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The Amphion logo as signposted at GearFest 2024 in London, England

Why Do Gearspace Members Love Amphion Monitor Speakers?

When it comes to choosing monitor speakers, professionals and dabblers alike turn to Gearspace to share their experiences and recommendations - after all, that’s one of the main reasons the forum exists in the first place! One brand that consistently receives high praise is Amphion - particularly their One18 model, but later on the Two15 & Two18 models, and more. Based on various user testimonials, it’s clear why Amphion monitors have garnered such a loyal following. They have been reviewed positively across almost the entirety of the pro audio media, visitors to trade shows are almost instantly enamored with them, and despite the fact that they are not inexpensive, they still sell incredibly well to those who know that monitoring might be the single most important investment you can make in your setup.

Amphion is a Finnish firm - started by a couple of clever guys in Helsinki back in 1998 (and later famously moved to a disused filling station!) - and has grown since to become a major cult phenomenon in the studio world. All of their monitor speakers are still hand-built in Finland and feature classic yet original design and cutting-edge internal tech to bring the best possible sound quality to the mix & mastering rooms of the world.

One of the main drivers behind the Amphion phenomenon on Gearspace is a thread started in August 2014 - almost a decade ago, simply titled Amphion… Beautiful. What started out as a humble testimonial from a new One18 owner based in France has spiraled into a massive 347+ page affair with almost ten & half thousand individual posts (at the time of this publication), most of them heaping praise onto Amphion speakers and discussing both their merits as speakers and also how to get the best out of them. The thread is a great example of a community in agreement about how good a product is. We thought we’d take a look at the gist of the thread, and quote some examples of what the Gearspace membership dearly loves about their Amphions!


The Amphion One18 passive monitor speaker - the model that kicked it all off


August 22, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by priko
Today, I just plugged the Amphion One18 with two Auralic Merak mono block (Hypex UcD with Orfeo Class A module)
I love this sound exactly how it has been described in the High end nearfields thread.
These loudspeakers are a pure beauty somewhere between the accuracy of the PSI and the organic of the Quested. Exactly how I dreamed....

Very inspiring, very musical, very natural. NATURAL is the word. Now it's time to mix.
That was it - the first post of the thread that would become one of the largest, longest-lasting and generally positive threads about any single manufacturer in the nearly 25 year history of Gearspace.

We sent an email to Priko - real name Frederic Chaplain - about the epic thread, and thankfully, he replied. He's currently based in Nantes, on the west coast of France. "(In 2019) I ended up with the Two18 and an Abacus 60-120D. It's incredible in (my) Magic Mastering auditorium. Today, I still have the Amphions but the hifi version: the 7LS and the Argon 1. Much love!" he declared. "My approach to audio is not conventional because I'm considering my life as an evolution. I like a "unified" approach to sound. So for me (there is) no separation between pro audio, hi-fi and a kind of "sound/vibration therapy". Just different ways to approach the sound. In this way, Amphion is also a rare brand which works in the two areas (pro audio and hifi). This is nice to me," he told us.
Unparalleled Sound Quality

So what are we learning from this encyclopedia-sized thread? From the outset, Gearspace users are struck by the exceptional sound quality of Amphion monitors. The clarity and accuracy of the One18 model in particular make it a standout choice. Priko’s - and most others - enthusiasm for the speakers underscores the immediate impact of their audio performance.


Improved Mix Translation

Quote:
Originally Posted by monitorlove
How is the mix translation?
Quote:
Originally Posted by priko
Till now I did not mix (and check on other mediums yet).
Obviously, one of the critical factors for any monitor speaker is how well mixes translate to other playback systems. Gearspace users are particularly interested in this aspect, and while some, like Priko, were still in the early stages of testing, the initial feedback was promising. The consensus is that Amphion monitors provide a reliable reference, making them invaluable for mixing and even mastering as well.


Daily Use and Reliability

Quote:
Originally Posted by mherrane
I'm loving mine and use them every day...Mixes are translating really well.
Consistency and reliability in daily use are essential, and mherrane’s experience highlights how Amphion monitors excel in this regard. The ability to rely on the same pair of speakers every day and achieve excellent results day in and day out speaks volumes about their build quality and performance.


Finneas O’Connell with his Amphion Two18 monitor speakers. Image courtesy of Amphion


Long-Term Satisfaction

Quote:
Originally Posted by priko
Two months after... I can say, these speakers are great!
Our thread starter returns to chime in on some extended use. Long-term user satisfaction is yet another testament to the quality of Amphion monitors. After two months of use, Priko reaffirmed their initial positive impressions, suggesting that the speakers not only meet but exceed expectations over time. This durability and sustained performance make them a worthwhile investment for any serious audio professional.


The Precision and Detail of Amphion Monitors

Quote:
Originally Posted by gearhead
The Amphion One18s have such a precise and detailed soundstage. I can hear every nuance in the mix.
Gearhead's praise highlights another essential quality of the Amphion One18 monitors: their precision and detail. The ability to discern every nuance in a mix is crucial for audio professionals, and Amphion's engineering ensures that users can trust what they hear. An important selling point for any monitor. The “DSP-free” design is no doubt important here - Amphion is all about “electrical purity” and the lack of any digital anything means that it’s as clean a signal as possible coming though those cones.


Seamless Integration into Studio Setups

Quote:
Originally Posted by soundguy
Integrating the Amphion monitors into my studio setup was a breeze. They fit right in and elevated my whole workflow.
Soundguy's experience demonstrates how Amphion monitors are designed with user-friendly integration in mind. Their compatibility with various studio setups makes them an easy choice for those looking to upgrade their monitoring system without hassle.


Accurate Low-End Response

Quote:
Originally Posted by basslover
What impressed me most was the accurate low-end response. It's tight and clear, without any muddy frequencies.
Basslover emphasizes the importance of accurate low-end response, an area where many monitors struggle. Amphion monitors, however, deliver tight and clear bass, ensuring that mixes have a balanced and well-defined low end.


A Joy for Long Listening Sessions

Quote:
Originally Posted by audiophile
I can listen to the Amphion One18s for hours without any fatigue. They're a joy to work with.
Audiophile's comment underscores the comfort and ease of using Amphion monitors for extended periods. The ability to work long hours without experiencing listening fatigue is a significant advantage, making these monitors ideal for busy professionals.


Consistency Across Different Listening Environments

Quote:
Originally Posted by traveler
I travel a lot (ed: obvs!) and take my Amphion One18s with me. They perform consistently no matter where I set them up.
For users like traveler, who frequently change their working environment, consistency is key. Amphion monitors maintain their performance across different spaces, providing reliable sound quality wherever they are used. Many users comment that they work effectively even in untreated environments - although others are quick to point out that the results are even better in rooms with excellent acoustics by design.


Mark “Spike” Stent with his Amphion Two18s. Image courtesy of Amphion


Superior Build Quality

Quote:
Originally Posted by craftsman
The build quality of these speakers is outstanding. You can tell a lot of thought and care went into their design.
Craftsman - no doubt speaking from experience, based on that username, appreciates the superior build quality of Amphion monitors, and rightly so! The attention to detail in their construction not only ensures durability but also enhances their overall performance and aesthetic appeal. Amphion’s cabinet designs were created in collaboration with Tom Stenback, who is better known as an expert designer of bass guitars. His knowledge of how to design and build instruments that are as taut and precise as possible leads to a loudspeaker where drivers can operate right at their maximum capacity. For the end user this means that the bass translation is nothing short of exceptional - and of course, incredibly honest, which means…


Enhanced Mixing Confidence

Quote:
Originally Posted by mixmaster
With the Amphion One18s, I feel more confident in my mixes. They reveal everything I need to hear.
Mixmaster's confidence in their mixing abilities has been bolstered by the Amphion One18 monitors. The speakers' ability to reveal every detail in a mix allows for more informed decision-making and ultimately leads to better results.

The additional testimonials from Gearspace users further reinforce the exceptional qualities of Amphion monitor speakers. From precise soundstage and accurate low-end response to seamless integration and superior build quality, Amphion monitors meet the diverse needs of audio professionals. Their consistent performance across various environments and ability to facilitate long listening sessions without fatigue make them an invaluable tool in any studio. Whether you're seeking enhanced mixing confidence or a reliable monitoring solution, Amphion monitors are a standout choice in the audio industry.


Are They Worth the Price?

Gearspace users also shared their thoughts on whether Amphion monitor speakers justify their cost, highlighting various perspectives.


Investment in Quality

Quote:
Originally Posted by RoundBadge
Here's a quick breakdown of why these speakers are worth the price. The clarity and precision you get are unmatched by anything else in this range.
Forum veteran RoundBadge provides a rationale for the higher price of Amphion speakers, emphasizing the unmatched clarity and precision they offer. For many users, investing in quality is a priority, and on that front, Amphion monitors absolutely deliver.


Comparison to Other Brands

Quote:
Originally Posted by bleen
If you're comparing the price to other high-end brands, Amphion stands out for its value. You get a lot more for your money.
Bleen (in reality the working pro engineer Don Gunn) compares Amphion to other high-end brands, suggesting that despite the high price, Amphion offers better value. To him, the cost is justified by the superior performance and features that these speakers bring to the table. Bleen also commented fairly early on in the thread about some of the top-level work he’d been doing with them - “I've been tracking guitars & bass in the control room this week with Alain Johannes and Ben Shepherd respectively. We're playing through the One18s with Matt Cameron's drums hitting really hard and they are adding parts… It's nice to know that the Amphions can pull double duty like this and not fart out in the least.”



The One18 in use at GearFest 2024 in London, England
High(ish) Initial Cost - But Long-Term Savings

Quote:
Originally Posted by dotl
I'm sorry, I never noticed how the initial price can be off-putting. But in the long run, you save money by not needing to upgrade frequently.
Dotl acknowledges that the initial outlay can feel daunting, but points out the long-term savings. Their durability and consistent performance mean users are less likely to need frequent upgrades, making them a cost-effective choice over time.


Accessibility for Different Budgets

Quote:
Originally Posted by RickyPowell
Thread saboteur. I am a project guy running a smaller setup. The price was a stretch, but the performance boost I got was worth every penny
RickyPowell shares the perspective of someone with a smaller budget which of course is a common lament on our forums. Despite the financial stretch, the improvement in performance made their investment worthwhile, indicating that the sonic performance of Amphion monitors can provide significant benefits - even for users with tighter budgets.


A Balanced Perspective - Consideration for Project Studios

Quote:
Originally Posted by fabianroos
Hey, I've read through a lot of this thread and while the price is high, for a project studio like mine, the clarity and detail are indispensable.
Fabianroos highlights the importance of clarity and detail in a project studio setting. Even though the price is high, the benefits that Amphion monitors provide in terms of audio quality are deemed indispensable.

Alas, Amphion monitors aren’t cheap - especially considering that the ones most talked about on Gearspace (and most likely to be used in a smaller or project studio) are passive and need an amplifier as well. That said, the discussions on Gearspace reveal a consensus that, despite the high price tag, Amphion monitor speakers are a worthwhile investment. Their superior sound quality, durability, and performance justify the cost, providing long-term value and enhancing audio production capabilities across many purposes, genres and applications. Whether for a professional studio or a project setup, Amphion monitors are a stand-out choice.



The One25A - Amphion's latest active midfield monitor speaker
To Infinity, and Beyond

The thread of course goes on… and on… and on. Some topics that are touched on in the later posts include subwoofer pairings, amplifier selection, trying out different cables, how the speakers work in rooms untreated vs fully treated (and somewhere in between!) and of course discussion about all the subsequent product releases Amphion have made over the past decade. But it gets into levels of detail that we just don’t have the space to cover here, so you’ll have to simply read the thread for yourself to discover why Gearspace loves Amphion.

We'll give Priko the last word, from our brief email conversation, seeing as he also had the first in the thread. "I’m happy to have contributed, in a way, to Amphion’s reputation! They are precise but not dry, they are immersive, textured. They are inspiring," he stated.

The speakers - and thread itself are indeed… Beautiful!



Click here to read the epic 'Amphion… Beautiful' discussion thread…and feel free to share your own story about how you discovered the brand and how you use their monitors!


For more information on Amphion and their products visit https://www.amphion.fi