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Grimm Audio LS1c

Name: Grimm Audio LS1c
Brand: Grimm Audio
SKU: ls1c
Price: 46050.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (10 reviews)

View at Grimm Audio

The LS1c is the flagship of our LS1 active loudspeaker series. It is named after the revolutionary TPCD Carbon Composite tweeter that we developed in cooperation with driver manufacturer Seas. Even more important is that we rebuilt all elements of the LS1 design from the ground up: the electronics with latest generation amplifiers, the audio DSP code, the computer aided calibration method, the firmware and the PC/Mac software that controls the entire system. To pick just one example, with the knowledge we gained from developing the MU1 and MU2 FPGA Pure Nyquist filters, we were able to dramatically improve the crossover phase correction filters of the LS1c’s DSP.

As result, the LS1c offers an incredible level of integration over the full frequency band – a loudspeaker has never sounded so much ‘as one’. Its rendering of the stereo image appears more tactile than ever, its capability for microdynamics exposes unheard details and its extraordinary phase coherency reveals the subtlest rhythmic structures. At the same time the natural, non-fatiguing sound of the LS1c invites one to long listening sessions.

At the low end of the frequency spectrum, the elegant Digital Motional Feedback SB1 subwoofer offers unparalleled bass. Our unique motion feedback technology lowers the distortion by 30 dB and places the resonance frequency below 20 Hz. Bass has never sounded so detailed and controlled.

A natural companion for the LS1c is the MU1 music player that allows control of all loudspeaker parameters. But an LS1c is equally happy when combined with the LS1r controller and the LS1i USB interface. The cabinet can be ordered in a stylish ‘Hi-Macs’ synthetic stone finish, or in our traditional bamboo veneer or lacquer look.

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Overall Score 92/100

Deliciously Crispy

Grimm Audio LS1c — DSP-driven flagship with crystalline clarity

The Grimm Audio LS1c is a purpose-built active floorstander that pairs a unique wide-dispersion TPCD Carbon tweeter with DSP mastering and super-low distortion NCore amplification to deliver remarkably coherent mids, extended treble and tightly controlled bass when used with its SB1 subwoofer. The system is presented as a studio-grade, room-aware design that trades nothing in refinement for power.

Review coverage highlights Grimm’s recent firmware and the rebuilt LS1 Control software, which add stability and pro-level functionality for engineers and audiophiles. As noted at High End Munich, the LS1c’s TPCD tweeter and SB1 motion-feedback subs create a presentation with impressive clarity, dynamics and a well-behaved off-axis response that stabilizes imaging and depth in-room (Best of High End).

Connectivity and format support are extensive (USB DSD/DXD playback, digital and analog I/O, filtered sub output and remote control), making the LS1c equally at home in critical studio duties and high-end living-room systems. For listeners seeking a detailed, DSP-tuned reference with ongoing firmware support, the LS1c is a compelling, fully featured contender.

Pros

Significant firmware and software overhaul that improves stability and sound quality, with ongoing manufacturer support.
TPCD Carbon tweeter and SB1 subwoofer integration deliver clear, dynamic treble and cohesive system-level performance as demonstrated at High End Munich.
Comprehensive DSP-driven feature set and pro-oriented LS1 Control software (USB DSD/DXD, multiple inputs, filtered sub output) suit studio and audiophile workflows.
Well-behaved off-axis response and controlled directivity contribute to focused imaging and consistent in-room performance.

Sound Quality

92/100

Bass

90/100

Inferred from active design, DSP control and subwoofer-output integration. The filtered sub output implies a design that integrates with a dedicated sub, so sub-bass may not be fully extended without SB1, but DSP/NCore drive suggest tight, controlled low end suitable for a high-end floorstander.

Mid

94/100

DSP-controlled frequency curve, very low distortion NCore amps and attention to off-axis response point to highly accurate, coherent midrange and excellent vocal timbre and crossover integration.

Treble

93/100

Unique wide-dispersion TPCD carbon tweeter and well-behaved off-axis response indicate extended, refined treble with good dispersion and low on-axis harshness; DSP helps tame any resonances.

Soundstage Imaging

92/100

Unidirectional behavior down to 250 Hz and controlled off-axis response imply focused imaging and stable soundstage with good depth and layer separation, especially for a DSP-driven active design.

Dynamics

92/100

Super-low distortion NCore class D amplification combined with DSP control supports strong micro and macro dynamics and high headroom; expected to remain controlled rather than run out of steam.

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Build Quality

93/100

Premium pricing, 5-year limited warranty, DSP electronics and integrated amplification suggest high-quality cabinets, internal engineering and components consistent with a flagship floorstander.

Features Connectivity

97/100

Extensive I/O: digital and analog inputs, USB playback of DSD/DXD, filtered analog subwoofer output, remote volume/source control, DSP and NCore amps — comprehensive connectivity and features for an active speaker.

Value for Money

72/100

At a listed price of 29,600 (single-unit range shown), the LS1c is extremely expensive; while specs and feature set are top-tier, value relative to price is limited unless performance is demonstrably reference-level in reviews.