Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Strong midrange with a natural and organic sound for both dialogue and vocals
  • Wide soundstage, potentially better than the Klipsch RP-8000F, with excellent lateral width and solid center focus
  • Good bass extension, with a more dampened and fuller presentation compared to some competitors
  • The new Klarity material allows it to form very responsive high-rigidity relief diffusers, which practically do not color the sound with their own resonances
  • Well-engineered cabinet design to minimize unwanted resonances, contributing to overall sound purity

Product Considerations

  • Dynamics may come off as slightly slower compared to more efficient speaker designs like Klipsch
  • Some reviewers found the bass to be slow or muddy, which could affect the midrange clarity depending on the recording and placement, though bass texture improves with better amplification
  • High frequencies can be influenced by the amplifier, potentially becoming brittle or thin at higher volumes with certain pairings
  • The spiked feet design isn't universally liked
  • A subwoofer is needed to get down to 20 Hertz

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Diamond 12.4 is more refined and coherent, while the Klipsch RP-8000F is more lively and dynamic, excelling in home theater or live music presentations
  • The Diamond 12.4 is more sophisticated, easier to place, easier to live with, and has a more coherent sound top to bottom compared to the more bass-heavy Fluance XL8F
  • The Diamond 12.4 offers better center focus and requires less expensive associated equipment to achieve comparable performance

Takeaway: The Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 is a well-rounded speaker that offers a refined and coherent sound, with a particularly strong midrange. Its ability to perform well across a range of source material makes it a solid choice for various listening preferences.

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

Diamond 12.4

reviews

[{"title":"WHARFEDALE Speakers! DIAMOND 12.4 Towers FLOORSTANDING SPEAKERS Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FdOh_mTMbM","source":"Andrew Robinson","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Is Wharfedale's New Diamond 12 Series the New Benchmark ...","link":"https://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/wharfedale-diamond-12","source":"audioholics.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 : High performance at a low price","link":"https://www.techforbrains.com/speakers/wharfedale-diamond-12-4-review-high-performance-at-a-low-price","source":"techforbrains.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 vs Q Acoustics 3050i with Audio Samples","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMA607VINmA","source":"SH Digital Media Global","datePublished":"2022"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • General description: 2.5-way floorstanding speaker
  • Enclosure type: bass reflex
  • Bass driver: 6.5"(150mm) advanced PP Cone
  • Midrange driver: 6.5"(150mm) advanced PP Cone
  • Treble driver: 1"(25mm) Textile Dome
  • AV shield: No
  • Sensitivity(2.83V @ 1m): 89dB
  • Recommended amplifier power: 30-200W
  • Peak SPL: 102dB
  • Nominal impedance: 8Ω
  • Minimum impedance: 5Ω
  • Frequency response(+/-3dB): 40Hz ~ 20kHz
  • Bass extension(-6dB): 35Hz
  • Crossover frequency: 2.1kHz
  • Cabinet Volume: 40.8L
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): (1100+50) x 200 x (350+28) mm
  • Net weight: 22.4kg/pcs
The powerhouse model of the Wharfedale DIAMOND 12 series, the DIAMOND 12.4 is the room-filling, chest-pounding, largest model in the series. For larger, more powerful systems and cinema-style home theatre experiences, the DIAMOND 12.4 will fill your room with an impactful, immersive performance.
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:

  • Drawing from its flagship Elysian series, Wharfedale incorporates trickle-down technology such as AMT tweeters, heavily braced curved cabinets, and slot-loaded bottom ports to deliver a high-end experience at a more accessible price point.
  • The brand's loudspeakers are designed with a focus on creating a seamless integration between all components and the surrounding system, allowing the strengths and weaknesses of the amplifier to be more easily discerned.
  • Wharfedale speakers offer versatility by being voiced with the intention to be positioned relatively close to the wall, providing set-up flexibility that caters to a variety of listening environments, particularly smaller rooms.
  • They provide excellent value by producing an easy-to-enjoy, musical sound in part due to their wide baffle design that captures warmth and delivers an immersive, full sound without being overly analytical.

D330:

  • Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
  • Description: Offers a budget-friendly option with a focus on high performance at a low cost. Features a 2.5-way design with black woven Kevlar cones, providing a robust sound that competes with more expensive models. Compared to the Diamond 12.4, it is more compact and suitable for smaller spaces, making it ideal for those with limited room and budget.

Diamond 12.4:

  • Positioning: Mid-range series, offering a balance of performance and value.
  • Description: Praised for its room-filling sound and impactful bass, thanks to its Klarity cone material and advanced crossover design. Stands out with its 2.5-way configuration, delivering a more refined sound than the D330.

EVO4.4:

  • Positioning: Upper mid-range, blending advanced technology with affordability.
  • Description: Uses technology from the high-end Elysian series, such as the AMT tweeter and SLPP bass reflex system, offering detailed high frequencies and deep bass. Provides a more sophisticated soundstage than the Diamond 12.4.

Aura 4:

  • Positioning: Premium series, designed for high performance and aesthetic appeal.
  • Description: Features the AMT transducer for exceptional high-frequency detail and a proprietary woven glass fiber matrix for midrange and bass. Offers a more dynamic and detailed sound compared to the EVO4.4.

Dovedale:

  • Positioning: Heritage series, combining classic design with modern performance.
  • Description: A three-way standmount speaker with a vintage look and modern sound quality, featuring a large Kevlar bass driver for rich, controlled bass. Offers a more traditional aesthetic and sound compared to the Aura 4.

Elysian 4:

  • Positioning: Flagship series, representing the pinnacle of Wharfedale's technology and luxury.
  • Description: A luxury model with a piano-lacquer finish and advanced AMT transducers, delivering a wide bandwidth and low distortion. Surpasses the Dovedale in both design and performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
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Brand Popularity
49
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Products Listed
65
Founding Year
1932

Our take on the brand

Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

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From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Wharfedale
Aura 3
3299
3299
/
2
Reviews
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Delivers a refined and easy-going listening experience
  • Has a full-bodied presentation and articulate midrange
  • Lovely build quality
  • AMT tweeter delivers extraordinary detail and airiness in the high frequencies
  • Bass is both extended and controlled

Product Considerations

  • Sound lacks a bit of verve
  • Powerful bass could be better defined
  • Presentation could sound more spacious
  • May require careful placement for optimal performance
  • Size might be imposing in smaller rooms

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the ProAc Response DT8, the Wharfedale Aura 3 has less verve and drive
  • Compared to the Fyne Audio F501SP, the Wharfedale Aura 3 has less verve and drive

Takeaway: The Aura 3 is a musically rewarding speaker with excellent build quality that is easy to partner with other equipment. It bridges the gap between technical excellence and musical engagement.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Wharfedale
Aura 4
3999
3999
/
1
Reviews
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality
  • Incredible bass
  • Good soundstage

Product Considerations

  • Some may find it too bright
  • Lacks some detail compared to competitors

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • It beats the Blackback at soundstage
  • Not an inferior DAC to Gordon
  • Superior imaging compared to some others

Takeaway: It is well built and has good bass response. It lacks some detail compared to the competition.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
GoldenEar
T66
3450
3450
/
23
Reviews

Introducing the T Series The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar’s new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else. Honoring the Triton Series The T66 honors the critically acclaimed Triton Series, sharing a similarly tall, slender profile; built-in DSP-controlled subwoofer amplification; and a driver complement comprising GoldenEar’s High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter, cast-basket mid/bass units, quadratic planar radiators, and long-throw powered sub-bass section. Onward and Upward Several important cosmetic and sonic refinements distinguish the new T66 from previous GoldenEar speakers. These include a dramatically augmented crossover design, high-quality internal wiring, a new cast-aluminum base and metal grille, and, in addition to GoldenEar’s Gloss Black cabinet finish, a vibrant Santa Barbara Red.

GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
  • Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
  • High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
  • A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
  • The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal

Product Considerations

  • Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
  • The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
  • Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
  • Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations

Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.

Video review

Our take on the brand

GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Sonus Faber
Lumina V
2999
2999
/
10
Reviews

Slender Speakers with Surprising Performance.Lumina V takes inspiration from Sonus faber’s core designs and technologies, packaged in a sleek and minimalistic floorstanding speaker.LUXURY, SIMPLIFIED.Lumina V is the flagship three-way floor standing model in the collection. A slender speaker with high-power handling and fast transient response, Lumina V produces a natural, generous, and emotional sound for an immersive listening experience.LIGHTING THE WAYThe Lumina collection ushers in exciting changes while preserving the history and values core to Sonus faber. Centered on simplicity, Lumina provides an immersive and musical experience to a broader audience.SIGNATURE SONUS FABER MATERIALSLumina V incorporates multilayer wood on the front baffle and wood veneer, available in multiple finishes. The sides and top of the speaker cabinet are hand-covered in black leather.SIMPLICITY AND STYLELumina takes note of Sonus faber’s iconic natural materials.

Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
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Product Strengths

  • Elegant design with a combination of wood and leather that gives a classy appearance
  • Impressive bass output, with some reviewers noting deep and tuneful bass
  • The midrange is articulate and expressive, delivering vocals with palpability and detail
  • Smooth and detailed high-end reproduction, thanks to the Damped Apex Dome (DAD) tweeter
  • Relatively easy to drive with a sensitivity of 89-90dB

Product Considerations

  • Requires careful placement to achieve the best balance, especially regarding toe-in
  • The bass can sometimes be perceived as boomy depending on the room acoustics
  • Some reviewers mention the included binding posts are cheap

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Q Acoustics Concept 50, the Lumina V has a more live sound, but the Concept 50 is more neutral, and more inert
  • Compared to the Polk R700, the Lumina V is sonically similar to the R700, but with slightly less bass and a smaller cabinet—with better aesthetics; the R700 is more full range and warmer
  • Compared to the Spendor A4 or ProAc Response DT8, the Lumina V is not as precise, but offers a natural sonic grace

Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Lumina V is an elegant speaker that delivers detailed sound and impressive bass. It is a great option if you want speakers that look as good as they sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Wharfedale
Super Linton
2499
/
Released
2024
The new Wharfedale SUPER LINTON represents a significant milestone in innovation for Wharfedale, being a standout addition to the globally best-selling Heritage series.

This updated model is part of a line of award-winning speakers that are renowned for their exceptional musicality and have won the hearts of tens of thousands of music lovers. Led by Peter Comeau, the Director of Acoustic Design, Wharfedale’s engineers revisited every aspect of the speaker’s design, including the cabinet, drive units, and crossover. The outcome of their efforts is the newly upgraded Super Linton.

The SUPER LINTON speakers are now available in 3 different finishes. Walnut, Mahogany, and now Black oak.

Check Amazon
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Robust cabinet, with a dual-layer fiberboard construction and latex damping glue, reduces resonances and sound coloration
  • Improved woofer with larger cabinet and better motor system delivers deeper, more controlled, and impactful bass with better clarity
  • Updated tweeter design, similar to the Dovedale speaker, delivers a big difference in treble delivery
  • Internal crossovers are upgraded with better quality inductors, coils, and cabling
  • Clearer, faster, and more three-dimensional soundstage compared to the original Linton

Product Considerations

  • Initial treble response might be lively and energetic, potentially causing sibilance, but this mellows out after a break-in period
  • Left-to-right imaging can sometimes feel like the sound is coming directly from the speaker instead of the space around it
  • Vocals can sometimes come across a little too forward or present in the upper vocal range, depending on the music and amplifier
  • May require careful matching with amplifiers and hifi systems to achieve the desired balance of sound
  • Some reviewers initially found the bass punch lacking compared to the original Linton, although this may improve with break-in or by using the loudness control in the amplifier

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Linton, Super has a clearer, faster, more 3D soundstage, crisper details, and more dynamic bass and treble
  • Compared to Mission 770, Super has better clarity, dynamics, speed, liveliness and soundstage, but Mission has smoother vocals

Takeaway: The Super is a clear and transparent speaker, offering a detailed and lively listening experience. It is a good choice for audiophiles wanting flexibility to tailor their sound with different hifi systems.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
Concept 50
2199
/
Released
2022
A sonic step-up from the Concept 30, this elegant floorstander takes everything great about its standmount brother but delivers more powerful audio, a deeper soundstage and increased bass extension through its leading-edge, low resonance cabinet.
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Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Fit and finish plus performance that is a bargain for around $3k/pair
  • Gelcore cabinet construction minimizes unwanted sound energy from resonance and vibrations
  • A tweeter that is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated (floating) from the baffle provides lower distortion
  • Size, weight, and richness of tone belies their size, with a wider baffle to each loudspeaker pointing at you
  • A mild sound throws emphasis back to the midrange that in itself seems almost holographic, as well as deeply insightful in a gentle but revealing manner

Product Considerations

  • A medium to large size room is required to shine, otherwise the bass will dominate
  • Flaws in poor recordings can be revealed due to their detail and accuracy—warts and all performance
  • The top-end is a little soft and gentle—classic BBC like—which may require amps with some zing to compensate
  • Listeners seeking absolute detail or transparency might not be satisfied because of Q Acoustics' house sound that massages treble and plumps up bass and lower mid
  • They don't go sub-40Hz deep, frequency response is rated at 42 Hz – 30 kHz (-6dB)

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Concept 50 offers excellent value with its blend of innovative design and high-quality sound, making it a great choice for enjoying music with a sense of depth and engagement. The Concept 50s are easy to listen to and fun.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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KLH
Model Five
1249
/
Released
2021
Model Five acoustic suspension speakers are known as one of the finest and most sought-after speakers for audiophiles, both new and seasoned. Our updated version of this classic speaker has real wood veneers, cast aluminum baskets, and uses acoustic suspension design principles made famous by founder Henry Kloss. The KLH Model Five vintage speaker is offered in three gorgeous finishes (English Walnut, West African Mahogany, and Nordic Noir), allowing the loudspeaker to blend with all home decor.
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KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Retro aesthetics reminiscent of vintage speakers, with a well-applied veneer and woven front panel
  • Balanced sound with clarity in the midrange and treble, creating an immersive listening experience
  • Good sensitivity makes them relatively easy to drive with a range of amplifiers
  • Acoustic suspension design provides tight bass and allows for flexible placement near walls
  • Three-position attenuation switch allows for adjustment to different room acoustics

Product Considerations

  • Can sound a bit bright out of the box, requiring a break-in period
  • Sound can harden a little when provoked by poor or bright recordings, and they are finicky about upstream electronics
  • Bass might not be punchy enough for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer or EQ adjustments
  • Lack of provision for spikes to fasten the speakers to the carpet
  • Grilles need to be off for best sound, according to one reviewer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the JBL L100, the Model Five is better balanced and more enjoyable to listen to
  • Compared to the NHT C3, the Model Five is an upgraded variant, offering deeper, wider sound and more resolution
  • Compared to the Buchardt S400, the Model Five sounds more open, brighter, and more detailed—with better instrument placement
  • Compared to the Aurender S5W, the Model Five reaches lower frequencies and has better overall resolution and detail
  • Compared to the Graham LS6, they perform on par, albeit via a different approach, trading in some refinement for a more direct—in-your-face sound

Takeaway: The KLH Model Five is a speaker with retro style and balanced sound. They are versatile and can be used in different listening spaces.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Q Acoustics
5040
1495
/
Released
2023
5040 is a notably compact floorstander with a modest footprint - which means it's ideal for those environments where space is at a premium but the desire for full-scale audio excitement (as well a visual gratification) is strong.
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Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent clarity and detail resolution, with leading edges of notes crisply defined
  • Accurate reproduction, with precise tonal accuracy and fine spatial definition within the soundstage
  • Superb build quality for the money, and they look more expensive than they are
  • Easy to drive without requiring excessive power to perform to their best
  • Soundstage width is better than the 3050i

Product Considerations

  • Needs care in system matching, as they are transparent and will reveal shortcomings in the source or amplifier
  • Can sound slightly lean throughout the lower midrange, and the highs can sometimes present as a bit hot depending on the content
  • Does not plumb the depths that some other floorstanders do
  • Not designed for pokey rooms and cupboard-sized man caves, they need to breathe and require adequate space
  • Some reviewers felt the build quality of the binding posts could be better

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The 5040 has a more neutral tonal balance with better-defined bass and exceptional clarity, while the 3050i delivers greater overall impact with its larger drivers and cabinet

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5040 is a well-built speaker that sounds great and looks modern, making it a good choice for those who want clarity and detail in their music, but system matching is important to avoid a bright presentation. These speakers are a strong statement in the right listening environment for the price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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SVS
Ultra Evolution Pinnacle
2499
/
Released
2024
Ultra Evolution Pinnacle represents the culmination of SVS breakthroughs in driver design, component materials, and cabinet architecture, married with a relentless passion for audio excellence. The science of sonic perfection in harmony with a love of convincing and immersive sound. Never has this fusion of design elements existed in a single speaker.
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SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers a lot of sound output and low bass, good for listeners who like full-range speakers
  • The diamond-coated tweeter offers a big sonic improvement, sounding more open and less tinny or strained on the high end
  • Exceptional value for money
  • Exceptional bass weight and presence for the price range
  • The Ultra Evolution Pinnacle offer scale, drama, and full-range sonics

Product Considerations

  • Voiced for warmth rather than accuracy
  • Can be room-sensitive in ways that other designs are not
  • Should be driven with a robust amplifier
  • The speaker's tonality is not linear, with a dip in the upper mid-range followed by a peak, making the sound somewhat shouty
  • Speakers require placement away from walls due to a wide Q bump in the lower bass region

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • vs Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4: The new tweeter in the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle loudspeakers had a lot of that open sound when playing "Blackbird" from QoBuz, but the highs weren't as open and airy as the nearly six times more expensive Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4 speakers—the improvement over the past tweeter is notable
  • vs Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3: B&W is slightly more money and slightly more refined
  • vs MartinLogan XT F200: The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle loudspeakers may have a different sonic signature

Takeaway: The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle speakers are a great option for those seeking a powerful, full-range sound with exceptional bass at a competitive price. They are the best SVS speaker yet and will make the listening experience vibrant and fun.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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