Adults only

Remember how, as a child, it seemed that adult life was all about freedom? You could stay up late, eat sweets for breakfast, and decide for yourself what to do. We waited so long for that moment when we would finally grow up and everything would be our way.

But when this long-awaited status arrives, it often turns out to be nothing like the picture from childhood fantasies. Instead of carefree living, there is a burden of responsibility, and the right to make decisions turns into the need to make difficult choices and live with their consequences.

Being an adult is not about the age on your passport. It's about your inner state. It's when you realize that no one will do anything for you or make decisions for you anymore. When your actions affect not only you, but also your loved ones, colleagues, and simply the world around you.

In this article, we will talk about this real, sometimes uncomfortable, but very important process of growing up. About how to distinguish it from simply living a certain number of years and what it really means to be an adult.

Piega Smart 1 — 45,400 rubles

Sound 4

Design 4

Quality/price 4

Pros

– Large sound

Disadvantages

– Overly active midbass

Design

In our test, the Smart 1 model from the Swiss company Piega is the smallest in size. The speaker is assembled in a very rigid, well-damped aluminum enclosure with excellent workmanship. The design uses an LDS tweeter with a textile dome and a long-throw midrange/bass driver with a soft suspension. A small-diameter phase inverter port is located on the rear of the enclosure. The speaker feels very pleasant to the touch, with all parts fitting together perfectly. The metal protective grille is held firmly in place on the front of the speaker by vertical slots.

Sound

These miniature speakers surprised us with their sound scale. Lots of air, excellent localization. Precise installation of these speakers is a must. The high frequencies are not impressive in terms of information content, but they are full-bodied and perfectly matched to the main speaker. Unfortunately, the latter's voice is dominated by an excessively massive mid-bass range. The rubber suspension, which covers a decent area, certainly adds its share of “synthetics” to the overall sound. It seems that the scale increases precisely “thanks” to this suspension. Unfortunately, there are no miracles, and you have to pay for everything. In any case, these are very interesting and unusual speakers.

The model has a flat frequency response and good frequency balance, although the high frequencies stand out slightly from the overall sound, but this can be corrected. Since the speaker is small, the lower frequency limit is quite modest, just over 70 Hz. The speaker's directivity is wide and even — the frequency response irregularity practically does not increase. With THD, the picture is noticeably worse. Over a large range of mid frequencies, the THD level rises to 0.5%, dropping only closer to the high frequencies and in the 200–300 Hz range. Below 200 Hz, an irreversible increase in distortion begins, and at 70 Hz, THD already exceeds 1%. There are no complaints about the impedance.

Monitor Audio GS10 — 46,900 rubles

Sound 4

Design 4

Quality/price 4

Advantages

– Solid, clear sound

Disadvantages

– Too bright tone

Design

This speaker from the British company Monitor Audio's “gold” series boasts a very neat rectangular cabinet with slightly rounded edges and an excellent finish. The cabinet is assembled using time-tested technology with locking tabs and grooves, and is reinforced inside with vertical and radial baffles. The material used for the speaker cones is a proprietary aluminum and magnesium alloy coated with ceramic. It is used in both the tweeter and the midrange/woofer, whose diffuser is reinforced with a network of small recesses (RST technology). The phase inverter port is unusual. Its surface is heavily corrugated. The grooves along the surface of the tube even out the movement of air, reducing resistance to its flow.

Sound

The GS10 sounds bright, clear, and spacious. Lots of information and air. Excellent three-dimensional soundstage. Wonderful, crystal-clear highs seem to be the company's calling card. The main speaker is well-matched to the high-frequency range. The bass is well controlled. Incidentally, the drivers are perfectly matched to each other. The scale is slightly reduced, however, and there is noticeable compression in dynamic passages. The vocal range is rich and varied in timbre. This sound can be described in one word: “expensive.”

The frequency response curve has a slight slope, shifting the frequency balance towards the high frequencies. The frequency response in the high frequencies is particularly uneven. In this case, the solution is to turn the speaker 30° away from the listener. The lower cutoff frequency is similar to many other participants in our test. It is around 60 Hz. The THD of the model is low, and the graph is mostly below 0.5%. At 60 Hz, it already reaches 1% and continues to grow rapidly as the frequency decreases. Moreover, distortion is slightly higher in the high frequencies than in the midrange. Distortion is almost independent of volume level. Impedance is quite normal and behaves as expected.

Dynaudio Focus 110 — 56,700 rubles

Sound 4

Design 4

Quality/price 4

Advantages

– Accurate and uncolored sound

Disadvantages

– Demanding on amplification

Design

A distinctive feature of the Dynaudio Focus 110 is its proprietary low/midrange driver with a polymer cone and 76 mm voice coil. The special shape of the cone helps it combat sound diffraction and improves the sound image even when listening at close range. The D 280 tweeter has a soft silk dome with impregnation and magnetic fluid in the gap. The speaker enclosure may appear to be a simple rectangle, but in fact the side walls are angled slightly to eliminate internal standing waves. The enclosure is indeed very rigid and inert. The phase inverter port is located on the rear of the enclosure. A pair of powerful screw terminals are also located there.

Sound

The sound was quite coherent and rounded. The tonality is exemplary neutral. The high frequencies are clear and accurate. I would have liked a little more freedom and airiness there. Apparently, the ferrofluid in the tweeter gap does not like this. The overall presentation is quite human, but it has a tendency to be simplistic and schematic. The bass is not deep, but it is dense and weighty, and the midbass is especially good. Yes, indeed, the Focus 110, like all Dynaudio speakers, likes powerful and full-blooded amplification, so you need to take care of that.

The model's frequency response has no obvious flaws, but some irregularities are still observed. The drop towards the bass begins at 80 Hz. It is quite sharp, limiting the working range to a frequency of 60 Hz. The dispersion of the speaker is quite wide, if we do not take into account the highest frequencies (above 15 kHz). The THD in the 200 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range is simply exemplary. However, there is still room for improvement in the low frequencies, although at 60 Hz the distortion level is still below 1%. Importantly, the speaker performs equally well at any volume. The impedance does not pose any matching difficulties, but we still recommend staying on the safe side with Dynaudio.

Canton Vento 820 — 56,700 rubles.

Sound 5

Design 5

Quality/price 4

Advantages

– On a first-name basis with music

Disadvantages

– The speaker cannot “be sad”

Design

The Canton Vento 820 is the top model in the German company Canton's lineup. The speaker is housed in a solid cabinet with an excellent finish. Its walls are made of

high-density fiberboard. The geometry of the box was calculated using computer modeling. The tweeter with an aluminum and magnesium alloy dome is designed to reproduce frequencies up to 40 kHz. A small horn increases its efficiency and optimizes dispersion. An aluminum cone is also used in the midrange/woofer driver — a traditional material for Canton. This driver is equipped with a powerful magnetic system. A special full-wave profile suspension is designed to minimize distortion when the diffuser moves. The speaker crossover is assembled from components manufactured specifically for Canton.

Sound

These speakers perfectly convey space and air, managing to paint an almost perfect three-dimensional soundstage. There are no complaints about the frequency balance either. The overall tone is slightly bright. The presentation is emotional and clear across the entire range. Sometimes the timbral accuracy suffers a little, and it seems that Canton simply does not know how to be sad. An exceptionally positive and talented speaker.

The model boasts a flat frequency response, but only along the sound axis. As the deviation from the axis increases, the unevenness of the characteristics increases noticeably. Therefore, it is best to direct the speakers directly at the listener. A slight increase in sensitivity in the midbass range is followed by a rather rapid decline. The lower limit is quite modest, around 60 Hz. The distortion level is not high, especially at low frequencies. Nevertheless, the THD graph still lacks stability. Small spikes are noticeable in several areas. At the same time, the tweeter works very well at any volume. The impedance of the speakers is very convenient and stable.

Adulthood is not about age or passport, but about choice. A true adult is responsible for their words and actions, knows how to listen, admit mistakes, and change. It's not about strictness or cold calculation, but about maturity — when you understand that the world doesn't have to be comfortable, but you still strive for order, honesty, and respect. True adults are those who grow on their own and do not shift their problems onto others.

ATC SCM 11 — 58,500 rubles.

Sound 4

Design 5

Quality/price 4

Pros

– Large-scale sound

Cons

– Reduced clarity in the midrange

Design

The SCM 11 model is in the company's entry-level speaker line. This speaker is equipped with a massive front panel with rounded edges, on which the drivers are located. They are manufactured in-house. The design of the low-frequency section in a closed box is traditional for ATC. The high-frequency driver is a tweeter with a textile dome, placed in a small horn with precisely calculated geometry. The mid/low-frequency driver is interesting, implementing CLD technology to suppress third harmonics at mid frequencies. The protective cap is made in the form of a soft dome with a diameter of 45 mm (reminiscent of a dome midrange driver). The voice coil is wound with flat OFC wire. The massive magnetic system is optimized for linear operation with a large amplitude of the moving system.

Pros

Sound

The model's frequency response is fairly flat, although the midrange frequencies have a slight dip centered around 2-3 kHz. The upper end is also quite muddy. The lower frequency limit is 50 Hz. This is an excellent result considering the closed design! As for THD, the distortion level stays below 1% up to 40 Hz, after which it begins to rise sharply. The speaker has very low THD at mid frequencies. As the frequency increases, the distortion gradually rises to 1%. The speaker performs best at high volumes. The impedance is not very stable: the fluctuations are quite large in terms of level. In this regard, special attention will have to be paid to matching the speaker with the amplifier.

– Good all-rounders

Sound 3

– Bass is not sufficiently controlled

Quality/price 4

Design

– Tireless sound

This model has a fairly even tonal balance and wide directivity. A 30° angle has virtually no effect on the frequency response up to 14 kHz. A twice as large angle begins to reveal a gradual decline towards high frequencies. Moderate frequency response irregularities are noticeable across the entire frequency range with an amplitude of up to 4 dB. It is nice to see a good reserve in the low frequencies. The decline only begins at 80 Hz, resulting in a very good lower frequency limit of 50 Hz. Everything is fine with the model and THD. It is quite low and stable. THD rises above 3% only at frequencies below 50 Hz, which is quite consistent with the behavior of the frequency response. Impedance should not cause any problems.

– Lack of clarity and resolution

Sound 4

– Neutral sound

– High frequency quality

The PSB sounded rather restrained, with the vocals noticeably behind. The tone of the speaker is close to neutral, with slightly simplified timbres. The scale is slightly smaller than expected. The high frequencies are correct, everything is in its place. The midrange lacks a little clarity and formal resolution. The low frequencies are well controlled, their volume is slightly more than necessary. The presentation is generally calm and unhurried, and in places even monotonous. Most likely, this is due to the composite diffuser of the main driver.

The speaker's frequency response is fairly flat. There is, however, an abnormal spike in the midbass around 120 Hz. The lower frequency limit, like many other speakers in our test, is around 60 Hz. With careful matching, THD remains below 0.5% at frequencies from 60 Hz to 20 kHz. The only exceptions are the results of measurements at low volume at frequencies above 2 kHz. The least distortion is observed at medium and high volumes. No obvious spikes are visible on the THD graph. The speaker impedance is fairly traditional: it varies within a small range.

Vincent SB-216 — 58,800 rubles

Sound 3

Design 4

Quality/price 3

Advantages

– Dry and controlled bass

Disadvantages

– Sounds sharp and simplistic

Design

Acoustic systems are just one of the many areas of activity for the young German company Vincent. At the moment, Vincent offers only two speaker lines — SB and LS. And if the LS line can be called High End, then SB is more like something between upper Hi-Fi and lower High End. The SB-216 model is the youngest of all Vincent speakers. It is assembled in a sturdy 19 mm MDF cabinet. The drivers used are a textile dome tweeter and a midrange/woofer with a paper cone formed in a hot air stream. This type of cone is very light and has excellent damping characteristics. Two pairs of powerful screw terminals are located in a small recess on the rear panel.

Sound

The speaker sounded rather dry and sharp. At the same time, it was clear. There is a lot of information, and the tone is a little light. Singers tend to sound younger. The high frequencies are rounded at the top, and the attack is smoothed out. The midrange is quite clean, and the timbres are noticeably simplified. The presentation is slightly convex. The bass is quite restrained in depth, with good control. The low-frequency design, by the way, is a closed box. At a decent volume, there is a feeling that the speaker “turns on” some kind of internal limiter. Perhaps this is due to the conical shape of the main driver's cone?

The frequency balance of the speakers is quite good. However, slight fluctuations are still noticeable in the frequency response. The most significant drop is in the midrange frequencies and amounts to almost 5 dB. The dip lasts long enough to be noticeable to the ear. A smooth roll-off at low frequencies helps to reach the 50 Hz mark. And, as if by the book, the THD at 50 Hz is exactly 1%. Everything is perfectly matched. The THD itself turned out to be very low for this system. Scattered spikes spoil the picture a little, but their level is insignificant. The speaker performs equally well at any volume. The impedance of the system is generally quite stable, but the minimum value is a little alarming: 3.5 ohms.

Triangle Comete Anniversary 30th — 61,600 rubles.

Sound 4

Construction 5

Quality/price 4

Pros

– Stunning musicality

Disadvantages

– Low frequency range

Construction

In 2010, the French company celebrated its 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion, a limited edition of Antal and Comete speakers was released. The proprietary TZ2500 titanium dome tweeter, operating in a compression chamber, has high sensitivity, excellent directivity, and minimal sound distortion. In the limited edition, the chamber is made of polished aluminum, unlike the plastic one in the standard version. Based on its experience, Triangle recommends using paper cones in midrange drivers. In fact, such a cone is installed in the Comete midrange/woofer driver. A new rubber suspension provides the necessary speed for the cone. Two large phase inverter ports are located on the front panel of the enclosure.

Sound

The Comete sound is full of life and air. It has lightness, freedom, plasticity, and courage… The speaker has an excellent high-frequency link. The midrange/low-frequency head is also remarkable, but only in the middle. Unfortunately, the bass dulls and masks the charms of this acoustics. The small voice coil of the main driver does not contribute to a dense and controlled low-frequency range. However, it is perfect for midrange, especially in combination with a paper cone. Tip: use this triangle as a satellite, and you will be happy.

The frequency response graph clearly shows an abnormal rise in the midbass range. As a result, the lower limit is around 50 Hz. Incidentally, the speaker's directivity is very even and quite wide. The THD graphs at different volumes simply merged together, which indicates excellent design and reliability. Unfortunately, at 50 Hz, the distortion level already exceeds 3%, and it only drops below 1% at 70 Hz. That is, despite the fairly deep bass, its quality is relatively low. A slight resonance is also noticeable in the 1.5 kHz range, but the THD level does not exceed 1%. The impedance is not very stable, but its behavior is quite acceptable for any amplifier.

Diapason Emera II — 64,000 rubles.

Sound 4

Design 5

Quality/price 4

Pros

– Dynamic, free sound

Disadvantages

– Lightweight sound

Design

The body of this speaker has virtually no straight lines or corners. It is partially veneered, and most of it is made of solid American walnut. A rigid protective metal grille hovers above the surface of the body, secured with a pair of screws with rubber gaskets. The speaker rests on two legs and one adjustable spike, which can be used to adjust the tilt of the speaker. The tweeter uses a fairly rigid textile dome. The transparent woofer cone is made of plastic and suspended on an inverted rubber suspension. The phase inverter port is located on the rear panel. The main highlight of Diapason is, of course, the proprietary DDD technology, which allows you to connect a bass speaker without using a filter.

Sound

The speakers sounded open and free, with fairly large images. The tonality is light. Sometimes, however, the sound becomes sharp and rough and schematic. Or simplistic. The reason most likely lies in the material of the midrange/woofer cone. The connection between the main driver and the tweeter is practically perfect. The high frequencies are not bad, but their output at the very top is noticeably reduced. The timbres are generally correct and recognizable. The dynamics are also commendable.

The frequency response unevenness is minimal, but there is a noticeable imbalance towards the high frequencies. The speaker's directivity is quite wide and even. The lower frequency limit stopped at 65 Hz. However, the speaker is small, and for such a body, this result is quite normal. It is at this frequency that the THD graph crosses the 1% mark — good consistency. The overall THD level cannot be called very low; the characteristic graph is approximately evenly distributed over the 0–0.5% range. THD is slightly more stable and lower at medium volume. There are no complaints about the system's impedance.

Mordaunt-Short Performance — 64,000 rubles

Sound 4

Design 5

Value for money 4

Advantages

– Large-scale, solid sound

Cons

– Minor flaws in the midrange

Design

The Performance 2 model is a bookshelf speaker from the top line of the British company Mordaunt-Short. Its wave-shaped body is made of a special polymer resin. The internal structure of the speaker is designed to increase the efficiency of the lower register. The powerful base is made of roughly machined metal, reminiscent of cast iron. The tweeter with an aluminum diffuser and metal protective grille seems to pierce through the speaker with a rear damping tube. This is a special ATT vented tweeter technology. The proprietary midrange/bass driver is equipped with an aluminum diffuser. The phase inverter port is located on the front panel. Only premium components are used in the crossover. Two pairs of terminals are designed as bullets, which makes the speaker longer in depth, but fully corresponds to the unusual design.

Sound

These unusual speakers demonstrated a very bright and attractive sound, with rich timbres, smooth and airy. The tonality is quite light. The attack is simply remarkable. Sometimes, however, there is a subtle hint of intrusiveness and shrillness in the midrange. The scale is quite large, and the speaker is capable of sounding quite loud. The bass is powerful and solid.

The very flat frequency response fits into a corridor only 4 dB wide, starting at 70 Hz. The wide dispersion of the speaker and the good lower frequency limit of 50 Hz are also impressive. The THD graph looks great in the frequency range from 60 Hz to 500 Hz. Higher frequencies are more difficult for the speaker, but distortion does not exceed 1%. In the bass range starting at 50 Hz, the THD level begins to rise sharply, and by 40 Hz it already exceeds 3%. As a result, we can conclude that the speaker design is well balanced. At high frequencies (10 kHz), the system impedance can drop to almost 3 ohms.

Wharfedale Opus 2M2 — 65,400 rubles

Sound 3

Design 4

Quality/price 3

Pros

– Cohesive sound

Cons

– Sounds a bit dull

Design

A distinctive feature that sets the Opus 2 speakers apart from budget lines is the use of a dome midrange driver and a large cabinet with curved sides. Its strength and inertia are ensured by both its shape and its multi-layer construction with resin impregnation. In addition, there are partitions inside the cabinet. The new, redesigned tweeter uses an aluminum voice coil, a neodymium magnet, and a textile dome. The 3-inch midrange driver also uses a soft dome and is designed for a frequency range of 700 Hz to 4 kHz. The bass driver is equipped with a diffuser made of a woven three-layer material consisting of carbon and glass fiber. This composition effectively suppresses parasitic resonances in the speaker's moving system.

Sound

This large bookshelf speaker, which is the only one in our test to have three bands, sounded quite solid and balanced. The tonal balance is shifted slightly towards the dark side. The timbres are poor, and the scale is small. This is probably due to the small size of the midrange driver. The vocal range is pushed back and covered with a slight haze. The bass is quite deep, but control over it could be better. Overall, the result is a rather phlegmatic sound.

The frequency response of this model indicates a rise in the upper bass and a subsequent dip in the midbass. The large cabinet and powerful speaker allowed the low frequencies to be extended to 42 Hz — the best result in the test. However, the CMI is not the best. The THD graph reaches 42 Hz at around 3%, and only drops below 1% at 60 Hz. Even worse, at mid and high frequencies, the THD level is around 0.5%, regardless of volume. This is a rather poor result, but it cannot be considered critical. The impedance graph looks a bit unusual, pointing to a problem at the tweeter and midrange crossover.

T+A Criterion TR 450 — 66,600 rubles

Sound 5

Design 5

Quality/price 5

Pros

– Balanced sound

Cons

– Not identified

Design

In the hierarchy of German T+A models, the Criterion TR 450 is close to the top. Its cabinets are assembled from a specially selected combination of MDF, chipboard, and pressed laminate. This achieves

its special strength and high degree of damping. The problem of standing waves is solved by bent side walls. The ring tweeter with a silk diaphragm used in the TR 450 model allows very high frequencies to be achieved while avoiding the resonances characteristic of dome tweeters. The model features a special midrange/bass driver equipped with a proprietary GRAYCONE diffuser consisting of air-dried wood fibers with added graphite particles. The diffuser cone has slots filled with a special compound that eliminates standing waves. The speaker's huge magnet is combined with a very durable pressed basket.

Sound

This participant in our test demonstrated perfect tonal balance coupled with rich timbres, as well as clear, slightly convex delivery across the entire frequency range. Volume, space, and planes are well rendered. The physicality and tangibility of the images, albeit small in scale, are simply outstanding. I think the credit for this belongs primarily to the drivers. Based on their appearance, they are clearly top-of-the-line speakers.

The frequency response graph for this model is pleasing to look at — the unevenness is insignificant and changes quite smoothly. However, despite a slight emphasis on low frequencies, the drop in frequency response is quite sharp, and the lower frequency limit only reaches 60 Hz. At this frequency, THD drops below 1% and remains at a very low level across virtually the entire operating frequency range. This applies to high and medium volumes. Low volume is characterized by slightly higher distortion at mid and high frequencies. Impedance varies within a narrow range, but drops to 3.5 ohms at mid frequencies. As a rule, this value is not critical for modern amplifiers.

ASW Genius 110 — 66,700 rubles

Sound 4

Design 5

Value for money 4

Pros

– Large-scale, cohesive sound

Cons

– Minor flaws in the midrange

Design

The model we are reviewing is from the updated Genius top line from the German company ASW. The speakers in this series have undergone a complete redesign: the design has become more modern, new materials have been selected, and close attention has been paid to bass reproduction quality. The only thing that has remained unchanged is the chic range of cabinet finishes. The cabinet itself is now assembled using bent side panels and a top panel. This not only increases the strength and inertia of the cabinet, but also prevents the formation of standing waves inside the structure. The tweeter uses an unusual ceramic dome, allowing the driver to reproduce frequencies up to 30 kHz. Cellulose was chosen as the material for the midrange/woofer cone.

Sound

The speakers pleasantly surprised us with their almost perfect tonal balance, thanks to the paper cone. The timbres are accurate and rich. The body and fullness are conveyed wonderfully. The scale is good. The bass is lively and quite deep. The treble is well integrated with the main driver, but it stands out somewhat from the overall sound, apparently due to the specific material of the tweeter dome. It is quite clear, but somehow “rounds off” too early at the very top. The speakers are very directional and need to be positioned quite precisely.

Laboratory measurements of this model are among the best in the test. It has a flat frequency response, fairly uniform and wide directivity, and an exceptionally low THD. The frequency response shows a smooth decline in sensitivity from 200 Hz to 60 Hz at -10 dB. This is a perfectly normal result for bookshelf speakers. The THD of these speakers can be held up as an example to other manufacturers. Even at 20 Hz, the distortion level does not rise above 3%, and at mid frequencies, the THD tends towards zero. The impedance graph is textbook perfect, showing a perfectly tuned phase inverter.

Magnat Quantum 1003 — 68,000 rubles

Sound 5

Design 5

Value for money 4

Advantages

– Solid, clear sound

Disadvantages

– Imperfect tonality

Design

The new Magnat Quantum 1003 bookshelf speakers feature a 25 mm F-Max Signature driver with a soft textile dome coated with ceramic particles. Two barely noticeable holes in the tweeter dome reduce the compression effect at high volumes. The woofer uses a newly shaped aluminum cone. It is now designed for a wider frequency range and better matches the tweeter. The speaker's maximally open and rigid aluminum frame allows the diffuser to move more freely, and the eight points of attachment of the speaker to the cabinet make this design truly uncompromising. The phase inverter port is located on the rear wall of the cabinet. The crossover is assembled from audiophile components, and the internal wiring is made with high-quality Oehlbach cables.

Sound

This Quantum sounds very coherent and dynamic. The drivers are perfectly matched to each other. Clear and informative presentation across the entire range, coupled with an excellent three-dimensional soundstage, makes a good impression. The tonal balance is noticeably shifted towards the bright side. One remarkable feature of these speakers has been identified: in a system, they do not impose their own presentation, but flexibly and compliantly follow any musical material. Truly omnivorous acoustics.

The frequency response unevenness of this model is insignificant. Only a slight rise at high frequencies is noticeable. If the excess of high frequencies seems inappropriate, you can turn the speakers away from the listener slightly. However, at 30°, there is already a noticeable drop in high frequencies, so it is not worth deviating too far from the sound axis of the speaker. The rather sharp drop in the frequency response limits the lower frequency limit to just below 60 Hz. Note that across the entire operating frequency range (60 Hz – 20 kHz), the THD of the speakers remains below 0.4%! Medium and high volumes are preferable for this model. The impedance of the speakers is quite normal.

Quadral Aurum Altan VIII — 70,000 rubles

Sound 4

Design 5

Value for money 4

Pros

– Remarkable high frequencies

Cons

– Very bright sound

Design

Sound

These unusual speakers demonstrated a very bright and attractive sound, with rich timbres, smooth and airy. The tonality is quite light. The attack is simply remarkable. Sometimes, however, there is a subtle hint of intrusiveness and shrillness in the midrange. The scale is quite large, and the speaker is capable of sounding quite loud. The bass is powerful and solid.

The Performance 2 model is a bookshelf speaker from the top line of the British company Mordaunt-Short. Its wave-shaped body is made of a special polymer resin. The internal structure of the speaker is designed to increase the efficiency of the lower register. The powerful base is made of roughly machined metal, reminiscent of cast iron. The tweeter with an aluminum diffuser and metal protective grille seems to pierce through the speaker with a rear damping tube. This is a special ATT vented tweeter technology. The proprietary midrange/bass driver is equipped with an aluminum diffuser. The phase inverter port is located on the front panel. Only premium components are used in the crossover. Two pairs of terminals are designed as bullets, which makes the speaker longer in depth, but fully corresponds to the unusual design.

These speakers demonstrate near-perfect frequency balance and minimal unevenness in their frequency response. The lower frequency limit is around 60 Hz. The directionality of the speakers is average — the angle of rotation of the speakers significantly affects the unevenness of the frequency response. At 60 Hz, the THD level still does not exceed 1%. Overall, the THD is quite low and stable. Unfortunately, at mid frequencies, the distortion level increases slightly. At low frequencies, THD remains below 3% even at 30 Hz. High and medium volumes are most preferable for this model. The impedance is slightly unstable, but the changes are not too significant.

ProAc Studio 115 — 71,000 rubles

Sound 4

Design 4

Quality/price 4

Advantages

– Accurate, honest sound

Disadvantages

– Formal resolution

Design

The Studio 115 model we are considering is a redesigned and improved version of the Studio 110. It uses a proprietary 19 mm silk dome tweeter and a 165 mm midrange/woofer with a carbon-reinforced polypropylene cone. The drivers are mounted asymmetrically on the front panel of the veneered cabinet. The narrow front panel allows for a wider soundstage. Low-frequency design: phase inverter with a port on the front panel. The crossover uses the highest quality components, and the internal wiring is made of oxygen-free copper cable. Two pairs of powerful metal terminals allow for bi-wiring.

Sound

Studio 115 demonstrated very accurate reproduction of any material. The sound is slightly bright, with a slightly reduced scale. The soundstage is good, much wider than the speakers. There is a slight synthetic tinge in the midrange. Although this vocal range is covered with a light veil, the sound is very flexible. The bass tends to slightly enlarge the images. It must be said that the speaker is well tuned: the treble and midrange are almost perfectly matched. The acoustics have virtually no genre preferences. So the word “Studio” in the name is absolutely justified.

The model boasts a frequency response with low unevenness and very little imbalance. The imbalance is caused by slightly increased sensitivity in the midbass range. The speaker has a good lower frequency limit of 50 Hz. Its directivity is not very wide — at large angles from the axis, the unevenness of the frequency response increases noticeably. At 50 Hz, THD begins to exceed 1%. The matching of the frequency response and THD can be considered quite successful. Overall, the THD of the model is quite low. There are small spikes, barely exceeding half a percent. Impedance stability leaves something to be desired.

Adult life is not a final destination, but a constant journey. We often imagine it as a state of complete maturity, when all the answers have been found and all paths have been mapped out. But in reality, being an adult means learning anew every day: accepting the imperfection of the world and yourself, coming to terms with uncertainty, and continuing to search for your path, even when it seems like it's time to stop.

The pursuit of the ideal of “true adulthood” can become a trap that robs us of flexibility and the joy of discovery. It is much more important not to conform to a template, but to preserve the living person inside — the one who is capable of wonder, of making mistakes, of feeling, and of changing. This is the most difficult and important aspect of “adulthood”: taking responsibility, but not burying your childlike curiosity.

Ultimately, adults are not so different. Regardless of age, we all carry within us a mixture of experience and naivety, confidence and doubt. To acknowledge this is to become truly mature: not to claim the role of an all-knowing mentor of life, but simply to be on a journey, realizing that growth never ends. And there is a certain freedom in this.