Amphion Loudspeakers
Amphion loudspeakers have been making music since 1998 in Finland and this is still where the speakers are designed and manufactured today. The key to the sound of Amphion is their controlled dispersion technology, which enables their speakers to achieve a very musical sound which is more repeatable in a variety of rooms. They have had success with this technology in the studio-based, professional arena and a have separate range of professional loudspeaker designs.
We have selected the Argon range as these models offer a high level of sound quality and are extremely well made for their price point. During our listening tests, we found the soundstage to be expansive and their tone and timbre very natural. They deliver excellent detail and resolution are are well balanced across all frequencies. The overall balance is very marginally on the darker side of neutral which means no listener fatigue due to excessive brightness. Higher frequencies and bass are both extended, well controlled with with no exaggeration. Due to their unique technology they integrate more easily into rooms than most. These are characteristics we look for in all loudspeakers but is rarely achieved within these price points.
The tweeter and its waveguide is an obvious differentiator from the pack. This ensures consistent, wide dispersion and, as the tweeter is semi-horn-loaded (via the wave-guide surround), the diaphragm does not need to move as much to deliver the same volume levels as with more usual designs. There is less likelihood of distortions in the high frequencies and, perhaps importantly, less of a sweet spot for the listener. Indeed, even the tiny grills over the tweeters themselves have treatment to aid in their characteristic dispersion traits.
For the low frequencies, the Argon range utilises customised units from the world-renowned company, SEAS. The cabinets of the Argon range start with bass-reflex enclosures and then move to unusual passive-radiator designs from mid-way up the model line. In these more complicated designs, a passive (non-driven) speaker cone is used to cover the frequency range where the port would effectively be on a bass-reflex cabinet. It is then driven by the air-pressure changes within the sealed cabinet, from the front facing active driver. This unit is designed to work in conjunction with the active (driven) bass unit located on the front and is tuned to a lower frequency, giving greater extension.
The additional advantages of using a passive-radiator design are significant and, again, a real differentiator from more conventional dynamic designs. The problems with bass port ‘chuffing’ and proper integration are eliminated and room placement is far easier. Bass is delivered in a much tighter and more controlled fashion. These passive radiator systems are not usually employed as they are costlier to design and manufacture.
The range starts from the very impressive Argon1 at just over 12 inches tall (316mm) with bass from 45Hz. Whilst it would be more conventional to use this model on a shelf, or wall mounted, with a modest integrated audio system, even in free space on rigid stand they can deliver an impressive large and deep sound stage without serious loss of bass authority.
New X Models
The other three Argon models mentioned below have been substantially upgraded. The tweeter on all three X models is now the same tweeter found on their £21,000 Krypton 3X reference loudspeaker. The crossover has also been worked on to maximise the tweeters performance and its integration with the mid-bass driver/s.
The top stand-mount speaker in the range is the Argon3X at just under 15 inches tall (380mm) which has a rear-mounted passive radiator, upgraded binding posts and bass from an impressive 38Hz.
There are two Argon floor-standers, the Argon3LX, at under 1 metre tall (39 inches) which is a similar design to the 3X model above but with a larger cabinet, producing bass from 30Hz.
Finally, there is the range-topping Argon7LX at under 1.2 m (47 inches) tall which has two active and two passive bass-radiators creating bass from a low of 28Hz.
All are available in a choice of four finishes, these being Standard White, Full White, Black and Walnut veneer. Coloured grilles are also available.
Argon1 £1650
Argon3X £3600
Argon3LX £4500
Argon7LX £6250
Argon5C centre channel £1600
Krypton3X £21000
Argon3LX in walnut
Argon7LX in standard white
Argon1 in standard white
Argon3X in full white
