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Vienna Acoustics haydn se-signature
Also for us at Vienna Acoustics it is still something magical when we first listen to Peter Gansterer’s new creations.
It’s excitement and eager expectancy – and sometimes, like in the case of HAYDN SE SIGNATURE, pure amazement.
We were fortunate and more than thankful to be able to release some beautifully recognized reference designs in the last years, all carefully and painstakingly developed – so why wouldn’t we dare the borders towards the impossible also with our smallest family member?
So what do you unpack?
HAYDN SE SIGNATURE features our patented spidercone X3P woofer, providing – by special placement of the ribs – increased output, extension and control. Dubbed X3P comprises three additional polymers in its composition, which allows the driver to provide an extraordinarily wide bandwidth, while possessing a level of inner detail, quietness, and control. Like its considerably grander companion, BEETHOVEN Concert Grand REFERENCE,
HAYDN SE SIGNATURE features our exclusive handcoated silkdome tweeter, which reveals even the slightest nuances with natural ease, while extending well down into the midrange regions.
A dedicated linear crossover layout, with the copper circuit paths carefully arranged, takes into account the potential for sympathetic and parasitic interactions among crossover components that may inject unwanted noise and distortions while allowing for more direct and efficient transfer of signal to the drivers which leads to a greater level of detail and purity.
Just as our most exclusive designs, HAYDN SE SIGNATURE is carefully built to true furniture grade standards and finished with the same outstanding veneer-wrapping technique, as well as with our true piano lacquer.
HAYDN SE SIGNATURE’s small size will fool you. Please close your eyes and you may find yourself in front of a symphonic orchestra, in the crowd up front stage, or in an intimate piano bar.
We see you there!
Dealers selling Vienna Acoustics near you
Small but sonically generous, the Haydn SE Signature centers on a lush, musical presentation with a notably warm midrange, lively yet non‑fatiguing treble and punchy low‑end weight for a stand‑mounter. Reviewers cite its spacious, coherent soundstage and refined voicing driven by the 1.1" hand‑coated silk dome and Spider‑Cone X3P mid/woofer. Oliver Masciarotte found it especially engaging.
Pros
- Rich, natural midrange that delivers strong vocal and piano presence.
- Clean, sparkly treble with no harshness—percussion is detailed and well controlled.
- High-quality build and finishes with premium crossover components and careful assembly.
- Wide, coherent soundstage and generally uniform dispersion for immersive imaging.
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Cons
- Modest sensitivity (88.5dB) and 4Ω nominal load—benefits from a capable amplifier.
- Deep bass is limited below roughly 35–60Hz; pairing with a subwoofer improves lowest octaves.
Sound Quality
90/100
Bass
89/100
6" woofer with rear-ported reflex design; reviewer heard usable output to ~35Hz but a roll-off starting near 60Hz and noted the ported design means it isn't the 'last word in tight bass.' Good extension and weight for a medium-sized standmounter, benefits from a sub for the lowest octaves.
Mid
92/100
Review repeatedly praises a clear, warm and corporeal midrange with strong vocal and piano presence; midrange clarity improves further with a sub, but is convincing and natural on its own.
Treble
89/100
Treble is described as clean and proportional with sparkling percussion and no harshness; measurements and listening suggest some top-end loss approaching 20kHz and modest off-axis treble roll-off horizontally.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Generally uniform dispersion and the ability to conjure width, air and concert-hall dimension; imaging can reflect the recording's inherent narrowness but otherwise delivers convincing depth and placement.
Dynamics
88/100
Reviewer reports a 'Goldilocks' transient response—punchy and controlled without brittleness. Low sensitivity (88.5dB) and 4Ω load mean dynamics benefit from a capable amplifier (VA recommends 50–180W).
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Build Quality
92/100
High-quality finishes (piano black, rosewood, cherry, etc.), magnetic grilles included, substantial weight per pair (20 kg), and quality crossover components noted — overall premium construction and fit/finish.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive two‑way bookshelf (single set of binding posts assumed); baseline passive bookshelf score applied. Impedance 4Ω and 88.5dB sensitivity noted; no DSP/streaming expected or penalized.
Value for Money
86/100
At the listed price (~$4,999) these are premium-priced standmounters, but the reviewer explicitly calls out 'value pricing' and a winning combo of performance and aesthetics, supporting a strong value score versus peers in the high-end bookshelf class.
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