In this review we check out the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX speakers. They sell for $ 2,600 USD per pair.
Disclaimer: Arendal provided the 1723 Monitor THX speakers for this review on loan. Headfonia and Arendal are in no way related. They are not site advertisers.
Arendal Sound
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian brand that produces a wide range of audiophile grade speakers and subwoofers. Established with a focus on quality and affordability, Arendal Sound has quickly gained popularity with the consumers.
At the time of writing, Arendal Sound has three separate lines of products. The 1961 Subwoofers, the 1723 speakers and subwoofers and their all-new 1528 flagship speakers. In each lineup we can find different speakers for different use-cases. Some of them are home cinema centric, while others are purely hi-fi focused.
What separates Arendal from their competition is their extensive support and benefits. They offer 60 days auditioning period, free shipping and returns as well as a ten-year warranty! Arendal only sells direct to the consumer, skipping a distributor/dealer network on their part. This way, they can offer their products at more competitive prices.
Arendal produce their speakers to be room independent. Meaning that they should produce a reliable sound from any room and any listening position. Though we know that the room is one of the most critical aspects of stereo listening. Tackling that from the manufacturer’s end is quite a feat.
What is noteworthy in my opinion is that Arendal has received multiple awards for their 1961 and 1723 speakers in the recent past. It is probably only a matter of time until the 1528 series will receive its first accolades as well.
1723 Monitor THX
The 1723 Monitor THX is a THX certified two-way bookshelf speaker featuring two 8” mid/bass drivers and a 28 mm tweeter. Arendal has implemented the crossover at 1,500 Hertz. The rated impedance of the 1723 Monitor THX is 4 ohms nominal and has a sensitivity of 89 dB. Which makes them a comparably easy to drive speaker.
These monitors are huge. And I mean HUGE. With 63.5 x 27.5 x 40 cm (HWD) they measure taller than a newborn. These dimensions translate to 25 x 10.82 x 15.75 inches. They put 26.7 kg (58.9 lbs) on the scale as well. Finding suitable speaker stands for them is quite a task. I placed them on my Norse Stylus stands. And even if they fit, I am always afraid of tipping them over when I clean off dust from them. My contact over at Arendal was kind enough to send me a list of recommended stands, which you can find here.
The 1723 Monitor THX can be bought directly from Arendal’s web shop for $2,600USD. It is available in satin black or white as well as high gloss black or white. My pair is satin finished.
Build Quality
The build quality of these speakers is flawless. Yes, they are huge and heavy, but that is to be expected from speakers like these. The cabinet is made of high-density fiberboard and feels very premium. On the back of the unit, you’ll find two bass ports, which can be used open or closed. The needed foam inserts are of course supplied. The Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX features two pairs of Rhodium plated binding posts, which are bridged per standard. You can remove the bridge and run these speakers bi-amped or use your own jumper cables instead, should you want to.
Arendal supplies magnetically attachable speaker grills for protection. These attach very firmly to the cabinet. Though the grills are very nice, I never used them myself, as I like to look at the drivers when listening.
To me, the build is excellent. Just make sure that you don’t throw your back out when placing them on stands.
Sound
Over the past weeks the 1723 Monitor THX was placed in my living room setup. Which consists of two M700 mono blocks by PS Audio, a Chord Electronics Hugo TT2 and a HoloAudio Serene KTE pre-amplifier. Streaming duties were handed over to the Eversolo DMP-A8 and my Roon ROCK server. All my gear is connected to my AudioQuest PowerQuest 707 power conditioner. I use AudioQuest’s Black Beauty XLR cables as interconnects and a Robin Hood speaker cable rounds up my entire chain.
Arendal suggests a break-in period of 50 hours before the speakers reach their optimum performance level.
The Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX bookshelf speakers are a remarkable pair that offer a highly dynamic and detailed sound signature, making them an excellent choice for a variety of uses, including home cinema, Hi-Fi listening, and probably even as studio monitors. They have all the rumble in the jungle and vocal clarity anyone could ever ask for. Their signature leans towards an analytical side with forward placed upper mids.
Let’s explore their performance a bit deeper.
The review continues with Sound on the next page!
