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. Some of the models have an adjustable high frequency output level to assist in tailoring their sound to your room, or to electronics they are partnered with.

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 bass reflex systems are not usually employed as they are costlier to design and manufacture. To experience these designs in the Argon range at the prices offered is exceptional.

The range starts from the truly tiny and very impressive Argon 0 at only just over 10 inches tall (259mm) with bass from 50Hz, then moves to the Argon1 at just over 12 inches tall (316mm) with bass from 45Hz. Whilst it would be more conventional to use these models 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. The top stand-mount speaker in the range the Argon3S at 15 inches tall (380mm) which has the passive radiator, tweeter adjustment, upgraded binding posts and bass from an impressive 38Hz.

There are two floor-standers, the Argon3LS, at only 1 metre tall (39 inches) which is a similar design to the 3S model above but with a larger cabinet, producing bass from 30Hz. Finally, there is the range-topping Argon7LS at 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 Standard White, Full White, Black or Walnut finishes. Coloured grilles available for most models.

Argon0 std white, full white, black £1150, walnut veneer £1250

Argon1 std white, full white, black £1400, walnut veneer £1500

Argon3S std white, full white, black £2650, walnut veneer £2850

Argon3LS std white, full white, black £3500, walnut veneer £3700

Argon7LS std white, full white, black £5100, walnut veneer £5300

Argon5C centre channel speaker £1300, walnut veneer £1400

Krypton3 std white, black £17600; walnut veneer £18600

Amphion Loudspeakers review by Alan Sircom, Hi-Fi+ (1.3 MB) >>

Amphion website »