Are These OVERKILL For Surrounds? Meet the Arendal Bookshelf 8!

[@Youthman]

Setting Up This BEEFY Bookshelf! - The Arendal 1528 Bookshelf 8 Shop for Your Next Upgrade - obsessedhometheater.com/ This video is sponsored by Arendal Sound - bit.ly/Arendal_Sound Expand Your Home Theater Knowledge - bit.ly/Home_Theater_Seminars Platinum Channel Sponsor: Arendal Sound - bit.ly/Arendal_Sound Subwoofers - bit.ly/Arendal_Subwoofers 1723 Speakers - bit.ly/Arendal_1723_Series 1723 THX Monitor - bit.ly/Arendal_1723_Monitor 1723 Subwoofer 2V - bit.ly/1723_Subwoofer_2V 1723 Subwoofer 1S - bit.ly/1723_Subwoofer_1S Use the affiliate links below and help support the channel with no cost to you. TV's (98" and larger) - shop.howl.me/youthman/collections/5383 Audio Advice - bit.ly/Audio_Advice Best Buy - howl.me/clwC9rCV7qx Amazon - www.amazon.com/shop/youthman Weekly and monthly Zooms on Patreon - www.patreon.com/youthman FREE Home Theater Design Tool - bit.ly/Home-Theater-Design-Tool Recommended Home Theater Gear - www.amazon.com/shop/youthman Submit your Home Theater - hometheatertours.com. Ways You Can Support: Patreon: www.patreon.com/youthman Youthman Merch - teespring.com/stores/youthman/ ____ Disclosure: Affiliate Links are used in the description of this video. I earn from qualifying purchases. Valencia Bespoke Series Theater Seats: Monza Carbon Fiber (NEW) - bit.ly/Valencia_Monza Tuscany Ultimate Luxury - bit.ly/valencia-tuscany-ultimate-luxury Oslo Ultimate Luxury - bit.ly/valencia-oslo-ultimate-luxury Naples - bit.ly/Valencia_Naples Valencia Cinema Series Theater Seats: Venice - bit.ly/valencia_venice Budapest - bit.ly/valencia_budapest Piacenza - bit.ly/valencia_piacenza Piacenza Powered Headrest - bit.ly/valencia_piacenza_powered_headrest Verona - bit.ly/valencia_verona Verona - Powered Headrest - bit.ly/valencia_verona Valencia Premier Series Theater Seats: Oslo - bit.ly/valenciaoslo Oslo XL - bit.ly/valenciaosloxl Zurich - bit.ly/valenciazurich Tuscany - bit.ly/valencia_tuscany Bern - bit.ly/valencia_bern All Valencia Seating - bit.ly/valencia_all

[@MinisterGabe1]

@@Youthman how much is the total package ?

[@Youthman]

I haven’t added it up. You can go on their website. All their pricing is listed there. $9,500 for pair of towers, I believe $4,600 for center.

[@ronsenzel9056]

That entire line is simply gorgeous.

[@avemardore]

They're beautiful, but $4,500 a pair...sweet Jesus that's expensive.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

1/2 the price of the Kef reference 1… just as good? Time will tell.

[@ryanschipp8513]

​@@JamesWilliams-gf8gmbut then there are a bunch of bookshelf speakers for half the price that may sound just as good as the Arendal sound

[@ngifsalame4546]

Its a big daddy of bookshelf😮

[@hotdog9262]

@@JamesWilliams-gf8gm my guess its better. especially turned up

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

@@hotdog9262 you are probably right.

[@PinkstonFilms]

I feel like this line is more for a dedicated room as even the smallest center channel is huge and heavy as hell. They look to overshadowing in your living room setup. Hopefully they’ll come out with an S-line version of these….

[@pnwdood1758]

Also, I imagine Quint from Jaws taking one look at these and saying, " We're gonna need a bigger bookshelf " 😆

[@dan_hitchman007]

I would like to see Erin's Audio Corner do a thorough review on the actual production models as well with Klippel measurements. He showed there were a few performance issues with other Arendal speaker models, but he didn't exactly savage them either. It would be interesting to know if the kinks are ironed out with their fairly expensive lineup. I would hate to see what they will cost in the States if, god forbid, a certain someone gets elected and the threatened tariffs start.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

All the 1528s are gorgeous, my wife approves! She said no when I told her the price though. 😂 I need to see measurements of these bookshelves before purchasing because my next speakers will either be these or the Perlisten R4Bs.

[@fonkenful]

Show her the Borenson Z1s, and these will look like a freaking bargain.

[@ingmar89]

What about the 1723s? Much cheaper and still amazing speakers

[@pnwdood1758]

@@ingmar89 Agree. I have the 1723 Towers in gloss white. Love the look and the sound. Kind of dumb how since the 1528's are out, people are now saying the 1723's really aren't that great. But before the 1528's came out the 1723's were "the giant killers" SMH

[@Youthman]

@pnwdood1758 I’m not sure who is saying the 1723’s are not great. The 1528’s are simply better, have more output capability, wider soundstage and better dynamics.

[@Youthman]

@pnwdood1758 also keep in mind, no matter what you have there will always be something better. That includes the 1523’s. No one is saying they are the absolute best speakers on the planet.

[@fonkenful]

Taller stand will definitely make them even tippier- one of the reasons I ended avoiding standmount altogether during my DIY building era. Kinda hard to seismically anchor these to a stud when placed far enough from the wall allow the ports to breathe properly. Baseplates could easily afford to be thicker/ heavier - maybe even stone/ marble? There was an interesting Fostex design a decade or so ago tha had the part exit through the bottom into the upright column of an integrated stand . All that geeky quibbling aside, can’t wait for your subjective impressions, and hopefully soon Erin’s Klippel spin-orama measurements. Cheers, Michael.

[@God_y_u]

Finally u have everything They look great

[@Youthman]

Too bad they are leaving in a few days.

[@God_y_u]

@@Youthman well just a little more than a month. If u buy now 😁😁

[@MinisterGabe1]

How much is the total package for the speaker and Where did you get your couch.

[@bootneylee9802]

Still waiting to see your bench challenge. Gene got that old man strength. 😂

[@Youthman]

Gene is on his own until I get my butt back in the gym consistently.

[@stephanlazarz1921]

Beautiful, I'm impressed.

[@kimberlyH1984]

those speakers are so nice. wow.

[@KillerSneak]

They really do look awesome, I know these are not for the “avg Joe” but one needs to have dreams 😅😀

[@voiceofreason9238]

There's no bookshelf around that would hold those beasts. Those are definitely stand mounts, which by the way are gorgeous.

[@ngifsalame4546]

It,s a big daddy of all bookshelf 😮

[@brandonbrodbeck6688]

Where'd you get the couch I'm looking for ideas on where to get a giant couch lol

[@Youthman]

On sale, don’t remember where we bought it. We’ve had it for several years. It’s like a sectional the pieces connect together so you can rearrange them how you want.

[@Novilicious]

For the price, NOTHING beats this! My next upgrade for sure!!

[@ryanschipp8513]

How do you know when you've never heard it? All speaker sound different and you may not like the sound characteristics

[@danemoreno88]

lol have you seen ascend acoustics ELX TOWER PAIR for 4400 would roast these

[@Novilicious]

@@danemoreno88 Lightweights

[@Novilicious]

@@danemoreno88 lightweight speakers and too cheap

[@danemoreno88]

@@Novilicious lmaoooo that’s what you base it off weight and price you obviously know nothing about the speakers then

[@dragonstone6594]

Can you compare the Arendals to the also new Monitor Audio Gold 6G series? That also has a 8" 3 way bookshelf. And in paper the Gold 6G series seems to have higher peak SPL levels than Arendal and is cheaper.

[@Youthman]

I do not have any contacts for Monitor Audio

[@terjejacobsen2856]

Hi. I'm in the process of making my own stands for the new 1528 small center, Basalt and for the rear speakers 1721 Monitor THX Satin. They will be looking quite the same as the ones you assembled. My question is about the colour. Of course the back stands will be in Satin but what do you think about the Center Stand? It looks like yours are in Basalt? Maybe it will look better if I paint the Center Stand same as speaker?

[@doyleshafer]

Thank you Youthman!

[@seanjelly8942]

Do these come with stands….everything $4500?

[@richardkUK8764]

Michael, when your finished with them, don’t forget to send them to me. Ha

[@mengirex]

Another great video. I have a question though: do the stands come with the bookshelves, or do you have to buy them separately? Thank you

[@Youthman]

The stands they sent me are prototypes. They would need to be purchased separately.

[@mengirex]

Thanks for your response. Best regards

[@ancientalien815]

Do these include the stands for $4500? I cant even find the stands on their website.

[@Youthman]

Stands are not included. I’m not sure any manufacturer includes stands with their bookshelf speakers.

[@JayPatrol]

Nice speakers, those are made for big houses, also they look like they would blow out and shatter windows with the sound 😊

[@Watchingyou-daily]

Looking at their line-up

[@LEMON48]

This Norge company get crazy with those prices😊😊

[@clarkson427]

Would it outperform a 1723 s towers??

[@Youthman]

Sorry, I thought you were asking if the 1528 Tower 8 would outperform the 1723 S. I’m not sure how the Bookshelf 8 would compare against the 1723 S since I no longer have them.

[@ma3nni689]

I like the series but as the have a quite low sensitivity, i like to know if a AVR like the Cinema 50 40 30 can handle 4 bookshelfs and the smaller Center alone or if a Power Amp is needet.

[@dizzle1119]

You're talking about connecting $10k worth of speakers directly into a $2,500 integrated. Yes, you'd want a power amplifier. A big one.

[@ma3nni689]

@dizzle1119 Okay got it...thx... then i am out on the 1528 LOL.

[@rickx86]

I heard another creator say that when going high end speakers you really need to consider matching dollar for dollar on components that you spent on the speakers to get the most out of them. Not sure if that is true or not. But I also don’t see anyone spending $10K on towers and another $4.5K on bookshelf’s thinking they can power them with an AVR. 😂

[@rickx86]

@@ma3nni689 just doing some testing tonight and I can affirm that getting a separate amplifier helps immensely. Quick back story, I just (3-4 weeks ago) upgraded my Klipsch RP-8000F speakers and center channel to a full Arendal 1723 towers, center, and surrounds. Running them with an Emotiva MR1 initially. Did the AB testing with just the towers and centers to make it fair comparison. The Arendals blew the Klipsch out of the water once broken in. And I have had the Klipsch for about 6 years and really enjoyed their sound and thought they were good speakers. You don’t know what you don’t know. So then I found people talking on the Arendal Club that Tonewinner had great amps and sounded a lot better than my AVR so I ended up going with the Summit HiFi amplifier A7 brand instead of the Tonewinner and now doing the testing between the MR1 powering my Arendal and the Summit amplifier and I can say having a separate amp makes a big difference. I wouldn’t consider the 1723 speakers (total cost was $7,200) high end but spending another $1,775 on a separate amplifier was well worth it in my book. Long story short was it necessary to power my speakers? No because the AVR can power them, but did I notice a substantial difference in loudness, soundstage, and clarity when using a separate high quality amplifier? Yes, yes, and somewhat. The components driving your speakers will make a big difference on what you are getting out of your speakers so if you’re going to go cheap with components don’t bother wasting your money on nice speakers because you won’t get the best out of them. 😉 Edit: maybe I am overestimating the quality of the amplifier so call it a high quality budget amplifier? Because I know there are far far more expensive amplifiers out there. But even with this less expensive one it made a big difference🤣

[@ma3nni689]

@@rickx86 not the towers ofc :-) 4 bookshelfs i meant.

[@johnmoreno5965]

What a beast 🤩

[@bradleydurbin6784]

Good looking!

[@Sméagol-x8i]

They can only get into a dedicated theater, gigantic and expansive very niche product. WAF is zero here. 65 lbs bookshelf on stand not very pet friendly or kids running around in house.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

My wife said she liked the tower 8 well enough for the living room but she has years of conditioning lol.

[@Youthman]

These are definitely going to fit within a very niche market, but there are certainly people that have big enough homes that would enjoy this system in a living room

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

@@Youthman for sure. Cheaper option to the Revel 328be. Looks better too.

[@brucecarter6205]

I prefer to decorate my living room with speakers and subs. My wife doesn’t understand it, but she tolerates it.

[@pnwdood1758]

Thanks for the review. While these are nice, sticking with my Arendal 1723 Towers, because my wifes cats would knock over anything on a stand. Price too. Yeah, can't afford any more speakers at the moment. 😀 Also I understand to each their own, but not a fan of the design of the 1528. I like the lines and the overall look of the gloss white 1723 series I have better. (not just saying that because I can't afford the 1528's)

[@whotfisjason7870]

Holy Moly , there’s more?!?!, The only thing that worries me is that stand especially for people with kids or pets

[@Youthman]

If it did not have the legs, I would be worried. They’re pretty sturdy, but you would still want to be careful with children or big dogs.

[@streetsoundselectro124]

Wow they're huge.

[@kaelmedia8693]

These looks awesome just as the rest of the line but those stands.. reminds me of the old Norwegian saying. Gi meg en hammer og ei gnaga Stein så skal æ lage rubbel og bit.

[@dhowting]

Lol......my front towers are 65 Lbs!! 😂😂😂

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Size does matter

[@FalconsATL]

I think they’ve exaggerated that 8” woofer..? Looks more like 7-7.5 maybe.

[@Youthman]

Most brands measure including the surround (which you can’t see because it’s inverted and hidden by the baffle.) What you can see of the driver measures 6.5”.

[@FalconsATL]

@ Thanks for the info!

[@gaurd3]

ginormous. you look like a little kid on the floor opening up presents. 5:59

[@Youthman]

I am just a big kid

[@theoisaac9948]

👍 👍. Technology

[@lights80088]

It's a shame the stands, if available, won't be out until at least the first qtr of 2025 (Arendal told me in an email). Had to buy stands from Kamela (NOT Kamala) Custom Designs as I need them now. Custom Designs make stands that can handle the weight of these speakers.

[@Laissez_Faire]

Could someone really put these on a bookshelf 🤔

[@Youthman]

All I can say is they better be anchored into a stud lol

[@paulupton7698]

Ahh, more loudspeakers. How refreshing.

[@GeniusHomeTheater]

Man, does a bookshelf exist that can hold these behemoths?😂

[@paulcsaszar5824]

Those are beautiful 66 pounds most towers don't weight that much

[@dadsrs6019]

Yeah 4500 could never justify that,even if had that money spare

[@vadym4810]

Please demo movie

[@Youthman]

I will describe what it sounds like in the review.

[@Alvedrotten]

What's the point of reviewing prototypes? The ones we'll be ordering may have a different performance.

[@lordniblickiii]

❤ Jesus loves you.. Please bring him into your heart before it's too late.. These events are not from climate change.. but from God warning US the time of his wrath is coming... 😢 Please be saved by His Blood, my friend 🙏

[@Youthman]

I committed my life to following Jesus at age 16.

[@ernies8828]

Anything Arendal does is overpriced. And unless you have a home, those types of speakers are pointless. The other gripe I have is some of these in home audiophile testers do not think about all the trouble it takes to get ultra large and heavy equipment like that from other cities, or states, and in this case, other countries like Norway. It is very selfish when you understand the delivery drivers having to deal with those heavy products on their underwhelming paycheck for what they put up with. The customs already have enough crime and stress to deal with. And the worst of it is most equipment shipments for these testers in home have to return the equipment back to the same location they got these heavy products from. It just sickens me, and it isn't right. It would be one thing if they kept the products, but that is not why they do it! This culture has had hurricanes, tornadoes and tsunamis destroy people's lives and it really should disturb you when you see these things. People just do not care and they are selfish and greedy. I have no respect for any of them, and for good reason. Let that sink in.

[@Youthman]

Selfish? Really Ernie? Let me paint the picture for you. I was there when both Arendal shipments were delivered to my home. They come on a pallet. He certainly wasn't struggling pulling a pallet jack into my garage. I even asked him if he needed a hand and he said no. I with 100% certainty I exerted MUCH more effort unboxing the entire series by myself than the freight delivery driver did unloading them from a semi truck with a lift gate and a pallet jack. A truck driver chose their occupation, just like Arendal, and even you and I chose ours. According to Google... The average annual salary for a long haul truck driver in Florida is $48,551, with the top earners making $75,476. The average annual salary for a FedEx freight truck driver in Florida is $60,821, with the top earners making $74,729. I'd say that's pretty good money for driving and using a pallet jack.

[@sandtivveduv2524]

Are you a hippie?

[@ernies8828]

@sandtivveduv2524 - nope.

[@rickx86]

What a strange rant. I think you need some help if you think this is what’s wrong with the world…heavy expensive speakers. Yep that is a HUGE problem so much worse than human or drug trafficking. Oh those poor delivery people having to lift heavy objects. What is the world coming to!!!

[@Youthman]

🤣 right? 😀

[@Hometheaterdenmark]

3:57 They should rename them. They arent bookshelf. They are too big to be called that. I am thinking of Granit Blocks 😁

[@Youthman]

I guess it depends on how large your bookshelf is 😀