Home Multitest bookshelf speakers – 2500 euros – part 2

Multitest bookshelf speakers – 2500 euros – part 2

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Intro

On Sunday, March 19, we did part two of the mega test of monitor speakers. We again listened to five speakers live for you to give you an idea of their sound characteristics. This time it’s the Sonus Faber Sonetto I, Audio Physic Step 35, GoldenEar BRX, JBL HDI 1600 and the Neat Petite Classic.

It’s already time for part two of the megatest of bookshelf speakers.(Check out part 1 of this mega test here) Who would have thought that we would be testing not five, not ten, but fifteen speakers in this monster test of bookshelf speakers!? It gives an unprecedented insight into what’s out there. By the way, realize that we still haven’t had all possible models in our listening room. Some models were not available, others may not have wanted to participate in such a large multitest. Who knows for next time.

Test set-up

We used the exact same set-up, of course:

As you can see, we are working with two power amplifiers. This to see how the speaker(s) cope with a class A amplifier with less damping and a focus on resolution, smoothness and scale and an amplifier with a lot of control and a slightly drier character. Both amplifiers are pretty neutral, know that. It’s purely the way of energy delivery and control that differs.

Music in the test

  • Beethoven, Symphony no.7, part 2: Adagietto. The Royal Flemish Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Philippe Herreweghe.
  • Mammal Hands – Three Good Things from the “Shadow Work” album
  • Sohn – M.I.A. from the album “Trust”

The candidates

  • Sonus Faber Sonetto I
  • Audio Physic Step 35
  • GoldenEar BRX
  • JBL HDI 1600
  • Neat Petite Classic

Let’s go!

Type test
Multitest
Production country
Differs
Properties
  • Brand and model: Sonus Faber Sonetto I
  • Build quality: Nicely finished, beautiful design
  • Overall impression: Fine speaker that performs above its price point
  • Price: €1700
  • Brand and model: Audio Physic Step 35
  • Build quality: Solid, beautiful materials
  • Overall impression: Very fine speaker with a rhythmic and engaging character
  • Price: €3000
  • Brand and model: GoldenEar BRX
  • Build quality: Solid, heavy, distinctive design
  • Overall impression: Fine speaker for those seeking a touch of warmth.
  • Price: €2000
  • Brand and model: JBL HDI 1600
  • Build quality: Solid, heavy
  • Overall impression: Goes very well on Nilai. Complete sound
  • Price: €2000
  • Brand and model: Neat Petite Classic
  • Build quality: Compact, but solid
  • Overall impression: Impressive speaker. Especially considering the size
  • Price: €2500
  • Winkels met Audio Physic

    St. Ceciliastraat 28
    5038 HA Tilburg, NL
    Koningsstraat 35
    2011TC Haarlem, Noord Holland, NL
    Beethovenstraat 9-b
    1077 HL Amsterdam, Noord Holland, NL

    Winkels met JBL

    Stationsweg 87
    9471 GM Zuidlaren, NL
    Geldropseweg 105
    5611 SE Eindhoven, NL

    Winkels met Neat

    Hermesweg 2
    3741 GP Baarn, Utrecht, NL
    Koningsstraat 35
    2011TC Haarlem, Noord Holland, NL
    Spoorstraat 18
    7491 CK Delden, Overijssel, NL
    Steenstraat 54
    6828 CM Arnhem, Gelderland, NL

    Winkels met Sonus Faber

    Sint-Antoniusstraat 15
    2300 Turnhout, BE
    Joseph Bensstraat 21
    1180 Ukkel, BE
    Pleinweg 136
    3083 EP Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, NL
    Bredabaan 1031
    B-2930 Brasschaat, BE
    Pelikaanstraat 126
    2018 Antwerpen, BE
    Laat 29A
    1811EB Alkmaar, NL
    Schoenmakersstraat 19
    6041EX Roermond, NL
    Grotestraat 23
    5931 CS Tegelen, NL
    St. Ceciliastraat 28
    5038 HA Tilburg, NL
    Breestraat 146-148
    2311CX Leiden, Zuid Holland, NL
    Beethovenstraat 9-b
    1077 HL Amsterdam, Noord Holland, NL