Introduction
The Perlisten Audio S4b is a bookshelf speaker that offers a smaller version of the flagship tower S7t. With its sleek and stylish appearance, the S4b is designed to complement any home decor. It features Perlisten's proprietary DPC (Digital Phase Control) waveguide technology, ensuring precise vertical dispersion control for an immersive listening experience. This review will delve into the design, performance, bass capabilities, pricing, connectivity, and mounting options of the Perlisten Audio S4b.
Design and Build Quality
The Perlisten Audio S4b boasts a visually appealing design with a checkered woofer, waveguide, grilles, and rounded front baffle. Available in gloss black, gloss white, ebony, or cherry real wood veneer finishes, this speaker can blend seamlessly into any living space. The heavy-built cabinet, featuring 1" thick HDF side panels, a 3" thick front baffle, and internal polyfill, ensures durability and resonance-free performance. Additionally, the included high-quality speaker stands provide stability and enhance audio dispersion.
Technology and Performance
At the heart of the Perlisten Audio S4b are the 1.1" beryllium dome tweeter and two 1.1" carbon fiber midrange drivers. These drivers deliver exceptional sound reproduction across various genres of music. The DPC waveguide technology further enhances the speaker's performance by providing precise vertical dispersion control, resulting in an expansive soundstage and accurate imaging. Whether you're listening to vocals, instrumentals, or electronic music, the S4b impresses with its neutral response and controlled vertical dispersion.
Bass Performance
While the Perlisten Audio S4b excels in many areas, its bass capabilities are limited. Designed to be used with a subwoofer, this bookshelf speaker relies on external low-frequency support for full-range sound reproduction. While this may be disappointing for users seeking deep bass impact, integrating a subwoofer can enhance the overall listening experience and fill in the missing low-end frequencies.
Pricing and Value
One aspect to consider when evaluating the Perlisten Audio S4b is its price point. Compared to other bookshelf speakers on the market, the S4b leans towards the higher end. However, its high-quality construction, advanced technology, and impressive performance justify its cost. The speaker offers a solid value proposition to those who prioritize precise imaging, accurate placement of instruments and vocals, and a wide dynamic range.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Perlisten Audio S4b is compatible with a wide range of amplifiers and subwoofers, providing flexibility for users to personalize their audio setup. Additionally, the speaker features additional binding posts for bi-wiring/bi-amping, although the benefits of this configuration may not be significant for most users. Regardless, the S4b offers versatility in terms of connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration into existing home theater systems.
Mounting Options
For users looking to mount the Perlisten Audio S4b on their walls, some considerations should be kept in mind. Given its heavy-built construction, wall mounting requires heavy-duty brackets or stands to ensure stability and prevent any potential damage. While the S4b is not specifically designed for wall mounting, with the right equipment and installation, it can be successfully incorporated into wall-mounted setups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Perlisten Audio S4b bookshelf speaker offers impressive sound quality, precise imaging, and accurate placement of instruments and vocals. Its high-quality construction and sleek design make it an attractive addition to any home theater setup. The limited bass extension may disappoint those seeking deep bass impact, but integrating a subwoofer can address this limitation. While the S4b's price point may be higher compared to other bookshelf speakers, its performance, build quality, and compatibility justify the investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Overall, the Perlisten Audio S4b delivers on its promise of excellent sound reproduction and is suitable for users who prioritize precise imaging and neutral response.