Reviews and Awards

1610 Bookshelf 8 – The Ear

"Truly deserving of a Best Buy status."

1610 Tower 8 – The Audiophiliac

"I am very impressed."

1610 Center 8 / Bookshelf 8 / Slim 8 / 1723 subwoofer 2S Basalt – Lyd & Billede

"Many systems in this price class are designed to impress for ten seconds with a big explosion. This one is designed to satisfy for years."

1961 Bookshelf – Audio Review

"These little loudspeakers genuinely won me over."

1723 Tower THX – SoundStage!

"As expected, the low end was thrillingly dynamic, with impressive weight and extension, but it was also taut and articulate."

1610 Bookshelf 8 – Nemo Audio Project

"I can't help but feel like that this is probably the highest value Arendal speaker to date."

1610 Bookshelf 8 – HiFi Test

“The bass of this speaker belies the cabinet size and hits incredibly hard. It is simply astonishing.”

1528 Tower 8 – Hifimaailma

“It is rare to hear a floorstanding speaker that reaches such deep and clean bass so effortlessly — even with the reflex port plugged.”

1610 Tower 8 review – Jay’s iyagi

“The dynamics are just out of this world.”

1528 Tower 8 – STEREO Magazine

"Playback is dynamic, clearly articulated, and effortless across the entire frequency range."

1610 Bookshelf 8 – FWD Magazine

“In terms of coherence and dynamic capability, it is a standout performer, making the 1610 Bookshelf 8 an excellent speaker for a wide range of musical genres as well as TV audio.”

1610 bookshelf 8 – audioholics

"At the top of the list of their strengths is their acoustic performance, i.e., their sound quality. The 1610 Bookshelf 8 is a great speaker and is easy to recommend."

1528 Bookshelf 8 – Product of the year – Jay’s iyagi

“Dynamic, clearly articulated, and effortless across the entire frequency range.”

1528 Bookshelf 8 / 1528 Stand 8 – What Hi-Fi?

“If we didn’t know the Arendal 1528 Bookshelf 8’s price, we would have guessed it to be around double the amount Arendal charges based on the quality of build and finish.”

1528 Monitor 8 – Stereo+

"Versatile, beautifully detailed, and surprisingly dynamic. It impresses with all types of music."

1961 Bookshelf – Hi-Fi Choice

"The Arendal manages to deliver a level of performance that many people will find irresistible and very possibly a bridge to other members of the range."

1528 Tower 8 – AUDIO + stereoplay

"With the 1528 Tower 8, Arendal has created an outstanding loudspeaker. It’s the complete package that truly stands out, provided you give it enough listening distance."

1961 Bookshelf – AVForums

“The little speaker nails the tonality and scale... but also nails the feeling of a musician kicking back.”

1723 S THX 5.1.2 review – AVPasión

"They’re incredible speakers, perfect for enjoying our favorite movies as well as for listening to music at a truly high level. A truly spectacular set, both in terms of build quality and sound performance."

1528 Bookshelf 8 review- Audioholics

"I can't think of a better speaker. These are stand mount Goliaths."

1528 Slim 8 review – Kpaceguy

"Way more capable than you would think."

1723 Monitor S review – 0102 Studio

"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."

1528 Center+ 8 & 1528 Tower 8 review – Audioholics

"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."

1528 Bookshelf 8 review – Lyd & Bilde

"These speakers make you forget you're listening to speakers at all."

1723 Bookshelf S THX review – Joe N Tell

"These are technically the best speakers that I've ever reviewed."

1528 Tower 8 – Product Of The year 2024

"The build quality of the 1528 loudspeakers is so exceptional that other manufacturers would easily charge double Arendal’s prices."

1723 Monitor THX – Headfonia

"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."

1723 THX 5.1 – Best High-End Home Cinema Speakers 2024/2025 Award

“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."

1528 Tower 8 – Product of the Year 2024 – SoundStage!

"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."

1723 THX Speakers & 1723 Subwoofer 2V review – Sound & Vision Magazine

"They seem to get everything right; looks, engineering, sound quality, features, these folks miss nothing."

1528 Bookshelf 8 review – Stereo+

"Arendal Bookshelf 8 does so much right, to the point where it stands as a solid alternative to much more expensive speakers."

1528 Monitor 8 review – HIFI Test

"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."

1723 Monitor S THX review – Jay’s iyagi

"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."

1723 Tower THX review – Audioholics

"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."

1723 Tower THX review – New Record Day

"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."

1723 Subwoofer 2S review – Spec Of Tech

"If you are looking for something that is quite compact and you still want some home theater impact, this is a fantastic option."

1723 Monitor THX review – Matt Coykendall

"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."

1723 Tower S THX review – Random Distractions

"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."

1723 Tower S THX – SoundStage! 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."

1723 Subwoofer 2V & 1723 Subwoofer 2S – Spec Of Tech review

"Hard-hitting tight bass that hits you in the chest."

1723 Tower THX review – LowBeats

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.

1723 THX 5.2 review – Youthman

"This system will make an incredible home theater setup."

1723 Monitor S THX – Best Speaker Of The Year 2023 – Cheapaudioman

"Just blown away by this speaker."

1723 Bookshelf S THX review- Nemo Propaganda

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.

1723 Subwoofer 2S review- Audioholics

The build quality is terrific for the class, and the 1723 Subwoofer 2S is built like a brick.

1723 Subwoofer 2V review – Jiles McCoy

"As you can see and hear, this subwoofer is an absolute beast."

1961 Bookshelf review- Hatoraid Cowboy Cinema

"These speakers are end game for me. I don't plan on upgrading for the next 20 years."

1723 S THX 7.1.2 – TOP CHOICE 2023 – AVS FORUM

In 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.

1961 9.4.4 review – Sound & Vision Magazine

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.

1723 Bookshelf S THX review – 13th Note Hifi Reviews

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.

1723 Tower S THX review – HiFi Home Theater

"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."

1723 Tower THX & 1723 Surround S THX review – Spec Of Tech

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.

1961 Center review- Audio Science 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.

1723 Monitor S THX review – Speakershocker review

In terms of sound, I don't even know how to describe it: It's awesome, it's fun!

1961 Tower review – Potato Fi Reviews

“I would choose these Arendal Towers over the KEF LS50 Metas when considering better dynamics and value for performance.”

1723 S Speakers & 1723 Subwoofer 2S review – Sound & Vision Magazine

Arendal makes extraordinary speakers and subwoofers, there's simply no other way to say it.

1961 Tower review – AV-magazin

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.

1961 Tower review – Nemo Propaganda

"As long as your room’s not huge, and you can pair that thing with a good subwoofer, it’s going to sound incredible."

1961 Tower review- Audioholics

"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.

1961 Tower & Bookshelf review – M1M Tech Channel

Very clear with great detail reproduction, pleasantly soft, and never harsh or obtrusive. For me, they are a real insider tip.

1961 Tower review – Home Theater Hobbyist

“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.”

1961 5.1.2 review – AVPasión

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.

1961 Bookshelf Video review- Andrew Robinson

"At their current price, the 1961 is built to a higher standard than some higher priced speakers that we've tested."

1723 Monitor S THX & 1723 Subwoofer 2S review – Thomas & Stereo

"Looking for speakers that are good for both music and movies? Put these on your shortlist."

1961 Bookshelf Video review – Nemo Propaganda

"Best I’ve heard under a 1000$! Good clarity, good delivery, good tone, good detail, good separation as well!"

1961 Tower review – Erin’s Audio Corner

My 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.

1961 Subwoofer 1S and 1V review- Audioholics

If you want serious bass performance in your room without a huge box, the 1961 subs are a great choice.

1723 Monitor THX Product of the Year – Audioholics 2021 Award Winner!

Best Mid-Priced Bookshelf Speakers! 2021 Audioholics Product of the Year Award Winners!

1961 Subwoofer 1S Video review – Nemo Propaganda

It tells me that someone at the company, most likely the owner, just cares a lot about the product.

1961 2.1 review – Stereo+

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.

1723 Monitor THX Video review + Test Winner – Pursuit Perfect System

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.

1723 Monitor THX Video review – Audioholics

“This is extremely high value for what you’re going to get.”

1723 Subwoofer 1S review- AVPlus

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.

1961 Subwoofer 1S review – Hifi Musik Group

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.

1723 Subwoofer 1S – Best of 2020-2021 – Stereo+

1723 Monitor THX review – Recordere

Arendal 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.

1723 Subwoofer 1V review – Tha_villaman

1961 S 5.0 Video review – Spare Change

1723 Subwoofer 2V review – Hemmabio

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.

1723 Subwoofer 2V Video review – Spare Change

1961 7.1.2 & Subwoofer 1S – Hemmabio

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

1961 Series EISA award 2020-2021

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.

1723 Tower THX 5.0 review – Tha_villaman

They may be some of the best looking speakers I've seen in a while

1723 S THX 5.1 EISA award 2019-2020

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.

1723 Subwoofer 1 review – Audiovideoteam

1961 Subwoofer 1V Best of 2020 – HiFi Test

1961 Subwoofer 1S & 1V review – Heimkino

The new Arendal Sound 1961 subwoofers deliver a tight, mighty and highest-quality bass with an impressive power handling within this price range.

1961 Subwoofer 1S review – AV Tech Best Value Subwoofer 2019/20

It’s a sub that digs deep, hits hard but retains control – and can be tailored to your room.

1723 S 11.1 & 1961 Subwoofer 1V Video review – Spare Change

1961 Subwoofer 1S & 1V review – Hemmabio

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.

1723 Bookshelf S THX 5.1 Subwoofer 1 review – Heimkino

The 5.1 system of Arendal delights us in our test with outstanding musicality and a highly dynamical ability despite of the compact format.

1723 S THX 5.1 review– Les AnnÉes Laser

1723 Bookshelf S THX review – Audiophile.no

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

1723 Bookshelf S THX review – HIFI&MUSIK

Purely tonal and basically with all the hifi parameters taken into consideration, for the price close to completion.

1723 S THX 5.1 review – Fwd Home Cinema Magazine

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.

1723 S 5.1 THX Video review – Spare Change

Even 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.

1723 S THX 5.1 award – Stereo+ Product of The Year 2018

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.

1723 S THX 5.1 review – Stereo+

Arendal Sound has put together a system that for the time being is the most impressive you can experience in this price range.

1723 Subwofer 3 review – Stereo+

Subwoofer 3 sounds breathtaking and violent and with surplus in heaps, and it plays movies and music equally well. You decide. Subwoofer 3 delivers.

1723 S THX 5.1 review – AV Plus

We can honestly say that Arendal's 1723 S truly is one of the most convincing home theater speaker systems in its price class.

1723 Subwoofer 1 review – Heimkino

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.

1723 S THX 5.1 review – Avforums.com

1723 Monitor S THX review – Stereo+

An open, energetic and entertaining speaker that is impressive in combination between movies and music.

1723 Tower S THX review – Stereo+

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.

1723 Tower THX review – HiFi Test

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.

1723 Tower THX – Hifi&musik

One of the most compelling speakers in this price range. Especially for the one who wants to mix SPL and finesse.

1723 THX 5.1 review – Heimkino

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.

1723 THX 5.1 review – Avforums.com

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.

1723 Subwoofer 1.5 review – Hemmabio

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.

1723 THX 5.1 review – Hemmabio

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.

1723 Monitor THX Review, Hifimaailma

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.

1723 Monitor THX review – Stereo+

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.

1723 Subwoofer 1 review – Stereo+

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.

1723 Subwoofer 2 review – Stereo+

A Norwegian made subwoofer that makes life exceptionally hard for many foreign competitors. A lot of fun and entertainment for the price!