Smart looks, superior sound

The performance of some high-end speakers from a new US brand makes Mark Craven sit up and listen

- Mark Craven

AV INFO

PRODUCT: Premium 71 stand mount/monitor speaker system

POSITION: S Series is Perlisten Audio's highest-spec range

PEERS: Paradigm Persona; KEF Reference Meta

With so many speaker brands competing in the home cinema/ hi-fi markets, it can sometimes be hard to muster real enthusiasm when another one comes along. Yet Perlisten Audio, a new company from Wisconsin in the US, has arrived with a potent offering that immediately stands out.

It helps, of course, that Perlisten debuts with a fully-formed range of models that will suit system builders, including subwoofers and height/surround cabinets. And, yes, the fact its S Series loudspeakers are certified THX Dominus is notable too, even if the whole THX thing doesn't seem to be anywhere near as popular in the UK as it is in the US.

Most importantly, though, Perlisten Audio's speakers sound superb. Superb enough, perhaps, to make their price tags look not unreasonable.

Tested here is a 7.1 system comprising its S5m monitor speaker (£5,725 each), S7c centre (£5,725), S4s surrounds (£3,400 each) and D12s subwoofer (£3,600). The combined cost comes to around £34k - more if you opt for Perlisten's High Gloss Ebony finish (pictured, p61) for the L/C/R speakers instead of standard High Gloss Black or White.

That's a huge chunk of change but do note that, in S Series terms, we've tried to keep the pricing sensible. There are Szt floor stander models (£16,000 per pair) and larger subwoofers also available, should you want your soundfield to go bigger and deeper.