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Audiovector R 8
SETTING THE STANDARD IN ITS FIELD – THE R 8 ARRETÉ IS A TRUE HIGH-END PERFORMER
The new Audiovector Carbon Driver has been engineered to further improve our already class leading drivers: Lighter, stiffer and ‘acoustically dead’ membranes produce a fast and uncoloured sound. The membranes of the new Titanium Tech drivers are made from precision woven aramid fibres sandwiched with artificial wood resin. There is a delicate balance combining our award-winning 8” + 6,5” down-firing isobaric compound bass system with a new midrange topology and a 4-inch rear firing bass/midrange driver. These drive units seamlessly integrate with the new Audiovector quasi rear firing R-AMT Integrator tweeter. The use of cryogenically treated 7-nines pure copper asymmetrical wiring and Audiovector Nanopore damping material creates a smooth and natural musical reproduction.
Audiovector Freedom is a new and revolutionary grounding technology, which addresses the movement induced distortion of and between the drive units in a loudspeaker. The currents running between the chassis are being processed and dealt with through a new separate crossover, which routes the signal to the ground terminal of your wall socket or your grounded mains distribution unit. Contrary to conventional knowledge, these currents cause coloration and distortion between the drive units. By balancing and filtering these through a dedicated separate filter and by offering the possibility of connecting the speakers to earth/ground, we achieve a clean, very accurate, significantly more realistic sound with a low noise floor.
Colours and Veneers
At Audiovector we only use carefully selected real wood veneers.
We offer a wide variety of custom painted finishes which are painted in Denmark. Availability on request
Standard Piano finishes: Italian Walnut Burl Piano, Italian Grey Piano, Black Piano, White Piano.
BLACK CLOTH GRILLE INCLUDED
CUSTOM PIANO COLOURS ON REQUEST
- Italian Walnut Burl Piano
- Italian Grey Piano
- Black Piano
- White Piano
Handmade in Denmark since 1979
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Near-holographic imaging leads the way on the R 8, delivering expansive, precisely layered sound with a refined, airy top end from its AMT tweeter, and muscular control from the down-firing isobaric bass. Reviewers from Andrew Everard and Best of High End praise its speed, focus and sumptuous build, making it a standout in large-room high-end systems.
Pros
- Near-holographic soundstage and pinpoint imaging that conveys large-orchestra scale and precise instrument placement.
- Refined, airy treble from the third-generation AMT/quasi ribbon with effective dispersion control for varied listening positions.
- Powerful, well-controlled low end courtesy of the isobaric 8+6.5" bass system and thoughtfully vented plinth for weight and authority.
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Cons
- Quoted 92.5dB sensitivity is optimistic and the speakers present a challenging load, requiring a high‑power, low‑impedance‑capable amplifier to unlock their best performance.
- Very high asking price positions the R 8 in the top-tier segment and limits its value proposition for some buyers.
Sound Quality
95/100
Bass
94/100
Isobaric 8 + 6.5" compound bass system yields substantial weight and controlled low-end. Reviewers noted 'real weight in the bass' and effective venting; not described as reference-deep like the larger R11, so scored high but within typical large-tower ceilings.
Mid
96/100
Multiple reviewers praise natural, open-voiced midrange and exceptional vocal articulation. Comments cite 'wonderful string tones', 'vocal articulation... exceptional' and realistic piano timbre, indicating near-reference mid accuracy and coherence.
Treble
95/100
Third-generation AMT/quasi ribbon provides refined extension and detail without harshness. Reviewers noted integrator grid dispersion control and high-detail, airy presentation with negligible on-axis issues for typical listening positions.
Soundstage Imaging
96/100
Consistently described as near-holographic with strong sense of space and instrument placement. Reviews reference 'uncanny, near-holographic imaging', the speakers 'disappear' and convincing large-orchestra scale.
Dynamics
95/100
High dynamic headroom, speed and slam for a speaker of this class. Reviewers observed 'increased dynamic headroom', 'speed and drive', and ability to maintain charge and attack under complex material.
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Build Quality
97/100
Sumptuously finished, hand-built cabinets with complex engineering (isobaric bass, cryo-treated cabling, heavy construction). Reviewers highlight weight/scale, luxurious finishes and elaborate engineering (Freedom grounding, alloy spine vents).
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive tower baseline applied. Rear bi-wire/bi-amp terminals and an extra 'Freedom' grounding terminal are present but feature scoring kept at passive baseline per rules.
Value for Money
74/100
Extremely high asking price (reviews cite prices in the £50k–£70k range); reviewers praise performance and finish but position it below a larger flagship in depth for a substantially lower value proposition versus peers.
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