HifiSpecs Reviews
Dynaudio Special Forty Bookshelf Speakers: An In-depth Review
This review is for the Dynaudio Special Forty Bookshelf Speakers. The speakers make a visually impressive statement and deliver a decent amount of bass for their size. However, the setup process was challenging and the speaker's performance overall was slightly underwhelming. The sound output seemed to benefit significantly from a good amplification setup and performed best with a Luxman 590 AXII class A amp. High-quality cables were also seen to improve the quality of the sound. These speakers have an aesthetically pleasing design and are well-constructed, with the special edition featuring details that added to their appeal. Buyers might need to consider higher expense compared to other similar bookshelf speakers, the complicated setup time, and a perceived thin and narrow sound. Yet, these speakers can deliver clear sound quality with a magical midrange, a solid bass, and sweet, extended treble to any music enthusiast's setup when optimally powered and set up.
Wharfedale Linton Bookshelf Speakers Review: An Honest Look
This review covers the Wharfedale Linton Heritage Speakers' impressive build and sound quality, along with essential setup tips. Despite some quirks, these speakers offer a rich listening experience and vintage charm that are worth the investment.
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers: Honest Review
As someone who has been into audio for many years, I've tried and tested various speakers. However, the Elac Uni-Fi UB5s have outperformed many in my collection. They deliver grand audio quality, have a stylish look, and although their high power requirement might seem daunting, they still perform impressively well even with less powerful amplifiers. For a price of $280, these speakers offer fantastic value for money.
B&W 685 S2 Speakers - A Comprehensive Review
In my review of the Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2 bookshelf speakers, I found them to have exceptional sound quality, including a precise bass and crisp highs, with an overall neutral sound that stays true to original recordings. I tested their compatibility with various setups, including a NAD 375BEE integrated amp, and found they performed well and adapted easily to changes in volume. Their larger depth could be a consideration for some, but they are designed to be mounted on stands - although these are sold separately. While they are more expensive than some alternatives, their superior sound quality and versatility make them a worthwhile investment in the long run. Despite the potentially lacking bass depth for larger rooms, their precision, clarity, and versatility make them a highly recommended choice for any audiophile.
Jamo S 805 Floorstanding Speakers: An In-Depth Review
As a budget-conscious audio enthusiast, the Jamo S 805 speakers are a satisfying purchase. With a sleek design and sturdy build, they promise clear and immersive sound quality, particularly impressive considering their compact size. However, the midrange sounds a bit muffled and the speakers probably work best coupled with additional equipment. Despite some quality control issues, I consider these speakers a significant part of my growing audio setup.
Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers - First Hand Review
In this review of the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Shelf Speakers, I found them to be impressive in size and weight with a solid build quality and a sleek, matte black finish. The sound quality was astonishingly clear and crisp, the speakers delivering a bright sound with robust bass despite their compact size. The mid-range clarity allowed easy distinction between different instruments and vocals. Versatility was observed with different amplification systems and DACs, and the speakers performed well with each setup tested. They offered an impressive balance of high and low frequencies, providing an enjoyable listening experience even off-axis. The speakers tended to lean towards brightness, which might not appeal to those preferring a mellower sound, but this quality could be adjusted using a receiver. A downside could be the lack of alternate warmer colors or a wood finish. After a lot of testing, I found the speakers to be of high-quality, great value for the price, and were exceptional performers in various settings.
Specifications
JBL Studio 290
- Recommended Placememt: Floor
- Amplification Type: Passive
- Crossover Type: 3-Way
MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X
- Recommended Placememt: Floor
- Amplification Type: Passive
- Crossover Type: 2-Way
Sonos Era 100
- Recommended Placememt: Shelf, Stand
- Amplification Type: Active
- Crossover Type: 2-Way
Mission SX1
- Recommended Placememt: Shelf, Stand
- Amplification Type: Passive
- Crossover Type: 2-Way
Naim Ovator S-400
- Recommended Placememt: Floor
- Amplification Type: Passive
- Crossover Type: 2-Way
Klipsch RP-150M
- Recommended Placememt: Shelf, Stand
- Amplification Type: Passive
- Crossover Type: 2-Way