93%
Aretai Contra 100S
A precision full-range performer
Designed for smaller and medium-sized rooms, the compact Contra 100S are quite unusual speakers, allowing you to “see” each instrument located right where the recording engineer intended it to be.
The unique and innovative filter design, bi-pole radiation pattern and the closed type enclosure enables Contra 100S two 6” drivers to deliver a surprisingly deep and well-textured bass combined with a coherent midbass and treble balance.
The bass response of this 2.5-way speaker extends down to 30Hz. To eliminate shifted phase summation typical for ported systems of similar size we deliberately designed a sealed enclosure to keep the bass perfectly tight.
Our custom-designed waveguide delivers a soundstage of impressive depth and width. The neodymium tweeter delivers pristine, undistorted clarity up to 25kHz even at higher volume levels.
To give your experience that extra edge, our bi-amping terminal option allows you to use two amplifiers for separate HF/LF amplification paths.
Key features
Coherent near- and far-field soundstage experience
Controlled indirect spectral balance for lifelike reproductionUltra-low distortion drivers and precision components
Bass response optimized for small and medium-sized rooms
Structurally dampened humidity-proof enclosure
6” double-woofer topology for lower bass extension capability
Wider HF dispersion from the proprietary waveguide design
Filter-equalized low-bass extension tuned to 30Hz
Valve-friendly sensitivity and impedance
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Professional Reviews 93/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
95/100
Value for Money
88/100
The deep bass, expansive soundstage, and clean, airy treble make this compact sealed standmount feel far larger than it looks. Audioholics heard surprisingly big, dynamic sound, while hi-fi+ praised its relaxed scale and precision. The result is a refined, room-filling monitor with real high-end authority.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally deep, controlled bass for a compact sealed standmount, with a scale that can resemble much larger speakers.
Wide, deep soundstaging and precise imaging give instruments and vocals strong placement and three-dimensional layering.
Smooth, natural midrange and clean treble keep vocals and acoustic instruments detailed without obvious glare or sibilance.
Robust cabinet construction and careful finishing earn consistent praise for build quality and resonance control.
&
Cons
Performance depends heavily on careful placement, with bass and imaging changing noticeably near walls or with toe-in adjustments.
It needs a capable amplifier and more power than its size might suggest to fully open up its dynamics.
At this level, the price is a serious commitment for a compact monitor.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers consistently describe a big, open, and highly resolved presentation for a compact sealed speaker. The bass reaches impressively low for the size, the midrange is smooth and believable on voices, the treble is clean and extended without obvious glare, and the speaker throws a very expansive stage with sharply locked-in placement.
Bass
93/100
Several reviews say the speaker goes unusually deep for its size, with comments like 'surprising amount of bass,' 'like much larger floor standers,' and 'pretty deep bass coming out of this monitor.' There are some placement-dependent caveats, including a bit of bass heaviness near the wall and a slightly boxy character on some tracks, but the overall low-end performance is clearly a standout for a compact bookshelf speaker.
Mid
94/100
The midrange is repeatedly praised for smoothness, natural tone, and vocal realism. Reviewers highlight emotionally convincing voices, rich guitar texture, and a lack of chestiness or added tonal color, with one noting that male and female vocals are handled 'so smoothly, effortlessly and seamlessly' that the speaker sounds exceptionally well sorted through the middle.
Treble
94/100
The treble is described as airy, detailed, and crisp without turning sharp or fatiguing. Reviewers specifically mention sparkle, high-frequency extension, and 'no harshness or sibilance,' while also noting that the waveguide helps keep the top end present even when moving around the room.
Soundstage Imaging
97/100
This is one of the speaker’s strongest traits. Multiple reviewers describe a huge, deep, and tall stage, precise instrument placement, convincing layering, and a disappearing act that makes the music seem to float free of the cabinets; one calls it 'one of the best representations' they’ve heard from a bookshelf speaker.
Dynamics
94/100
Dynamics are praised as a strength, with comments about crisp transients, strong punch, and the ability to play much louder than expected without losing coherence. Reviewers also note that the speaker stays composed during dynamic shifts, though the very biggest-scale impact still benefits from a powerful amplifier and a room that lets it breathe.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
95/100
Reviewers repeatedly praise the cabinet as dense, dead, solid, and very well finished, with excellent attention to detail. The construction is described as tightly damped with no obvious resonance, and the styling, waveguide integration, and overall fit and finish all come in for especially favorable comment.
Value for Money
88/100
This is an expensive speaker, and the reviews make clear that it is a serious purchase rather than an easy recommendation on price alone. Even so, the praise for its scale, refinement, and room-filling performance is strong enough that reviewers present it as a highly compelling small monitor for the right listener, rather than a luxury product that feels hard to justify.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers