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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

What reviewers think

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

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

High performance outdoor speakers with outstanding sound quality and weatherproofing. The simple design allows them to be installed in many types of locations.
High performance outdoor speakers with outstanding sound quality and weatherproofing. The simple design allows them to be installed in many types of locations. Yamaha’s advanced speaker design combines superior sound quality with excellent weatherproofing Powerful woofer delivers accurate mid/low frequency response Balanced dome tweeter ensures clear high frequency response Excellent audio performance, weatherproof cabinets that are drip, water and UV resistant
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:

  • Yamaha leverages its deep expertise in musical instrument manufacturing to design audio equipment aiming for "True Sound," faithfully reproducing the intended sound of instruments and vocals, making them sound realistic.
  • Yamaha products, particularly amplifiers and receivers, often offer a wide range of connectivity options, including legacy inputs (like phono stages) alongside modern features, catering to both traditional and contemporary audio setups.
  • Yamaha's MusicCast ecosystem integrates seamlessly with their audio products, providing multi-room audio capabilities and access to streaming services, allowing users to easily expand their audio setups wirelessly.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
39
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
84
Founding Year
1887

Our take on the brand

Yamaha pioneered the concept of hifi with their first hifi player in 1954 and was the first to use pure beryllium diaphragms in their NS-1000M speakers, which became a benchmark for professional studios. The brand uniquely integrates their musical instrument expertise into their audio equipment design, allowing them to accurately replicate the sound of their instruments through their audio systems.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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Yamaha

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Yamaha
NS-AW992
599
599
/
1
Reviews

The NS-AW392 is a high-quality outdoor speaker. Thanks to its highly flexible installation, these speakers are ideal for every application. YAMAHA Advanced speaker technology enables the combination of sound quality and flexibility Unique design, suitable for indoor and outdoor installation 2 way speaker system Splash-proof - UV-light resistant housing Precisely coordinated woofers and tweeters Highly flexible installation possible thanks to the included installation material Weatherproof 5 - point speaker terminal mounting Powder-coated aluminum front grill Included rubber feet for shelf installation Many possible uses: home cinema, garden or other public places

Yamaha pioneered the concept of hifi with their first hifi player in 1954 and was the first to use pure beryllium diaphragms in their NS-1000M speakers, which became a benchmark for professional studios. The brand uniquely integrates their musical instrument expertise into their audio equipment design, allowing them to accurately replicate the sound of their instruments through their audio systems.
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Product Strengths

  • The speakers are weather-resistant
  • They can handle a maximum of 180 watts
  • They offer flexible installation options with supplied mounting brackets
  • They have powder-coated aluminum speaker grilles
  • They can be used in home theaters, small commercial spaces, and public buildings

Takeaway: The Yamaha NS-AW992 are good weather-resistant speakers, making them great for outdoor use. They are powerful and versatile.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Yamaha pioneered the concept of hifi with their first hifi player in 1954 and was the first to use pure beryllium diaphragms in their NS-1000M speakers, which became a benchmark for professional studios. The brand uniquely integrates their musical instrument expertise into their audio equipment design, allowing them to accurately replicate the sound of their instruments through their audio systems.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Focal
Theva Surround
649
649
/
6
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Product Strengths

  • Sweet and detailed audio performance with clear instrumental separation and expansive dimensionality
  • Warm and full-bodied bass and midrange
  • Clear yet 'mellow' treble, creating a pleasing sound signature
  • Accurate sound that doesn't do much to color the recording, so listeners get a balanced presentation of the source content
  • Good level of dynamic range for reasonably sized bookshelf speakers, and they can get louder than expected for their size/price class

Product Considerations

  • The laid-back sound may occasionally obscure some definition
  • The speakers run on the cooler side of things, never becoming too indulgent in any aspect and instead providing a sound that is accurate and slightly pulled back, but never muted or lifeless
  • Asymmetry of the phase coherence of their vertical lobe can be a slight problem for anyone listening under the tweeter axis
  • Does not feel as substantial as some other speakers in their price class

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal Vestia No. 1: Theva offers a lot of what makes the Vestia No. 1 great while saving money, but is not as immediately striking in detail or treble extension
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3: Theva is more compact and easier to place, but doesn't look as premium
  • Vs Polk Legend Series L100: Theva has a more laid-back sound profile, making it a better listen in most cases, while the L100 presents a more precise center image

Takeaway: The Theva No. 1 is a great speaker for enjoying detailed and smooth sound without harshness. It's a good option for different types of content, from music to movies, and is especially suited for smaller spaces.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Dali
Alteco C-1
600
600
/
3
Reviews

The DALI ALTECO C-1 is a true multipurpose speaker. It adds Atmos, DTS-X and Auro-3D height information to an existing surround setup, and is a discreet on-wall solution for a stereo installation.Dual Sound ModeThe dual sound mode offers flexible placement. Select 'UP' for soft, downward sound dispersion or 'DOWN' for close listening.Wood Fibre ConesOur low-loss drivers combine low-mass paper cones with wood fibre for an uneven surface that eliminates resonance and reveals every detail.Up-FiringWhen placed on top of front or rear speakers, the angular design is perfect for transmitting Dolby Atmos, DTS-X or Auro-3D surround sound height information.Soft Dome TweeterThe ultra lightweight, weaved fabric dome tweeter offers best-in-class resolution with extended frequency response, wide dispersion and low colouration.

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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Product Strengths

  • Designed to deliver delicate Atmos sounds and add height to the surround sound experience
  • Brilliantly built and seem built to last
  • Does an outstanding job in reproducing a cinematic feel
  • They are full-bodied and an easy and engaging listen
  • Can be used discreetly on your living room wall while providing an exceptional stereo listening experience when paired with a subwoofer

Product Considerations

  • With the vinyl wrap, it looks a little bit like Ikea furniture, so it may not be the best option for a classy looking system
  • Speaker terminals use a push fit spring clamp system for very thin wire, which can be annoying
  • When used on top of floor standers, they do not sound as good as when wall-mounted
  • Dolby Atmos content availability may be lacking

Takeaway: The Alteco C1 is a well-built speaker that adds a cinematic feel to a home theatre experience. It is a versatile speaker that can be used in different ways and is a good value for the price.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Monitor
SoundFrame 1 (On-wall)
686
686
/
2
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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Product Strengths

  • Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
  • Excellent build and finish quality
  • Discreet and stylish design, blending easily with room décor
  • Slim cabinets make them easy to hang on the wall
  • Driver arrangement ensures excellent imaging, even when speakers are mounted high

Product Considerations

  • Midrange colouration can harm timing
  • Bass is more limited compared to some rivals due to the sealed-box design
  • Can become a little muddled with complex rhythms
  • Without grilles, they sport a stark, industrial look

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • When compared to rivals such as PMC's Wafer 2, the SoundFrames have the most limited bass
  • SoundFrames are better than the KEF T205 system

Takeaway: The Monitor Audio SoundFrame is a stylish and innovative speaker system that delivers impressive sound quality despite its slim design. It's a great option for those who want a system that blends seamlessly with their décor without compromising on performance.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

KEF
Q4 Meta
499
/
Released
2024
The slender and sleek Q4 Meta is a highly versatile on-wall speaker that can be used as left, centre, and right (LCR) speaker, or as a surround speaker. Featuring a 5.25" 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT™, the HiFi speaker delivers an expansive, immersive soundscape without taking up valuable floor space.
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KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The reviewer liked the Q4 so much that they bought two more
  • The reviewer was impressed with the Q4s
  • Rated down to 42 Hertz in-room response, the port provides a fuller bodied sound
  • It can be used as a LCR (left, center, right) speaker, making it versatile for different channels
  • The driver is very much the same as in the KEF R11s as well, promising timbre matching will be no problem

Product Considerations

  • The reviewer wishes the port was underneath, so it was more hidden when hanging it vertically
  • The reviewer wishes KEF would make a custom grill to match the R11s

Takeaway: The Q4 sounds really good and is impressive as a center channel, performing bigger than it looks. Its ability to be mounted and act as different channels allows it to be a very versatile piece of equipment.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Polk
Reserve R900
385
/
Released
2021
Add R900 height modules to access an IMAX-enhanced world of multidimensional sound. Its unique design means that it can sit atop other Reserve Series speakers or be mounted to the wall, unlocking the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capabilities of the Reserve Series.
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Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers dynamic and immersive sound at a budget-friendly price
  • Shares advanced drivers with Polk's flagship Legend series
  • Impressive build quality for the price
  • Crisp, near full-range performance

Product Considerations

  • Revealing sound can be slightly bright with some sources
  • Speaker cabinets lack the lavish construction and wood-veneer finishes found in the Legend series

Takeaway: The Reserve series brings the advanced tech of Polk's high-end Legend series to a more affordable price point, offering great sound and build quality. This makes it a worthwhile option for listeners seeking a premium experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Heco
Ambient Line 11 F
349
/
Released
Schon das kleinste Modell der Ambient-Baureihe bietet alle typischen Heco-Qualitäten. Mit Fluktus-Hochtöner und einem Tiefmitteltöner mit Kraftpapier hat sie klanglich alle Gene der Familie und mit gerade mal 30 cm Gehäusehöhe verwandelt sie schnell und unauffällig jeden Raum in eine akustische Oase.
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Heco is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique Fluktus tweeter design that combines multiple horns in a single structure for even sound dispersion across frequencies. Their speakers use German-made wool fibers in Kraft paper cones and feature a distinctive polished resin cabinet design in their Aurora series, blending vintage-inspired technologies with modern advancements while remaining easy to drive with modest amplifiers.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Designed to be mounted on a wall, saving space
  • Simple mounting system and easy speaker wire attachment
  • All models use the same speaker components, allowing for mixing and matching within a home theater setup
  • Features the Fluctus tweeter for even response across all frequencies and open, effortless sound
  • Uses a Kraft paper cone for mid-range and woofer components, made from renewable forests and wool fibers

Product Considerations

  • The Ambient 11F does not go as low in the bass as the larger Ambient models

Takeaway: The HEIKO Ambient Series offers great sound without taking up floor space and can be easily integrated into a home theater system or used in various other applications. The consistent speaker components and design make them a versatile and visually appealing choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Heco is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique Fluktus tweeter design that combines multiple horns in a single structure for even sound dispersion across frequencies. Their speakers use German-made wool fibers in Kraft paper cones and feature a distinctive polished resin cabinet design in their Aurora series, blending vintage-inspired technologies with modern advancements while remaining easy to drive with modest amplifiers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Monitor
Silver AMS 7G
404
/
Released
2021
The Silver AMS 7G with Dolby Atmos® puts you right inside the film or the song, creating a 3D soundscape with unprecedented realism. With specially created content, there's no limit to the detail that's possible.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent performance, superb build quality, and high value
  • The fit and finish are beyond reproach for the price level
  • Features new drivers, including a revised C-CAM tweeter and RST II mid/bass drivers, contributing to improved sound quality and lower distortion
  • The design language is crisp and clean, with a timeless quality

Product Considerations

  • If you prefer curved cabinets, you'll have to look elsewhere
  • The surround speakers and height effects speakers are only available in gloss black or satin white, potentially limiting aesthetic choices for some users

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Monitor Audio offers real-wood veneers, while ELAC's Uni-Fi Reference and Bowers & Wilkins' 600 Series only offer fake wood-effect vinyl wraps
  • Another speaker series in this price range that looks as good is Wharfedale's Evo4

Takeaway: The Silver Series 7G offers a combination of excellent performance, build quality, and value. They might be worth your time if you are looking for new speakers.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Gallo Acoustics
A'diva Habitat
472
/
Released
2021
HABITAT introduces some much needed style into the utilitarian outdoor speaker category, the all-stainless steel, IP66 rated Habitat range is derived from the timeless 4" and 5" spherical forms of our classic Micro and A'Diva speakers.
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Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Very clear, very crisp sound
  • Special filling inside called branded K2 helps produce a fuller, deeper sound from such a tiny speaker
  • Seamless metal casing
  • Can use banana plugs to connect speaker cable, or push naked speaker wire into the connections and tighten

Product Considerations

  • Frequency response ranges from 76Hz down to about 20kHz
  • Comes with a little o-ring for placing on a shelf, ensuring the speaker sits and won't roll away

Takeaway: The A'diva speakers are easy to set up and install into a home system, and the sound quality is good and fantastic. The speakers give a very clear, very crisp sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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