Excited about this one. Ever had those times where you hear something that is JUST simply better even though price is lower? This was the case for me with these! Let me know in the comments if you've had similar experiences with the Arendals or other products *use code 65GHTY78 to get $100 off* Arendal 1723 THX: arendalsound.com/store/product/1723-tower-thx/?refer=iyagi Other Arendal Products: arendalsound.com/store/?refer=iyagi Arendals B-Stock: arendalsound.com/store/outlet-items/?refer=iyagi Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: th-cam.com/play/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0.html 0:00 INTRO 0:50 Arendal 1723THX Speaker Build Review 8:40 Best Amplifiers For Arendal 1723THX Speakers 12:06 Arendal 1723THX Speaker Sound Review 22:24 Are Arendal Speakers GOOD Hifi and Hometheatre Speakers?
Hey Jay, thanks for this review. I was wondering if you could test the SVS Ultra tower speakers? I’d love to know what you think of the SVS’s vs the Arendal’s and Polk r700’s. this will be my next purchase and would really appreciate your opinions. Cheers!
@@MisterJDee Hi, I have compared it to the R700 around 14:05 mark. SVS Ultra Towers are impressive as well, I will perhaps do a comparison in the future but my personal preference is still Arendal.
@@Jayiyagican you review the Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G ? Would be interesting to see how the EISA 2021 winners match up against these Arendals. Both Arendal and Monitor Audio are in the Top 5 of European speaker brands.
You are the first person to talk about your experience with these speakers that actually gave a lot of valuable information. A lot of that value comes from having heard what you have said about other speakers and knowing that your ears have listened to many other speakers that are way up and down in price. Thank you for making this and putting it out here for me to enjoy and learn from!
In case it helps people decide for these babies, I just received a pair and hooked them up to my PS Audio BHK300 monoblocks and the BHK Preamp, and they rock even with just 5 hours of burn-in time. Jay's comment about the match with hybrids is spot on. I tried it with the Roge Cronus Magnum III and they sound great, but the match with the hybrid is perfect. Go for it.
Now, being a Norwegian I would be expected to like them. And I am a Klipsch-fan but they can't beat these speakers. I run them on different lines for comparison. One transistor rack with an old McIntosh MA 7000 and PS audio transport + dac. And another line with a PrimaLuna EVO 400. I have also made a cross-over combination with a tube Pre-amp AMR 777 in to the McIntosh using these Arendals. It is true that Tubes enhances the depth and soundstage considerably. To the extent that I didn't really thought it was possible with such a great difference between the transistor-lineup and the tube lineup. But I have also tried it with a tube-pre. That was amazing. I could hear the sound improvement one floor up in the kitchen making my self a coffee! Perhaps not very scientific I agree, but nevertheless less, great fun! Wow, did I do this? Now having a limited size room I have found that sub-stacking with two normal size subs place in the middle of the room behind the sweet spot is the thing. I also agree that one of the sub-ports should be plugged in. I set the subs level behind my chair for each album. Very little need to correct thorough each album. No need for crazy expensive subs with all kind of correction possibilities. You hear it when its right after the first track. The best driver is the treble. Used to have a KLIPSCH FORTE 3. But the horn tweeter was to strong and direct so the Arendals tweeter is just right for me. Absolutely open, detailed and no screaming directness for old ears. Middle tone is also good. For the price it's a steel. I use SWK SCPCC cables for both the IC and the speakers. Great combination with a low price.
Well Done, Jay! As a fellow Canadian experienced audiophile, I must say the quality of your reviews has improved dramatically since your channel's inception! I am looking forward to many more inciteful reviews to come...
You give me the last hint and answer to my few dilemmas that I had regarding these loudspeakers! I just bought one thanks to your professional review. Thank you Jay!
Another reason I like this channel, is that Jay knows how to set the audio level high enough (while recording these videos) so we can hear it well. It's amazing how many content creators pay zero attention to this, making it impossible to adequately hear their soundtrack.
Just to clarify so people don't misunderstand. Arendal designers have stated, these were designed for music and that a well designed speaker will work very well in home theatre as well. I've been waiting for more reviewers to review Arendal speakers. I have the 1723 Monitors (by choice) since I already have a quality sub. The Arendal team themselves have also said you do not lose anything in sound between the two when using a quality subwoofer. I can attest to that as well. The tweeters are a Dr. Kurt Muller design and sourced diaphragm as well. They are worth every penny in my opinion and I would buy them again.
hank you for your honest review on these speakers. I have to say your review is 100% accurate. I am now in my 5th day of getting these speakers replacing my R700's. I really do think the R700's are a fantastic speaker but I think these are are very good improvement. You are correct the 1723 are very revealing with great imaging and separation but really smooth and juicy not bright. I find everything you describe is what I am hearing. NO SUB NEEDED is one of the most important factors when I am shopping for speakers. I am using Mcintosh tub pre and Mcintosh solid state amp. I am truly hearing things in the recording I did not hear before but it's not bright or fatiguing. Oh BTW I am running all ports open!!! Thank you for your review on these speakers.
Based off your review and a few others, I decided to get a pair of the Arendal 1723 S Towers. They just got here today. As you know, these things were packaged amazingly well. The US military probably doesn't use this much care when transporting a nuke. I realize there's a 50 hour break in period, but these sound amazing right out of the box. Can't wait to see what they do later. The 1723 center channel arrives in a few days. Running them with a Marantz Cinema 50. There's a process to switch the amplifier impedance to 4 Ohm in the Marantz user manual, which I recommend everyone remember to do if you get these speakers. Thanks again
14:30 Yes, the treble does have to contrast with the bass and med. The 3 regions have to contrast with each other, not only the 3 regions, every frequency, we just call it bass med and treble regions cos drivers tend to be separated at those frequencies. I saw YT videos testing my Audiolab amp against DENOM, MARANTZ, YAMAHAH, etc. similar priced amps and they all had more "muddled in" voice sounds and the Audiolab voice sounded more separate to the music (and not noticeably louder or colder. Just more 3D type separate). 😅 Against 7 amps it still smoked them all (in that regard). So that inspired me to do it with my speaker builds. 😅 They are point source, semi open cone, semi dipole, semi omni directional speakers. With a highly modified 5" single driver, half in a oversized modified enclosure. I have double the separation, now (with my Audiolab amp). Ultra holographic pure POINT SOURCE speakers. Even the bass port is point source (the acoustically modified speaker hole IS the bass vent). The open cone sound combined with the warmth of an oversize box! Best of both worlds and bass reflex and still completely point source! Bass isn't going to rock the floof but it's clean, warm and fills the room with nice deep bass (surprisingly). They are NOT party speakers, string quartet much better. Cello is wild! Great for any music, except you have to watch the volume on rock and doof (even if it sounds amazing at the normal listening level).
"Less Shitty"... man I love Jay's reviews! Thumbs up. I think it is worth mentioning again how impressed I was with the way Jay and Danny ended up handling "calloutgate". Audiences of both channels benefited from the resolution of that topic.
Hey. Great video. Arendal is a city, in the south of Norway. About an our away from my home city:-) And its actually pronounced, Aren dal. The city is actually well known for its "hillbilly style car audio" people. Have a good one.
I watched you entire video and I was satisfied with what you had to say. I never watched you before and I see you have tube amplifiers. we all know that they have a warm different sound then solid state . I stopped dealing with them as I cannot find places that sell tubes anymore used to be a hundred years ago when everything had tubes I used to be able to go into a store that had a machine that we would test our tube it would let us know whether it was good or not and if it was defective we were able to get a replacement. those were the days most importantly my other post mentioned THX certified that I learned by only purchasing one that it's definitely goes through some sort of certification that made my speakers very impressive I thought it was just a gimmick but now I hear you saying that it has to go through 400 different tests to get that certification and like I said before right in the beginning when you showed the back of this unit it had that certification on it.
Awesome review. So there is a Demo track I also use to test speakers and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you and/or anyone else listen to this song if you have really nice two channel stereo. Just trust me on this one. I have never heard nicer more beautifully mixed piece of music in my life and it has some really hard hitting bass that will put smile on your face it will take plastic surgery to remove. The song is called "Dubchill" and artist is "Slavian". I can only image what this would sound like on those 1723 with good amp.
I have the 1723 Monitor and I was awe struck by the performance, and the cost was difficult to even believe! I chose them over the Revel F208's which I already owned, and that was something I never saw coming! I'm a HUGE fan of Arendal now and any audiophile that has the opportunity to hear them in a good 2 channel system MUST try them!
I appreciate you mentioning the Polk R700s. I have been looking at these Arendal towers as an upgrade to my Polk R700s but wasn't sure they would be much better. Now I know they are! Thank you!
Buy them and compare it to your Polk R700s. You will be surprised in a special way. You will get more bass and more highs and you will have to like it.
@@jamapaza I think I will. But before I had the info in this video there was too big a chance of having to box up and deal with returning massive towers. Although they offer that 60-day in home test period I doubt its free return shipping.
Wow!! I'm really surprised! What a glowing review! To even put these speakers in the same room with the Wilson's is kind of unbelievable, but to put them in the same sphere? Incredible! I'm gonna keep my eye on these!
Congratulations for your excellent work. I discovered Arendal thanks to you. They are part of my possible choices for my future acquisition. As your suggestions have helped me brilliantly in the last years (Hegel H190, Denafrips Ares2, iFi Zen Stream), I hesitate between these 4 models for my Hegel H190: Arendal: 1723-S THX (4000CAD$)/Arendal 1723 THX (5000CAD$) SVS: Premium Pinnacle (2700CAD$) Elac: Uni-fi Reference UFR-52 (3200CAD$) Buchardt: s400 mk2 (2900CAD$) What would your suggestion be? I must say that the Buchardts tempted me, but I want presence in the bass and I prefer floorstanding speakers... Regarding the Arendals, do they really have a nice presence in the treble as well as in the low frequencies? Thank you for your expertise which will surely guide me.
Thanks for a good review (not many rews of this speakers). Ask Arendal if the can send you a 1723 sub...sealed, ported, single/ dual driver...I think you will be amazed by the subs as well😊
Just checked the price on these $4600 USD. That’s $6300 CDN 😮 No thanks!!! lol Went with Polk Reserve R700 on sale for $2200 CDN for the pair!!! Happy listening ✌️
Ascend Acoustics also provids measurements with the Klippel machine and tons more data for each of their speakers. They are about to roll out their new and improved tower that should give this Arendal a good run.
Very cool review; and proudly Norwegian 🇳🇴 Just one thing on the sidenote, the name comes from the city of Arendal and is pronounced with emphasis on the first A 🙂 Don´t worry, it took Gene Dellasalla at Audioholics about a year to get it right 🙂
I have been to Arendal. It’s a beautiful city, a wonderful, and pristine place. My friend Anna invited me there to visit her family, while I was trekking around Europe some years ago. Her father was an engineer and was responsible for designing many of the local span bridges that cris crossed the countryside.
Wow super impressed, I don’t have the room for this now a days but will keep it in mind for later 😉 thanks for finding stuff like this, super important to highlight people doing it so well for so little.
Sweetness; soft dome in a nice waveguide... The wavelaunch the big dome propagating out free from early disturbances ... it's no wonder the HF attributes are one element that stuck out. That sweetness, ... and gravitas. Slam, that unmistakable bass characteristic. Signal tracking capability. Not texture, I don't recall Jay referencing bass textural detail, certainly a highly coveted high functioning attribute. Dig it
Thanks for the in depth review! I want to build a 2 channel room dedicated to stereo music (CD, Hi-Res, SACD 2.0, Vinyl) and have a $4K budget for speakers. This fits just under that and the only other one that gets similarly rave reviews are the Philharmonic BMR Towers. Such a tough choice, but I have a couple of months to continue my research and finally decide on one!
I have a question, has anyone actually used em and how are they with listening to music. I really wanna buy em. I’m always wondering what kind of amps people are pairing them with and other audio gear. If someone could give me some more info like if these speakers are hard to drive etc…..
I have been waiting for more Arendal Tower Reviews. I have had Paradigm Monitor 11 Towers since 2016 and I want to replace them. I really like the Idea of building my own, like the NX-Otica from GR research. I have Dual SVS PB3000 subs that I would be pairing, and I am looking for pure performance. I have heavy metal parties a few times a year, and although its loud, I want it much louder. I heard that Garys Speakers are as close as you're going to get to live electric guitar in your living room. Arendal also comes recommended from Gene at Audioholics, so I have had them on list as well. Whatever I get will have to have a separate AMP, I don't want to use my Marantz SR8012 for the Towers in MY 5.2.2 current set up. If I want the Mid bass pounding my chest and clear ultra-loud guitar riffs with no Distortion (TH-cam Premium videos for now) what Towers would you recommend out of the two? or maybe three (SVS Ultras - with the upgraded crossover??)
Im really interested in checking out the 1723 s line towers and center. It would replace my focal chora 826s. Reason for the upgrade is that Im hoping the center channel will sound more open and not as boxy as my focal.
Amazing review, Jay! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I showed this one to my wife and she laughed out loud about your jacket joke. Thank you for that. I love her laugh. I own a Sugden IA-4 and I'm wondering if it can properly drive the 3-4ohms load that these produce. I'm not listening at high SPL usually. 80-90dBs max.
Jay. I love it when a reviewer like yourself and there are not many, can let us know about products that really are world beaters at affordable prices. In had never even heard of this company before your review and some of the comments below show that this is probably the speaker for me? as I am in the market for such a pair. I just want to thank you for all your videos as well as some of the comments below which highlight how good these speakers really are. Keep it up Jay great job
A properly designed wave guide will provide proper time alignment with the midrange. Also, putting the mid above the tweeter stabilizes the image. People hear high frequencies from a point higher than the actual drive. Putting the tweeter below, lines up the highs with the kids. The wave guide will actually narrow the dispersion at the cross over so it matches the mid (or more closely) dispersion.
I wonder how do these speakers paired with vincent compare to buchardt A700 active floorstanders especially in terms of bass(they are said to go as low as 17hz) since the total price when paired with this amp is really close.
Good review. Arendal is great have 1723 1s subwoofer amazing for music. It i dis not buy my b&w 702 s2 last year i would proably buy Arendal 1723 Tower. Hegel h390 would proably have enough power. Theo power my b&w easily with stunning perfomence
Thanks Jay, I'm auditioning Polk R700, but want to try Arendal 1723 towers. I thinking I'm looking for a meatier mid bass or midrange not sure which. Something seems to be weak in the middle of the R700. Am also auditioning Arendal 1961 towers but want something bigger. Thanks for your advice!
I recognize Peerless brand speakers/drivers and they are very popular DIY-Audio [self-made and own construction] Peerless speakers/drivers are not expensive but very successful and have been around for over 20 years versions: SDS / HDS / SLS 134/164 SDS 50-100$ 164/205 HDS 100-150$ 8/10/12 SLS 100-150$ There are also versions XLS and XXLS In fact, Peerless speakers/drivers are known in DIY-Audio and have decent value for money It's normal for Arendal to have partnerships with Peerless When it comes to the tweeter, it's hard to say what brand it is, but I may be wrong if it's SB Acoustics SATORI [very similar and known in DIY-Audio]
Great review, thanks. I don't feel that the feet look cheap just too small. The uniformity is off. Same quality with a larger footprint and they would look more appropriate for a speaker of this size. Kind of like buying a new car with undersized tires, the next step up is usually the way to go.
287 audio makes a giant killer in my opinion. They are out of TEXAS. I heard their set a few weeks ago . Really nice set. No shortage of anything. FYI they also use baltic birch. I think i saw 3199.00 on their sight. Im glad to see companies offering a quality product for a reasonable price myself. These arendals are nice. i like the cabinets.
Jay! Id love to hear your thoughts. I have focal aria 926 towers and matching center in my home theature. Would it be worth selling them for some Arendal 1723 or S models. Very similar price points. Im interested in how they say you will need less sound treatment because of the wave guide.
Very close to pulling the trigger on that Vincent! It caught my eye six years ago and after many reviews and videos of others I am back to square one! Should have followed my gut and pulled the trigger 6 years ago. Now I'm considering these speakers or Polk r700 also. Might have to go with Polk because they are a bit cheaper and on sale.
I ordered the Polk R700 when they went on sale for $825 each because it was too good to pass up. They're still backordered, but I've considered ordering the Arendal 1723 THX monitors once they ship. That way I'll have about 60 days to decide which one I like best and send the other back. Both have glowing reviews, but the only way to tell is to compare them both in your space.
For almost 6 months I am trying to choose between two 🤗 After watching every single review on internet, this is my conclusion. They are both superb thanks to different aspects of their characteristics. Arendals are built with very high quality materials. But Polk has superior technology. A few of them :) For HT I think I would go for Polk since I like having bigger surrounds like R200s. But if I wanna go same like having 1723 monitors, then it’s too expensive for my budget. But if don’t care about price tag, maybe you can go with Arendals but I don’t think there’s much difference between them. Maybe you can choose considering their appearance 🤗
@@filmses Cost is definitely a huge factor. With the savings from buying the Polk over the Arendals, one could afford a really great subwoofer or two. I suppose it depends on your needs as well. That THX ultra rating means something.
They are being a bit sneaky (and they are not alone) about the sensitivity as the 92dB is for 2.83V 1m which is an 8 0hm rating, so at its 4 Ohm rating, it needs double the power. So it's more like 88dB 1w 1m assuming 4ohms across the range....
I wonder why they chose to use 8" midrange drivers instead of something smaller and faster, like the 6.5" drivers from their other speakers.. makes me wonder.. I would think their 1723 S THX tower speakers with quad 6.5" drivers and a nice sub or two would perform the best but maybe big 8" drivers for midrange works better.. 🤔🤷 I'm coming from the Tekton mode of thinking where the midrange is handled by loads of tweeters with a combined surface area of a normal woofer..
Any insight on the comparison of sound signature between this and the kef r series, which I know you reviewed? I am thinking about going from the r3’s and a r2c to the arendal 1723s towers and 1723 s center, but I don’t want to downgrade.
Great review Jay. I have the RF7II's in my theatre setup and love them. Put them in my listening area for 2channel setup and I couldn't believe how harsh they were. I've been on the fence about retiring all my vintage gear (20+ sets) for one pair of flexible audio speakers. What type/genre of music did you throw at these? Thanks for the amazing reviews!
hi there love you review i have paradim prestige 95f looking to go with the 120f founder ,..i know you did a review about them .between the 120f and de arendal 1723 .you would go with what thx 😀
Hi Jay, before I got my PMC Twenty5 26 pair in 2017 i was aiming to Arendal, and I have been enjoying the Twenty5 26s but they sometimes have certain compromise on HF and on some albums, i know i can do better and a lot better but i dont want to go up to spend around 10K, instead I want to save, Im sure you have heard PMC, it would be nice if you could give your point of view. I have a DIY server, Denafrips Athena Preamp, Kinki M7 & Lampizator baltic 4, Thanks !
Hi Jay! First and foremost, Happy New Year to you, and continue your great work. Like you, I have worked in two high-end stores while living in Montréal, one of them being Filtronique, so if you look at their brands listing, you will see that I know what high-end is. I just purchased a McIntosh C53 and MC462, I own B&W 804 Matrix with two B&W ASW800 subs. I am looking at changing the speakers as they are 23 years old, and you got me really intrigued with the Arendal 1723 THX. Having purchased the McIntosh and having to purchase a Sony a7R V and the upcoming a1 Mk II, my budget for speakers is limited for now. What would you choose between the Arendal, the Founder 100F or Monitor Audio Gold 200 5G? Or any advice in +/-$10K range. Thanks for your precious recommendation. I listen to Pop, Folk, Rock, Blues, Jazz and Classic music.
Excited about this one. Ever had those times where you hear something that is JUST simply better even though price is lower? This was the case for me with these! Let me know in the comments if you've had similar experiences with the Arendals or other products
*use code 65GHTY78 to get $100 off*
Arendal 1723 THX: arendalsound.com/store/product/1723-tower-thx/?refer=iyagi
Other Arendal Products: arendalsound.com/store/?refer=iyagi
Arendals B-Stock: arendalsound.com/store/outlet-items/?refer=iyagi
Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/
acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/
acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ
amzn.to/3chBuFZ
other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1
amzn.to/30bsUCH
my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi
follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/
follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial
Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: th-cam.com/play/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0.html
0:00 INTRO
0:50 Arendal 1723THX Speaker Build Review
8:40 Best Amplifiers For Arendal 1723THX Speakers
12:06 Arendal 1723THX Speaker Sound Review
22:24 Are Arendal Speakers GOOD Hifi and Hometheatre Speakers?
@@KbhVestI do on my patreon :)
Hey Jay, thanks for this review. I was wondering if you could test the SVS Ultra tower speakers? I’d love to know what you think of the SVS’s vs the Arendal’s and Polk r700’s. this will be my next purchase and would really appreciate your opinions. Cheers!
@@MisterJDee Hi, I have compared it to the R700 around 14:05 mark. SVS Ultra Towers are impressive as well, I will perhaps do a comparison in the future but my personal preference is still Arendal.
Box with drivers. Nothing special. Every one have the design. I need affordable giant killer >700 for pair
@@Jayiyagican you review the Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G ? Would be interesting to see how the EISA 2021 winners match up against these Arendals. Both Arendal and Monitor Audio are in the Top 5 of European speaker brands.
I bought these 18 months ago and still love them. Sound is fantastic. Bought the smaller 1723 Tower S for surrounds. Sonic heaven.
You are the first person to talk about your experience with these speakers that actually gave a lot of valuable information. A lot of that value comes from having heard what you have said about other speakers and knowing that your ears have listened to many other speakers that are way up and down in price. Thank you for making this and putting it out here for me to enjoy and learn from!
I bought these speakers based on this review. They are AWESOME!
Love your room Jay. Congrats!
Thanks Gene!
In case it helps people decide for these babies, I just received a pair and hooked them up to my PS Audio BHK300 monoblocks and the BHK Preamp, and they rock even with just 5 hours of burn-in time. Jay's comment about the match with hybrids is spot on. I tried it with the Roge Cronus Magnum III and they sound great, but the match with the hybrid is perfect. Go for it.
I've been considering this speaker for some time now. You just kind of sealed the deal.
Now, being a Norwegian I would be expected to like them. And I am a Klipsch-fan but they can't beat these speakers. I run them on different lines for comparison. One transistor rack with an old McIntosh MA 7000 and PS audio transport + dac. And another line with a PrimaLuna EVO 400. I have also made a cross-over combination with a tube Pre-amp AMR 777 in to the McIntosh using these Arendals. It is true that Tubes enhances the depth and soundstage considerably. To the extent that I didn't really thought it was possible with such a great difference between the transistor-lineup and the tube lineup. But I have also tried it with a tube-pre. That was amazing. I could hear the sound improvement one floor up in the kitchen making my self a coffee! Perhaps not very scientific I agree, but nevertheless less, great fun! Wow, did I do this?
Now having a limited size room I have found that sub-stacking with two normal size subs place in the middle of the room behind the sweet spot is the thing. I also agree that one of the sub-ports should be plugged in. I set the subs level behind my chair for each album. Very little need to correct thorough each album. No need for crazy expensive subs with all kind of correction possibilities. You hear it when its right after the first track. The best driver is the treble. Used to have a KLIPSCH FORTE 3. But the horn tweeter was to strong and direct so the Arendals tweeter is just right for me. Absolutely open, detailed and no screaming directness for old ears. Middle tone is also good. For the price it's a steel. I use SWK SCPCC cables for both the IC and the speakers. Great combination with a low price.
Well Done, Jay! As a fellow Canadian experienced audiophile, I must say the quality of your reviews has improved dramatically since your channel's inception! I am looking forward to many more inciteful reviews to come...
thank you for your kind comment :)
You give me the last hint and answer to my few dilemmas that I had regarding these loudspeakers! I just bought one thanks to your professional review. Thank you Jay!
And your life is better now?
Another reason I like this channel, is that Jay knows how to set the audio level high enough (while recording these videos) so we can hear it well. It's amazing how many content creators pay zero attention to this, making it impossible to adequately hear their soundtrack.
Nice monsters speakers. Had a great opportunity to listen to my friend's full home theatre setup. It's pretty awesome!
Just to clarify so people don't misunderstand. Arendal designers have stated, these were designed for music and that a well designed speaker will work very well in home theatre as well. I've been waiting for more reviewers to review Arendal speakers. I have the 1723 Monitors (by choice) since I already have a quality sub. The Arendal team themselves have also said you do not lose anything in sound between the two when using a quality subwoofer. I can attest to that as well. The tweeters are a Dr. Kurt Muller design and sourced diaphragm as well. They are worth every penny in my opinion and I would buy them again.
Tom, do you know the cone materials?
@@BruceCross it's a paper cone material
Sure they are giant killets i dont have any doubts...
hank you for your honest review on these speakers. I have to say your review is 100% accurate. I am now in my 5th day of getting these speakers replacing my R700's. I really do think the R700's are a fantastic speaker but I think these are are very good improvement. You are correct the 1723 are very revealing with great imaging and separation but really smooth and juicy not bright. I find everything you describe is what I am hearing. NO SUB NEEDED is one of the most important factors when I am shopping for speakers. I am using Mcintosh tub pre and Mcintosh solid state amp. I am truly hearing things in the recording I did not hear before but it's not bright or fatiguing. Oh BTW I am running all ports open!!! Thank you for your review on these speakers.
R700s are $2000. Arendal $4000..Is Arendal 2x better or a subtle 10-20 percent improvement over the r700?
Jay, the production level of your videos just keeps getting better. You’re killing the game buddy, keep it up!
Based off your review and a few others, I decided to get a pair of the Arendal 1723 S Towers. They just got here today. As you know, these things were packaged amazingly well. The US military probably doesn't use this much care when transporting a nuke. I realize there's a 50 hour break in period, but these sound amazing right out of the box. Can't wait to see what they do later. The 1723 center channel arrives in a few days. Running them with a Marantz Cinema 50. There's a process to switch the amplifier impedance to 4 Ohm in the Marantz user manual, which I recommend everyone remember to do if you get these speakers. Thanks again
So you went with the 1723s towers and the 1723 center. Nice. Keep us updated after breaking in.
Break in is a myth.. Put the impedance on your receiver on 8 ohm or your knee capping the power on the receiver..
These will be my next loudspeakers! Keep em coming
14:30 Yes, the treble does have to contrast with the bass and med. The 3 regions have to contrast with each other, not only the 3 regions, every frequency, we just call it bass med and treble regions cos drivers tend to be separated at those frequencies. I saw YT videos testing my Audiolab amp against DENOM, MARANTZ, YAMAHAH, etc. similar priced amps and they all had more "muddled in" voice sounds and the Audiolab voice sounded more separate to the music (and not noticeably louder or colder. Just more 3D type separate). 😅 Against 7 amps it still smoked them all (in that regard). So that inspired me to do it with my speaker builds. 😅 They are point source, semi open cone, semi dipole, semi omni directional speakers. With a highly modified 5" single driver, half in a oversized modified enclosure. I have double the separation, now (with my Audiolab amp). Ultra holographic pure POINT SOURCE speakers. Even the bass port is point source (the acoustically modified speaker hole IS the bass vent). The open cone sound combined with the warmth of an oversize box! Best of both worlds and bass reflex and still completely point source! Bass isn't going to rock the floof but it's clean, warm and fills the room with nice deep bass (surprisingly). They are NOT party speakers, string quartet much better. Cello is wild! Great for any music, except you have to watch the volume on rock and doof (even if it sounds amazing at the normal listening level).
Thank you for the review...
I'm very interested in these.
I think they will be my next speaker upgrade.
"Less Shitty"... man I love Jay's reviews! Thumbs up. I think it is worth mentioning again how impressed I was with the way Jay and Danny ended up handling "calloutgate". Audiences of both channels benefited from the resolution of that topic.
I might have to check these out. These are the droids I’m looking for lol. Bass check, accuracy check, and tweeter magic 🤤
I have the 1723 S monitor LCRs and they are fantastic in my room. Just ordered their triaxial surrounds.
Jay - you crushed this review. Great work.
Also, I’ve been rocking a Vincent hybrid for a couple years and love it. Looking forward to that one.
Always great to hear when someone really loves a product. If you get a chance to review the smaller 1723S towers please do.
This is a great review. You do a great job. Based on this review I am considering buying these towers.
Hey. Great video.
Arendal is a city, in the south of Norway. About an our away from my home city:-) And its actually pronounced, Aren dal. The city is actually well known for its "hillbilly style car audio" people.
Have a good one.
Thanks, bro. You never cease to amaze me with your wonderful insights.
Thank you for your encouraging comments :)
I bought the center channel from this series. 8" woofers. It was quite an improvement over an acoustic suspension Wharfedale
8" woofers in a center speaker, nice! 👍
I watched you entire video and I was satisfied with what you had to say. I never watched you before and I see you have tube amplifiers. we all know that they have a warm different sound then solid state . I stopped dealing with them as I cannot find places that sell tubes anymore used to be a hundred years ago when everything had tubes I used to be able to go into a store that had a machine that we would test our tube it would let us know whether it was good or not and if it was defective we were able to get a replacement. those were the days most importantly my other post mentioned THX certified that I learned by only purchasing one that it's definitely goes through some sort of certification that made my speakers very impressive I thought it was just a gimmick but now I hear you saying that it has to go through 400 different tests to get that certification and like I said before right in the beginning when you showed the back of this unit it had that certification on it.
Love that you got some Arendals! I'm finishing up a full 7.2.4 Arendal theater build and can't wait to get them going!
I have 7.2.4 made out of B&W, but considering Arendal for the new room. How happy are you with them?
Thanks Jay , Appricate all your hardwork and dedication 😃
Awesome review. So there is a Demo track I also use to test speakers and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you and/or anyone else listen to this song if you have really nice two channel stereo. Just trust me on this one. I have never heard nicer more beautifully mixed piece of music in my life and it has some really hard hitting bass that will put smile on your face it will take plastic surgery to remove. The song is called "Dubchill" and artist is "Slavian". I can only image what this would sound like on those 1723 with good amp.
I have the 1723 Monitor and I was awe struck by the performance, and the cost was difficult to even believe! I chose them over the Revel F208's which I already owned, and that was something I never saw coming! I'm a HUGE fan of Arendal now and any audiophile that has the opportunity to hear them in a good 2 channel system MUST try them!
Hey @Joseph, are you in Canada? How much was the cost of shipping including brokerage? Thanks!
How is the soundstage?
I appreciate you mentioning the Polk R700s. I have been looking at these Arendal towers as an upgrade to my Polk R700s but wasn't sure they would be much better. Now I know they are! Thank you!
Buy them and compare it to your Polk R700s. You will be surprised in a special way. You will get more bass and more highs and you will have to like it.
@@jamapaza I think I will. But before I had the info in this video there was too big a chance of having to box up and deal with returning massive towers. Although they offer that 60-day in home test period I doubt its free return shipping.
Wow!! I'm really surprised! What a glowing review! To even put these speakers in the same room with the Wilson's is kind of unbelievable, but to put them in the same sphere? Incredible! I'm gonna keep my eye on these!
Congratulations for your excellent work. I discovered Arendal thanks to you. They are part of my possible choices for my future acquisition. As your suggestions have helped me brilliantly in the last years (Hegel H190, Denafrips Ares2, iFi Zen Stream), I hesitate between these 4 models for my Hegel H190:
Arendal: 1723-S THX (4000CAD$)/Arendal 1723 THX (5000CAD$)
SVS: Premium Pinnacle (2700CAD$)
Elac: Uni-fi Reference UFR-52 (3200CAD$)
Buchardt: s400 mk2 (2900CAD$)
What would your suggestion be?
I must say that the Buchardts tempted me, but I want presence in the bass and I prefer floorstanding speakers... Regarding the Arendals, do they really have a nice presence in the treble as well as in the low frequencies?
Thank you for your expertise which will surely guide me.
Great review. Almost sounds too good to be true?!? Not many other reviews on these speakers as far as I have seen. Very interesting.
Thanks for a good review (not many rews of this speakers).
Ask Arendal if the can send you a 1723 sub...sealed, ported, single/ dual driver...I think you will be amazed by the subs as well😊
Just checked the price on these $4600 USD. That’s $6300 CDN 😮
No thanks!!! lol Went with Polk Reserve R700 on sale for $2200 CDN for the pair!!! Happy listening ✌️
Ascend Acoustics also provids measurements with the Klippel machine and tons more data for each of their speakers. They are about to roll out their new and improved tower that should give this Arendal a good run.
I remember Jay talking about how big the Polk R700 was in his room, but these look much, much bigger!
Very cool review; and proudly Norwegian 🇳🇴
Just one thing on the sidenote, the name comes from the city of Arendal and is pronounced with emphasis on the first A 🙂
Don´t worry, it took Gene Dellasalla at Audioholics about a year to get it right 🙂
I have been to Arendal. It’s a beautiful city, a wonderful, and pristine place. My friend Anna invited me there to visit her family, while I was trekking around Europe some years ago. Her father was an engineer and was responsible for designing many of the local span bridges that cris crossed the countryside.
@@karlcotleanu486 yes, been there.... incredibly nice place, as well as all the other cities around that area
@@karlcotleanu486 Did Anna by chance happen to have a sister named Elsa?
Hey, I'm an Iwegian in Iowa and grew up with all your relatives. We don't like Lutefisk. We make lefsa and like that.
Wow super impressed, I don’t have the room for this now a days but will keep it in mind for later 😉 thanks for finding stuff like this, super important to highlight people doing it so well for so little.
Take a look at their website. The 1723 S series may be interesting for you?
@@JosephTongret “s” is a smaller version of this tower I assume?
@@JosephTongretended up ordering it lol so figured I’d say thanks for the recommendation 👍
How do these compare to Polk r700 and Martin Logan Motion towers?
Sweetness; soft dome in a nice waveguide...
The wavelaunch the big dome propagating out free from early disturbances ... it's no wonder the HF attributes are one element that stuck out.
That sweetness, ... and gravitas.
Slam, that unmistakable bass characteristic. Signal tracking capability.
Not texture, I don't recall Jay referencing bass textural detail, certainly a highly coveted high functioning attribute.
Dig it
I bought a pair of Paradigm Studio Monitors over 20 years ago and they only cost me 2 grand. They were ahead of their time. Tons of bass and accuracy.
I still have mine from the 90s.
Great review. Can't wait to see more content about this speaker.
Thanks for the in depth review! I want to build a 2 channel room dedicated to stereo music (CD, Hi-Res, SACD 2.0, Vinyl) and have a $4K budget for speakers. This fits just under that and the only other one that gets similarly rave reviews are the Philharmonic BMR Towers. Such a tough choice, but I have a couple of months to continue my research and finally decide on one!
Seal the ports (run them full range) and add subs for optimum performance
I have a question, has anyone actually used em and how are they with listening to music. I really wanna buy em. I’m always wondering what kind of amps people are pairing them with and other audio gear. If someone could give me some more info like if these speakers are hard to drive etc…..
I have the much smaller 1961 towers, surrounds and 1723S Center and I'm very happy with them!
Can't wait to hear you trying another model
I have been waiting for more Arendal Tower Reviews. I have had Paradigm Monitor 11 Towers since 2016 and I want to replace them. I really like the Idea of building my own, like the NX-Otica from GR research. I have Dual SVS PB3000 subs that I would be pairing, and I am looking for pure performance. I have heavy metal parties a few times a year, and although its loud, I want it much louder. I heard that Garys Speakers are as close as you're going to get to live electric guitar in your living room. Arendal also comes recommended from Gene at Audioholics, so I have had them on list as well. Whatever I get will have to have a separate AMP, I don't want to use my Marantz SR8012 for the Towers in MY 5.2.2 current set up. If I want the Mid bass pounding my chest and clear ultra-loud guitar riffs with no Distortion (TH-cam Premium videos for now) what Towers would you recommend out of the two? or maybe three (SVS Ultras - with the upgraded crossover??)
I remember Arendal showing their line for the first time in the UK at a show, we were blown away by their performance for the price.
What show was this?
Im really interested in checking out the 1723 s line towers and center. It would replace my focal chora 826s. Reason for the upgrade is that Im hoping the center channel will sound more open and not as boxy as my focal.
Amazing review, Jay! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I showed this one to my wife and she laughed out loud about your jacket joke. Thank you for that. I love her laugh. I own a Sugden IA-4 and I'm wondering if it can properly drive the 3-4ohms load that these produce. I'm not listening at high SPL usually. 80-90dBs max.
I love that you love your wife's laugh😊🙏
Jay. I love it when a reviewer like yourself and there are not many, can let us know about products that really are world beaters at affordable prices. In had never even heard of this company before your review and some of the comments below show that this is probably the speaker for me? as I am in the market for such a pair. I just want to thank you for all your videos as well as some of the comments below which highlight how good these speakers really are. Keep it up Jay great job
Given their price and build quality it's surprising that there aren't more reviews.
A properly designed wave guide will provide proper time alignment with the midrange. Also, putting the mid above the tweeter stabilizes the image. People hear high frequencies from a point higher than the actual drive. Putting the tweeter below, lines up the highs with the kids. The wave guide will actually narrow the dispersion at the cross over so it matches the mid (or more closely) dispersion.
Yep that's true, putting the tweeter below the mid lines up the highs with the kids .
@@RennieAsh some kids are bigger than others.
Kids will be kids
Another straight forward review from you with the how’s and why’s. Great job yet again!
10 year warranty!
Certainly one to consider.
Good review, thanks.
You'll need that since made in Asia
Better act now price goes up 15% in 5 days
Great review. Will be great if their bookshelf speakers can be reviewed too.
Dam, that room looks awesome! Great place to entertain.
Takk!
Thank you :)
I wonder how do these speakers paired with vincent compare to buchardt A700 active floorstanders especially in terms of bass(they are said to go as low as 17hz) since the total price when paired with this amp is really close.
wish you would have included a listening demo in this review❓I have a Vincent SV-737 hybrid 4ohm 2 X 300
Good review. Arendal is great have 1723 1s subwoofer amazing for music. It i dis not buy my b&w 702 s2 last year i would proably buy Arendal 1723 Tower. Hegel h390 would proably have enough power. Theo power my b&w easily with stunning perfomence
A nicely done commercial Elsinore, at a very reasonable price, if you cannot roll your own. Good job!
I had the 1961 Bookshelf and Monitor in my system. Also the 1s sub. It is good. Very nice for the price. I’m sure these floor standers are superb.
Thanks Jay, I'm auditioning Polk R700, but want to try Arendal 1723 towers. I thinking I'm looking for a meatier mid bass or midrange not sure which. Something seems to be weak in the middle of the R700. Am also auditioning Arendal 1961 towers but want something bigger. Thanks for your advice!
Arendal 1723 towers vs Tekton Double Impacts for 2 channel music?
I recognize Peerless brand speakers/drivers and they are very popular DIY-Audio [self-made and own construction]
Peerless speakers/drivers are not expensive but very successful and have been around for over 20 years versions: SDS / HDS / SLS
134/164 SDS 50-100$
164/205 HDS 100-150$
8/10/12 SLS 100-150$
There are also versions XLS and XXLS
In fact, Peerless speakers/drivers are known in DIY-Audio and have decent value for money
It's normal for Arendal to have partnerships with Peerless
When it comes to the tweeter, it's hard to say what brand it is, but I may be wrong if it's SB Acoustics SATORI [very similar and known in DIY-Audio]
Great review, thanks. I don't feel that the feet look cheap just too small. The uniformity is off. Same quality with a larger footprint and they would look more appropriate for a speaker of this size. Kind of like buying a new car with undersized tires, the next step up is usually the way to go.
these are an extension of the Elsinores mk II.I myself built the MTM mk I version and they really sound very good
287 audio makes a giant killer in my opinion. They are out of TEXAS. I heard their set a few weeks ago . Really nice set. No shortage of anything. FYI they also use baltic birch. I think i saw 3199.00 on their sight. Im glad to see companies offering a quality product for a reasonable price myself. These arendals are nice. i like the cabinets.
Nice. I'll take made in USA over made in China, shipped to Norway, then shipped to Australia - any day. I'll check out 287 Audio now.
Who?
WOWWWWWWWWW!!!!!! They sound like they are amazinggggggggg. Thanks
Outside of $ what’s a better buy considering all things performance sound quality bass extension css 2td-x towers vs arendal 1723 tower
I hear nothing but good things about the brand and sound. Will be on my short list in the future.
Now... define High-End. What is it? I wan´t to know. KEF q950 is it high or low end?
Why are using the spiked feet instead of the rubber feet for your hardwood floor?
I wonder how these compare to Klipsch Cornwall IV and Forte IV?
Jay! Id love to hear your thoughts. I have focal aria 926 towers and matching center in my home theature. Would it be worth selling them for some Arendal 1723 or S models. Very similar price points. Im interested in how they say you will need less sound treatment because of the wave guide.
Very close to pulling the trigger on that Vincent! It caught my eye six years ago and after many reviews and videos of others I am back to square one! Should have followed my gut and pulled the trigger 6 years ago. Now I'm considering these speakers or Polk r700 also. Might have to go with Polk because they are a bit cheaper and on sale.
I ordered the Polk R700 when they went on sale for $825 each because it was too good to pass up. They're still backordered, but I've considered ordering the Arendal 1723 THX monitors once they ship. That way I'll have about 60 days to decide which one I like best and send the other back. Both have glowing reviews, but the only way to tell is to compare them both in your space.
For almost 6 months I am trying to choose between two 🤗
After watching every single review on internet, this is my conclusion.
They are both superb thanks to different aspects of their characteristics.
Arendals are built with very high quality materials.
But Polk has superior technology. A few of them :)
For HT I think I would go for Polk since I like having bigger surrounds like R200s. But if I wanna go same like having 1723 monitors, then it’s too expensive for my budget.
But if don’t care about price tag, maybe you can go with Arendals but I don’t think there’s much difference between them. Maybe you can choose considering their appearance 🤗
@@filmses Cost is definitely a huge factor. With the savings from buying the Polk over the Arendals, one could afford a really great subwoofer or two. I suppose it depends on your needs as well. That THX ultra rating means something.
@@Smellslikegelfling let us know when you done it :)
They are being a bit sneaky (and they are not alone) about the sensitivity as the 92dB is for 2.83V 1m which is an 8 0hm rating, so at its 4 Ohm rating, it needs double the power. So it's more like 88dB 1w 1m assuming 4ohms across the range....
Would love to see a review of the matching Center channel. Also a comparison to the Tekton Double Impact Towers and Center. Keep up the good work. 👍
I wonder why they chose to use 8" midrange drivers instead of something smaller and faster, like the 6.5" drivers from their other speakers.. makes me wonder..
I would think their 1723 S THX tower speakers with quad 6.5" drivers and a nice sub or two would perform the best but maybe big 8" drivers for midrange works better.. 🤔🤷
I'm coming from the Tekton mode of thinking where the midrange is handled by loads of tweeters with a combined surface area of a normal woofer..
Any insight on the comparison of sound signature between this and the kef r series, which I know you reviewed? I am thinking about going from the r3’s and a r2c to the arendal 1723s towers and 1723 s center, but I don’t want to downgrade.
You killed on this one Good job
Loved this! How do you compare to Tekton Double Impact?
Great review Jay. I have the RF7II's in my theatre setup and love them. Put them in my listening area for 2channel setup and I couldn't believe how harsh they were. I've been on the fence about retiring all my vintage gear (20+ sets) for one pair of flexible audio speakers. What type/genre of music did you throw at these? Thanks for the amazing reviews!
I listen to all my high end recordings in Nerual X mode now for this reason. 2ch just doesn’t bring the sound I’m looking for
Got the same with the Polk t50... They a bit less but so capable and the price is extreme low.. music and movies.. 👌🏻
Would you prefer these to css x-series? Specifically the 1tdx, 2tdx, and the 3tdx. Want to get the best sound for the money.
hi there love you review i have paradim prestige 95f looking to go with the 120f founder ,..i know you did a review about them .between the 120f and de arendal 1723 .you would go with what thx
😀
Hi Jay, before I got my PMC Twenty5 26 pair in 2017 i was aiming to Arendal, and I have been enjoying the Twenty5 26s but they sometimes have certain compromise on HF and on some albums, i know i can do better and a lot better but i dont want to go up to spend around 10K, instead I want to save, Im sure you have heard PMC, it would be nice if you could give your point of view. I have a DIY server, Denafrips Athena Preamp, Kinki M7 & Lampizator baltic 4, Thanks !
Hi Jay! First and foremost, Happy New Year to you, and continue your great work. Like you, I have worked in two high-end stores while living in Montréal, one of them being Filtronique, so if you look at their brands listing, you will see that I know what high-end is. I just purchased a McIntosh C53 and MC462, I own B&W 804 Matrix with two B&W ASW800 subs. I am looking at changing the speakers as they are 23 years old, and you got me really intrigued with the Arendal 1723 THX. Having purchased the McIntosh and having to purchase a Sony a7R V and the upcoming a1 Mk II, my budget for speakers is limited for now. What would you choose between the Arendal, the Founder 100F or Monitor Audio Gold 200 5G? Or any advice in +/-$10K range. Thanks for your precious recommendation. I listen to Pop, Folk, Rock, Blues, Jazz and Classic music.
A really good review. Jay, you are one of the best reviewers out there.
Nice review, Jay. Very 👌
Those look so gorgeous🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤ 1:08
I have the 1723 1 S sub, it's great!
I hope that you can audition the new SVS Ultra Evolution towers and compare them with sound of the Arendal towers.
Thanks Jay.