Stenheim reference statement

The Reference Statement was reported to reach 10Hz and to handle demanding organ material, including Gnomus, with aplomb. In a large open room, only 10% power to the bass modules was said to be enough before the room itself became overloaded, pointing to extraordinary low-frequency capacity.

The system was described as neutral, transparent and well balanced overall. The report also refers to midrange “liquidity” with the Absolare amplification used, though it notes that a different amplifier choice could trade some of that richness for greater transient speed.

The review characterises the overall sound as clear, neutral and transparent, which supports a clean and resolved upper range. It offers little direct discussion of treble extension, ribbon-super-tweeter character, or long-term refinement, however.

The presentation was said to lack nothing in authority or clarity and to be thoroughly convincing. The effect was sufficiently realistic that audience members reportedly felt as though they were attending a live show.

The speaker system demonstrated very substantial headroom: the room could not accommodate more than a small fraction of the bass system's available output. The report also describes an authoritative, convincing performance, although it gives limited direct detail on fine microdynamic expression.

The Reference Statement comprises four massive metal-alloy enclosures, each weighing around 300kg including its stand. The reviewer calls the craftsmanship undeniable, while the motorised, remote-controlled MTM pivot shows unusually elaborate execution for setup adjustment.

At roughly $500,000 for the four-box Reference Statement with its appropriate crossovers, this is an exceptionally costly system. The review considers its craftsmanship undeniable and production costs evidently substantial, but provides no direct comparison with similarly priced rivals or explicit judgment that it outperforms its peers on value.