Perlisten S4b
The S4b delivers extraordinary midrange resolution, locking vocals and instruments into a focused, low-distortion soundstage. Erin’s Audio Corner found its bass unusually clean and stable, while Alpha Audio highlights its fast, direct character. This sealed three-way monitor is a serious precision tool for revealing stereo and subwoofer-integrated systems.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
80/100
Value for Money
77/100
Pros
Exceptional midrange clarity reveals fine vocal and instrumental detail.
Clean, stable bass avoids bloom and holds notes firmly in the soundstage.
Ultra-low-distortion presentation sounds fast and direct.
Controlled directivity supports focused imaging and a reasonably wide stage.
Cons
Deep bass extension is limited in full-range use, making a subwoofer advisable for stereo or front-channel duties.
The woofer can audibly bottom out beyond roughly 100dB at a 3.5m listening distance without a high-pass filter.
Premium pricing makes it a specialised enthusiast proposition rather than an easy all-purpose choice.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
Reviewers portray the S4b as an unusually revealing, low-distortion monitor with exceptional midrange clarity, tightly controlled bass, and a focused presentation. Its deepest bass and ultimate output are limited when used full range, while the soundstage is more precise than expansive.
Bass
86/100
Bass is described as exceptionally clean and well defined, with notes held securely in the soundstage rather than blooming or wandering. Erin's Audio Corner also found that it does not reach especially low in full-range use and recommends a subwoofer for a stereo or front-channel system.
Mid
97/100
The midrange is the clear highlight. Erin's Audio Corner calls its clarity unrivaled among the speakers they have heard and describes an uncanny quality that repeatedly drew attention back to familiar recordings.
Treble
82/100
There is limited direct listening commentary on the treble. Erin's Audio Corner did not find the measured peak around 10kHz noticeable during initial listening, but provides little further detail about top-end air, texture, or long-term refinement.
Soundstage Imaging
87/100
The S4b is said to produce a focused soundstage, potentially aided by its controlled vertical radiation. Its stage was reasonably wide, though Erin's Audio Corner notes that it was not as wide as some competing speakers they have reviewed.
Dynamics
84/100
Alpha Audio describes the speaker as very fast and direct, consistent with an agile, low-distortion presentation. Erin's Audio Corner achieved roughly 100dB at a 3.5m listening distance without a high-pass filter, but found that the woofer could pop beyond that level.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
80/100
The available reviews say little about cabinet finish, terminals, internal construction, or long-term durability. The supplied specifications indicate a substantial sealed three-way design, but the reviews do not provide enough direct construction commentary to draw stronger conclusions.
Value for Money
77/100
At approximately $8,000 USD per pair in the reviewed finish, Erin's Audio Corner considers the S4b difficult to sell on price alone. Its extraordinary midrange performance makes the appeal clear for listeners who prioritise that quality, but a subwoofer may add further system cost for full-range use.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Enclosure alignment
- 3-way acoustic suspension
- Driver compliment
- DPC-Array: 28mm Beryllium 28mm(2) Textreme TPCD Woofers: 180mm Textreme TPCD
- Sensitivity (4pi)
- 85.4dB / 2.83v / 1.0m
- Impedance
- 4̶ nominal / 3.2̶ min
- Frequency Response (+/-1.5dB)
- 100 - 20kHz Listening Window
- Frequency Response (-10dB)
- 36 - 37kHz
- Typical in room bass extension
- 30Hz
- Dimensions (HxWxD)
- 420 x 240 x 300mm 16.5 x 9.5 x 11.8
- Weight
- 11.0 kg (24.2 lbs.)
- Recommended Amplifier Power
- 50 - 300W RMS
- SPL capability (100-20kHz)
- 111dB peak <2% - 2nd, 3rd Harmonics
- Certification
- THX Dominus
- Available finishes
- Piano black, Gloss white
Manufacturer's Description — Perlisten
S4b bookshelf
I am the overperforming little guy who will demand your respect after your first audition. I can be a serious 2 channel system with a subwoofer, an LCR, or a surround channel. Effortless dynamics and lightspeed transients remain the common thread of all Signature series speakers including the S4b.
A bookshelf with this much technology is hard to find and can literally be the Ninja of any system. Bookshelf, main for a 2.1 system, LCR, Dominus Surround, it can transform into anything you need. Features including our proprietary DPC-Array controlling Mid/High frequencies and centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes. All transducers are developed ground up by our engineers bringing decades of research and culminating in this world class design. All S-Series speakers share the same DPC-Array and benefit from our unique timbre matching technique across the entire series utilizing Beryllium and our advanced Carbon fiber. These speakers are an acoustic suspension to meet the demands of any listening room with unparalleled dynamic range and musical finesse. Very impressive system alone or when combined with a PERLISTEN subwoofer.
Personalize your speakers to match your style
We have a variety of different colors to choose from. When picking your speakers, you also need it to match your home and interior. Choose between our standard finishes, wooden finished or get custom painted speakers
It's all in the details
Great for use in 2.1 systems or any channel of theater system utilizing subwoofers. Can be used as surround, height or LCR. Bookshelf, stand or on-wall mounting with keyhole or available bracket. Featuring our DPC-Array as for controlling Mid/High frequencies, centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes. This new tweeter/waveguide DPC-Array delivers amazing accuracy, smoothness, and directivity control to handle the critical vocal range and delicate treble. The S4b shares the same DPC-Array and benefits from our unique timbre matching technique as found in the entire S-Series range of speakers. Unparalleled dynamic range, low distortion and musical finesse. The PERLISTEN S4b continues the lineup of speakers that have the distinguished honor to be the world’s first and only loudspeakers to be certified for THX Dominus – their highest rating.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Perlisten S4b
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- The Audio Association — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
- Atelier 13 Audio — in-store — Forest Hills, Tennessee, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
- Audio Gallery — online and in-store — Las Rozas de Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
and 56 more verified dealers