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Long-established, engineering-based manufacturer vs. small hobbyist-gone-to-the-dark-side upstart

Posted by Brian H P on December 8, 2020 at 13:31:08:
KEF has a long, history of innovation, research, and development, and the facilities, resources, and knowledge to design just about any frequency curve they would want into their speakers. What they want, obviously, is maximum fidelity to the source signal: the most neutral and accurate on-axis response possible, along with low distortion, low cabinet resonance, and excellent off-axis dispersion. Priorities they share with Revel, Dynaudio, and other science-oriented brands.

Acora is a new, small manufacturer which seems to be focused primarily on one design feature -- non-resonant granite cabinets -- perhaps to the neglect of other aspects such as proper crossover design. JA's measurements show a lack of baffle step compensation, a large peak in the critical range centered around 900Hz (due to internal waves reflecting back through the woofer cone, because of inadequate internal damping?), and a the sort of goosed-up treble response that has become all too common these days. One can infer from this that the speakers will sound overly lean in the bass unless placed close to a wall, and have a strong (even "shouty") midrange emphasis and a bright treble response. Subjectively, this will result in a sound perceived initially as "fast," "lively," "exciting" (Ms. Mullins uses similar terms in her review), but which is ultimately likely to become stressful and fatiguing. She says something about how they engage "active listening," which is another way of saying you can't really relax and get comfortable with them.

The Acora speakers feature wonderful Scan-Speak drivers in wonderfully non-resonant cabinets, but perhaps could benefit from a more competent crossover design. At their price -- about 10x that of the KEFs -- they deserve it. Their "eccentric" voicing may please a few ears initially, but ultimately may limit their appeal. No question I would choose the KEF in a heartbeat.