Overall assessment
“Although representing Arendal Sound’s entry-level range, the 1961 Series sets new benchmarks within its market segment.”
“Designed according to the same quality standards as the flagship 1723 Series.”
“The 1961 Bookshelf brings Arendal Sound’s performance-oriented philosophy into a compact and affordable package.”
“The package is offered at a price that is fully consistent with the speaker’s engineering integrity, build quality and overall performance.”
Build quality
“Despite their compact dimensions, the 1961 Bookshelf immediately conveys a strong sense of solidity.”
“Dense, substantial and rigorously built.”
“Structural rigidity is ensured by the use of high-density fibreboard (HDF) enclosures.”
“A cleaner, more professional appearance and seamless visual integration of its transducers.”
Engineering
“The series inherits several innovations developed for the 1723 range.”
“The Norwegian manufacturer designs and develops its own drive units in-house.”
“A high level of manufacturing care, matched by equally thoughtful engineering choices.”
“Dynamic harmonic distortion at 90 dB is particularly well controlled.”
“The waterfall plot demonstrates effective control of internal cabinet reflections.”
Sound quality
Tonal balance
“From the very first listening sessions, the speakers displayed an open and articulate tonal balance.”
“The upper frequencies are well balanced, refined and free from harshness.”
“Tonal balance remained essentially neutral and versatile.”
Musicality
“The remarkable musicality of Jordi Savall’s Hespèrion XXI ensemble proves so captivating that interrupting the performance becomes difficult.”
“The Arendal Sound loudspeakers demonstrate a notable ability to preserve the integrity of the musical message.”
“Conveying its tonal refinement with remarkable fidelity.”
Dynamics and rhythm
“Highlighting not only the system’s dynamic capabilities and rhythmic drive.”
“Precise and highly engaging.”
Soundstage
“A convincing ability to recreate a believable soundstage.”
“A welcome increase in soundstage depth.”
Marco Cicogna listening notes
First impression
“Small they certainly are, yet they are well built and remarkably capable when it comes to presenting a natural and articulate midrange.”
“I liked them so much that I simply picked them up and took them home for further evaluation.”
Coherence and balance
“Their tonal balance, coherence between the two drive units and excellent image focus through the midrange immediately became apparent.”
“The transition between the two drivers is exceptionally smooth.”
“The central portion of the spectrum blends seamlessly into the treble region.”
Piano and vocals
“Jan Lisiecki’s refined touch… is reproduced with convincing focus.”
Violin and orchestral music
“The luminous yet unfatiguing presentation of the solo instrument.”
“A soundstage distinguished more by width than by depth.”
Timbre
“The speakers’ effortless and accommodating treatment of period instruments.”
“The resonance of wood and the shimmer of brass emerge with convincing realism.”
“The level of detail extends across the entire audible spectrum.”
Overall character
“The overall sonic character remains consistently enjoyable, emphasising musical communication.”
“An abundance of substance.”
