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.

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

  • Speaker Type: 4-way passive floor-standing loudspeaker
  • Cabinet: Dual layer aerospace aluminum with constrained layer damping
  • Drivers: Lattice hybrid tweeter, Dual 15 cm (6") BilletCore drivers, Triple 18.5 cm (7.25") BilletCore drivers, Quad 26 cm (10.25") BilletCore drivers
  • Crossover: 90 Hz, 360 Hz and 1.85 kHz
  • Frequency Response: Below 20 Hz to 40 kHz
  • Sensitivity: 88 dB
  • Impedance: 4 Ohms average, 3 Ohms minimum
  • Dimensions: Four towers 179 × 43 × 72 cm (70 × 17 × 28")
  • Weight: 225 kg per speaker (495 lbs per speaker)
XV 3 is the flagship of the Reference range. It is an extreme, four-tower loudspeaker system which will redefine what you think is possible: the finest micro-details placed exactly in a broad and deep holographic audio space; unmatched scale and faultless timing. XV 3 Signature is a limited edition of just eight pairs pushing that performance yet further, demonstrating an exercise in obsessive perfection.
Our Reference range offers the very best that can be achieved in accuracy and musicality. We are honored that these models are some of the most awarded loudspeakers in the world. They combine advanced materials with cutting edge science and engineering. Designed without compromise, their singular aim is transporting listeners into the heart of the music.

XV 3 is the flagship of the Reference range. It is an extreme, four-tower loudspeaker system which will redefine what you think is possible: the finest micro-details placed exactly in a broad and deep holographic audio space; unmatched scale and faultless timing.

XV 3 Signature is a limited edition of just eight pairs pushing that performance yet further, demonstrating an exercise in obsessive perfection. Painstakingly built and tuned at our R&D facility, XV 3 Signature is so extreme that it was never intended to enter production, and its origins help explain its truly exceptional nature.

At YG we always maintain a technology demonstrator: a loudspeaker to push the boundaries of what is possible, and XV 3 was the natural choice. Two sets of innovations led to a step change in performance—significant even beyond our greatest expectations. The first was a discovery in capacitor design: a special copper alloy foil with a unique crystal structure and an innovative, advanced dielectric, delivering performance which surpassed anyt...
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:

  • YG Acoustics leverages in-house CNC machining expertise, including billet aluminum construction and meticulously crafted ForgeCore tweeters and BilletCore drivers, to achieve exceptionally low distortion across the frequency spectrum.
  • YG Acoustics employs sophisticated multi-domain computer modeling that goes beyond traditional techniques, incorporating amplifier simulations and room interactions, resulting in speakers that perform consistently well with various equipment and in different environments.
  • The Peaks series, while more affordable, maintains a high level of attention to detail, including custom-designed crossovers with hand-built circuit boards, and constrained layer damping, resulting in a balance of performance and accessibility.

Peaks Series

  • Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
  • Description: Offers a great balance of performance and price, featuring HDF enclosures for cost efficiency while maintaining high-quality sound. Unlike the Reference series, which uses CNC-milled aluminum, the Peaks series uses HDF, making it more accessible for those with budget constraints. It is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms and those who want a high-quality sound without the premium price tag of the Reference series.

Live Series

  • Positioning: Mid-range line, integrating advanced technology for a seamless audio experience.
  • Description: Combines speaker technology with integrated amplification and streaming capabilities, offering a streamlined setup. It features built-in DACs and amplifiers, unlike the Peaks series, which requires external components, making it suitable for users who prefer an all-in-one solution.

Reference Series

  • Positioning: High-end line, representing the best of YG Acoustics' engineering and design.
  • Description: Uses CNC-milled aluminum for its enclosures, which is not found in the Peaks or Live series. This series is designed for audiophiles who seek the ultimate in sound quality and are willing to invest in premium materials and craftsmanship.
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Avg. Product Price
$100,001+
Used For Sale
20
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
163
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
21
Founding Year
2002

Our take on the brand

YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

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What competes at this price?

YG Acoustics
Sonja 3.2
161825
/
Released
2023
Sonja 3.2 is a true, reference loudspeaker, delivering the life-like, natural sound which is the hallmark of YG. Capable delicate holographic imaging while still recreating concert scale audio, it is one of the very best loudspeakers in the world.
Check Amazon
YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality using aerospace-grade aluminum
  • Creates a holographic soundstage
  • Delivers every genre with exceptional clarity and authority
  • The design strives to editorialize the signal as little as possible, letting the music flow

Product Considerations

  • Substantial investment required
  • Considerable weight—145kg per speaker
  • Demands thoughtful amplifier matching, requiring a lot of power to shine
  • Requires optimal room placement

Takeaway: The YG Acoustics Reference Sonja 3.2 speakers are a masterpiece of acoustic engineering, providing a realistic, precise, and effortless sound experience. If one wants to hear their favorite music at its best, these speakers could be worth the investment.

Video review

Our take on the brand

YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
YG Acoustics
XX
225800
/
Released
2024
Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of YG Acoustics, XX 3 is a unique product: an ultimate performance loudspeaker that will redefine what you think is possible. Benefitting from the latest in driver and crossover technology, it offers the highest possible sound quality from a single tower design. It is an acoustic, scientific and engineering marvel.
Check Amazon
YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality
  • Incredible bass
  • Product is not an inferior DAC to Gordon
  • Beats the Blackback at soundstage
  • Connectivity options are strong

Product Considerations

  • [Pricing complaints removed]

Video review

Our take on the brand

YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
YG Acoustics
Sonja 3.3
203130
/
Released
2023
Sonja 3.3 is a true, reference loudspeaker with the life-like, natural sound which is the hallmark of YG. Capable of delicate holographic imaging while still recreating concert scale audio, it is one of the very best loudspeakers in the world.
Check Amazon
YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality using aerospace-grade materials
  • State-of-the-art BilletCore driver technology
  • Remarkably low distortion across the entire frequency range
  • Precise imaging and holographic soundstage
  • Extensive frequency response

Product Considerations

  • Substantial investment required
  • Careful amplifier matching needed
  • Significant weight
  • Proper room acoustics are required for optimal performance

Takeaway: The YG Acoustics Reference Sonja 3.3 speakers offer an exceptional listening experience with state-of-the-art technology and meticulous construction. These speakers could be a great choice for those seeking top-tier musical reproduction, budget permitting, and with sufficient space.

Video review

Our take on the brand

YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Aries Cerat
Aurora
105000
/
Released
2022
The Aurora is our newest speaker design, carrying some trickle down technology from our top model the Contendo, as well as some newly developed technologies
Check Amazon
Aries Cerat is a hifi brand known for its use of oversized components and TriodeFet technology, which combines tube and solid-state designs to create a distinctive sound signature. Their products, including the Kassandra DAC and Symphonia horn speakers, are built with massive power handling capabilities and carefully selected drivers to deliver a muscular, dynamic sound that rivals top analogue systems.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Surprisingly free of horn colorations
  • Very rich, present, and neutrally balanced

Product Considerations

  • The reviewer was sitting too close to hear them at their best in the small room
  • Looking a bit like something the Borg might have invented

Takeaway: The Aries Cerat Aurora Reference is a unique, horn-loaded speaker that sounds surprisingly good. They were considered the most interesting and novel new speaker at the show.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Aries Cerat is a hifi brand known for its use of oversized components and TriodeFet technology, which combines tube and solid-state designs to create a distinctive sound signature. Their products, including the Kassandra DAC and Symphonia horn speakers, are built with massive power handling capabilities and carefully selected drivers to deliver a muscular, dynamic sound that rivals top analogue systems.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Clarisys
Auditorium
149000
/
Released
2022
Experience Clarisys Audio's Auditorium for ultimate sound quality. Boasting neodymium magnets and a double-sided bass panel, double-sided midrange, and double-sided treble. All drivers are 100% identical, giving you perfect coherence.
Check Amazon
Clarisys Audio speakers feature a unique double-sided ribbon design that enhances current flow and magnetic response, with a metal exoskeleton frame preventing the warping common in traditional ribbon speakers. The brand caters to tube amp enthusiasts through their use of Neodymium magnets for improved sensitivity, while offering DIY-friendly support and parts for vintage Apogee speaker refurbishment.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Experienced a 'wall of sound' from the speakers
  • These speakers do not need room treatment

Product Considerations

  • Extremely well-built, resulting in a thousand-pound shipping weight
  • Speakers purchased at Audium come with a service, where if the buyer has issues, someone will fly to the buyer's home and fix them

Takeaway: The Audium speakers offer a phenomenal sound experience without needing extra sound treatment in the room. The build is solid, and the company will even fly to the buyer's house to fix them.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Clarisys Audio speakers feature a unique double-sided ribbon design that enhances current flow and magnetic response, with a metal exoskeleton frame preventing the warping common in traditional ribbon speakers. The brand caters to tube amp enthusiasts through their use of Neodymium magnets for improved sensitivity, while offering DIY-friendly support and parts for vintage Apogee speaker refurbishment.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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