Audience ClairAudient The One loudspeaker Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Single-driver desktop speaker with 4" passive radiator. Drive-unit: 3" titanium alloy-cone, full-range unit. Frequency range: 50Hz–23kHz when placed near desk or wall. Impedance: 4 ohms. Sensitivity: 84dB/W/m. Maximum RMS continuous output per pair: 98dB. Maximum RMS continuous power per speaker: 25W.
Dimensions: 7" (180mm) H by 5.5" (140mm) W by 7" (180mm) D. Weight: 3 lbs (1.5kg) each.
Finishes: High-gloss black.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: 54 (listening); 10 (measuring).
Price: $995/pair; desktop stands, $75/pair. Approximate number of dealers: 50. Warranty: five years, limited.
Manufacturer: Audience, 120 N. Pacific St., K-9, San Marcos, CA 92069. Tel: (760) 471-0202. Fax: (760) 471-0282. Web: www.audience-av.com.

COMPANY INFO
Audience
120 N. Pacific St., K-9
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 471-0202
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
dalethorn's picture

I've been watching Audience closely ever since the 2+2 article appeared in Stereophile in July 2011. I've quoted and referenced that article so many times I can't count. I've been primarily on headphones since choosing to live in a small flat for years, and the Audience speakers intrigue me as having the potential to produce the crossoverless clarity of a good quality headphone. I hope this is something I see a lot more of in the future.

corrective_unconscious's picture

What a little, silly, over priced conceit, imo.

JoeinNC's picture

Regarding comparing the One to the AudioEngine A2 you say:

"But comparing the $995/pair One to a $200/pair powered speaker didn't really make sense." 

Why not? They are not dissimilar in size or intended purpose. Just because the One costs five times as much as the A2 doesn't mean it's worth it. I think would have been more informative to compare the speaker to a model currently available and of similar size, even at a far different price, than to compare it to a discontinued model of a different type. 

seikosha's picture

I've recently converted to a single driver system and couldn't be happier.  Right now I'm listening to Omega Super 3XRS speakers and since I've put them in the system, my Kef LS50's and Harbeth P3ESR's have been stored away.  I don't miss them one bit.  There's something very pure and magical about one driver with no crossover delivering the music.

That said, there are of course limitations, but if you have a smaller room and aren't a bass freak, the single driver approach is definitely worth investigating.

X