Overall verdict
“The Arendal floorstanding loudspeakers reviewed here possess a remarkably large number of noteworthy characteristics.”
“The initial impact is decidedly positive.”
“The 1610 Tower 8s deliver genuinely outstanding performance.”
“Even at twice the price this system would deserve our full attention.”
Sound quality
“The soundstage is well extended, broad, tall, spacious and open.”
“The tonal balance remains even.”
“The integration between the drivers is consistent.”
“The balance of the 1610 Tower 8 and the fullness of their bass manage to soften its harsher aspects.”
Bass performance
“Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the presentation is the bass, thanks to its linearity, power and extension.”
“The upper bass… on account of its fine modulation.”
“Bass extension is remarkable.”
“The bass remained deep but offered greater control in sealed operation.”
“The energetic yet controlled reproduction of percussive bass.”
“The bass drum rendered to perfection.”
“The deep phrasing of the double basses… full and complete, with each note remaining clearly identifiable.”
“The modulation of the first two octaves… reproduced with a solidity unprecedented at this price.”
Midrange
“The midrange… displays a very high degree of articulation.”
“The transition through the upper-midrange remains controlled even during the most intense passages.”
“The lower midrange is full-bodied and therefore convincing.”
“Supporting the fundamentals of instruments such as cellos and bassoons and creating a credible soundstage.”
Resolution & transparency
“Their ability to probe deeply into the musical fabric.”
“Displaying a capacity to analyse the contents of a recording that, in absolute terms, reaches a genuinely high level.”
“This applies regardless of musical genre.”
“They convey convincingly not only the instrument’s timbre, but also the sense of air, the differences between microphone techniques and the ambient information contained in each recording.”
Dynamics
“The excellent results obtained in the MIL and MOL tests are unsurprising.”
“The curves already start very strongly.”
“Consistently above 400 watts and at 113 dB SPL or more from 80 Hz upwards.”
Measurements
“The complete set of measurements… paints a picture of consistently high calibre.”
“Dynamic harmonic distortion is genuinely low.”
“The Total Noise Distortion… is among the best we have measured to date and, in the bass region, probably the best of all.”
“The tweeter also performs extremely well.”
“The waterfall plot… shows that they are well controlled.”
Build quality
“The 1610 Tower 8s are large loudspeakers.”
“The enclosure is made from HDF… resulting in greater weight and rigidity.”
“Impressive construction.”
“The physical implementation is of a very high standard.”
Musical performance
“The organ can take on an almost monumental quality.”
“Large percussion instruments and the piano also benefit.”
“The rhythmic authority and scale of a large orchestra are captured convincingly.”
“Powerful, incisive wind instruments free from any smearing.”
“The violins themselves seem to be clad in silk.”
Ease of system matching
“There is no need for extravagant or expensive partnering equipment to obtain good sound.”
“They prove accommodating in terms of system matching.”
“Generous in their presentation.”
Value
“The selling price proved genuinely encouraging.”
“Even at twice the price this system would deserve our full attention.”
“The modulation of the first two octaves… reproduced with a solidity unprecedented at this price.”
