Arendal Sound 1528 Tower 8 Speakers First Listen & Overview

[@DigitalDonAV]

If anyone here wants to come hear these speakers, I will arrange a private demo in my home near Tampa Fl. I do this already for fellow enthusiast and have zero skin in the game other than the love of the hobby. Several people have taken me up on this and I have made several new friends in the process.

[@hnipen]

I would love to .... but it is so far from Norway to Tampa 🤔 But one day I drop in with my wifey Don 🙂

[@Donzimadness]

I am in West Palm Beach and would love to hear these sometime.

[@DigitalDonAV]

@@Donzimadnessplease reach out, day trip man. Lots of great restaurants by my place

[@DigitalDonAV]

@@Donzimadness Please hit me up to arrange a visit.

[@Donzimadness]

@@DigitalDonAV Thank you so much for the kind offer. I am going through some struggles right now after having surgery for esophogeol cancer but will contact you when I am more stable. Hopefully we can connect then. I expect it will be sometime in the first quarter of 2025 if this works for you. Again thank you for such a very kind offer.

[@johnevans9751]

Yes. 4 8' woofers are roughly equivalent to a 16" one.

[@SwirlingDragonMist]

Square of the radius baby!

[@rammykiran]

Great video! Please compare these to Perlisten S7s!

[@SwirlingDragonMist]

To me the lithium magnesium is really exciting, magnesium is very rigid, often used in sway bars in cars. Lithium is super light but kinda fragile and has always just needed something else to unlock it’s potential. Then we got the super powerful midrange. Then a vertical line of subs, which if you’ve seen Dave Rat’s computer modeling of 50ft tall sub arrays vs 50ft wide sub arrays for concerts and arenas; the vertical has much more consistent bass for an audience along the ground plane. Horizontal arrays were found to exhibit lobe-ing like inconsistencies. At the scale of a stereo pair of 5 foot tall in room speakers these effects may be marginally limited in bandwidth. But perhaps they contribute to the subtle finesse of their impeccably smooth response. If we conceptualize 4 vertical woofers vs 4 in a side firing dual-opposed configuration, we see a compromise between force cancellation and vertical line array benefits. A compromise mitigated by the inertia of their impressively thick front baffles. Overall each part of the 3 way design is done very well. The heavy faceplate used for the front baffle no doubt imparts a subtle bonus with such a powerful front firing array.

[@SwirlingDragonMist]

Dave Rat’s video modeling subwoofer arrays. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioPVpK2arNWsms0si=Pi4R5bDjc3Cf9etC

[@madcrabber1113]

As a single only parent of 2 kids that I have put through private school myself while raising both from diapers to college , everytime I saved enough extra cash to buy speakers from this company which was about 6 months each time the prices went up. Gave up and bought Heco Aura 1000's for less than $1200 per pr and couldn't be happier. Look if you have the extra cash and patience go for it.

[@harisjaved1379]

You know what man! Speakers come and go, you kids are your legacy!!! you helped them get a better future, and that’s more important than anything related to audio or any other material item.

[@joblo1978]

Such a sad story.

[@bearclaw5115]

Those are great speakers for the money. Probably 98% of us audiophiles can be perfectly happy with something less expensive than the 1528 series. Honestly, our rooms likely cause more issues (impact to SQ) than the difference this line makes over say the 1723's. But if they are in your budget, do it up!

[@robertmedina3195]

​@@joblo1978the sad part is he bought something that wasn't what he/she really wanted.

[@bigmike5785]

Im literally crying rn ​@@joblo1978

[@ryanschipp8513]

After watching this I couldn't help but think........how was Arendal able to pull off this kind of quality at $9500.......yet Paul at PS Audio sells his flagship speaker for 3 times the price.......30k? Head scratcher:)

[@rolandd5397]

Heard their speakers too. Not impress. PS audio gear in my opinion are ok performers. Not great. They are expensive since they are made in the USA. I can't blame them either for that.

[@ryanschipp8513]

@rolandd5397 their speakers are made in China

[@davidrivera2165]

Dan Roemer at Perlisten is likely sweating bullets. He was the original designer of the Arendal 1723 series. The new 1528 towers are likely the closest competitors to the Perlisten S7T. In my view, both Perlisten and Arendal are world class speakers for Home Theater first in mind, and very good in the realm of High end hifi two channel world. The struggle for both companies is the reality that they are priced quite high for Home Theater speaker sphere, and frankly there are speakers in the two channel realm that are more refined in transparency and Soundstage imaging at similar prices. Thanks Gene, Don and Michael for bringing attention to the excellent 1528 towers.

[@Audioholics]

They are remarkable speakers. If I were Revel and Kef, I'd be very worried tbh.

[@charlesking678]

Which speakers are more refined in transparency and Soundstage?

[@aoaaron6166]

Why would Dan roemer be worried? His speaker line is more sensitive, requires less power, has better dimensions, a more extensive speaker ecosysetem, matching subs, a DPC array which is patented to reduce ceiling/floor reflections, a multitude of in-ceiling options and multiple different finish options and two extensive, supported ranges. If designed a true cinema, Perlisten offer you every single tool imaginable from in wall, on wall subs to push pull or single driver subs to in wall speakers, on wall speakers, in ceiling speakers (of which I think they have more models than the Arendal 1528 have models). The Arendals are gigantic (which is a negative as space is a premium in a cinema room!) yet offer similar output to peak SPL limits to the Perlisten, they are inefficient requiring more power, they don't have a fleshed out speaker eco-system (no in walls, no on walls), they have zero dealer support for custom installation which most people at this price range should be look for, they have no available dealer discount and they have no angled speaker in their portfolio to limit head occlusion (like the Ascendo Wedge or Perlisten S4S/R4S). Arendal's 1723/S speakers in my experience are bettered by the Revel line comofrtable for a similar-ish price. I see no reason why anyone is sweating bullets over these speakers. Their size dimensions and weight alone put them in a category where many companies can say 'we still fuolfil your SPL and dynamic headroom requirements with a smaller, ligher enclosure' whcih is huge. Once you adjust this speaker's price for a 20% dealer discount, its competing closely with Whaferdale Elysian, KEF Reference, Perlisten R series & Focal. There are options for speakers which will have better dimensions and similar output. Not to mention some true cinematic speakers like Ascendo, JBL - or even active solutions like L-acoustics, Meyer.. etc if budget allows. There is a clear market as I'm sure they sound amazing and they look stunning and imposing - but sweating bullets sounds like a very over the top assessment. These speakers don't change or shift the high-end market at all.

[@aoaaron6166]

@@Audioholics I agree with Revel being worried. But KEF? I still fancy KEF's Reference Meta series over these. Dimensions are better and KEF have a very very lovely dispersion which makes placement versatile if you know how to treat a room. Lets face it, Revel are lazy but their lineup is still fairly phenomenal with one of the best centre's ever made. The fact they made fun of the 1723/S series with ease yet this was glossed over but now we bash them is a bit unfair.

[@kenhiett5266]

For 2 channel listening, how much better would these Arendal or the Perlistens be than the Mofi 888 at half the price? I know there's a build quality discrepancy, but it seems like the Mofi's per dollar value is pretty hard to beat for a big room speaker.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Looking forward to my opportunity to hear these.

[@bigcat9606]

Liked the new graphics and cut aways in the video. How much of a step up are these from the 1723s? You’re waiting for the 1528 monitors?

[@chrisp.916]

Arendale 1528 or Paradigm Founders 120H? You listend to and reviewed both (and I need to take a decision this week 😂). Please help!

[@Audioholics]

Both good options. Arendals are better built, much more power hungry and sweeter tweeter. The Paradigms active Bass drivers give you gobs of Bass if you want that.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

I am was a big fan for the founder line. I found the highs and mid kind of average in detail/quality (fine really). If you don’t own powered subs or want subs they might be a good option. If you have good subs I personally would look at something else.

[@chrisp.916]

​@@AudioholicsThanks for taking the time to respond. The Arendal may prove to be too big for our TV room so the Founders 120H may be a better choice in my case.

[@AllAccessConstruction]

Can't wait to get mines.. You mentioned amps to push the fronts at 300 watts at least is this 4 or 8 oms.. And if 4 oms does all the surrounds have to be 4 oms as well All Blue Jean Cables Denon 3700.. Monolith 7 * 200.. Emotiva basx4 for atmos.... 7.2.4 Arendel 1723s LFC.. Arendal 1723s surrounds.. Arendal 1961s heights.. 2 Arendal 1961s Subwoofer.. Equals 😁😁😁

[@Audioholics]

I'd recommend solid 400 watts at 4 ohms for these speakers if you lole to crank them and have a large room. Bookshelf 8 are very power hungry too since they have low sensitivity and low port tuning for deep bass.

[@bigmike5785]

*mine

[@mengirex]

Another great video. I have a question: based mostly on your review, I purchased a pair of 1538 Tower 8. But since then I’ve been reading that they need a lot of power to “come alive.” Do you think that my McIntosh MC611s have enough power to feed them? Thank you

[@Audioholics]

@@mengirex absolutely 💯

[@mengirex]

Thanks for the reply. Happy New Year!!!

[@garytoddvolquardts126]

Trust me brother you’ve got enough power. McIntosh especially mc611s.

[@mengirex]

Thanks

[@rawux1228]

Quite fair price for towers. I'm always skeptical about audiophile stuff. Good quality 8 inch woofers would cost around 200$ a piece so 200x8 = 1.6k, tweeters around 100$ each, boxes, crossovers I would say about 1k. So speakers are totally worth about 3k if you DIY it. Rest of money is spent on marketing, servicing, engineering, labor and getting some revenue. Still a little to steep price. That's why I'm making my own speakers.

[@pj1333]

GREAT REVIEW GENE! Thank you. But just when I think I "decided", Audioholics previews another great product for consideration. I thought I settled on some Perlisten R7ts but they aren't offered in white anymore. Now, it's going to be these 1528 tower 8s in white paired with silver Parasound A21+ and Marantz Cinema 30. Downsizing to 2ch for awhile but want future flexibility hence the Cinema 30. Gene has said the Parasound stuff could drive a fork so hoping that's enough power to drown out my drumset as I do the fill from "In the air tonight".

[@Audioholics]

@pj1333 Nice choices, and we would appreciate it if you use our affiliate links to support the channel.

[@aoaaron6166]

@@Audioholics whats the % you get on Arendal based products re: affiliate?

[@Audioholics]

@@aoaaron6166 I don't discuss financials of our publication publicly. That said, I have not earned any affiliate for Arendal 1528 series to date.

[@r1ashad]

Gosh I would love these but i dont know how I'd get the 1528 to replace my 1723 Height speaker setup. The 1528 Slim 8 are so huge!

[@andreasmoller9798]

The 1528 looks to be so impressive, and not to crazy in price, i could easily consider them as my next upgrade from b&w 702 s2, my concern is the size and weight not easy to move around.

[@RennieAsh]

5:12 the soundstage is high to match the TV. The movie landscape also looks a little high right?

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

I think seat choice matters a lot too. I am using Some taller RowOne chairs from audioadvice and they seem crazy tall. I am 6’ and if I put the chair upright my feet don’t touch the ground?!? Where something low slung like the RowOne cavelary (sp?) these might be a touch tall.

[@Darrylizer1]

I can't fit these behemoths in my house! But the 1528 Monitor 8s I think I can swing. I'm assuming the only differences would be in the bass and maximum SPL?

[@hotdog9262]

you would need more power for the same SPL. and max SPL would probably be lower

[@Darrylizer1]

@@hotdog9262 That's what I'm thinking.

[@hnipen]

Gene, Don. Wow, cool guys 😍 Today I am proud to say I am proudly Norwegian 🇳🇴

[@melvinberrian153]

How would you compare the sound of the Arendal 1528 tower 8 with the Paradigm 120 H?

[@joes3800]

I'm definitely curious about Audioholics doing a comprehensive review to this speaker line, and if possible, comparing to Perlistens and RBHs. Gene: I have SV-6500Rs, SV-661CR, and 661-SW/R surrounds. Do you think I should consider this new Arendal lineup as a final upgrade, or should I save my money?

[@Audioholics]

These speakers compete more with the RBH 8300/PX. If you're already happy with your RBHs work on your room acoustics and upgrade your subs instead. Otherwise the Arendals would be a significant upgrade to your current RBHs regarding performance and aesthetics.

[@robertforet4477]

I will set up a 2 channel or 2 speaker setup for my stereo system and have a decision to make. My room has enough square feet to accommodate either the 1528 tower 8's or the monitor 8 speakers. Arendal has the recommended square feet at 330 sfeet or more for both the towers and monitor speakers. So, which to go with is my ultimate question? Waiting for full reviews on the monitor 8's to help me in making that decision. Taking the cost and put that to the side, I am trying to figure out which speakers I should go with? 1 thing I see is that both speakers take up about the same amountbof space. The monitors with stands vs the towers. Look forward to your review of the monitor 8 speakers. Thanks

[@DigitalDonAV]

ames Larson is currently reviewing the 1529 monitors, stay tuned for his review.

[@keremzorlu]

Would I be perfectly happy to use them for hifi and not for HT. Or will I get better results all over buying another pair of speakers that are really made for hifi. As from what I understand these are more for HT. And which speakers would you recommend around this price for serious hifi listening

[@Audioholics]

They sound equally awesome for hifi and Home theater if you throw enough power at them. We will do a Followup video focusing on the home theater experience if a few weeks or so.

[@howardskeivys4184]

I can’t believe the amount of praise/promotion these speakers are getting. Are they really that good? Or is there some form of incentive at play??

[@Audioholics]

I'm waiting for the payday if there is one but won't hold my breath. Why is it so hard to believe Arendal makes a great product? Even the measurements prove it.

[@howardskeivys4184]

@ I’m not disputing the greatness of the product. I can’t. I’ve never heard it. I merely posed a question I’m sure I’m not alone in asking. I also didn’t introduce the term ‘payday’ I used the much less specific term ‘incentive’. I merely remarked how the world and his wife and her dog all suddenly have some form of motivation to pay homage to the speakers. No intention of becoming a provocateur.

[@Audioholics]

@howardskeivys4184 you're accusing it's a paid review while also claiming you're not trying to imply so. That's gaslighting 101.

[@bearclaw5115]

They are exciting speakers from a popular brand. Why wouldn't people be tripping over themselves to try them. Do you think Gene and Don would go to Youthman's house if they weren't excited to hear them? Gene recently did a video on how they make money and handle manufacturers. You should probably give it a watch.

[@JeffMarcum]

I would like to see you compare these to the Polk Legend L800. You guys gave the Polks rave reviews, plus the Polks are $3500 less.

[@Audioholics]

Totally different speakers. The L800s have to be set up much closer together and really meant for a dedicated 2CH set up more than dual purpose for home theater to reqlly shine

[@DeepHorizon3773]

Just wait until you all listen to the all new Driade Premium Model 9 Speakers from Driade Systems ! Mind-Blowing Sound Quality...at any price ! Bargain of our lifetime....

[@DeanLee-e1g]

To only offer grey and off white finishes is head scratching. They seem like very niche finishes. I don’t think many people are looking for a sparkly matt grey finish that looks like the plastic boom boxes from the 80s at this price point IMHO.

[@PMB247]

I have a large 2 story open concept room where seating is approx 16’ away. Do you think these would fill the space with sound better than the Perlisten S7t’s that I have now. The Perlisten does well but I wouldn’t mind a bigger sounding front stage and more overall volume capabilities

[@Audioholics]

You've got great speakers already. Put your money towards better subs and room acoustics. 😊

[@rolandd5397]

​@@AudioholicsBest advice here.

[@aoaaron6166]

Sell me your S7T and buy Arendals defo

[@Audioholics]

@@aoaaron6166 Sure, cut me a check for $16k and I'll consider it.

[@BornIn82]

Finally!...

[@Coffeedad]

These or the new SVS which sounds better?

[@Audioholics]

@Coffeedad Both are excellent within the peice ranges. The Arendal Tower 8s are twice the price, but you get what you pay for with them!

[@mr555harv]

Frankly, classical music gives the proper test. These fellows seem like pop music folks. It is hard to be convinced that these fellows are really hearing the various sounds, especially the range found in classical music. You need to find sophisticated music listeners to go along with the pop music guys. The classical music involves sounds at all relevant wave lengths. Thus, the review is highly limited.

[@Audioholics]

@mr555harv your Assumptions are bad comedy. My primary music is beebop and fusion Jazz with tons of dynamic range. Classic music is found in movie soundtracks which we test there as well.

[@djlee688]

Gene, did Dan Roemer design these?

[@Audioholics]

No

[@djlee688]

@Audioholics Gotcha, just internet BS then.

[@aoaaron6166]

Arendal's links with Dan are very ill-documented. The 1723 & 1723S series are very much Arendal inspired and motivated speakers. The design distinctions between the Perlisten line and Arendal are massive IMO. You can see it from the simple approach of the surround speakers. Tri-axial surround versus angled tweeter surround. You have to pick who's design philosophy you trust the most. I suggest watching interviews from both.

[@Albet27]

@@aoaaron6166 The Perlisten line looks like a traffic light

[@Audioholics]

​@@Albet27😆 🤣

[@WindomRettes]

Good to see Triple D back in fighting shape Gene!

[@aaronrandolph261]

how would these stack up to something like the golden ear triton reference? similar price and claims of playing well above its price point. the arendals look very promising

[@Audioholics]

I'm not a fan of Goldenear. The Arendals are much better built and offer a much bigger scale of sound, IMO.

[@michaelsloan9464]

I really want these...but at this price point I find it crazy that they don't offer them in a more attractive finish. White doesn't work for me and the silver/grey seems boring.

[@robwr737]

1st like 👍 Gene 😊

[@jedi-mic]

I was going to say if you tilt the speaker forward lift the back up half an inch will help with your soundstage bringing it lower down. Not sure tho! with the way the bottom port works! probably be okay. I wonder if putting a piece of 1/2 inch open cell foam on the bottom on the floor would help as well that would sort out the tilting problem if there is any. Has he tried them the manufacturer hang upside down from the ceiling that could work ok tilted forward or build a stand for it probably that's what you'd have to do in most circumstances. they have tilting feet why don't supply it? Ideally you want to isolate them, I don't know how good these feet are something like iso acoustics you could put some cork coasters underneath to raise the height and use as dampeners. Stack them underneath on top of each other for the given tilt.

[@DigitalDonAV]

That's on point, I added a couple small acoustic pucks to the bottom of the towers rear feet, it definitely helped a bit.

[@David_vdk]

they are not for me, not for the money, but I prefer speakers with a more classic look, such as sonus faber, I have a big house so that is not the problem, they do not have that "living room look" which I find important.

[@chrisp.916]

The size and aspect are a big downside of the speakers. They look like cheap teenage speakers. Before buying those, consider your wife's reaction!

[@AeroDude73]

2001* actually. lol.

[@Audioholics]

Yea, I know

[@LEMON48]

Stranger things ? not for you guys 😁

[@carlosbelizon4768]

Owner of 1723 series, I think this series won't sell so well, if I would target that range of prices I would go for perlisten, the sensitivity of this series is way too low

[@hotdog9262]

high sensitivity does not equal better. lower sensitivity have advantages, particularly in this price bracket as buyers can likely afford powerful amps

[@ryanschipp8513]

Not so sure I understand where you guys are coming from when you're talking about that you would get a four or five hundred watt amplifier. There's no way you're going to use up that many watts. No one would be able to comfortably listen to that. I was at a friend's house and we were listening at about a hundred DB and he was only using up about 160 watts. McIntosh integrated on Canton Reference 3.2's. I'm willing to bet that any power amplifier that's 200 Watts RMS and up will be plenty to drive them at loud levels. No one is going to want to listen to music where their ears are almost bleeding.

[@Audioholics]

You're very mistaken. These speakers are power hungry, and because they produce deep bass, they use that power. The Bookshelf 8 sent my Cambridge Audio EVO150 into clipping in a small room at high SPL. The Bookshelf 8 needs a solid 200-300 watts amp to shine.

[@getdealtwithquick]

Gene, Arendal is listing the Bookshelf 8 at 84db / 4 Ohms and the towers at 89.5db / 4Ohms. Unless they measured worse, that's a huge difference.

[@Audioholics]

@getdealtwithquick bookshelf speakers will always be less sensitive than their floorstanding counterparts. The bookshelf 8 needs a lot of power to reqlly shine. I'd recommend at least 300 wpc in larger rooms.

[@dimth-l5x]

Is it a commercial video??

[@Audioholics]

No, the video is ad free if you have KZbin Premium

[@RoverWaters]

they look plasticky

[@detlevpomp]

Endlich mal ein fairer Preis für High End Speaker. Materialeinsatz, knowhow und Entwicklungszeit muß nun mal entsprechend vergütet werden. Funktioniert leider wiedermal nur, weil die Fertigung in China ist. Etwas schade!

[@razzman2987]

Cant take you serious ..i just cant

[@lextr3110]

i would prefer a 4way or 3.5 way for that design... or a very low crossover point for the woofers.. like 150-300hz interested in the slim with subwoofer but the cost for these should be lower...

[@hotdog9262]

its a stiff 5 inch midrange. low crossover is probably not a good idea

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Why are grown men posing in pictures with audio gear? 😂 So weird.

[@DigitalDonAV]

Like fishermen? LoL!

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@DigitalDonAV Worse 😆

[@Audioholics]

It's an audio channel, and that's what grown men do.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@Audioholics Now I know what those port plugs are really for. 😉

[@Audioholics]

​@crazyprayingmantis5596 you're a sick dude 😅

[@platonelenin]

*Arendal 1528 Tower 8 or Perlisten S7t for power/prog/black/death metal?*

[@Audioholics]

@@platonelenin Cerwin Vega

[@platonelenin]

@@Audioholics *So cheaper and outdated CV's are better than modern, expensive and highly rated Arendal's and Perlisten's speakers?*

[@Audioholics]

@platonelenin for the type of music you listen to, high resolution speakers would be wasted. Cerwin Vegas are very mediocre speakers but perfect for compressed loud metal.