct sound with a handcrafted AF-1.9 driver and a housing tuned with Acoustic Stealth Technology to reduce unwanted reflections. Compared to larger, more complex systems like the Alberich Array or 9.88 System, it offers practical performance for users with modest space and budget needs.
ZETH
- Positioning: An elegant, full-range tower that balances refined aesthetics with natural sound.
- Description: Features a horn guidance based on AST and a specially developed full-range driver for fast transient response and precise bass integration. Compared to the simple design of the Hagen² Tower and the modular configurations of Alberich models, it appeals to users seeking a higher level of sonic detail.
ALBERICH² METAL
- Positioning: A premium, metal-crafted loudspeaker known for its resonance-free performance.
- Description: Impresses with a fully metallic housing engineered to eliminate resonance and deliver balanced sound even at low volumes. Compared to the more straightforward Zeth and the versatile Alberich Array, it offers elevated build quality and technical sophistication.
ALBERICH ARRAY SYSTEM
- Positioning: A modular speaker system crafted for expansive sound and tailored performance.
- Description: Stands out by integrating three drivers with pure copper cabling and an option for pure aluminum enclosures to provide a resonance-free, immersive audio experience. Compared to the rigid design of the Alberich² Metal and the highly configurable 9.88 System, it allows users to customize performance for larger spaces while balancing cost and versatility.
9.88 SYSTEM
- Positioning: A groundbreaking, hybrid-active system engineered for ultimate audio customization and room-filling power.
- Description: Combines a new full-range AC-4NP driver with an optional .01 Mid-Module and an active subwoofer to deliver deep, precise bass and highly personalized sound curves. Compared to the modular Alberich Array and the premium Alberich² Metal, it targets users with the highest budget and complex functional needs who desire extensive tuning options for large spaces.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
At Voxativ, we follow the philosophy of absolute signal purity – this is why we design and build our own wideband drivers entirely in Berlin, without any crossover components in the signal path. One key innovation is our patented Acoustic Stealth Technology, which allows the drivers to produce full-range sound with stunning resolution and dynamics, all from a single voice coil.
Secondly, we believe in the synergy of engineering and craftsmanship: all our cabinets are handmade with precision joinery and fine veneers, acting as musical instruments rather than mere housings. This holistic approach results in a level of emotional engagement that we believe is quite rare in high-end audio.
What's your approach to customer support?
We always encourage customers to contact their local dealer or distributor first – they are part of the Voxativ family and trained to assist with all typical needs. However, if a customer prefers, or if the issue is more specialized, they are always welcome to contact us directly.
We pride ourselves on building long-lasting relationships with our clients, and that includes aftercare. Whether it's helping a customer reconfigure their system, adjust positioning, or even upgrade older components, we're always just a phone call or email away. We've even flown across the globe to personally install or fine-tune systems – because music, like friendship, deserves personal attention.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
Keith Jarrett – Köln Concert (Part I): This piece shows how naturally and intimately our systems reproduce piano timbre and room acoustics.
Youn Sun Nah – My Favorite Things: Her voice, full of subtlety and nuance, is a great test of transparency and realism.
Yello – The Race: Dynamic, detailed, and rhythmically complex – a thrilling way to show off bass precision and soundstage layering.
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Voxativ
What if you spend more?
Sirens are brought to your attention due to a very recent development in speaker drivers by Purifi Audio. They have addressed and implemented solutions that advance the design of conventional moving coil speakers in multiple areas, leading to an order of magnitude better performance. It was worth our attention, so here we are with our little babies, taking full advantage of these new drivers.
For the Sirens the brief was – shrink the Lyra to bookshelf size and lose nothing! Well we lost 3db sensitivity but the performance gain due to the new driver and our unique new serial crossover takes the Sirens in a league of their own. Phase response linearization presents you with a new tone on many familiar voices. The lack of break up in the cone allows for a gentle slope of the crossover and better blending with our horn.
The zero resonance front baffle not contributing to the sound underlines the drivers unique abilities. Compact cabinet size doesn't limit the low frequency performance of the Sirens keeping the extension the same as on the Lyra via a rear mounted port.
Crossover components used are all premium - foil capacitors and air core inductors potted in polyurethane for vibration free optation and all wired with custom OCC copper wire for undisturbed low level detail and resolution.
The Sirens favor amplifiers with generous power reserves, so the lack of dynamic compression can be exploited in full at realistic sound levels. Yet a flea powered single ended amp will work just as well due to the Sirens virtually flat impedance and phase making them an easy load.
The use of real leather was chosen to complement the softer styling or the speaker accentuating the luxury pedigree of the product. Sirens possess a voice no one can resist, once experienced they enchant the mind and have brought many travelers to the shores of Thrax.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Siren produces a delicately resolved, very detailed, and natural treble range with exceptional expressiveness and subtle dynamic nuance
- The Siren offers a balanced and natural richness in midrange with much microdetail and growing transparency
- Once properly set up with spiking, high-end resolution, image depth, and convincing dynamics are achieved
- The Sirens can be played at almost any volume level within reason, coupled with a smooth frequency response and low distortion
- The Siren can disappear into the soundstage illusion
Product Considerations
- One review sample had a miswired tweeter, indicating a potential quality control issue
- At very high sound levels, the modestly dimensioned bass port began to huff a little, with some limiting a little earlier than the midwoofer did
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Siren demonstrates much of the pure harmony of a large panel speaker, but with the dynamics of a studio monitor
- Much of the intimacy heard on Branko Bozic's system comprising conrad-johnson ACT2 series 2 tube amplification with Karan KA M1200 monoblocks driving the magnificent first-gen Avalon Isis speakers was recreated with the Siren, if on a smaller scale
Takeaway: The Thrax Audio Siren is a well-engineered loudspeaker that delivers exceptional sound quality with natural timbre and impressive soundstage capabilities. If high-fidelity music enjoyment with great detail and clarity is desired, the Siren is worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Luxurious texture sound
- Equipped with Bluetooth/WiSA
- A pair of chic 175-watt branded Telos amplifiers are on board
Product Considerations
- Very high price
Takeaway: The Goldmund Pulp brought Goldmund into the compact wireless speaker segment with great success, delivering luxurious sound. It proves the brand can make iconic products outside of their usual ultra-expensive range.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The design of the AN-J Loudspeaker, by contrast, follows an altogether different philosophy. It calls for a cabinet that complements the chosen drive units, rather than fighting against them. Instead of trying to kill the resonances, we tailor the cabinet to place them in frequency bands where they aid and enhance the operation of the drive units, culminating in a loudspeaker system that makes the most of the preceding amplifier’s output. The material choice for the cabinet is an area where a great deal of research and development has taken place. Over the years, we have tried many different materials and combinations, a time consuming endeavour culminating in the current design, which utilises the highest quality birch ply for the entire cabinet. Bracing and internal damping is kept to a minimum and strategically applied to help, not hinder the drivers.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Solid bass performance for a speaker of its size
- Able to do justice to any genre of music and at realistic volume levels
- Very easy to drive
- Offers a balanced presentation from top to bottom with seamlessness between the woofer and tweeter
- Started sounding like far more than a pair of 8″ two-way monitors when properly positioned along the side walls
Product Considerations
- Achieving the best imaging and deep bass may require experimenting with toe-in and distance from corners and the back wall
- Does not provide much forward/backward information, with the image typically stopping at the outer edge of the speakers
- The basic 'D' model comes only in black ash veneer, while higher-end models offer more choices
- Bass can be overblown if not adjusted properly in room placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AN-E has more bass, is easier to drive, and has a bigger presentation
- Some may prefer the J because they find it a more taught presentation in the mid bass, as well as more "present" in the voice band
Takeaway:
The AN-J is a near full-range loudspeaker capable of articulation and organic flow, making music sound natural and engaging. If someone is looking for a communicative quality that remains consistent wherever they listen, then the AN-J could be a good fit.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The one standmount model in the Reference series could be the only loudspeaker you ever need. A three-way model boasting KEF’s 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, Reference 1 Meta is capable of delivering expansive, high-performance sound that goes way beyond what its relatively compact size would suggest was possible.
Product Strengths
- Balanced, refined, and musical performance
- Fine stereo imaging and a wide—beautifully focused—soundstage
- Impressive bass power and authority for a standmount speaker
- Excellent build quality and finish
- Uni-Q driver produces a consistent dispersion pattern
Product Considerations
- Demands an amplifier with plenty of power due to its low sensitivity (85dB/W/m) and 4 Ohm impedance (minimum 3.2 Ohms)
- Dedicated stands are expensive (S-RF1)
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4: Sounds larger-scale, more muscular, and punchy
Takeaway: The KEF Reference 1 Meta is a superb speaker combining excellent sound with clever engineering, well suited for audiophiles looking for a high-quality listening experience. It delivers an immersive and detailed soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredible billet aluminum cabinets, beautiful machine work
- Absolutely phenomenal treble region
- Expansive, clean, clear, and natural sounding midrange
- Very sensitive speaker and a low volume champion
- It offers an incredible amount of detail
Product Considerations
- Initially needs break-in time for the tweeter to reach its level of refinement
- Some people may want to add a subwoofer
- Not a warm speaker, it's better paired with tube amps for warmth
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Canta number one—the PlatiMon does everything better, the top end is better, and the midrange is much more natural
- Vs Franco Serblin Accordo—the PlatiMon is more detail-focused, clarity-focused, fast, and dynamic, whereas the Accordo is warmer
- Vs Heco salon revolution 3—the PlatiMon has tremendously more clarity in the treble, is more detailed, and sounds more natural
- Vs Piega Coax 411—similar solid aluminum enclosures, superb fit and finish, and a talent for revealing lots of detail without sounding bright or analytical
Takeaway: The PlatiMon is an excellent speaker with top-notch build quality that delivers natural and refined sound across the frequency range, making it a great choice for audiophiles. Its detailed presentation will make you want to listen for hours.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional cabinet construction minimizes resonances and time-smearing, leading to a 'lifeless' and inert cabinet that avoids ringing
- Clarity, transparency, and ability to deliver minutely organized and naturally displayed recorded data are strengths, offering a deep look into the soundstage and textural nuance of instruments
- Excellent imaging and a wide, deep soundstage belie their small size
- Placement is relatively unfussy, working well even close to walls or in corners
- High-quality components use a Mundorf AMT tweeter and a Scan-Speak mid-woofer, along with high-quality crossover components
Product Considerations
- With a sensitivity of 84dB, it may not be ideal for low-powered SET amplifiers
- While the bass is balanced, the 45Hz low-frequency response might not be sufficient for larger rooms or those who prefer deeper bass
- The AMT tweeter is highly directional, requiring careful toe-in for optimal treble detail and potentially resulting in a narrower sweet spot
- Some speakers with aluminum enclosures can miss the mark in musical satisfaction, bringing a certain sterility, though the Acelec does not have that problem
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Klipsch RP-600M II, the Acelec Model One presented vocals with starker, clearer sound compared to the Klipsch's 'hazy neon-lit environ'
- Similar construction to the Magico A1 using hardwood over a thick solid aluminum frame, but the Magico is more expensive
- Similar to YG Acoustics/Magico, the Acelec design uses aluminum construction for clarity not found in speakers using other cabinet materials
- Acelec Model One panels come even closer to complete silence than Genelec G Three
- The Acelec Model One does not quite have the scale and sweep of larger speakers such as the DeVORE FIDELITY Super Nines, Dali Oberon 7, and DeVORE FIDELITY 0/96
Takeaway: The Acelec Model One offers incredibly detailed and accurate sound with minimal cabinet resonance, making for an immersive listening experience in small to medium-sized rooms. It could be a great option for those who want a transparent speaker that reveals every nuance of their music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fast, precise, and airy sound reproduction
- Superb clarity and control due to materials and construction
- Near characterless clarity and uncolored coherence, allowing deep listening into music
- Scary-good imaging and expansive soundstaging
- Produces a giant, stunning soundstage with pinpoint imaging
Product Considerations
- Asking any stand mount speaker to fill a large space is a tall order
- Requires a muscular amplifier that can comfortably drive low loads
- Bass is not going to flap trousers, so consider adding a good subwoofer if more is desired
- Take care not to place the Coax 411 Gen 2 too close to walls or corners, otherwise the bass might become a wee bit heavy
- One tiny criticism–the removable grilles of the Piega Coax 411 loudspeakers are a little bit of a pain to remove
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Perlisten R7t Tower Speakers: The Perlistens are better suited for a larger room, while the 411s are better for smaller rooms
- Vs Klipsch Cornwall IV floorstanders: Very different beasts–far bigger and much more sensitive–yet similar in price terms
- Vs Gershman Acoustics Studio XdB: The Gershmans are warm and embracing, while the Piega Coax 411 is precise and filled with inner detail
Takeaway: The Piega Coax Gen2 411 speakers offer detailed and uncolored sound, letting someone get lost in their music. They are well-built and stylish, making them a great option for someone who wants both great sound and a modern look.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
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
Our Summary
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
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