'A Limited Range Of Talents'

FOR Refined balance; good bass weight; high sensitivity

AGAINST Sound lacks insight compared to class leaders

We’re a little disappointed with Elipson’s Prestige Facet 8Bs. While there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with these standmounters, they are hampered by a few sonic shortcomings that mar what otherwise would appear to be a strong proposition, on paper at least.

Not that we know any of this when we first take the Elipsons out of their packaging and admire them. These are relatively big speakers for the money, with each cabinet packing a chunky 17cm mid/ bass unit. The combination of generous cabinet volume and sizable mid/bass driver promises deep bass, plenty of authority and strong dynamics. The distinctively patterned rubber rings around the drivers aren’t there just for show – they’re shaped to help dispersion and reduce baffle effects.

The 36cm high cabinet is almost as deep as it is tall. It’s a nicely made MDF box with rounded edges and a contrasting, lacquer covered front panel. There are three standard finishes: black, white or walnut. And around the back you’ll find the usual set of biwire terminals and rear firing port.