Pitt & Giblin FLARE
FLARE delivers controlled, room-filling sound through a constant-directivity bronze waveguide, active DSP and Pascal-powered amplification. Its 8-inch reflex-loaded driver promises deep, authoritative bass, while digital bi-amplification and flexible XLR, RCA and S/PDIF inputs make it a notably complete active speaker. SoundStage Solo details an engineering-led design built for smooth tonality, precise integration and enveloping scale.
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
90/100
Features Connectivity
92/100
Value for Money
74/100
Pros
Active DSP and digital bi-amplification eliminate passive crossover components, enabling precisely aligned driver integration.
Large constant-directivity waveguide and compression driver are designed for smooth in-room tonality and an enveloping listening field.
Versatile active connectivity includes balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA and coaxial S/PDIF, plus auto-sensing and auto on/off.
The 8-inch neodymium mid-bass driver and rear reflex loading support substantial low-frequency extension for its compact format.
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SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
Bass
92/100
8" professional mid-bass in a low-tuned rear reflex enclosure with DSP and active drive promises strong extension and control; spec language states 'effortless extension and superb output for its size,' supporting a high large-driver/ported bookshelf bass score. For its size, expect deep extension and authoritative output with DSP tuning aiding clarity and room integration.
Mid
91/100
DSP per transducer, careful cabinet optimisation and a waveguide designed to yield 'smoother tonality' point to accurate, well-focused midrange with good vocal presence and controlled coloration. Active amplification and absence of passive crossovers support clean timbre and precise alignment.
Treble
91/100
Compression driver described as 'low resonance, broad bandwidth' paired to a large waveguide implies extended, refined treble with minimal harshness and good dispersion control. DSP filtration and alignment should reduce glare and sibilance while preserving air and detail.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Large waveguide intended to 'control the level ... across the listening position' and per-driver DSP alignment indicate wide, stable imaging and consistent tonality across a listening area. Expect enveloping presentation and reliable imaging without extreme placement sensitivity.
Dynamics
90/100
Pascal-powered digital drive unit with per-channel amplification and DSP (no passive crossover) should deliver strong macro and micro dynamics, good transient control and headroom for the cabinet size. The combination of active drive and a low-tuned reflex enclosure supports punch and sustained output.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
90/100
Robust dimensions (440mm tall, 17kg each), 8" pro driver and engineered waveguide/cabinet modelling suggest solid construction and attention to bracing and driver integration. Specification wording implies premium component selection and careful enclosure optimisation.
Features Connectivity
92/100
Active design with Pascal-powered drive unit, DSP, balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA and S/PDIF coaxial inputs, auto-switching and auto on/off is a comprehensive feature set for a bookshelf/stand-mount. Digital processing and per-speaker drive give strong connectivity and system integration capabilities.
Value for Money
74/100
High-end specification (active DSP, Pascal amplification, 8" pro driver, large waveguide) justifies a premium price, but the listed price (11600.0) is substantial for bookshelf speakers; without comparative review claims of 'best at the price' the value rating is cautious despite strong engineering.
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Specifications
- Inputs and controls
- Flare implements a Pascal-powered digital drive unit which can receive a range of analogue and digital signals. Analogue RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced), are alongside S/PDIF (coaxial). Inputs are auto switching through priority. The unit also features auto on/off.
- digital signal processor
- A central digital signal processor in the drive unit processes each speaker, providing the filtration and alignment for each amplifier channel, and thus transducer. No passive crossover components are used, as the waveguide and cabinet optimisation is designed with DSP in mind.
- waveguide
- A waveguides function is to control the level of sound at any given frequency consistently across the listening position, but also in the room you are listening within. A compression driver with low resonance, broad bandwidth, and exceptional sensitivity is optimised for the waveguide geometry, which provides a seamless integration and minimal interference. By using a large waveguide, the consistency of level across the frequency spectrum can be controlled to offer a smoother tonality in room, and yields an accurate and more enveloping listening experience regardless of the music choice.
- cabinet and mid-bass driver
- A 8" professional grade mid-bass driver has best-in-class specific performance and is further realised through careful acoustic modelling and cabinet optimisation. The reflex enclosure is low tuned and rear ported, and offers effortless extension and superb output for it's size.
- SIZE
- Each Flare loudspeaker has a cabinet size of 440mm tall, 295mm wide, and 290mm deep. Though the 330mm wide waveguide projects a further 110mm vertically in standard orientation, making the total height 550mm.
- WEIGHT
- 17kg each
Manufacturer's Description — Pitt & Giblin
powerful performance.
A best in class 8” bass driver offers great dynamics even at high displacement, offering unparalleled control and minimised distortion. As a result of careful physical and digital tuning Flare does not require the use of a subwoofer. With 250w of amplifier available per unit and low reflex tuning Flare replicates the feel of Superwax.
acts big.
A large loudspeaker enables acoustic performance that smaller speakers can’t match. Our circular Flare waveguide is physically larger than the cabinet, where the prominent geometry provides extended control for very smooth tonal balance in room and graceful musicality and increases the size to performance ratio.
enhanced packaging.
By projecting the waveguide beyond the cabinet constraints the visual bulk is also minimised, and showcases the solid cast bronze waveguide pattern. This also maximises bass volume efficiency inside the cabinet, and allows for a range of orientations and styling opportunities unlike any other loudspeaker.
flexible placement
Flare can be placed on any cabinet surface to fit a range of applications and installation opportunities. Unlike asymmetric versions, Flare’s circular waveguide allows for flexibility in placement.
ease of integration
Precisely CNC cut, and positively locked cabinet joints make for a rigid and incredibly strong enclosure that can be easily wall mounted using professional hardware available separately.
designed with dsp.
Digital signal processing facilitates advanced acoustical design opportunities which are simply not possible in a passive system.
Careful application of this technology allows us to optimise the design of the waveguide, cabinet and drivers to maximise acoustical performance, resulting in superbly consistent in-room performance and vanishingly low distortion, at any output level.
Flare loudspeakers utilise a discreet digital drive unit that provides specific processing and amplification for each transducer pair. Bi-amplified and actively crossed over in the digital domain, the drive unit is capable of providing up to 250w per side and accepts both digital and analogue signals.