|
Despite all the advances in hi-fi electronics it's still speakers that play the most important part in your stereo system. And upgrading to a pair of midrange priced speakers offers undeniable improvements to your musical performance.
Speaker design may not have changed much over time but engineering expertise and the use of quality components at this level affords better overall performance than lower priced budget models - so it's worth spending a bit extra.
Standmount models are popular for their slight size but we've brought together four high-performance models capable of delivering a sound that's anything but inconspicuous.
|
Acoustic Energy Aelite Two
For a pair of standmount speakers the Aelite Twos appear oversized but the increased dimensions do allow enough room to house a triplet of drivers offering a more substantial, dynamic sound.
Exceptional build quality features a real wood construction using curved cabinets that not only appear attractive but also help improve rigidity and reduce debilitating standing waves.
At the front is a pair of medium-sized alloy mid/bass drivers separated by a central 25mm soft dome tweeter while the rear features a flared port and decent, bi-wireable binding posts.
The speakers are best positioned given plenty of free space with the foam port plugs removed. And, as the size suggests, the sound is impressively commanding with scale to spare - even in larger rooms.
Aside from their undisputed authority, dynamics are well paced and precise - escalating from subtle to ear shattering notes with consummate ease. And the expressive midrange integrates excellently with focused high frequencies. In fact, it's only the slightly vague low frequency performance that separates it from all-rounders like the Epos M12.2s.
As long as heavily defined bass isn't your only criteria, Acoustic Energy's superbly constructed Aelite Twos produce a powerful yet cultured performance that will please most listeners.
 | |
 | |
Plus points
Build quality; authoritative; extensive dynamics
Minus points
Comparatively soft low frequencies
|  |
|
ATC SCM7
ATC has a 30-year hi-fi heritage and is one of the few manufacturers to produce both commercial and professional speakers. And the SCM7s summon that engineering experience to deliver a high-calibre, all-consuming sound.
The speakers have been around for a while and the straight-edged construction featuring a metal plate front baffle appears dated alongside newer models.
But they are superbly constructed using proprietary ATC designs for both drive units with a huge magnet assembly that accounts for the surprising weight from such diminutive dimensions. And you can choose a classy rosewood finish for an inflated cost.
The SCM7s are more sensitive to positioning than their test rivals. They're best placed away from walls and experimenting with the toe-in angle will see patience rewarded. In action, the SCM7s assemble a wonderfully open and articulate soundstage that lures you into the music with excellent stereo imaging.
The clean delivery is doused in detail with impressive midrange realism and decisive high frequency performance. However, while low frequencies are well paced and punchy, the speakers struggle to delve the same bass depths of B&W's CM1s and there's some distortion at high levels.
ATC's SCM7s have aged effortlessly with a timeless, faithful sound that will delight anyone not totally addicted to bass.
| |
| |
Plus points
Open soundstage; clean, detailed delivery
Minus points
Dated design; lacks heavy bass definition | |
|
B&W CM1
B&W's new CM1 speakers have supplemented a classic design with contemporary engineering to produce a speaker that looks as impressive as it sounds.
The CM1's timeless design, featuring beautifully constructed real wood cabinets finished with magnetically attached grilles, aesthetically outclasses its test rivals - especially when supported by the optional FS700 stands (£200). Internally, technologies have been taken from the much-praised 800 Series including the crossover, Kevlar cone mid/bass driver, Nautilus tapered-tube tweeter and Flowport engineering. The consequence of all this 21st Century electro-acoustic expertise would appear to be outstanding musical performance.
The compact cabinets are deceptively deep and best positioned on solid stands away from walls - although there is an optional port sleeve that allows you to experiment with placement against walls. For the smallest speakers in the test the CM1s deliver a surprisingly big sound that refuses to falter at high volumes, and taut low frequencies add plenty of punch to the performance.
But the sound is also enviably refined with superb balance and accurate detail especially from the articulate midrange. Musical timing could be better compared to the Epos M12.2s and low-level dynamics are occasionally obscured but the effect on overall performance is minimal.
The CM1s offer state-of-the-art engineering under a traditional guise with a performance that comes close to class leading at this price.
| |
| |
Plus points
Attractive design; surprisingly powerful; refined
Minus points
Rhythmical timing
| |
|
Epos M12.2
The Epos M12.2s evolved from the entry-level M12 and moved into the midrange courtesy of some recent refinements including a new aluminum drive chassis and real wood veneer front baffle. The upshot is extraordinary performance that surpasses the price.
The standard two-way design features a 150mm polypropylene mid/bass driver and 25mm metal dome tweeter, both designed in the UK. But it's the simplicity of the crossover that dictates performance - the exceptional roll-off integration between drivers means there's virtually no crossover at all. The cabinets are well constructed and stylish while two sets of binding posts offer bi-wiring options.
Placed on solid stands and slightly 'toed-in' the M12.2s produce an instantly engaging and honest sound with excellent clarity and cohesion. Far reaching dynamics and a rhythmical sense of timing welcome soundtracks from practically any musical genre with open arms. And the easy listening experience is enhanced by a detailed, expressive midrange and tightly controlled low frequencies. At the high end, the metal dome tweeter occasionally upsets the balance but that eventually fades the longer you use them.
It's not difficult to understand why Epos's M range has picked up so many awards and the M12.2s can compete as class leaders against many more expensive speakers.
| |
| |
Plus points
Musical timing; composed, honest sound
Minus points
Unbalanced high frequencies
| |
|
All of these speakers are among the finest you'll find at this price point and each model has its own attributes that may suit some individual preferences more than others. So, in a test based on such subjective tastes we always recommend listening before you part with any cash.
