VS
Hi-Fi Choice Dec 2008
'Particularly handsome real wood veneer, sensitivity on our measurement is a generous 89dB, bass output is a strong -3dB at 20hz, the amplifier load stays mostly between 4 ohms and 6 ohms throughout, the overall tonal balance under in-room conditions holds within impressively modest +/-3dB limits, HF looks very well integrated with the main drivers, spectacularly good stereophony with excellent depth perspectives, the bottom end can thump with some material (great we say, it's supposed to), good clarity, exceptional overall coherence, worthwhile degree of transparency.'
Infact the only minor criticisms were some slight mid-range brightness and lower than expected dynamics. We checked with the reviewer and, as suspected, this was due to the direct-to-ear listening alignment and use of a relatively low power valve amp (see FAQ for our recommendations). Paul Messenger did a great job overall, considering the number of conventional speakers he tests.
A1 Mk 2
Hi-Fi News May 2008
'Some Sharp Observations': Keith Howard, who was very impressed with the exhaustive test measurements he did as part of the April review, wrote a thought provoking column based around the A1.
He was glad he had taken the time to listen as the 'extraordinary experience' was one of coherence that surpassed any 2-ways he had heard. He mentioned the 'Effortless rightness' that rooted him to the chair and said 'Telling musical detail is effortlessly conveyed', mentioning even orchestral climaxes were accommodated.
Hi-Fi News April 2008
Steve Harris/Keith Howard commented on the Surprisingly good bass extension, wide-sharply focused and convincing stereo spread. They said the 'speed and clarity revealed the rhythmic drive of the music,' also mentioning, for instance, the unusual amplifier friendliness.
(Steve said this is based on an 8 Litre design, but the A1 cabinet, designed and refined by us from scratch, is actually 11.5 L. If stacked, they should actually be layed horizontally - the picture showed them standing vertical)
High Definition HD Review April 2008
Performance *****
Tom Leclerc commented the sound quality was 'far superiour to many units of considerably greater value'. Also mentioning the 'exemplary' bass definition and mid-range quality.
A1 Mk 1
VIDEOHIFI.COM November 2007
Hi-Fi Choice November 2007
Paul Messenger gave them Best Buy award in a standmount speaker fight-out. Unusually he tested them direct to ear rather than toed in to cross over in front of the listener, which we believe would have provided the best imaging and response evenness. He liked the 'wonderful coherence and directness' and the superiour reality and way they communicated emotions.
Hi-Fi Plus November 2007
In the Audio Smorgasbord Paul Messenger commented on the surprisingly practical, thoroughly entertaining and very involving sound.
Hi Fi World June 2007
Adam Smith of Hi-Fi World really enjoyed them. He mentioned they gave a 'unique sonic experience'. Particularly praised was the imaging, soundstaging, coherence, bass weight and extension, detail, smoothness, scale, body, punch, impeccable dynamics, pace, agility, cabinet looks and integration of sound across the frequency spectrum. He also mentioned the ease of driving.
Excellent + Good Value for Money
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