WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM of experiencebehindthemwhoare veteran audio engineers withdecades as a generic business idea. They are make some high-end loudspeakers know this, andthey aren’t outto segment. The peoplebehindPerlisten to set themselves inthiscrowded apart so any newcomer has to do something of high-end loudspeaker manufacturers, marketplace. Ofcourse, there are alot to make theirmarkinthespeaker loudspeaker company thatisset Introduction Tower Loudspeaker Perlisten Audio is a new high-end May2021 review Perlisten S7t Review byJamesLarsonofAudioholics.com Review out… nearly $8keach? Let’s digintofind of these not-inexpensive speakers at What doyou getifyou buyapair Where does the S7tfitinall ofthis? to bizarre and even preposterous. from straightforward and conventional companies with allkinds ofdesigns There are countless high-end speaker been doneahundred timesover? what canyou do that hasn’t already Surely, thisisa serious speaker, but experience and knowledge add upto? is what does all that engineering design experience. of their cumulative beneficiary primary S7t, theirflagshipspeaker and the today isjustthat speaker: thePerlisten to one heck of a speaker. Infor review Needless to say, thatought to add up a loudspeaker engineer’s loudspeaker. speakers thatthey would wanttoown: every trick in the book to make the they know how. They are pulling out to make thefinestloudspeakers that garnering their collective knowledge The question these speakers pose Copyright ©1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved. circle housing the tweeter and from thefrontthe middle bafflewith mounted in five circles that protrude the lookof the S7ts. The drivers are likepeople wholike will symmetry element hastobethedriver array; Their mostvisually distinguishing chest or neck height of most adults. 4’ tall, they stand somewhere around speakers but not gigantic. At a bit over That beingsaid, theS7t’s are large likely to be a source of consternation. into any normal domestic room isn’t these speakersnot just will ‘disappear’ physically formidable, sothe factthat be expecting something visually and high-end floor-standing speakers will speakers intheproduct of category Appearance Anyone who takes the plungefor

(base cost), (base 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars S7t Tower S7t Tower 5/5 Stars Perlisten Perlisten Special Edition Pros Cons $15,990/pair Value Rating: Rating: Value Review Summary Overall Rating: Rating: Overall Manufacturer: Manufacturer: Product Name: Name: Product www.perlistenaudio.com $17,990/pair MSRP: MSRP: many people many Extremely accurate tonality accurate Extremely range wide dynamic Tremendously for well height works Optimal listening situations different many listening far-field or near-field for Great control directivity Outstanding speaker Neat-looking Excellent build quality them inaccessible for makes High cost • • • • • • • • 100-600 Watts 100-600 Watts RMS 117dB <2% - 2nd, 3rd Harmonics 3rd - 2nd, <2% 117dB Pricing will varyfinish on depending High Gloss Ebony, Natural Ebony, Natural Black Cherry, Black Cherry, Natural Ebony, Natural Ebony, High Gloss 51” H x 9.5” W x 15.7” D H x 9.5” 51” 500Hz, 1.1kHz, 4.4kHz 1.1kHz, 500Hz, 92dB 4-way bass-reflex / sealed floor-standing speaker speaker floor-standing sealed / bass-reflex 4-way Perlisten S7t Tower Perlisten Bass reflex: 22Hz - 37kHz (-10dB), Sealed: 32Hz - 37kHz Sealed: 22Hz - 37kHz (-10dB), reflex: Bass (+/-2dB): 80Hz - 20kHz (+/-2dB): Natural Light Cherry, High Gloss Light Cherry High Gloss Light Cherry, Natural Piano High Black, Piano High Gloss White High Gloss Piano Black, High Piano Specifications THX Dominus - Large LCR - Large THX Dominus 4 ohms nominal / 3.2 ohms minimum 3.2 ohms nominal / 4 ohms 2x1.1” Textreme TPCD 2x1.1” Textreme 1.1” Beryllium dome 4x7” Textreme TPCD 4x7” Textreme 122.5 lb (55.7 kg) each Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright Frequency Response Response Frequency Frequencies: Crossover Finishes: Available Special addition finishes: Custom finishes available: Certification: Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): Response: Frequency Weight: Weight: SPL capabilitySPL - 20kHz): (100Hz x W x D): Dimensions (H Enclosure Alignment: Enclosure Woofers: Midrange: Tweeter: Impedance: Amplifier Power: Recommended perforated aluminum sheets that are are that sheets aluminum perforated the protect they in that functional the enhance not do they but drivers, opinion. in my speakers, these of looks better without the look The speakers grilles. use magnetic adhesion so there are are so there adhesion use magnetic are The grilles grille guides. no visible The S7ts come with grilles, and and grilles, with come S7ts The The outer two woofers that that woofers The outer two

of the entire front baffle. The grilles The baffle. front entire the of they only cover the drivers instead the drivers cover only they cabinet does have a slight backward tilt a slight backward have cabinet does if it flair than bit more it a which gives upright. totally standing were baffle is mounted on the main bulk which is a typical of the enclosure, the although shape, oblong hard-edged baffle has heavily rounded edges with edges rounded heavily has baffle being mounts driver the protruding This intrinsic partan the structure. of diaphragm, but they are mostly hidden hidden mostly are they but diaphragm, The front screen. behind a perforated two midrange domes on the top and on the top and domes midrange two These mouth. waveguide the of bottom carbon Textreme the use also domes colored Beryllium in colored dome tweeter from cut CNC is that waveguide a also houses The waveguide hardwood. checkered pattern that lends these pattern that lends checkered look. futuristic somewhat a speakers section sets a silver- driver The middle called the Textreme thin-ply carbon thin-ply Textreme called the lightly a unique have They diaphragms. flank the tweeter/midrange middle middle flank the tweeter/midrange cones looking interesting use circle driver array in half either vertically or in half either vertically array driver be would the halves and horizontally, identical. midrange domes. You could fold the could fold You domes. midrange WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM

2 WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 3 Normally, speakers just use a a use just speakers Normally, The beamforming restricted angle restricted The beamforming auditoriums and it isn’t certain how auditoriums and it isn’t living space domestic is for valid that rooms. sized restrict to tweeter the on waveguide but the problem vertical dispersion, tweeter’s the affects it only with that is and bandwidth while the woofers out over a wide angle horizontally horizontally wide angle a over out are so all the listening positions It is sound. high-quality met with a since it also beneficial acoustically that lateral acoustic has been shown enhance can sidewalls from reflections and the sound, of the spaciousness pleasing. people find that to be many it can be beneficial On the other hand, dispersion the vertical to restrict optimally are the speakers If angle. are reflections the vertical placed, and reflections, earliest the usually cancellation in acoustic this can result which can frequencies, in upper-bass be verythe response. detrimental to that vertical an argument is also There of sense a reduce can reflections diminishing inter- spaciousness (by although cancellation), cross aural conducted research on is based that as such acoustics room larger for of the tweeter in spatial positioning. positioning. in spatial of the tweeter beamforming this of The advantage deliveryoutput of lot whole a is to without needing specific direction a high a at everywhere sound throw to calls their beamforming Perlisten level. DPC where waveguide the DPC array Control. Pattern Directivity for stands in the S7t axis the vertical on occurs for targets The performance speakers. horizontal wide a are this speaker vertical a narrow dispersion and room any is that The reason dispersion. is positions listening multiple with horizontal a on out to be spread likely out be spread to plane but unlikely a good so it’s on a vertical plane, much a full projected sound idea to have Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright

There is a lot to unpack with the unpack to lot a is There

but also in depth, and this is why the and this is why but also in depth, ahead mounted are drivers midrange there is a lot of overlapping bandwidths overlapping lot of is a there to This is done filters. in the crossover effect beamforming acoustic an create an up on sum all the drivers where subtract and listening angle intended accomplish to order In elsewhere. not do array in the drivers the this, amplitude levels at the same operate In angle. phase the same even or work, the beamforming to make fact, be must the spacing of the drivers width, and height in both precise, basis description in the spec sheet of sheet spec in the description basis speaker reflex” bass “4-way being a On the surface, it justice. do doesn’t in which speaker a 3-way like it looks is nested between a dome tweeter 7” midrange domes and four two conventional a but this is not woofers, the drivers Instead, WMTMW speaker. work largely they where array an form than in their rather with each other so bands, frequency separate own Design Analysis is a there and S7t speakers, Perlisten The eye. the meets what than more lot

The S7t pair that was loaned to was loaned The S7t pair that The base is a thick steel plate with steel plate with is a thick The base

what we will now discuss... discuss... will now what we case, form follows function, which is function, follows form case, part, and what is more is that, in this is that, and what is more part, the selected finish. They are high-end are They finish. the selected certainly the look they and speakers, decors for that reason, depending on depending reason, that for decors in well in a wide variety of interior of variety wide in a in well speakers straddle the line between the line between straddle speakers could fit They modernist. and stately look nice in nearly any finish. The S7t finish. any look nice in nearly industrial design is fundamentally good, good, fundamentally is design industrial would they I think opinion, in my not-insignificant surcharge. Since the not-insignificant surcharge. request, although that does entail a that does although request, including custom colors or different different or colors including custom upon customer veneers wood can accommodate custom finishes can accommodate custom finishes veneer, although the standard finishes finishes standard the although veneer, Perlisten black. and white gloss are me had a gorgeous striped ebony striped ebony me had a gorgeous

view most of the time. the time. of most view shame that it will remain hidden from from hidden it will that remain shame joined by a similarly polished jumper. jumper. polished a similarly joined by a it’s and verya touch, luxurious It’s piece with the gleaming binding posts piece with the gleaming is a nice touch of class. The binding class. touch of is a nice verya is plate post brass polished slick rings above and below the plate which the plate and below rings above corners. The feet have some brass brass some have The feet corners. some hefty feet sticking out from the from out sticking feet hefty some The checkered pattern of the S7t’s of the S7t’s pattern The checkered motor with a 3 lbs. magnet as well well as magnet motor with a 3 lbs. system. suspension sophisticated a as the motor about fact One interesting wire aluminum uses is that Perlisten copper coil rather than in the voice might That aluminum. copper-clad or seeing counter-intuitive seem slightly conductive, copper is more as how can electrical resistance extra that but using a larger simply be made up by wire the larger gauge and wire, gauge better being benefit of the added has since it has thermal dispersion for which from area surface a lot more even is more, What to radiate heat. it is still wire, with the larger gauge using aluminum so lighter than copper, making thereby mass, moving reduces four 7” bass driver cones shows the shows cones driver 7” bass four of the layers of the carbon weave a actually is that so material, TDCP not functional trait of the cones and drivers These bass one. stylish a merely pole-vented a very heavy-duty, have Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright The midrange drivers are two 1.1” two are drivers The midrange performance for a wider range of a wider range for performance frequencies. they can be more easily filtered out. out. filtered easily more be can they the on always are engineers Driver a material that can hold its for lookout band as wide of a frequency for shape this do drivers TDCP The possible. as break- into run do they sure, be To well. but the ‘ringing,’ called also up modes, mitigated thanks to heavily are modes so and of the diaphragm, the structure modes break-up the of severity the in higher resulting reduced greatly are higher frequencies. At a high enough At a high higher frequencies. diaphragms all loudspeaker frequency, will startflex since the to bend and uniformly motion isn’t driving the force the diaphragm. of all points at applied and ‘break-up,’ is called behavior This frequency in a very erratic it results So a harsh. that can sound response is engineers driver for challenge key into modes break-up those move to possible where as high frequencies as carbon diaphragms (hereafter called (hereafter diaphragms carbon use this also The bass drivers TPCD). very are These well. as material TPCD materials rigid exceptionally light but cones loudspeaker a superb for are that of weave broad a is TPCD domes. or of the strength fibers that has carbon total the not but diaphragms metal in point every at material uniformity advantage This is an the construction. at sharply as bend it doesn’t in that domes that use Textreme’s thin-ply thin-ply Textreme’s that use domes The high treble is handled by a by is handled The high treble

discern. discern. means it will have a smooth, well- smooth, a will it have means sound any for behavior controlled the finest human hearing can that even A well-made berylliumwill well-made A tweeter far out to frequencies hold its shape and that exceeding human hearing, S7ts, so a beryllium tweeter wasn’t a beryllium so wasn’t tweeter S7ts, on. compromise could they something It’s not used a whole lot since it’s so it’s since lot whole a used not It’s to wanted but Perlisten expensive, in the speaker possible the best make can be deployed on cones or domes cones on be deployed can rigidity of its extreme on account combined with its very weight. low a strong response well above the the above well response a strong Beryllium range of human hearing. that diaphragm is the best tweeter 1.1” beryllium1.1” which produces dome higher treble frequencies where their where frequencies higher treble active. isn’t array beamforming of-the-art waveguide on the tweeter, tweeter, the on of-the-artwaveguide in directivity but that is to control over a much wider bandwidth without wider bandwidth much a over gigantic. be to speaker the needing a state- incorporate does also Perlisten large. Through the ingenuity of of the ingenuity Through large. a found has Perlisten beamforming, vertical dispersion to restrict way large woofers, but either solution solution either but woofers, large very the speaker makes necessarily sound out at a wide angle in all at a widesound out all angle in place manufacturers Some directions. or use veryin a horn the midrange midrange drivers are usually projecting projecting usually are drivers midrange WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM

4 WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 5 The cabinet is a very heavy-duty The cabinet is a very heavy-duty construction made from high-density from made construction baffle is The front (HDF). fiberboard carvedpiece thick 2+” out curved, a at thicker even is It HDF block. an of with the it mates the points where The curvature main cabinet section. should mounts outside of the driver as diffraction baffle alleviate help to the bass sections. You would end up end would You sections. bass the system stereo verywith a powerful range. dynamic tremendous a with that bi-amping is about (One note AVR not want to use an do you the of section one to power amp have it may since separately speakers an to compared delay processing extra these since However, amp.) outboard if even 92dB sensitive, are speakers amplifier monster a have didn’t you still be able to would you hand, on get some serious SPLs with just 50 to That doesn’t 100 watts per channel. their capabilities of full advantage take THX be able to achieve wouldn’t and but in a large room, levels Reference I in a large room, weren’t if you enough have would am guessing they with people even most for headroom amplifier. modest a the midrange/tweeter sections and and sections midrange/tweeter the for amp 300-watt stereo a then add Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright The S7ts are bi-ampible/bi-wirable The S7ts are As was discussed before, the the before, As was discussed you have a 100-watt stereo amp on on amp 100-watt stereo a have you power to that use could you hand, Normally, I would say that there is little there that say I would Normally, home with bi-amping in advantage I but with the S7ts, speakers, audio is reason The exception. an will make a very bass formidable have that they with the speaker’s and section, driver handling, power 600-watt RMS total power can handle a lot more they amps home audio than what most still be better It would can deliver. single beefy amplifier to a use just to say but let’s the whole thing, power for the bass drivers. They are a sight are They drivers. the bass for of heavy-duty is a gob there to behold; polypropylene large inductors, air-core (with a nice 2% tolerance capacitors enshrouded resistors and ratings!), high-end are These heatsinks. in be what would are that components loudspeaker a in be seen to expected this price point. of sets of binding posts. two so have and drivers play from 22Hz to 550Hz, the 22Hz to 550Hz, from play drivers from play drivers set of bass middle domes the midrange 1,350Hz, 22Hz to the and 1kHz to 4kHz, from play 30kHz+. to 1kHz from plays tweeter of the While that explains the ranges explain how fully it doesn’t drivers, The is being controlled. their behavior in comes circuit crossover physical the one for separate boards: two the other and midranges and tweeter They would also be far less susceptible less far be also would They have we since compression thermal to of instead heat disperse to coils four just one. much in the S7t is not circuit crossover A circuit. crossover traditional a like requires design this of loudspeaker timings, phase varying amplitudes, the for bandwidths overlapping and bass lower and upper The drivers. they would have a lot more cumulative cumulative more lot a have would they driver. 14” normal a than force motor

crossover circuit crossover crossover circuit crossover

Perlisten S7t bass driver Perlisten

Perlisten S7t midrange/tweeter S7t midrange/tweeter Perlisten

The surface area of four 7” cones of four The surface area Perlisten also pays a great deal deal a great pays also Perlisten

a 14” cone, so all these bass drivers drivers all these bass so a 14” cone, that except driver, 14” bass a like are have the equivalent surface area of area the equivalent surface have

and real-world testing until they hit testing until they real-world and targets. performance their desired these iterations of computer modeling these iterations of computer modeling pan out in actual use. They go through through go They pan out in actual use. They then use a Klippel testing system Klippel testing a then use They simulations those well how see to at a variety of points in its excursion. in its excursion. a variety of points at by simulating the effect of various of effect the simulating by constructions materials and suspension excursion as possible. They do this do They possible. as excursion surround to have as long of a linear long of as have to surround S7t’s designers use their own modeling modeling their own use designers S7t’s the spider and techniques to optimize components of the bass drivers. The drivers. of the bass components of attention to the suspension the suspension of attention to bandwidth of the driver. of bandwidth reduces distortion and increases linear distortion and increases reduces expensive. These copper shorting copper These expensive. induction which rings will help reduce superior to aluminum albeit a bit more bit more albeit a aluminum to superior and in this function, copper is simply copper is simply function, and in this the driver more sensitive. Copper is Copper sensitive. more the driver but as shorting rings, driver, used in the One nice attribute of the S7t’s One nice attribute of the S7t’s a full sound from top to bottom of the of bottom to top from full sound a not just the It’s spectrum. frequency this that enables height of the tweeter the symmetry it is also of to happen; the close as well as array the driver the be sure, To spacing of the drivers. a for overkill be extreme would S7t’s but they meter listening distance, one a lower plate to get at the ports, so the ports, at get plate to lower a other sealing as easy as nearly not it’s loudspeakers. in its speakers tower other versus Many is the height of the tweeter. class speakers high-end tower other large, mounted the tweeters tend to have if a problem That isn’t high. relatively at a far distance the listener is seated the if However, speaker. the from angle where the listener is closer than tweeter the of dispersion the vertical missing will be they them, reach can the sound. from of the treble much speakers larger tower many For not it’s with a high-mounted tweeter, around than sit closer to advisable furtherand would back meters, three S7ts, Perlisten the For better. even be a one- Even this is not a problem. them should yield meter distance from be advantageous for subwoofer subwoofer for be advantageous are you maybe unless integration 40Hz below over subs the crossing be an unusual and that would or so, portsthe more, is What circumstance. the user and to access, not easy are as well plinth as the remove to has Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright There are two bottom-mounted bottom-mounted two are There would commonly be crossed over. over. crossed be commonly would wouldn’t Sealing these speakers a better method of taming the low low the taming of method better a come at the end since it doesn’t but sealing the cost of headroom, ports temper the deep bass would Sometimes sealing the ports output. integration subwoofer can help make since portseasier lot of a add can are the S7ts However, rotation. phase wouldn’t that there deeply tuned so mid- the at rotation phase much be subwoofers where frequencies bass not that such massive ports would not that such massive Perlisten turbulence. see much ever also supplies the S7ts with port plugs rather run the users who would for but configuration, sealed a in speakers think I can that circumstance the only be useful is in a that would of where is getting the user where small room massively which is gain room of lot a Even frequencies. the low boosting equalization as suggest I would then, and are flared on both ends. Those Those ends. both on flared are and what you portof kinds are dimensions expect to see in a subwoofer, would 22Hz is not of the -10dB spec so down-firing The surprising. all at of the portsconfiguration idea is a good boundary bit more a it will get in that the gain is a bit more also gain and have it will always since predictable ports Down-firing at least that much. mask port help to can also turbulence, ports, and they have a 3.5” diameter diameter 3.5” a have they and ports,

and the five-way posts were able to were posts the five-way and wire bare 12AWG my accommodate problem. with no connection to knock over. The terminal plate plate terminal The over. knock to also heavy-duty; and binding posts are pieces, large polished brass are they they do a lot to give these tall speakers tall speakers these give lot to a do they be easy wouldn’t they solid footing; concerned here. The plinth base and The plinth base here. concerned a solid steel pieces that weigh are feet and their own, on amount considerable in at a whopping 122 lbs. For those those For lbs. 122 whopping a in at cabinet resonances over who obsess is no need to be there and vibrations, interior panels are lined with butyl interior panels are an to up all adds This sheets. damping weighing inert enclosure, extremely vertical brace. The cabinet is chocked cabinet is chocked The vertical brace. the and stuffing, Dacron-type full of main bulk of the cabinet uses 0.75” uses cabinet the of bulk main and braces. HDF panels to 1.1” thick a and braces horizontal five are There well as make the S7t look sleeker. The sleeker. the S7t look make as well WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM

6 WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 7 Perlisten’s prime intention for the for prime intention Perlisten’s sound system are the same: that of that same: the are system sound the Only reproduction. sound accurate mapping range frequency and number that is great A speaker different. are should reproduction two-channel for surround- a fit into great a make also that was part and the of system, sound plan in the S7t design. two-channel system. That is certainly system. two-channel home theater because most believable subwoofers will incorporate systems the for the need negate will likely and If ability deep bass of the S7t speakers. home on focused more were Perlisten could have they theater applications, complexity and cost a lot of saved sealed a making the S7t speakers by better been a have design which would for low-end prescribed THX’s fit for at that being a roll-off loudspeakers, This slope. 80Hz with a 12dB/octave S7c their matching for design the is full-range true a Having speaker. center hurt for certainly doesn’t speaker when overkill but it’s theater, home It simply come into play. subwoofers the considering especially needed, isn’t Perlisten that subwoofers caliber of of a But the demands produces. also surround- and system two-channel S7t was to make the best speaker the best speaker S7t was to make they that system two-channel a for THX The could. Certification may are these speakers it seem like make but Perlisten home theater, for geared tells me that their main priority was superlative a for speaker a making Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright

One striking thing about the overall the overall One striking thing about

and labor at cost with no markup cost at labor and whatsoever. from the ground up, so they build so they up, the ground from crossovers, cabinets, drivers, their own their in all assembly final do and quality control They factories. own are and step every at consistency and issues supply susceptible to as not plague the consumer that currently at the moment. market electronics of the manufacturing Their ownership since down costs keep helps chain also of their parts acquiring much are they design is just how complex and and complex how just is design loudspeaker new a it is for ambitious that An explanation for manufacturer. is new, a business as is while Perlisten not new. it are the people who control are these before, mentioned was As own already they and industry veterans, processes. the manufacturing of much their control able to leverage are They chain a lot of the manufacturing over decided to go for a THX Certified a for decided to go of method one as rating Dominus the from separating themselves high-end loudspeaker other of crowd an that was although manufacturers, ancillary making to that of simply goal their ability. of loudspeakers the best it would believed they Nonetheless, in a buyers many for be an assurance does performance where marketplace price. to correlate necessarily not makes them the only speakers in the speakers them the only makes writing) this time of the (at world Perlisten certification. that boast to

Speaking of listening distance, this distance, Speaking of listening

offerings to meet the performance performance the meet to offerings course, which of that, do criteria to the only speakers among Perlisten’s Perlisten’s among speakers the only stage positioning. The S7t speakers are are The S7t speakers positioning. stage deep bass to meet THX Certified to meet deep bass front from performance Dominus-level supply the full range of sound including sound of the full range supply these is ‘Dominus Front Large LCR,’ Large LCR,’ Front ‘Dominus these is can alone speaker the that meaning Front.’ The most demanding among The most demanding Front.’ as ‘Dominus ‘Dominus as surround’ ‘Dominus and Breached.’ Within THX’s Within THX’s certification Breached.’ such sub-classes are there classes, THX Dominus Line Has Finally Been Line Has Finally THX Dominus and Perlisten: ‘Perlisten Audio: The The Audio: ‘Perlisten and Perlisten: Certified Dominus performance level, level, Certifiedperformance Dominus our prior article Dominus about read For more information about the THX the about information more For speakers are the only speakers that that speakers the only are speakers certifications. level Dominus any have as of the time of this writing, Perlisten Perlisten writing, this time of the of as rarified level of THX performance, and THX performance, of rarified level 6,500 cubic foot room. The S7t is S7t The room. 6,500 cubic foot this achieve to the first loudspeaker 20-foot listening distance within a within a listening distance 20-foot Reference level performance at a a at performance level Reference ‘Dominus’ level of THX certification, THX certification, of level ‘Dominus’ THX can achieve meaning they is a good point to discuss the S7t’s S7t’s the discuss point to is a good other speakers have in its class. class. in its have speakers other gives them a versatility that not many that not many a versatility them gives other flagship tower speakers. This speakers. tower other flagship are not constricted to only sounding to only not constricted are many so like far-field in the good For orchestral music in a much much in a music orchestral For thing first The performers some spaciousness and and spaciousness some performers Ms. ambiguity. of slight amount a thus the to anchored was voice Zaïcik’s added but the environment center, her a gave slight indistinction that a quality compared ethereal somewhat acoustically in an done recordings to acoustic These dryenvironment. that leapt out to that leapt me when playing on this recording the S7t speakers lifelike is how the instruments Zaïcik Ms. and the of range The dynamic sounded. wide and was unexpectedly recording I partly and attribute uncompressed, of the that aspect to the realism This is an album that really sound. of the 24 advantage take to seems digital the of range dynamic of bits like sound it made recording The file. to closer seated was listener the farther, than rather performers the had still the soundstage so and the Nonetheless, precision. some space of the recording, performance du Saint Esprit de Paris, Temple the the that gave reverberation a add did more traditional vein, I found a recent a recent I found traditional vein, more label Alpha the from release hi-res Handel.’ ‘Royal called Qobuz on of arias is a collection This album of Academy the Royal for composed eighteenth centuryMusic in the early with but Handel Georg by mostly other composers. by pieces a few Zaïcik Eva by sung are arias These accompaniment instrumental with quartet chamber Le the baroque by on display The musicianship Consort. as high order an extremely is of here the production quality; is the recording produced, and recorded is superbly label and Classics Alpha the typical of artistry. musical of level this befitting of James Larson James Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright instruments andinstruments vocals and natural all sounded well-balanced through the S7Ts.” “...the timbre ofthe timbre “...the Through the S7t speakers, ‘Voices’ ‘Voices’ the S7t speakers, Through lovers of orchestral music would be would music orchestral of lovers with their presentation. delighted course, these large towers were quite were towers these large course, whereas comfortablerange, a such in or bookshelf speakers smaller towers shortchanged slightly the might have the at energyof amount present Everythingnatural sounded end. low guess I would and well-balanced, and what to is close this reproduction have engineers would the recording on terrific sounded ‘Voices’ intended. that sure I am and the S7t speakers, imaged with precision, although an although with precision, imaged large one is essentially which orchestra, imprecise inherently has section, string the from singing wordless The imaging. Grace Davidson soloist as choir as well of much and quite beautiful, sounded from aside the instrumental playing, a wall of cohesive was like soloists, double- cellists and many So sound. this music weighted naturally bassists of and, frequencies, low towards more some kind of modern nadir in human some kind of modern nadir in human Qobuz from be streamed It can rights. high-quality audio in lossless, Tidal and formats. which had a cinematic quality, string- the is not surprising given as Richter’s as well orchestra heavy for scores creating in background soundstage The movies. and television soloists were and one, was a broad moving one, especially considering the especially one, moving of summer the release: its time of to qualify as an era which had 2020, One album that In my 24’ by 13’ (approximately) 13’ (approximately) 24’ by In my

and recorded album and also a very and recorded from synths played by Richter. This Richter. by played synths from label Decca the on released recording, performed is a gorgeously in 2020, are abetted by a twelve-piece choir twelve-piece a by abetted are is There singer. lead soprano a and atmospherics electronic some also twenty-four cellos, six violas, eight eight violas, six cellos, twenty-four The instruments a harp. and violins, of this landmark document. Richter’s Richter’s document. of this landmark all it is one; peculiar a is orchestra double-basses, twelve strings featuring Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. 1948. of Rights Human of Declaration begins with a Each of its movements the thirtyone of of articlesrecitation work with a one hour, forty-seven forty-seven with a one hour, work symphonic a is ‘Voices’ runtime. minute the Universal to dedicated work Richter’s ‘Voices,’ ‘Voices,’ Richter’s a mammoth neoclassical the S7t speakers the S7t speakers Max was Listening I listened to with speakers: much appreciated! much speakers: Music the purpose of this review, so we so we the purpose of this review, amplifier with enough an have could these of full advantage take to power we should give a word of thanks to thanks of word a give should we the JC 5 for supplying for Parasound was handled by a Parasound JC 5 with a Parasound was handled by duties being handled pre-amplification Here interface. audio M2 a MOTU by speakers was about 9 feet. No room room No feet. 9 about was speakers No equalization was used. correction Amplification used. were subwoofers and listening position. I angled the and listening position. position. to face the listening speakers the from distance listening The between the back wall and sidewall sidewall wall and back the between speakers between and equal distance listening room, I set up the speakers the speakers I set up room, listening distances stand-off of feet few with a Listening Sessions Listening WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM

8 WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 9 James Larson James “The dynamics me of a reminded performancelive but without the harshness sound that some live systems can have...” of fun for me with the S7t speakers, and me with the S7t speakers, of fun for that I reviewed speaker I wish every a looking for Anyone was as capable. need the addition that doesn’t speaker should serious bass for of a subwoofer look. close a speakers these give hot or a speaker given a mid-bass a given speaker or a hot These ‘punchiness.’ simulate to boost decide let the recording speakers and can scale with when to be punchy I’m used the dynamics accordingly. but in use, subs powerful to having them with miss not did I absolutely full- true are S7ts the speakers; these minutes 28 was ‘Temp’ speakers. range music from this genre, it is not as ‘noisy’ as it is not this genre, from music not as many are in that there as others but simultaneously, occurring sounds are occur that do of the sounds many The compositions throttle. full given of the layering and intricate, are here the forefront to alternate instruments the type of product a the sound, of this mix. for chosen of compression sound, a instrument makes When an or snare or kick drum a as such the and it is loud, synth lead, some instrument each give S7t speakers me The dynamics reminded its due. but without performance of a live sound the harshness that some live loud without It was can have. systems The bass was big yet being shrill. running a subwoofer unlike balanced, Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright

I cranked the I cranked For something that could stress stress could that something For

button for ‘Temp.’ button ‘Temp.’ for As electronic that any normal floor-standing speaker speaker normal floor-standing that any are S7ts the but it justice, do could speakers. not normal floor-standing use an album like I would Ordinarily, but the review, subwoofer a this for that capable be so to look S7t speakers subwoofer- produce could they maybe performance like here. and volume play the clicked the S7t speakers can do for their can do for the S7t speakers recordings. S7t the ability of range dynamic the their low-frequency especially speakers, Genesis’s Tek I selected capability, music electronic of album an ‘Temp,’ from rhythms breakbeat spans that futuristic- This dubstep. to drum’n’bass heavy filled with is music sounding doubt so that I would much so bass, even-handed tonality combined tonality combined even-handed gave soundstage with the evocative the of this album the reproduction stereo of presentation holographic anyone I’m not sure at its finest. sound of showing better a for ask could the what than Romancin’’ ‘Strictly isn’t if this presentation S7ts could do; the recording by intended what was been. should have it really engineers, what love will surely lovers Jazz music Russel and her ensemble sounded as ensemble sounded her and Russel a personal giving me were they though The room. family my in performance was vivid and positively soundstage squarely was voice Russel’s picturesque. and the speakers, between centered well-defined had also the instruments as placements within the soundstage sounded instruments and Vocals well. sense outstanding an with realistic The timbre. natural and clarity of transporting the listener to a different transportinga different the listener to S7t speakers, On the environment.

The recording The recording Moving up the musical clock by clock by up the musical Moving

of transporting the performers of transporting the performers than rather room the listener’s to in themselves. This has the effect effect the has This themselves. in us a clearer clearer us a and instruments look at the vocals reverb. This gives reverb. not much added added not much dry in the sense is that there Romancin’’ is Romancin’’ is for ‘Strictly ‘Strictly for production techniques. techniques. production classic tunes can sound with modern sound can tunes classic is top notch, and this is a superb this is a superb and is top notch, these good how showing for recording The production on ‘Strictly Romancin’’ ‘Strictly on The production intent of these once-popular classics. once-popular classics. these intent of so her family background gives her her gives background her family so and sound the of perspective deep a involved in this original music scene, scene, music original in this involved band sound or sometimes a ragtime a sometimes or sound band were parents Catherine Russell’s feel. Holiday, so it veers more towards a big a towards more it veers so Holiday, the likes of Duke Ellington and Billie of Duke the likes the decades. The album has a bright The album has a the decades. of with covers mood swinging and much these genres have changed over changed over have these genres much jazz or blues and shows just how just how shows jazz or blues and might be classified as jazz or blues, it or blues, jazz might be classified as contemporary resemble much not does by Catherine Russell. While this music While this music Catherine Russell. by early jazz and blues compositions from from compositions blues and jazz early performed are that the 40s to the 30s Romancin’’ is an album of covers of Romancin’’ is an album of covers a couple hundred years, ‘Strictly ‘Strictly years, hundred couple a beautifully. The entire presentation came together came presentation The entire sounded natural and well-balanced. well-balanced. and natural sounded speakers. Through the S7ts, the timbre the timbre the S7ts, Through speakers. all the instrumentsvocals of and immaculately rendered by the S7t S7t the by rendered immaculately seemed to be custom-made for opera, opera, for be custom-made seemed to was her voice of perfection the and her smooth yet vibrant voice that voice vibrant yet smooth her to Ms. Zaïcik’s ethereal quality was quality was ethereal Zaïcik’s to Ms. nuances were easy to distinguish easy to distinguish were nuances adding Also S7t speakers. on the James Larson James “The S7ts are one of are “The S7ts accurate the most I have that speakers and one also reviewed ofthe most dynamic.” fun. ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ was a terrific was a terrific Kong’ ‘Godzilla vs. fun. such having and movies, the at night sound high-fidelity and powerful a to critical ingredient a was system happen. that making needed or missed. Tom Holkenborg’s Holkenborg’s Tom missed. or needed with sounds electronic mixed score and it instrumentation, orchestral titanic the as towering as sounded though I watched Even title characters. it was verya at level, loud movie the listen to obnoxious or all painful not at that is the total for and one reason to, I distortion. of kind any of absence such at movie a watch never would typical speakers with levels elevated be able to wouldn’t because they either run into would They it. handle out. distortionhigh woofer a knock or sounded everything S7ts, With the of ease the fact, In bell. a as clear as is a bit the sound at such high levels scary exposure the noise considering A loud movie through. ears I put my do to likely while isn’t in a once these but damage, hearing last any much so And easy. it so make speakers than any commercial cinema I have cinema I have commercial than any a caused The slug matches been to. step from every and palpable rumble, as heard. as well was felt these beasts to shake managed The monsters’ roars the S7t speakers. through sofa my not absolutely were Subwoofers Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright The S7ts, The S7ts, So far, I have found the newest the newest found have I far, So of these monsters plus the epic music plus the epic music monsters these of better if not as good as sounded score the speakers the speakers rip. powered 5, JC the by an made for absolutely commanding combination movie a for The like this. sounds effects movie, it felt more like a pay-per-view pay-per-view a like more it felt movie, than Don King rather set up by event ostensible storyan serious with any that. fine with I was but drama, human with this a movie to say, Needless is matter subject and budget colossal THX Certified for to be a feast sure one thing but it’s speakers, Dominus to another and that assume simply to the I cranked experience it. actually let and volume the Perlisten S7ts were a fine speaker a fine speaker S7ts were the Perlisten it with. hear to be to movies Kong Godzilla/King quite cinematic lot of fun if not a only was it Of course, masterpieces. these giants a matter of time before and duel, to together brought were HBO Max on it catch to I managed it left S7ts before with the Perlisten Going into the service. that streaming dialogue with the S7t speakers, even even with the S7t speakers, dialogue the movie watch not I did though speech was All the level. at a loud titular when the even crystalclear, slurred and drunk became character frequent). was (which speaking his ‘Mank’ mix, sound its eccentric Given to use to movie be a great wouldn’t respect system in any a sound assess but it speech intelligibility, except for and as an entertaining movie, is great home in a Hollywood production of production home in a Hollywood following problems no had I era. that A movie A movie the type that would have been at have would the type that intelligibility, it is great since there is since there it is great intelligibility, itself dialogue The dialogue. much so banter of fast-paced witty, is mostly of the higher treble output. While it’s While it’s output. treble higher the of sound certainlyconventional a not speech for demonstration a as mix, some of the recording techniques techniques some of the recording much reduced have also used would sound mix was intended to emulate mix was intended to emulate sound so it was 1940s, the early from mixes and mix, sound monaural a actually a normal modern movie at all, but that but all, at movie modern normal a with turned out not to be a problem the that read later I equipment. my discourse. One thing that I noticed in noticed I that thing One discourse. ‘Mank’ was a certain flatness watching like sound not It did mix. the sound of ingenuity in injecting sharp humor and humor in injecting sharp ingenuity in its spoken characterization incisive Mankiewicz himself was one of the himself was Mankiewicz so in his day, writers of dialogue great his approach would this movie hopefully good demonstration of the S7t’s ability ability of the S7t’s demonstration good in speech intelligibility since it seemed movie. dialogue-driven largely a like house, I figured it was a great time to great a it was I figured house, much- to watch this sit down finally to be a ‘Mank’ ought anticipated movie. figures of Hollywood from past to past from of Hollywood figures in speakers S7t the With present. of Orson Wells as well as David as David as well Wells of Orson an like seemed this movie Fincher, great intersection of some of the Mankiewicz’ Mankiewicz’ ‘Citizen for screenplay of the creation a longtime fan been Having Kane.’ ‘Mank,’ which which ‘Mank,’ concerns Herman on Netflix Netflix on was David Fincher’s watch since since watch its release I had been been I had to intending Movie Watching Movie

WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 10 WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 11 Understanding Loudspeaker Review Measurements Measurements Review Loudspeaker Understanding . In these graphs, we get a closer look at what at look closer a get we graphs, In these . The above graphs depict the S7t’s lateral responses out lateral responses the S7t’s depict graphs The above a slightly warm touch in more acoustically lively rooms rooms lively acoustically warm touch in more a slightly energetic in be as that point won’t above since frequencies be very would if audible at all, The effect, acoustic reflections. well occurring dips and Q peaks high some are There mild. narrow far too are but they 9kHz and above, off-axis around is not There concern. be of any to be audible and shouldn’t reiterate to except graphs these from note to else much is overall. exceptional the performance just how to 90 degrees in five-degree increments. More information information More increments. in five-degree to 90 degrees this in can be read these graphs to interpret about how article: Part II here have What we at off-axis angles. is occurring exactly the of neutral response the sublimely is another look at That 2kHz. bit above a narrow does directivity The S7t. of response the direct far off-axis to affect too happens that from reflections the acoustic however, listener, any of an emphasis on the range below put more angle may in giving the speakers might result The effect that point. of sound that is projected by the S7t speakers has excellent has the S7t speakers by that is projected of sound listening the within projected sound the to correspondence will not reflection acoustic any that means That window. listening realistic any for sound the direct departfrom very can be predictably speaker and also that this position equalized. Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright

Understanding Loudspeaker Measurements Part 1. Part 1. Measurements Loudspeaker Understanding

The above graph shows the direct-axis frequency response response frequency the direct-axis shows graph The above The Perlisten S7t speakers were measured in free-air at a at in free-air measured were S7t speakers The Perlisten

curve, and that indicates that the entire front hemisphere hemisphere front the entire that indicates that and curve, note is the terrifically flat First Reflections Directivity Index Index Directivity First Reflections flat terrifically the is note content seem better or worse than it really is. One aspect to is. than it really content seem better or worse sound mixes as well as simply listening to them; the output them; listening to simply as well as mixes sound the or make lie to you don’t so they the input, will reflect flat that these speakers could easily be used to create to create be used could easily flat that these speakers deviation from neutrality is a 1dB bump at around 11kHz, 11kHz, neutrality is a 1dB bump at around from deviation so response a is This all. at audible be wouldn’t that and loudspeaker on and off-axis. The most significant on-axis The most off-axis. and on loudspeaker curve here. This graph tells us that it is a superbly neutral neutral superbly tells us that it is a This graph curve here. article in every S7t puts up an excellent showing The Perlisten about the meaning of these curves, please refer to our to refer please curves, these of meaning the about response in a number of ways. For more information information more For ways. of number in a response and other curves that describe the speaker’s amplitude amplitude curvesother and speaker’s the describe that

have been smoothed at a 1/24 octave resolution. octave 1/24 a at been smoothed have and accuracy is completely lost below 100Hz. Measurements Measurements 100Hz. lost below and accuracy is completely and the measurements were gated at a 11-millisecond delay. 11-millisecond delay. a at gated were measurements the and 200Hz, is lost below some resolution In this time window, height of 11’ 2” at a 2-meter distance from the microphone, microphone, the from 2-meter distance a at 11’ 2” of height Measurements In our polar map view of the vertical dispersion of of the vertical dispersion view In our polar map The above graph shows the S7t’s response behavior along behavior response the S7t’s shows graph The above the S7t speakers, we get a better look at how effective effective get a better look at how we the S7t speakers, truly it is And is. really technique beam-forming Perlisten’s output drops angle, Outside of a +/-15-degree impressive. sufficient than be more should angle That dramatically. off ones even the vertical axis, all listeners on to encompass are There room. large in a platform elevated an on seated too are they but there, and here lobes off-axis slight some and positive degree values are above the tweeter. It should the tweeter. above values are degree and positive the critical as as isn’t response the vertical that here be said is vertical dispersion imperfect an so response, horizontal the at look verya is This interesting problem. a of less much quite seen haven’t I and S7t, the of dispersion beam-formed some still has response The off-axis it before. like anything but lobing striations, energyacoustic very in some narrow of higher level has a considerably ‘beam’ of sound the main different a get to map polar it in a at look a take Let’s energy. what is occurring... of view its vertical axis where zero degrees is directly in front of in front is directly degrees zero its vertical axis where the tweeter, below are values degree negative the tweeter, Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright James Larson James

Understanding Loudspeaker Review Review Loudspeaker Understanding . controlled dispersion into dispersion controlled or especially mid-range frequencies frequencies.” bass “I have never seen such tightly seen such tightly never “I have In the polar map of the S7t, we get a better look at we of the S7t, In the polar map The above polar map graphs show the same information information the same show graphs polar map The above 40-degrees will still be met with an even response out to response will met with still be an even 40-degrees 20kHz. such a wide dispersion at such a high frequency, at least at high frequency, such a wide dispersion at such a designs. certainand waveguide tweeters ribbon of outside far off-axis as as listeners seated With the S7t speakers, narrowing of directivity in the top end of the response as it as in the top end of the response of directivity narrowing have to speaker a for not common It’s 20kHz. approaches almost certainly going to be the case in any normal listening normal listening almost certainly to be the case in any going any hardly is there that note is to One feature situation. a see speakers Most frequencies. treble in high beaming the dispersion and the consequence of the narrowing of narrowing the of consequence the and dispersion the be should listeners sound, full a For 2kHz. above directivity is That angle. the on-axis of +/-40-degrees within a seated refer the reader to the reader refer Part II Measurements trends of the speaker’s behavior more easily. For more more For easily. more behavior the speaker’s of trends again we graphs, these the meaning of about information polar maps use color to portray amplitude, and this allows and this allows amplitude, use color to portray polar maps The perspective. axis angle/frequency purely a of use the can let us see broader is they of these graphs advantage that the preceding graphs do but depict it in a way that can that way depict it in a but do graphs preceding the that Instead behavior. speakers’ these regarding insight new offer these amplitude, of using individual raised lines to illustrate

WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 12 WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 13

I didn’t get a chance to measure the sensitivity of the sensitivity of the measure to chance a get didn’t I The above graphs show the electrical behavior of the S7t of the electrical behavior show graphs The above S7t speakers, but I find Perlisten’s spec of 92dB at 2.83v at of 92dB spec but I find Perlisten’s S7t speakers, sheer and layout the driver be very1m to plausible given sensitivity is 92db is that more is What the cabinet. size of for vouches THX so rating, a Dominus THX for by mandated average, 92dB is certainly above sensitivity spec. Perlisten’s amp monster a need don’t speakers these means that and beefier amplification than that to exploit their tremendous their tremendous beefier amplification than that to exploit minima saddle The low-frequency capability. dynamic range indicates that port is in the mid 20s Hertz tuning range is 25Hz). tells me that the port tuning frequency (Perlisten is saddle peak in the low-frequency frequency The lower and that tells us peak, than the upper frequency lower much deeper than the resonant tuning is much that the enclosure 25hz port a given not surprising the drivers, of frequency is here take-away The overall drivers. 7” bass tuning versus the given electrical load normal that this is a reassuringly topology. driver and circuit exotic crossover speakers. Much of the response rides around the 5-ohm the around rides response the of Much speakers. a 4-ohm nominal as the S7ts characterizes Perlisten mark. not are angles The phase is correct. that and speaker, is there so dips, the impedance of any at steep especially for might be a hefty load It here. nothing to worry about AVR high-end mid- to a even but amplifier, verya cheap encourage would I fine - although just S7ts the drive could Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright

The above graphs show the S7t’s low-frequency responses responses low-frequency S7t’s the show graphs above The

fourth-order slope. fourth-order that we fall off the cliff much more rapidly with the expected rapidly more fall off the cliff much that we order slope down to port tuning around 20Hz, and below below and 20Hz, port to down slope tuning around order speakers because it will yield a more neutral bass response response neutral bass it will because yield a more speakers to be a first- see what appears we Looking closely, in-room. response is always a sensible design decision for tower tower for decision sensible design a is always response two. So, a loudspeaker with a flat response down to deep to down flat response with a loudspeaker a So, two. This tapered in practice. bass bloated will end up having bass gain or pressure vessel gain and usually a combination of the of combination a usually and gain vessel pressure or gain give a boost to low frequencies whether through boundary whether through frequencies low to boost a give fact, it’s what we see in nearly every tower speaker I have have I speaker tower every in nearly see we what it’s fact, will always domestic rooms is that The reason reviewed. a bit below 100Hz, and this is a very common design; in this is a very and design; common 100Hz, a bit below open area). We can see that the response gently tapers off tapers gently response the that see can We area). open that I captured using groundplane measurements (where (where measurements using groundplane that I captured in a wide- on the ground are microphone and the speaker

vertical directivity control I have ever seen. seen. ever I have control vertical directivity real work here, and the results are amazing. This is the best the is This amazing. are results the and here, work real be the primary determinant of the response in that range. be the primaryrange. in that the response of determinant technology DPC beam-forming is putting in some Perlisten’s domestic rooms; in other words, the room’s acoustics will acoustics room’s the words, in other rooms; domestic that range lays below the transition frequencies of most of frequencies transition the below lays range that frequencies. The beam does begin to widen below 300Hz, 300Hz, below begin to widen does The beam frequencies. since anymore as much matter it doesn’t and at that point dispersion into mid-range frequencies or especially bass or especially into mid-range frequencies dispersion and AMTs or tweeters that had vertical restriction from from restriction vertical that had or tweeters AMTs and controlled seen such tightly never I have but a waveguide, bands in speakers that have tall diaphragms such as ribbons ribbons such as diaphragms tall have that in speakers bands bandwidth. I have seen narrow vertical directivity in tweeter in tweeter directivity vertical narrow seen have I bandwidth. low in energy to matter. The most significant aspect of this aspect significant The most energy in low to matter. such a large beam is over the controlled well is how graph I could critique them for being somewhat large and being somewhat I could critique them for The above two graphs are more polar maps of the of maps polar more are graphs two above The listing the strengths briefly by reviews end my I normally a good deal. There are a lot of great speakers in that price speakers a lot of great are There deal. a good far that so envelope the design pushes but Perlisten range, first choice were be my that the S7ts would to say I have are They price point. that at speakers tower for shopping I value at the also a good are but they speakers, expensive time. same before, mentioned was as again, then but heavy, rather horizontal and vertical dispersion of the S7t, but these of the S7t, horizontal and vertical dispersion acoustic of the speaker’s exhibit the full circumference showed which only polar maps the previous radiation unlike these showing am I pattern. radiation semicircle front the with has a better point of comparison so that the reader their product on shown are that maps polar own Perlisten’s I am also full the 180-degrees. which displays spec sheet, of can get a wider view these so that the reader showing vertical that Again, here. work at control directivity the design. artof in loudspeaker work is a control directivity Conclusion and start with under review of the product and weaknesses Perlisten with the do difficult to is that but weaknesses, the I weaknesses. real any have it doesn’t since speaker S7t that but pair, a $16k for at pricey, it is rather that say could I think that it is and deal, that it is not a good imply would Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright The above graph depicts harmonic distortion depicts harmonic graph quantities The above distortion for the S7t is spectacularly low. low. distortionthe S7t is spectacularly for but distortion is still very low; at its highest point, it is still at its highest point, but distortionvery is still low; Nothing THD. 0.5% which is fundamental the below 40dB Non-linear audible. remotely be to likely is here shown distortion in some frequencies and amplify it in others. The amplify it in others. and distortion in some frequencies domes the midrange bit where rise a harmonic does 2nd 4kHz, around playback for is on its own The tweeter off. roll acoustics of the room alter the true performance of the S7t the of performance true the alter room the of acoustics true speaker artificially suppress in that range which would 50dB below the fundamental. The measured distortion measured The fundamental. the below 50dB While graph. in this ignored be should 150Hz about below the see a rise in that region, likely most distortion would noise floor, and that made distortion testing possible. This distortionthat made and testing possible. noise floor, the S7t’s yet level, loud relatively a at conducted was test to 45 around hovering low, extremely distortionremains typically do outdoor testing which has too high of a noise high of a too which has testing outdoor do typically fortunatewas I be to However, results. accurate for floor in an indoor facility with a low testing the S7t speakers of the S7t for a 95dB output level at 2 meters using a at 2 meters level a 95dB output for of the S7t this since I measure normally I don’t tone. sine wave swept handling spec of 600 watts RMS does tell us that they can they tell us that RMS does spec of 600 watts handling handy. one have if you amp monster a of advantage take to play loud, but their maximum recommended power power recommended maximum but their loud, to play

WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 14 WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 15 They are a true full-range speaker a true full-range speaker are They the close, a to Bringing this review speakers for both two-channel both two-channel for speakers or as a partapplications of a front- sound surround killer a in stage money more can spend You system. I’m but than these, on loudspeakers significant any are that there not sure gains to be had in terms of sound and if very accurate, These are quality. that so many of those “wow” factor “wow” of those many that so The good. need to sound speakers without factor “wow” that have S7ts small quality in a sacrificing sound listening distances. close or room and to 20Hz, down bass with solid all at subwoofer a need not do they subs Adding assistance. low-end for out can still be beneficial in smoothing to going aren’t but they modes, room dynamic range unless a lot more add With a hot bass. extremely like you they sensitivity of 92dB, high relatively need a monster amp to get loud, don’t if amp monster a handle can but they if you And super-loud. get want to you the only having of rights want bragging THX CertifiedLCR Large Dominus that. you will these give rating, outstanding are S7t speakers Perlisten want a speaker with a lot of “wow” “wow” with a lot of want a speaker room large a have but don’t factor Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright

Unlike many other tower speakers speakers other tower many Unlike

after all, how many people are actually actually are people many how all, after bus- at a their speakers listening to people some Maybe length distance? because the tweeter is set at a more more a at set is tweeter the because large many so than height sensible the is more, What speakers. tower on the vertical axis control directivity rare is that uniformity a for provides and this in this segment, speakers for as is verythe sound means predictable This is a altitude. listening matter of a of high- significant aspect more much speaker many than audio home end for; it credit give seem to companies an edge over competing speakers. The speakers. competing over edge an unusual is flexibility that a have S7ts does distance seating class; this in them. with very matter not much the-artstate-of some flagship are Here just work that would speakers tower as they in a small bedroom as well The in a large home theater. would emanating is that the sound reason integrate at a much the drivers from also and normal than distance closer in their price class, they can be listened can they in their price class, of loss without any distance close a at possible which is made quality, sound more put I want to array. the driver by of emphasis on this since this is one have they I feel why the big reasons

So, without any real weaknesses, are are weaknesses, real without any So,

visiting friends who see them. them. who see visiting friends cool-looking speakers and are sure sure are and cool-looking speakers from comments inquisitive to draw expected from their pricing. They are are They their pricing. expected from impressive and exhibits the exquisite impressive be would that detail to attention the most dynamic. The build quality is the most dynamic. that I have reviewed and also one of reviewed that I have Perlisten S7t speakers do. These are These are do. S7t speakers Perlisten speakers accurate the most of one not deliver at that pricing, but the at that pricing, not deliver think that buyers have the right to have think that buyers do Some brands expect excellence. at $16k for a pair of loudspeakers, I a pair of loudspeakers, at $16k for out to accomplish. But then again, again, then But accomplish. to out go so far as to call them perfect but but to call them perfect far as so go set rather excellent at what they these “perfect” speakers? I wouldn’t I wouldn’t speakers? “perfect” these

can never please everyone all the time everyone please never can aesthetics. with loudspeaker criticism doesn’t hold. Anyway, you you Anyway, hold. criticism doesn’t in this price range probably aren’t aren’t probably range price in this that even so wallflower, a for looking again, shoppers for tower speakers speakers tower for shoppers again, but I think they look quite nice, and nice, look quite but I think they could say that some people might not could say appearance, unusual their slightly like in a small room. If I had to pick nits, I If I had to pick nits, in a small room. the room so long as they aren’t placed aren’t as they so long the room These are not behemoths that have a that have not behemoths These are dominate nor will they huge footprint room, I was able to set them up myself. able to set them up myself. I was room, or large; whilehelp carrying I needed large; or listening my to speakers the packaged that they are not unmanageably heavy heavy not unmanageably are that they their size or weight. What is more is more is What weight. or their size shoppers for tower speakers in this speakers tower for shoppers by will price range bothered not be

RATING RATING Perlisten Audio Perlisten Verona, WI 53593 Verona, 807 Liberty Drive

Performance x Price Factor/Value = Rating Factor/Value x Price Performance The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening are indicated below The ratings (reserved for features or areas that exceed market norms) exceed market that areas or features for (reserved

www.perlistenaudio.com Score Card Score Value Imaging Appearance Build Quality Fit and Finish Fit and Bass Accuracy Bass Bass Extension Bass Dynamic Range Midbass Quality Midbass Treble Extension Treble Midrange Accuracy Midrange Treble Smoothness Treble Outstanding +1 (414) 895-6009 • [email protected]

Above Average Above

Average

Below average Below

Copyright © 1998–2021 Audioholics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.All Rights LLC. Audioholics, © 1998–2021 Copyright Very poor Very

The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. for. it is designed the duty doing equipment piece of each on is based below The scoring Audioholics.comNote:

Performance

METRIC METRIC Audioholics Ratings Scale: The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus unit, each of cost individual the to with respect heavily weighed are numbers The to: equal roughly rating a giving scale is based on performance/ The rating question. in of the product and objective testing that have lower reviews in future products performing better notice If you value ratio. Other culprit. the is most likely that the value factor be aware numbersin certain areas, and each reviewer solely based on performance, products may rate Audioholics reviewers ratings. system for has his/her own By James Larson By James Email - [email protected] Non-exclusive reprint rights have been provided to been provided rights have reprint Non-exclusive Audioholics. The original review can be viewed online at be viewed can The original review Audioholics. www.audioholics.com Perlisten to reprint and freely distribute this review. Any Any review. this distribute freely and reprint to Perlisten partiesother by or review this of instances or uses other from without prior approvals prohibited are Perlisten by a true endgame sound system. system. sound true endgame a that can put an end to the upgrade the to end an put can that to skip or just a way many, cycle for on land and upgrades incremental past all-around loudspeakers that can be loudspeakers all-around They price. any at the moment at had designs loudspeakers aspirational are S7ts do everything well- and a lot of a and well- do everything S7ts In ‘well.’ better than just things much of the best some are they opinion, my and there are extreme speakers with with speakers extreme are there and but the wider dynamic range, an even that they are highly amenable to to amenable highly are they that that can gains are There equalization. speakers, prettier in getting be had you aren’t after accurate tonality, they they tonality, after accurate aren’t you directivity controlled finely such have

WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM 16