EISA (the Expert Imaging and Sound Association) is the unique worldwide association of over 60 special interest magazines and websites that test and report on hi-fi, home theatre, in-car electronics, mobile devices and photography from 29 countries.
"I approached this review with high expectations, considering my previous experience with the 1723 THX Towers last year. These expectations were not only met but exceeded."
Full review
"The Arendal 1528 Monitor 8 offers the most sophisticated bass tuning I have ever encountered in a speaker, whether sealed or in bass reflex mode."
Full review
"This is right there with 20, 30 grand speakers. It blows a lot of the competition out of the water... This speaker really is a DISRUPTOR."
Full review
EISA (the Expert Imaging and Sound Association) is the unique worldwide association of over 60 special interest magazines and websites that test and report on hi-fi, home theatre, in-car electronics, mobile devices and photography from 29 countries.
Full review
EISA (the Expert Imaging and Sound Association) is the unique worldwide association of over 60 special interest magazines and websites that test and report on hi-fi, home theatre, in-car electronics, mobile devices and photography from 29 countries.
Full review
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you don’t have good speakers, you don’t have a good sound system. Period. The speakers you use have a disproportionate impact on how your music sounds.
Full review
"Just blown away by this speaker."
Full review
"This speaker absolutely delivers and it crushes the competition."
Full review
"Built like a Volvo, sounds like a Ferrari."
Full review
The Arendal excels in transient attack, speed, neutrality, dynamic response, and versatility across music genres, showcasing impressive resolution and speed compared to the Buchardt S400 MK2, Monitor Audios Gold 100, and KEF LS50 meta.
Full review
It's all here in these 1961 speakers. Music, movies, games... Any good mix is reproduced in all its glory. The system is nothing short of astonishing.
Full review
"The level of clarity - I was moved to tears almost, listening to some of my classics and favorites."
Full review
The Arendal 1723 THX speakers should be at the top of your shortlist whether you want speakers for a dedicated home theater or speakers that will outperform with every movie you watch.
Full review
The Arendal 1723 SUB 2V is a real "beast" and an ultimate recommendation for true home cinema enthusiasts!
Full review
"This speaker is one of the most visceral punching bass monsters I have seen.”
Full review
Best Mid-Priced Bookshelf Speakers! 2021 Audioholics Product of the Year Award Winners!
Full review"These are the best home theater speakers I've ever heard."
Full review
"I am happy to add the Arendal 1961 Center/Monitor speaker to my recommended list. It is the most perfect MTM speaker I have tested and oozes good engineering and quality execution.
Full review
The Arendal Sound 1723 Monitors offer superb sound quality.
Full review"By far, my first recommendation when it comes to this price range. And even above."
Full review
"At their current price, the 1961 is built to a higher standard than some higher priced speakers that we've tested."
Full review
"I can't think of a better speaker. These are stand mount Goliaths."
Full review
"If you're comparing them to other speakers in this price range—stop. Just buy these. Nothing else comes close."
Full review"Way more capable than you would think."
Full review
"This is one of the best home theater systems I’ve ever heard."
Full review"The off-axis response is amazing. I didn’t feel the need to sit in one localized sweet spot – I could move freely on the couch and still enjoy the sound."
Full review
"The craftsmanship and engineering that Arendal places into their speakers and subwoofers—I really, really like."
Full review"These speakers excel at conveying the minute details of a recording, drawing you into the performance as if you were there. A top choice for any dedicated audiophile or home theater enthusiast."
Full review"This is not a normal speaker… This is a whole different animal."
Full review
"I can't think of another loudspeaker this big, with this level of quality materials and engineering, in this price range—and I bet you can’t either."
Full review
"These are technically the best speakers that I've ever reviewed."
Full review
"There is nothing anywhere near the price of the Monitor 8 that can deliver the overarching performance that this speaker can."
Full review
"The build quality of the 1528 loudspeakers is so exceptional that other manufacturers would easily charge double Arendal’s prices."
Full review
"This is a system you simply have to hear for yourself."
Full review
"The Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX is a speaker that can become many things—perfect for home cinemas, HiFi listening, and even semi-professional recording studios."
Full review"It’s a flagship-level speaker that would serve equally well in a theater or as a two-channel audiophile speaker."
Full review
“Combination of twin 1723 Tower THXs and a 1723 Center THX for the front sound stage plus two 1723 Surround THX Surrounds alongside a top tier 1723 2V subwoofer delivers something really special."
Full review
"Arendal does not play games when it comes to build quality."
Full review
"The Arendal 1528 Tower 8 is an outstanding loudspeaker with exceptional styling and build quality, capable of delivering clear, dynamic, spacious, full-range sound that reveals every detail in a recording. At its price, it represents an extraordinary value."
Full review
"These 1528 Monitors have such a full sound that you think they were towers."
Full review
"They seem to get everything right; looks, engineering, sound quality, features, these folks miss nothing."
Full review
"Arendal Bookshelf 8 does so much right, to the point where it stands as a solid alternative to much more expensive speakers."
Full review"These things are spectacular! They just look gorgeous!"
Full review
"I called the Arendal 1723 THX Tower speakers the "TRUE GIANT KILLER" in my review. Now this is the THX S Monitor and I must say, this is probably one of the best audiophile speaker under $3000 in both sound and build quality."
Full review
"It's a worthy investment for anyone serious about achieving high-quality immersive audio."
Full review"Nothing else in this class can compare to the build quality, these are the best-built speakers. The whole speaker looks terrific from any angle."
Full review
"I quickly understand how fun these speakers would be in a home theater setting, and at the same time how enjoyable they are for two-channel listening."
Full review"These are gorgeous man - I love the finish on these speakers!"
Full review
"If you are looking for something that is quite compact and you still want some home theater impact, this is a fantastic option."
Full review"If you have a high-performance subwoofer like the 2V, you can't help but smile and laugh because everything is energized, everything is shaking, and you feel your whole body shaking, it is just incredible and it's something you have to experience."
Full review
"They offer superb sound quality with all the right touches - large dynamic range, well-behaved frequency response, precise soundstage, and the most important for some, basically get as loud as you could safely tolerate without distortion."
Full review
"I will definitely recommend the 1723 Tower S THX, if you have the space and don't mind the size. For the price that you're paying; the look and the sound of them is hard to beat."
Full review"It is a balance of really good performance for movies as well as music and a rock-solid construction."
Full review
"If you’re in the market for a pair of speakers at this price point, you’d be taking no risk auditioning the 1723 Tower S in your home."
Full review
"They can handle some good energy, they're pretty awesome."
Full review"Hard-hitting tight bass that hits you in the chest."
Full review
The Arendal's bass was simply a sensation: with enormous power and blackness, it pushed bass drum and timpani hits into the listening room that it was just such a joy - an experience, without a doubt.
Full review"This system will make an incredible home theater setup."
Full review
It is absolutely on another level and that's what Arendal is known for. You can spend twice as much money and not see build quality this good.
Full review
The best way to describe the feeling of these subwoofers - is unlimited.
Full reviewThe build quality is terrific for the class, and the 1723 Subwoofer 2S is built like a brick.
Full review
Arendal 1723 Monitor THX vs 1723 Monitor S THX Shootout!
Full review
"As you can see and hear, this subwoofer is an absolute beast."
Full review
"You're sitting on the couch with a big smile on your face and you're fascinated by how the speaker works."
Full review
"These speakers are end game for me. I don't plan on upgrading for the next 20 years."
Full review
"Of all the branded speakers I have tested, this one is really difficult for me to send back. It was that good!"
Full reviewIn light of these strong characteristics, it's no surprise that the Arendal 1723 S series has been rightfully recognized as an AVS Top Choice for 2023.
Full review
Great bang for your buck!
Full review"This speaker competes favorably with other premium options and in my personal opinion, flat out beat many of the well-known popular box companies on the market and provide a listening experience that is top-notch and end-game at a reasonable price."
Full review"The subwoofer is a lot of fun, especially in terms of precision and speed."
Full review
"I never owned a speaker that does so many things so well and gives you this many options to tailor its sound and blend it into a reference grade, cohesive system, and that in my opinion is what makes the 1723 Tower S so special."
Full review"The speakers transported me to the performance space. It sounded like I was sitting in the best seat in a concert hall for this performance."
Full review
If you are looking for a fantastic all-round speaker, it's going to be exceptional for movies, and it is going to be exceptional for music. They've just done a really good job of making an exceptional all-rounder here.
Full review"What makes the 1723 great is the low cost for this level of performance. I think you will have a hard time finding an alternative that competes with it in price performance in bookshelf configuration."
Full reviewIn terms of sound, I don't even know how to describe it: It's awesome, it's fun!
Full review
“I would choose these Arendal Towers over the KEF LS50 Metas when considering better dynamics and value for performance.”
Full reviewTheir sheer solidity, together with their elegant industrial design, raises them to luxury-class products.
Full reviewArendal makes extraordinary speakers and subwoofers, there's simply no other way to say it.
Full review
“The speakers produce a large sound stage, great dispersion for anyone listening outside of the sweet spot. Speakers filled my room with sound that was full with great detail in the high-end and surprising amount of bass instruments…”
Full review
With a crystal-clear, detailed, dynamic, and amazingly deep sound, the slim Norwegians are definitely an exciting proposition – especially at their more than fair price.
Full review"My home theater has never sounded this good. Budget-friendly, high-quality, for those who are limited in space."
Full review
"As long as your room’s not huge, and you can pair that thing with a good subwoofer, it’s going to sound incredible."
Full review
They are that good and it is just that simple. It seems that all the praises about Arendals are well deserved.
Full review"I am impressed now. Really impressed. To this veteran’s ears and eyes, the Arendal 1961 Towers are truly special, really way above the norm.
Full review
Every time we test Norwegian products, we are accused of being overly positive, but could it simply be that the products made here are so well thought out and proper that they deserve all the praise they get?
Full review
Very clear with great detail reproduction, pleasantly soft, and never harsh or obtrusive. For me, they are a real insider tip.
Full review
Is it any good? The answer is yes. A resounding yes. In fact it is the best speaker in my current setup.”
Full review
“Definitely look at these towers if you have a family room, or a bedroom, a second room, a garage, and you want some nice speakers that don’t take up too much room.”
Full review
Very well designed speakers, with a premium finish that is noticeable right out of the box. They offer a neutral and transparent sound, with magnificent dynamics and perfect integration.
Full review1723 S Towers are a superb choice. These can play very loud without strain and prove that the THX badging is more than just a trademarked logo.
Full review
"Looking for speakers that are good for both music and movies? Put these on your shortlist."
Full review
"The 1723 S have become my favorite home theater speakers so far and that is a BIG deal."
Full review"Best I’ve heard under a 1000$! Good clarity, good delivery, good tone, good detail, good separation as well!"
Full review
With the 1723 Sub 2V, Arendal Sound offers a high-performance subwoofer for a very special kind of sophisticated low-frequency spectacle. AV-Magazin tested the Norwegian bass hammer and since then the joyful smile hasn’t left its face.
Full reviewMy overall summary is that these are fantastic speakers and I do truly mean that, and I would run them personally if I lived in a smaller place.
Full reviewI just really do like the speaker. This is one of the better speakers that I’ve tested in this regard.
Full reviewIf you want serious bass performance in your room without a huge box, the 1961 subs are a great choice.
Full review
This is the result of years of brainstorming, development, and research, as well as listening to customers, investment in the brand, and solid acoustic engineering principles in first-class construction and finish presented at a particularly high aesthetic level.
Full review“High-end sound and more of a high-end experience.”
Full reviewIt tells me that someone at the company, most likely the owner, just cares a lot about the product.
Full review“We have been very impressed with their speakers that we reviewed, we are really impressed with this subwoofer. We think these guys make a really good speaker package, very high performance, very high value, very honest.”
Full review
Arendal continues to deliver interesting home cinema products, but they play music just as impressively. Even if the speakers in this case are very compact there is still a lot of, and cool sound to hear.
Full reviewArendal Sound has delivered another knock-out product. This is a truly extraordinary performance. The 1723 2V added a foundation that doesn’t become apparent until you remove it. The technology and sophistication are second to none in its price class.
Full review
Congratulation to Arendal for the 1723 Monitor THX winning both the Pursuit Perfect System Best in Class Award and the serious Bang for Buck Award.
Full review
The Arendal 1723 THX surround system is an unqualified success from almost every standpoint I can imagine. Incredible value and highly recommended!
Full review“This is extremely high value for what you’re going to get.”
Full review
It’s a subwoofer that manages to sound really big and powerful but on the other hand also takes on a much more subtle role as part of the sound system.
Full review
The sound is the best in the test and on top of it the cabinet's shape is designed so that this large subwoofer does not take up much space.
Full review
The subwoofer has the nice ability to disappear completely from its physical placement and just exist in the room, due to the solidly built box and completely free from distorting sounds.
Full review
Arendal Sound has managed it again, and made their 1961 series to one of the winners in the price range. You get a lot of fun for your money!”
Full reviewArendal delivers – the price taken into consideration, an amazing value for the money with a performance and build quality, which one normally won’t see ANYWHERE NEAR this price range.
Full reviewFor any home theater enthusiast that is really passionate about great sound!
Full review
If you want to enjoy home cinema sound at the highest level and physically feel powerful, precise low-frequency sound, the 1723 S2 subwoofer from Arendal is ideal.
Full review
With the new 1961 series, Arendal now offers the proven technology and thrilling sound of the 1723 models at a remarkably fair price.
Full review
With the new 2V in the 1723 series, Arendal delivers sub-bass on a very high level, and all things considered for a very reasonable price.
Full review
Arendal Sound continues to impress, and Subwoofer 1S is not an exception. With very flexible adjustability and impressive control, this subwoofer belongs in both hi-fi setups as well as the home cinema.
Full review
These are serious speakers built and finished to a high standard. You will never think: “This is a bit cheap”.
Full review
With 1961, Arendal has a system that not only is considerably cheaper than the 1723 sisters, there are also speakers that fit perfectly in everything from really small to fairly large room
Full review
It takes little time at all to realise this system is pretty special. It's a revealing, full-range performance
Full review
Real home theater speakers should also be able to satisfy picky ears when playing music. This is demanding, but Arendal delivers masterfully.
Full review
They may be some of the best looking speakers I've seen in a while
Full review
The 1723 Subwoofer 1 provides a lot of home-cinema fun because its tight and precise way to catapult bass impulses through the listening room can indeed thrill you.
Full review
Arendal 1723 Monitor S speaker systems are designed primarily for home theater systems, even highlighting THX certification.
Full review
Arendal Sounds new subwoofer 1061 1S delivers a lead-heavy, firm and controlled bass with powerful pressure. It is difficult to think that any competitor could do it much better at this price point
Full review
The new Arendal Sound 1961 subwoofers deliver a tight, mighty and highest-quality bass with an impressive power handling within this price range.
Full review
Arendal Sound Bookshelf S is one impressively playful, lively, competent and engaging compact speaker!
Full review
It’s a sub that digs deep, hits hard but retains control – and can be tailored to your room.
Full review
The robust and bulky subwoofer is capable of producing wall-shaking sound pressure and good sound quality.
Full review
I haven’t had them for very long but both subwoofers impress me very much! Tight, authoritatively and heavy bass summarizes the impressions where 1V gives an even more physical experience than the small 1S.
Full reviewThe performance that the Arendal system provided in our environment and in our laboratory is not trivial and does not fall into the category of speakers below 2,000 euros.
Full review
The 5.1 system of Arendal delights us in our test with outstanding musicality and a highly dynamical ability despite of the compact format.
Full review
When we start playing some music, I am not surprised that these speakers have some very good all-round characteristics. On the other hand, I am quite surprised of how much I enjoyed classical music on them
Full review
Incredibly good work down there in the Southern part of Norway - it should not be easy to match the price tag, the great quality feeling and the amazing sound of the Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX Ultra
Full review
Purely tonal and basically with all the hifi parameters taken into consideration, for the price close to completion.
Full review
The 1723 Subwoofer 1 provides a lot of home-cinema fun because its tight and precise way to catapult bass impulses through the listening room can indeed thrill you.
Full review
he build quality and finish is nothing short of excellent for the price, and the speakers are very thoughtfully designed. When it comes to the exterior, the gloss lacquer finish is particularly handsome.
Full review
If you're looking for a pair of speakers that show remarkable agility both in music and movies, 1723 Tower THX is a brilliant choice.
Full reviewEven driven to reference levels which is normally too loud for my ears the 1723s never distorted or cracked under pressure. This cant be said of other popular brands that I have heard.
Full review
Arendal Sound Bookshelf S is an impressively good sounding, lifelike, competent and engaging compact speaker.
Full review
1723 Monitor S scores the most points in combination with movies and music, but it is a hifi-speaker that stands out really well in the price range.
Full review
Arendal Sound has put together a system that for the time being is the most impressive you can experience in this price range.
Full review
Arendal has delivered another Highlight for home cinema enthusiasts with its 1723 Monitor S THX system. Being only marginally less dynamical than the bigger “sister models”, the Monitor S system plays with extreme precision and can also show off with a THX license.
Full review
Subwoofer 3 sounds breathtaking and violent and with surplus in heaps, and it plays movies and music equally well. You decide. Subwoofer 3 delivers.
Full review
The brand Arendal already caused quite a furore with the 1723 system back in summer 2017. Now they raise the stakes presenting the 1723 Monitor S, an equally powerful speaker set including THX certificate, but in a more compact package.
Full review
We can honestly say that Arendal's 1723 S truly is one of the most convincing home theater speaker systems in its price class.
Full review
Norwegian Arendal is a newcomer goes from clarity to clarity. 1723 in the latest variant is a serious loudspeaker system in relatively compact form, that even has THX certification and sounds exceptionally good!
Full review
With a price well below 1.000 EUR and despite the manageable size of this 1723 Subwoofer 1, Arendal is offering a remarkably powerful deep-bass performer that can easily take on larger competitors.
Full review
The brand Arendal already caused quite a furore with the 1723 system back in summer 2017. Now they raise the stakes presenting the 1723 Monitor S, an equally powerful speaker set including THX certificate, but in a more compact package.
Full review
When we are talking about clean and effortless deep bass, we have hardly heard it better than this “doomsday machine” from arendal.
Full review
An open, energetic and entertaining speaker that is impressive in combination between movies and music.
Full review
I would rate this first Arendal Sound surround set as a big entrance. Essentially conceived for the sound reproduction in home cinemas, this set delivers more than enough arguments to stand up to a fierce competition
Full review
What nevertheless impresses is the calm, relaxed and undaunted way it plays music, and that it still manages to render each and every hit of the drums and every single blow with palms and fingers.
Full review
Arendal Sound has managed to shrink the loudspeaker a lot without losing dynamics, sound signature and the great soundstage. An impressive loudspeaker!
Full review
We found out that the Norwegian loudspeakers are really exciting. The Arendal 1723 display a big and mighty appearance and then show a really superior sound, capable of handling any situation.
Full review
With a big and mighty visual appearance, the Arendal 1723 Tower displays a superior musical performance that can cope with any listening situation.
Full reviewOne of the most compelling speakers in this price range. Especially for the one who wants to mix SPL and finesse.
Full review
With the 1723 system, Arendal has delivered a real highlight for home-cinema fans. The extreme dynamics, the effortless precision and the flawless finish make the Arendal system a real recommendation for ambitious movie fans.
Full review
Arendal Sound’s smallest subwoofer is externally quite bald but no-nonsense, and rationally constructed. Its’ frequency range reaches low and is tuneful.
Full review
Listening to this system brought a smile to our face and reminded us of how good a 5.1 system can sound when done correctly.
Full review
Arendal has with the 1723 created a glorious masterpiece, a very good all-rounder, which is easy to control, easy to operate, easy to live with.
Full review
It puts a smile on our face, this is really good! No matter what system we are currently using the sub with, and regardless of the eq and closed / ported box, the sub base is seamlessly integrated in a rarely heard way.
Full review
With 1723 Monitor Arendal Sound has created a speaker that impresses grand as music renderer in stereo. It also is an outstanding home theater speaker you can take as a pure bonus!
Full review
Extremely dynamic and detailed in a way that makes the experience even more intense, it will surely give Arendal many fans, especially people who come from car stereo or live audio.
Full review
There are a lot of speakers made and some are better than others for use in a home theater. It’s the case with Arendal Sound that it is very good on music and totally amazing at home theater.
Full review
1723 Monitor’s sound matches well the image conveyed by its’ looks: big and dynamic. Colorations are delightfully minimal, and the speaker seems like quite a universal sound reproducer.
Full review
After we reviewed the larger Tower, we were so impressed that it was not particularly fun to test cheaper floorstanding speakers. Now it’s time for the smaller "bookshelf speakers"; The Monitor. They simply make a mockery of everything else that is designed for stands or shelf placement similarly priced.
Full review
It's not often we hear so insanely tough home cinema like this. Arendal Sound takes the soundstage and just thrusts it into the room. The subwoofer especially hammers and shakes the whole body loose, without even trying.
Full review
I am impressed with what Arendal's achievements with Subwoofer 1. It is flexible, very versatile and easy to integrate. In the price class it challenges absolute everything else on the market, and even our reference similarly priced under ten thousand.
Full review
For such a big speaker it shows a lot of refinement and ability for details, however it also has a mid bass and a deep bass that you nearly can’t find any other place in this price region.
Full review
A Norwegian made subwoofer that makes life exceptionally hard for many foreign competitors. A lot of fun and entertainment for the price!
Full review
