Ambassador Mario

HOW IS YOUR ROOM SET UP?

My living room, in which my home cinema is located, has a size of 6,5m/3,2m/2,5m (L/W/H). As it is the case with many living rooms, I share the fact that my home cinema can only take a portion of its size. It is placed at the right side of the room. I use it mainly for movies and all sorts of TV viewing (sports, TV shows, etc.) In rare occasions, I also use it for music listening.

What was your goal when looking for new speakers and subwoofers?

At first I was looking for a neutral height speaker for my Dolby Atmos extension. I was looking for a on-ceiling height speakers when I first looked at your website. I was looking for a good quality speaker, and you met the requirements. You had a speaker in the color white and on ceiling wall mount for a really good price.

WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US?

As all good things, it happened by accident. I was researching some forums for on-ceiling height speakers. I could only find in-ceiling speakers by other manufacturers or speakers that you can only place on front speakers.

In the Audioholics forum, I came by an entry where members were discussing this topic, one of them recommended the Arendal 1961 Height speakers. So I went to take a look at your website, and I was really impressed with the professional web presence. You´ve offered a variety of information, like frequency ranges, and also your own forums and entries. I could easily find all the information I needed, and the price was fantastic.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ARENDAL SOUND?

I was really surprised by the sound of the 1961 Heights! And after some months I decided to sell my audio systems (B&W front speakers and subwoofer, and monitor audio surrounds) and went for the 1723 S. And I am really happy and satisfied with the clean and neutral sound.

After receiving and testing those speakers, I came to the realization that they are actually much better than at that time current setup. And after some considerations, I switched entirely to Arendal Speakers. Mainly to the 1723 S speakers because of their look, value, and perfect use for either movies and music listening.

After listening to the 1961 Heights, I ordered a 1961 Monitor speaker for testing purposes. It was a blast, but I was looking for a more fun factor. So I sought your guidance and got the advice to go with the 1723 S (big shout-out to Thomas, Lukas, and Gunnar). And after a small testing period…what can I say, I am a proud owner of 3 1723 S and a pair of 1723 surrounds.

YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE PRODUCTS?

My experience so far is extremely good and satisfying. The build quality is extremely good. The cabinets are heavy and made of HDF, which speaks of a good quality. I also like the attention to detail on the back with the slogan “conceived in Norway, born in China, raised by you” – me personally, I feel very proud owning a speaker with this slogan because it says “we are one and you are a part of it”.

Soundwise, the speakers are neutral and very easy to listen to, and so far the best speakers I´ve heard. With my old B&W 703, I´ve had the problems that they very detailed, but also too bright – long listening sessions were a bit painful. So far, my 1723 S are doing a fine job. Your ears don´t get tired with them.

And man, they can take a punch, even without a subwoofer (which is next on my list).

Overall, a very satisfying experience.

WHAT ELSE DOES YOUR SYSTEM CONSIST OF?

My current setup contains of:

AV-Processor / Power-Amplifier
AV-Processor: Marantz AV20 (with Dirac ART)
Power-Amplifier: Arcam PA720 7x140W 4Ohm

4K Ultra HD Players
Oppo UDP-203
Panasonic DP-UB9000

Power Conditioner
Puritan PSM156
AudioQuest PowerQuest 3

Speakers
LCR: Arendal 1723 S
Surrounds: Arendal 1723

Other
TV: LG C2 55Inch
Streaming: Apple TV 4K

Future upgrades
Subwoofer: Arendal 1723 1S (maybe two, if output not optimal)
TV: 65Inch TV

HOW HAPPY ARE YOU WITH ARENDAL SOUND PRODUCTS?

Because I did not buy everything at once but in iterations (first center, then left and right, now surrounds, and soon subwoofer), I can clearly hear how my setup is evolving with every step.

First, the dialogue was much clearer than before. Voices were more present. After that (monitors) everything becomes more coherent – details become more clearer from the front. After installing the surround speaker, it became a very pleasant and joyful experience. Can´t wait for the subwoofer!

I must clearly admit, THIS is home cinema.

What I also really like about your speakers: no one´s living room is perfect, and mine definitely isn´t. With my old system, I was using Dirac ART to compensate some flows, but the speakers could only take me so far. With your speakers, I only have minor problems and therefore minor corrections and a much better sound, which is very joyful for my ears. Thank you, guys!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

I am a millennial, born in the year 1982. I am that generation that likes to go to the cinemas and watch movies. And I am this generation that grew up with home cinemas.

My first one was a Sony Dolby Surround System (5.1 with big speakers), and it was a blast listening to the first DVD´s (I was an early adopter) or watching the Train Trailer from Dolby. From there I´ve tried many manufacturers -> Sony Micro Dolby Digital Speaker System, Teufel THX 5.1, JBL Northridge, Monitor Audio Bronze, B&W 700 Series, and now…now it is Arendal. And I am very satisfied with them. Is it the end of my speaker journey? I don’t think so..but to be honest, I need a bigger room for a full 1610 or 1528 System ;-)

Setup details