Today, I had the delightful experience of attending an event organized by AvStore, widely recognized as the finest headphone showroom in Romania, and equally known for its impressive array of speakers.
Not only did I have the chance to continue my review of the Stax headphones, but I also got to listen to the AudioNEC Evo 1 Speakers. These were part of an extraordinary system, including the Chord Dave as DAC, Chord Ultima Pre, and Chord Ultima Amplifiers.
Despite only having about 30 minutes to experience the system, it was more than enough to understand the potential of the speakers and the overall setup. Here, I attempt to share a snapshot of this experience.
Additionally, I made an attempt to encapsulate the unique audio experience offered by these speakers through a sound recording. Using a Shure MV88+ microphone attached to a Galaxy S23 Ultra phone, I was able to capture a snapshot of the speaker’s performance. While it’s important to note that a recording like this cannot wholly replicate the full extent of the AudioNec Evo 1’s impressive audio quality, it certainly offers listeners a taste of what they can expect from these speakers.
You can find the recording here.
Bass
The bass was rather surprising. Initially, I focused on midrange-centric songs, rich in vocals and instruments. However, when one particular song introduced some potent drum beats, it nearly had me drop my phone. The bass was powerful, and I could feel its impact. It stood out as a strong characteristic of both the bass section and the speakers as a whole. While the sub-bass was adequate, I wish I had a bit more whoomph there, but that might have also been something specific to the room. All in one, it was really engaging & fun. Impressive experience overall!
Midrange
The midrange of these speakers was truly enchanting. It was bursting with intricate details and textures, notably in the middle of the midrange spectrum. Although the lower midrange didn’t quite dominate, each song had a way of pulling me further into the musical narrative. This is where the true charm of these speakers lies – the midrange is skillfully textured and naturally conveyed. Both instruments and vocals, particularly the latter, were so vividly represented that it felt as though I was experiencing the performance live, right in front of the band or singers.
Treble
The treble was intriguing. Neither smooth nor bright, it brought out the details especially in the lower treble, adding more ‘air’ to the sound stage. The treble region felt more physical and sparkly, a unique characteristic that I hadn’t experienced before.
Space
These speakers delivered one of the most spacious sounds I have ever encountered. The sense of space was astonishing, replicating the ambiance of a live concert. In fact, when I listened to a live concert recording, I was so immersed that I felt as if I was part of the audience.
Tonality
The tonality was fascinating and felt natural, spacious, and lively, with instruments and vocals sounding real. Although I tend to prefer a slight emphasis on the lower midrange, which wasn’t the case here, the overall tonality was impressive.
Details
The details were plentiful, coming from all directions, with each instrument and vocal rendered in a lifelike manner.
Dynamics/Transients
The macrodynamics of the speakers were particularly striking. Explosive transients made the music feel energetic and lively. However, I still need to assess the microdynamics. Preliminary listening gave me the impression that the speakers perform better at higher volumes, but I would need more time to confirm this.
Summary
Interestingly, I previously had the opportunity to listen to the AudioNEC speakers at the Munchen High End Audio Show. At that time, I can’t say I was particularly impressed – something seemed off, whether it was a mismatch with the equipment or the acoustics of the room. They didn’t sound bad, but the system didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. However, my experience today painted a different picture.
Reflecting on it now, the AudioNEC Evo 1 speakers provided an audio experience that was both unique and immersive. The bass surprised me with its potent resonance, while the midrange was teeming with rich details and textures. The treble struck a fascinating balance between detail and ‘airiness’, resulting in a distinctive soundstage. One of the most remarkable attributes was the sheer spaciousness of the sound they produced, successfully reproducing the ambience of a live concert. The overall tonality was natural, expansive, and energetic, rendering vocals and instruments with striking realism. I also noted the impressive macrodynamics, which offered an energetic and lively musical journey. As for the microdynamics, I think a more extended listening session is needed for a fair evaluation. All things considered, these speakers introduce a fresh perspective on sound, one that any discerning audiophile would find worth investigating.
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