My system was in a small, dedicated room downstairs for many years… a single chair on one end, stereo on the other, with little or no room for anyone else. I didn’t spend nearly as much time there as I would have liked, as it forced me to choose time with music over time with family — and most of the time, my family won. One night while having a glass of wine with my wife, we decided to rearrange the living room and bring my two-channel system into the heart of the house, where she and I could enjoy it together. No idea why I didn’t think of that sooner! It’s more than just a little ironic that my young son will come downstairs to periodically tell us to turn it down!
Despite having a quality digital system, my heart is first and foremost with vinyl.
What was your goal when looking for new speakers and subwoofers?
I was looking for something less bright with top-tier bass extension and full-bodied sound. My preceding speakers were nearly 15 years old, and I had already taken steps to get them to sound more to my preference… first by upgrading to a warmer amplifier, and then again by pairing them with subwoofers, but the sound still wasn’t quite where I wanted it.
WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US?
I did a lot of research online, searching through written reviews, forums, and YouTube. But it was two reviewers in particular that set my focus on the Arendal 1528 Bookshelf. Jay’s glowing review on his channel “Jay’s Iyagi” was the first step; then I saw a subsequent review on the channel “Nemo Propaganda” (since renamed to the “Nemo Audio Project”).
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ARENDAL SOUND?
I did my due diligence and considered speakers from several vendors and price points, mostly bookshelves and some smaller floor standers, including vendors such as Triangle, Buchardt, MonAcoustic, Alta Audio, and so on. The reviews for the Arendal brand were universally positive; I was able to talk directly with two reviewers with direct experience; the engineering and build quality was obvious; the price was extremely competitive as I was considering speakers that cost twice as much; my experience with Arenda’s customer service and support team was positive; and the 60-day test and return policy was the absolute clincher.
Honestly, it was a no-brainer… Even without hearing them, the build quality was obvious, the price was extremely aggressive, and the 60-day test and return policy put it over the top.
YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE PRODUCTS?
Since I’ve owned the speakers and even before I owned them, I reached out to Arendal multiple times and every time they’ve responded quickly, with real people going above and beyond to make sure I’m satisfied.
WHAT ELSE DOES YOUR SYSTEM CONSIST OF?
I had my previous set of bookshelf speakers for several years, but always found them to be too bright with not enough bass extension. I eventually tempered that first when I went to Hegel, and tempered it again when I added a pair of REL S/510 Subwoofers, but I was still wanting for more…
My current system consists of a Hegel H400 Integrated Amplifier, Rega Planar 10 w/ Aphelion 2 cartridge, Zesto Audio Andros II Phonostage, Oppo BDP-105 with ModWright tubed output stage, and, of course, a pair of Arendal 1528 Bookshelf speakers and stands.
HOW HAPPY ARE YOU WITH ARENDAL SOUND PRODUCTS?
I haven’t looked back since I unpacked and positioned the speakers in Spring 2025. They are exactly what I was looking for. The crazy thing is that the Arendal speakers cost less today than the speakers they replaced when I bought them almost 15 years ago. The Arendal value proposition is unmatched!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I still remember picking out my first stereo receiver in the early 80’s, coming down to find it under the tree on Christmas morning, and spending hours with friends parked in the sweet spot between the speakers, churning through records. Like many audiophiles, my life can be mapped by moments in music, the music I was listening to, and the systems that made that music come to life.
The very fact that they’ve developed this Ambassador program and given us an opportunity to be intimately involved — that’s yet another reason to love them.
