By: Dipin Sehdev

Arendal Sound, the Norwegian audio powerhouse, has electrified the audiophile community with the triumphant return of its 1961 Series. After a two-year hiatus, the series, lauded for its exceptional performance and value, is back with a renewed focus on delivering a premium audio experience to a wider audience. This resurgence underscores Arendal's commitment to bridging the gap between high-end specifications and accessible pricing, a feat that has garnered the brand significant acclaim, including the prestigious EISA 2020-21 Best Product Award for Home Theatre Speaker System.

The 1961 Series, named in homage to the year the Tromøy Bridge connected Tromøy Island to the mainland near Arendal, symbolizes a connection – in this case, a connection to superior audio. Arendal Sound aims to emulate the bridge's impact by making high-fidelity audio more accessible, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge acoustic engineering. This series embodies Arendal's "direct-to-consumer" philosophy, eliminating intermediary markups and ensuring that customers receive maximum value for their investment.

Design Philosophy and Technological Pedigree

The 1961 Series leverages trickle-down technology from Arendal's flagship 1723 Series, incorporating premium features like waveguide tweeters, custom-designed drivers, and meticulously crafted HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) cabinets. This design philosophy ensures that even at a more accessible price point, the 1961 Series delivers performance that rivals significantly more expensive offerings.

The series is characterized by its clean, minimalist Nordic design, allowing for seamless integration into a variety of interior aesthetics. The hand-painted matte black and white finishes, coupled with the robust build quality, reflect Arendal's dedication to both sonic and visual excellence.

Key Features and Technological Highlights

• Waveguide Tweeters: Arendal's proprietary waveguide design optimizes high-frequency dispersion, creating a wider and more immersive soundstage.
• Custom Drivers: Each driver is meticulously engineered for its specific application, ensuring optimal performance across the frequency spectrum.
• HDF Cabinets: High-density fiberboard construction minimizes resonance, resulting in cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction.
• Sealable Bass Ports: Select models feature sealable bass ports, allowing users to fine-tune the low-frequency response to their specific room acoustics.
• Avalanche 550 iQ Amplification: The subwoofers are powered by Arendal's Avalanche 550 iQ amplifiers, delivering robust and controlled bass performance with intelligent DSP.
• Triaxial Surround Design: The surround speakers utilize a triaxial configuration, creating a more expansive and immersive surround sound experience.

Product Breakdown and Specifications

The 1961 Series comprises a comprehensive lineup of speakers and subwoofers, catering to both stereo and multichannel configurations. Each model is designed to deliver exceptional performance and seamless integration within a complete system.

Arendal Sound 1961 Series: Specifications and Pricing:

Detailed Product Analysis

• 1961 Tower: The flagship model, the 1961 Tower, is a 2.5-way floorstanding speaker designed to deliver a refined and room-filling performance. Its 28mm soft dome waveguide tweeter and dual 5.5-inch long-fibre pulp-cone woofers provide a balanced and dynamic sound signature. The sealable bass port allows for customization of the low-frequency response, while the included spike kit provides stability and precise tilt adjustments.
• 1961 Monitor: The 1961 Monitor is a versatile 2-way standmount speaker that can also be wall-mounted via a VESA100-compatible mount. Its compact design belies its powerful performance, thanks to the custom driver technology and waveguide tweeter. This model is ideal for both stereo and surround sound applications.
• 1961 Bookshelf: The 1961 Bookshelf is a more compact 2-way speaker designed for smaller spaces. It retains the same high-performance principles as its larger counterparts, delivering clarity and dynamics. Its wall-mountable design adds to its versatility
• 1961 Centre: Engineered for home theatre enthusiasts, the 1961 Centre delivers clear and natural dialogue. Its 2-way design and matching driver configuration ensure a cohesive soundstage in multichannel setups. Wall-mount compatibility adds to its flexibility.
• 1961 Height: Designed for Dolby Atmos and other height-channel applications, the 1961 Height speaker adds a cinematic vertical dimension to any system. Its angled 2-way design allows for placement on top of the 1961 Tower or wall/ceiling mounting.
• 1961 Surround: The 1961 Surround introduces a triaxial design for a more expansive and immersive multichannel experience. Two dipole full-range drivers work with a front-firing two-way mid/bass and tweeter system to create a surround effect that blends seamlessly into the listening space.
• 1961 Subwoofer 1V: The 1961 Subwoofer 1V is a vented subwoofer that maximizes low-frequency impact. It features a 550W RMS Avalanche 550 iQ amplifier with intelligent DSP and a custom 12.2-inch glass-fibre reinforced driver. The bass port can be sealed for a more precise response in different room environments.
• 1961 Subwoofer 1S: The 1961 Subwoofer 1S is a compact sealed subwoofer designed for those seeking tight, controlled bass in smaller music and theatre spaces. It shares the same driver and amplification as the 1V, but in a sealed enclosure.

Availability and Warranty

  The Arendal Sound 1961 Series is available for pre-order exclusively through Arendal Sound’s direct-to-consumer model. This direct approach allows Arendal to maintain competitive pricing while providing exceptional customer service.

  Each purchase includes a 60-day risk-free trial, allowing customers to experience the 1961 Series in their own homes. Arendal Sound also offers a 10-year warranty on speakers and a 5-year warranty on subwoofer electronics, demonstrating their confidence in the quality and durability of their products.

Conclusion

  The return of the Arendal Sound 1961 Series marks a significant moment for audiophiles seeking high-performance audio at an accessible price. By leveraging trickle-down technology from its flagship series and maintaining a commitment to quality craftsmanship, Arendal Sound has once again redefined the value proposition in the high-fidelity market. The 1961 Series is not just a collection of speakers; it's a bridge to a superior audio experience, connecting listeners to the emotional power of music and the immersive world of home cinema. We look forward to the reviews and CE Critic Score.