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‘The fit and finish are impressive for a speaker at this price point. Other cabinet finishes available include prime walnut, an oak colored finish, as well as the recently discontinued (hence discounted at retail) noyer. The flax drivers are quite attractive, but can be easily hidden by attaching the included full-length magnetic black grill if desired. Like most Focal speakers, I found just a single set of robust binding posts around back. Focal doesn’t typically provide multiple sets of binding posts for a bi-amping option given their easy load and higher-than-average sensitivity specs. The Aria 926 is no different in that regard, with 8 ohms nominal impedance of and rated sensitivity of 91.5 dB. That doesn’t mean they won’t still benefit from a high-quality power amplifier, though. Before moving the Focals to my dedicated listening room, I first connected them to my family room system for a couple of weeks to break them in while serving television audio duty. Next, the Focal Aria 926s were moved upstairs, taking the place of the just-reviewed Sonus faber Sonetto IIIs in my listening room.”

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“As hinted at earlier, the Zodiacs can not only play big, but they can play at whatever scale the recording dictates – expanding and contracting as necessary. They not only follow the music, but mange to be mere conduits of the music – no small feat. Where the GamuT comes out a winner, is in its ability to perform all the necessary audiophile tasks at an equally high and balanced level. Yes, the Grande Utopia is a touch more resolving, perhaps the big Wilsons have a few molecules more bass grunt, and so on, but for my money the Zodiac does more at integrating all musical aspects at a tremendously high level than any other I’ve yet experienced. That is their strength to me. I never feel like I’m listening to speakers when they are on.

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“The sense of effortlessness the speakers managed with Aphex Twin carried over when I streamed a high-res version of “Whole Lotta Love” from Qobuz. This 50-year-old Led Zep track sounded shockingly fresh on the Callistos: Jimmy Page’s guitar was raw and aggressive, and the combined slam of bass guitar and drums had a dynamic, propulsive effect. Listening to the psychedelic mid-section, stereo-panned effects came across in a vivid and dramatic manner. I was also surprised at how loud the system could play: with volume set to mid-point, there was more than enough level to fill my relatively large listening room.”

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The Elipson Prestige Facet 24F is an unusual loudspeaker in today’s market. It has more bass than most and is happy to play at higher levels than the competition. Its tonal balance doesn’t seem entirely even but this does little to undermine the appeal of what it plays. Those looking to unwind with their music will find a lot to like, especially if they enjoy a bit of home cinema too. ”

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“Speaking of horn speaker sound, the V never mimicked the pinpoint propagation of a horn’s concentric driver, but the Valor does. The post-convergent array of the 4-inch NeoRibbon drivers do not allow for a sloppy result. Dare I say the concentric 14” resolves the informational landscape between the speakers realistically, while the array of Stereo Unfold drivers propelling their signal outwards renders the wider, peripheral imaging cleanly. Just as whatever is in our eyes’ focus is clear, while the periphery is softened, so also the space between the Valor’s towers is clear, while the periphery is less distinct. That is perfectly ok, as our hearing discerns the immediate effect and subjugates the secondary stimuli.”

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Audiophiles who delight in mixing and matching components have largely rejected active speakers. And maybe at the upper end of our hobby they always will. But where space and design are considerations, I think the scenario is rosy for actives, in that they can make a major musical statement without blowing up the room décor. I couldn’t have been more impressed with the electrifying performance and value of the Elac Navis ARB-51. It’s one of the rare small compacts that you don’t have to scale back expectations to enjoy. So, audiophiles, you’re on notice. Elac’s latest is rising fast on my short list for next year’s Product of the Year Awards.”

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