Arendal Sound 1723 S THX Bookshelf Speaker Review.

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All of my tests are conducted using KLIPPEL Hardware and Software. KLIPPEL is an innovative leader in providing unique test equipment for electro-acoustical transducers and audio systems. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Wolfgang Klippel, the novel techniques developed for control and measurement systems of loudspeakers and other transducers are the result of over 30 years of fundamental research. This provides more accurate physical models of loudspeakers, micro-speakers and headphones valid for both small and large amplitudes. The focus is on revealing the root causes of signal distortion and defects and giving practical indications for improvements in design and manufacturing of audio products. For information on KLIPPEL products, please visit their site below:
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[@anthonymiriello5029]

Just watched this many moons after you posted it, but gotta say your reviews offer a lot of good information to digest. One of the most educational reviewers out there.

[@TMERUNNR]

Listen, we can't have Erin missing lunch!!! So here's some lunch money Broooo!!!

[@adamjj85]

Epic intro and love to see more Arendal. We need a review of the monitors!

[@denizenofclownworld4853]

Cringe.

[@skippyturtle1]

I have these very speakers as my LCR. I only sit 9 feet away and find the narrow dispersion to not be an issue. With all 3 having the same dispersion, they fill the front stage very well. I'm over 50, so the higher frequencies I can't hear anyway. LOL I have really pushed these speakers and have not had any distortion from them. The Arcam AVR10 on the other hand shuts down when I play it loud. The Arcam can't handle the 4 ohm load of the speaker. Driving them with my Emotiva basx A5 is not an issue. I'm returning the Arcam and trying out the Integra DRX 5.4. We'll see how it does. Thanks for the info, Keep up the great work.

[@roelcorral7720]

Thinking about getting these as well, how are they for music? I’m coming from Polk r200s

[@skippyturtle1]

@@roelcorral7720 I listen to all kinds of music with these. I think they sound great. They have no bass to speak of, so a subwoofer is a must. Very clear and not fatiguing to me. My room is also heavily treated with sound absorption and bass trapping. They have an in home trial period, so I would go for it.

[@jacobsteele7138]

I have the 1723s bookshelves for my front LCR as well. I wanted three identical vertical speakers, not a horizontal center. I run emotiva gen3 3 channel for them and 2 emotiva basx-6 for the 6 surrounds and six atmos speakers (all klipsch bookshelves) I love the arendals for the front stage.

[@disienna]

Your reviews are absolutely the best. I wish you had tested this one again with a crossover in place, but nonetheless, your reviews make more sense than anyone else’s. Just a different level of thoroughness.

[@connorduke4619]

Excellent review Erin. Also I have to say I follow around 25 hifi review channels and your charts are definitely the best ones of all of them.

[@joentell]

I was really hoping you would say, "I'm never wrong. I thought I was wrong once, but I was just mistaken." About the intro, I've told you before, when you have objective data on your side, you can do whatever you want! 🤣

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I like that quote. I hope I remember that. 😂

[@RennieAsh]

He needs to review the Behringer 2031a. Then he'll always have Truth on his side

[@taxi615]

I have a full 7.2.4 1723 thx setup and they are incredible don't see myself upgrading from these.

[@svensvensson627]

That sounds like a dreamsetup man. If you want better it's gonna cost 3-4 times the money. I'm building 1961 system

[@taxi615]

@Sven Svensson thanks from what I've heard the 61 are very good for their size. I'm just happy I went with Arendal before all these crazy price updates. I saved thousands.

[@oneoldman58]

Since Arendal's primary focus is on the Home Theater market, I suspect the speaker may have been intended to be used as a surround speaker. If so, it might have been voiced for that placement, which might account for the upward slope of the frequency response. I would expect to see a climbing response in a speaker intended for 2pi placement measured in 4pi. Arendal added porting in their other speakers, which makes sense if the speaker will be placed away from boundaries. The fact that they didn't in this speaker suggests it is intended to be placed in 2pi. Not a criticism, just an observation.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Remember, this is a THX design. Most THX speakers target a specific LF slope. As for 2-pi placement; that would result more in a V-curve response.

[@andreasmoller9798]

Never got the chance to try Arendal speakers, but i got their subwoofer 1723 1s its just mindblowing good, and for price of €1300 its a steal, would be good value even if it would cost €2000

[@Halofan1111]

Glad to see Arendal finally getting some more US info. Thanks for the review! I just had a thought when watching this in regards to your "lacking in width/dispersion", now that you have your baffle wall for in wall speakers, have you thought about testing something like the surrounds versions of the Arendal with their tri-axial design but ON the baffle wall? Would help to see the horizontal and vertical globe plots when using those designs as sides and surrounds vs a bookshelf

[@hotdog9262]

the fact that its a bit bright on axis means an off axis position is likely used, and this will help with imaging and depth

[@KashKhatana]

Arendal vs Polk Reserves vs Perlistens. Which one would you personally keep and why?

[@Kwarkiemodo]

I would want to know that too!

[@martinarrieta4536]

Feel like the Perlistens are kinda in a seperate price bracket than the other 2 lol

[@stav55]

Perlisten designer is same as Arendals. The Arendals even look similar to the Perlisten, however, the Perlisten will have a bump up in quality and bracing. To me, the Arendals are the better buy. If money no object, Perlisten all the way. The Polk while acoustically a great speaker, are not up to par in material quality and finish.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

Best intro ever LOL. Can we please make this a regular thing??

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Hmmmm. I like that idea. Not sure if I can commit to it though. Gotta keep a low profile in this rap game.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

@@ErinsAudioCorner LMAO they're not ready for this heat

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@Jon-nz3dm 😂😂🔥🔥🔥

[@ddobster]

@@ErinsAudioCorner there's no low profile with the Klippel in your garage, you should've thought about that before you got it 🤣

[@NaveedKhan-bs1sc]

I'm not sure to go for the Polk reserves or these

[@normanham6142]

Good review E. Have you ever reviewed Wharfedale speakers? Wold love to see one of your take and measurements w/the Klippel. Especially the Lintons.

[@calvinhobbes8637]

Same here!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I haven’t. I just looked to see if it’s something I could buy to test and then sell but they’re way too expensive and I’d take a big loss.

[@normanham6142]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Understandable. Thanks for response. How about one of the Wharfedale Diamond bookshelves? I’m just interested b/c I hear so much about “The British Sound”. I was awestruck once as a teen the first time I heard a pair of Wharfedale’s. What is the British Sound? If it’s similar to what I recall, I think I’d love their sound. I already own Kef (British) and Pioneers by Andrew Jones. I believe the pair I heard was a first or second generation of the Lintons.

[@sturdyvw]

How long did you break them in? Only asking because I didn't believe in such a thing before I bought the 1723 towers but they changed a TON up to and a bit beyond 150 hours. The bass response changed the most, 3-4 db up at 30 hz in my room, also a ton more textured when listening. Up top they had a drop at 10k that completely went away. Just curious as to your process or if you "believe" in that or not. It might be cool to do a video on these before and after if you haven't broken them in.

[@HomeCinemaJunkie]

Yes, I noticed this too. My 1723 Tower S sound waay better now after about 100h of listening. Best speakers Ive heard and the bass is insane for a tower speaker.

[@sturdyvw]

@@HomeCinemaJunkie I got to about 30 hours and wanted to return them, sounded dry and smaller than they were. They told me to keep playing them but much louder and holy shit were they right! I'm glad I'm not crazy and someone else had the same experience.

[@jacobsteele7138]

They recommend 50 hours.

[@martheunen]

@Erin I like your approach to subjective listening first and then analyzing data... Makes a lot of sense to me at least. However, question: I saw footage of your klippel setup and seeing the dimensions of that room, I was wondering at what (low) frequency the data starts to become unreliable due to the gate to omit reflections from the data? (simplified):One needs at the very least 2 data points to measure half a wave length and at (very) low frequencies those wavelengths are as large or larger than the room boundaries which will then show up as standing waves and/or reflections in the data and scew it. How does the software compensate? Or is there a percentage rise in fall off of reliability of the data below let's guess 300 hertz or so? If it's the latter then i personally think it would be a good thing to mention when presenting the data. ps. still hope you're able to get your hands on some Monitor Audio speakers. :) sry, i know it's a bit selfish of me. Keep up the great work!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Watch this interview I had with one of the Klippel engineers who developed the NFS. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6SQg2R-eL6Ij9U

[@ben23a31]

Haha, like the intro and the review. From my recollection the dispersion on the high frequency looks similar to the Triangle Trio .

[@Alex-dn5hi]

Mega cringe..but imma still watch your vids..

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

My daughter said the same thing.

[@loshopeful718]

How can a “regular customer” know of such an issue without the knowledge/measurement equipment?

[@usmankhalid990]

Hey Erin, I was considering 3 identical arendal speakers for my LCR. All would be placed on axis, based on that, do you think I should opt for the 1723s monitors you reviewed as opposed to the bookshelves? Thanks in advance!

[@amitsatam4816]

nice way of review Erin :)

[@ColocasiaCorm]

Oh man we gotta get you some tekton. Thatd be fun to see on the klippel

[@audfrknaveen2256]

Hey Erin we understand that EARLY REFLECTIONS DIRECTIVITY INDEX is important to allow EQ, and for direct sound and reflected sound from the walls to sound uniform. I hope this is more applicable when left and right walls are identical in all respects. Let's say in a living room, if many things are not symmetric. Left and right wall distances might be different, one wall may have a cupboard or bookahelf, another wall may have a painting hanging on it. Early reflections directivity, doesn't matter much when the left and right walls are non uniform in many respects. Is this understanding correct??

[@Junan.Reclaimed]

This or 1961 for music only?

[@Keithwithfever]

Great intro, Erin!! I received the 1723 S towers last week. I am still breaking them in. But I find the characteristic matches your finding. I have them facing the back wall directly. Now you mentioned the vertical positioning, I am going to try to angel the tower up a bit. I upgraded from KEF LS50 + KC62. So in terms of sound stage, the 1723 S towers are a downgrade. But I get so much fuller sound in the upper bass/lower mid area. Overall much bigger sound. I guess all towers do that.

[@TexasCorgiGun]

It's the Soundstage that bad ?

[@Keithwithfever]

@@TexasCorgiGun it’s not bad, just not as good as the KEFs. Maybe it’s my room. I sit against the back wall, so there is that.

[@TexasCorgiGun]

@@Keithwithfever like narrow ? I don't know Im considering the towers, I haven't seen it in person but for the money seems like they built like a tank. Do you confirm the excelent build quality everybody is talking about?

[@Keithwithfever]

@@TexasCorgiGun build quality is absolutely 10/10

[@TexasCorgiGun]

@@Keithwithfever Thanks for your answers, I appreciate that.

[@jacobsteele7138]

Yes, it is slightly bright.

[@deankim6687]

How would you say this compares to the Perlisten you reviewed?

[@josegazal701]

Wow, this one was different! Cool!!

[@jimfalco8302]

How do these compare to the ke r series, which I know you reviewed. I currently have the kef r3 and a r2c. I’m thinking about switching to three arendal 1723 s monitors. I looking for big movie sound while not losing anything in Music. Would the arendal fit the bill? Thanks

[@l33tLX]

Is there a difference between directivity and dispersion?

[@bbfoto7248]

"Dispersion" is generally used when describing the on-axis vs off-axis response of a single drive unit, such as an individual midwoofer or tweeter. "Directivity" is most often used to describe the linearity or overall smoothness of the combined on- & off-axis response and transitions between two or more individual drivers when combined into a complete loudspeaker system. Two individual drivers may both have excellent Dispersion characteristics, but if not implemented correctly when combined into a loudspeaker system, may result in a substandard Directivity pattern. When designing a loudspeaker, ideally, we want to match each driver's individual Dispersion or "Polar Amplitude Response" characteristics to any adjacent drivers in order to produce a similar and smooth overall Directivity when they are combined. The physical size of each individual driver, their center-to-center spacing on the baffle, the baffle size itself, along with controlling their individual passbands by using appropriate crossover frequencies and slopes between the drivers, help to influence the overall quality of the Directivity of any loudspeaker design. In this particular 2-way speaker design, they used a waveguide on the tweeter to help match each driver's Dispersion at the chosen crossover point, which improves the overall Directivity.

[@lamenamethefirst]

There's a speaker that I would love your opinion on. The Tannoy Gold 8. It's at a very unique price point, very interesting design but there's no proper info on them and very few people seem to know about them and even fewer use them.

[@treyjam87]

Thanks for the great review. I love your data driven approach to reviews. I would love to see a few more reviews of Arendal speakers. They are one of the brands that I am looking at for my new theater room, specifically the 1723 tower/center/surround (not the S line). Do you think they might send loaners for review?

[@matsudakodo]

I would expect all of the 1723 line sound nearly identical except for output.

[@we8463]

😎 cool glasses dude rapping I love it! Thank for your review but it worries me that Arendal has potentially poor quality check! What is your day job, if you don’t mind sharing?

[@thomaslutro5560]

You won that like in the first minute! :D

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

😂

[@antoniomarsicola8608]

Please Erin tell us when you are reviewing the tower version... They have been tested on Audioholics but they do not have proper spinorama...

[@thamaesta]

Can i place this speaker on the side? To place them LCR as close to my PJ screen as possible? What does it do with the dispersion?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Swap the vertical and horizontal.

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

are these speakers good for most people Erin?

[@thomaskahalepuna9604]

I know your not a HT guy, but with a amplifier with Bass management , and you high pass these and blend them with two subs, do you think it help the speaker? No power going to low frequencies so more for the upper and no burden on speaker. What do you think

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I'm a music and HT guy (I had a DIY HT with 120" screen and false wall hiding JBL Pro speakers). Just FYI. I always will suggest to use a subwoofer when given the opportunity (assuming the user can properly blend (phase align) the sub(s) to the mains).

[@attainableaudio4533]

LoL, loved the opening!

[@mikedinno8413]

I would like to see Ascend Acoustics 2EX or their new LX model compared to these.

[@Boxkerp]

This may be a dumb question or I may have missed a previous explanation, but what is compression?

[@matsudakodo]

It technically refers to a reduction in dynamic range, ie the difference between low and high volume, usually in the form of lower than expected output when under stress. But its effects are complex and variable with frequency, as Erin shows.

[@matiaserp]

That intro! 😳

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

It was good, wasn’t it!? Yea, I know, I know. I should be a professional rapper.

[@ronalcasid3844]

Have you tried testing speakers at low levels? If the frequency response changes at high levels can we expect a similar thing to happen at the other extreme?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

The response changes relative to the low level (76dB). So, yes, I am testing at low level as part of the compression testing.

[@MasterChief37]

With a sub, I have an Arendal 1961 1S, what bookshelf would you prefer for music only the 1723 or the 1961? Your review of the 1961 makes it would like it’s a better speaker for music than the 1723.

[@AB-dz4yb]

Yeah how does the 1961 really compare to the 1723S??

[@matsudakodo]

I would agree the 1961 has a better out-of-the-box frequency response and probably sounds better. The difference is bass output is more limited. Honestly it looks like they made the 1961 TOO good. However, EQ the 1723 and it's a better speaker.

[@marcosvazquez1648]

Great video. Which bookshelf speaker that size with good bass do you recommend?

[@ksb916]

Didn't know Erin could Rhyme like that. Nice!

[@griffinacoustics]

Damn good bro

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

Snoop can retire now. And another great review, even if I cannot afford one.

[@Jc-tl2cr]

just stumbled onto this, was wondering if anyone happens knows the best high end brand that is not made whatsoever in china? was considering this brand and Elac, but since I'm boycotting everything made in communist china, I'm having some trouble finding anything acceptable, thanks

[@pulDag]

Looks like 1961 bookshelves are the right solution for surround speakers.

[@martinarrieta4536]

Nice to know. Definitely saves some money on the total cost of a setup

[@yayhoo8848]

Hahaha, I love it! Do more! You are really funny!

[@conduit242]

CAZZIES! Nice glasses 👍

[@Zoomerland]

Why is this speaker company getting so much press?

[@zackpetrovic3029]

Arendal's woofers look very similar to Peerless

[@thunderpooch]

Bingo! I was thinking the same

[@conchobar]

#BARS

[@34332]

Talented guy 🤣👌

[@johnlim7720]

Great review...I too own the Arendal 1723 S but the towers. How would I know that the issues on the Freq Res around 12Khz you mentioned that Arendal corrected isn't also affecting my batch? For all we know Arendal corrected yours and ALL the other ones are the NON-corrected ones?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

All I know is what they told me. But at least I told you guys instead of hiding it.

[@johnlim7720]

@@ErinsAudioCorner I guess I need to run REW and see for myself what the Freq Res is in my room? Oddly enough my MLP is on the right seat of a 3 seater sofa. That means I'm not sitting on axis on the speakers but that make's for a different set of angles for the Left/Right speaker...is that ok? Also you had said to sit below the tweeter...well my MLP is on the second row seat on a riser which makes the top of the speakers below my head but the towers are angled in a way that they are firing upwards and not straight...will that do? Wish there was a way I could somehow send you the FR and maybe you could help analyze the data. Thanks.

[@AB-dz4yb]

I also recently purchased 1723S towers and would like to know if there is an issue. I suppose I'll have to ask Arendal.

[@bobstinker2074]

Never do that again Erin D:

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Do it again, you say?! Ok!!!

[@rhalfik]

Your eyes seem so close now. Either it's just these glasses, or you have Finnish ancestors ;)

[@scottbennett3119]

I really enjoy your videos, and you are very knowledgeable. But your definition of toe-in and toe-out are not standard. I have never seen any reviewer since 1978 (when I first subscribed to Stereo Review) describe the terms in the way you do. What do you base your toe-in, toe-out definition on, please? Respectfully. Here is the definition of speaker toe-in according to a Google search. Definition. Toe-in is the angle of your front left and right speakers. No toe-in would be the speakers facing straight forward. Any other positioning is your toe-in angle. Some speakers require no toe-in, others require a very precise angle to sound good.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’ve never seen it referred to in this way. To me, it comes down to the fact that that majority of speakers are designed to be listen to with the speaker facing at you. That’s your reference point. The design axis. The important thing is that you understand my definition so that when I say something you have no doubts about what I mean and you can apply that to your own definition. 👍

[@scottbennett3119]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Hey Erin, I don't mean to be argumentive, but the definition I gave is the actual definition of toe-in from the beginning of stereo audio. Google it. But, of course you are free to explain things the way you think best for your reviews. I have never toed-in my speakers past my head to the other shoulder, also referred to as crossing the streams. I have heard it can be interesting to try. What are your thoughts on crossing the streams? Thanks

[@frankpratt529]

Re intro; keep your day job :)

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

What if my day job is rapping?…

[@frankpratt529]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Aaaaahhhhhhhggggggg.....

[@zergbong]

that highschool teacher rap was too hardcore. no illicit substances were harmed writing those lyrics.

[@tuanluong3627]

Hahaha. Love the voice :))

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Buy: arendalsound.com/product/1723-bookshelf-s-thx/?refer=hardisj (^ earns me a small commission at no additional cost to you)

[@psyphonyxaudio]

!!!

[@randalllawkin]

lol wow

[@net_news]

straight outta norway 😂

[@dhruvmeena96]

noice flow.............

[@habdulahsalam]

Mad lyrics

[@Nickceid]

For a speaker at this price point , putting a problematic tweeter to the speaker and let the speaker production-ready without measuring it first , it makes me feel disappointed as far as the brand is concerned.

[@kingtubbyleeperry]

Still a lot of money for a small, simple and passive two way

[@aslmx1918]

Gunter glieben glausen globen Awright

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

It’s better to burn out than fade awaaaaaaay!

[@pulDag]

LoL. Love u. Also my GF.

[@bigjack79]

Lmao.

[@TexasCorgiGun]

😂😂😂😂

[@isaacsykes3]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@snoopyboobs]

Just no.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Just yes.

[@snoopyboobs]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Erin in general you and your channel are a solid yes, but I think you should have spring for the diamond grill and maybe a more hip hop appropriate outfit. I do love the glasses and think they should be a permanent addition.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@snoopyboobs this channel barely breaks even. But if I ever get 100k subs, I’ll get a skinny rope chain and rock it LL Cool J style.

[@johnwet6969]

😂😂😂