Arendal Sound 1528 Monitor 8 Loudspeaker Review

S

shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
1528 M pair3.jpg
The Arendal Sound new 1528 Monitor 8s are among the largest and most powerful standmount speakers available. However, size and power don’t necessarily equate to quality. Having reviewed many of Arendal’s loudspeakers in the past, I suspected that they weren't simply aiming to create a home theater powerhouse but rather a speaker that would excel in every aspect.

With the 1528 series, Arendal Sound is entering a new premium price category, meaning it must significantly surpass the already impressive 1723 series. But where was there to go from the 1723s, which were already massively overbuilt and overachieving? One clue lies in the 1528 Monitor’s weight—it comes in at a hefty 104 pounds/ea, compared to the 1723 Monitor THX, which weighs nearly 60 pounds. Additionally, the 1528 features enhanced styling and curvature, more in line with high-end loudspeakers.

But these are just surface-level changes. What’s under the hood of the 1528 Monitor, and how does it actually perform? It costs twice as much as the 1723 Monitor—does it offer double the value? And how does it compare to other speakers in this market segment? Read our full review to find out!

READ: ARENDAL SOUND 1528 MONITOR 8 REVIEW
 
ryanosaur

ryanosaur

Audioholic Overlord
Very cool, @shadyJ ! As always, thank you!

I was eager to see a review for some of these new Arendals! It sure seems they don’t disappoint.
 
N

Nondemo01

Junior Audioholic
Great review James as always! Maybe now the conspiracy theorists can find something else to conspire about! This review may have moved me off buying KEF Reference 1 Metas. (I know, they don't have the dynamic range I want but the WAF needs "white" and no subs. The KEF matches the decor. I had her accepting of Perlisten S7ts in white until they stopped making them = life/first world problems.) I have a fairly large 18'x20' living room and sit about 4m away so I guess Arendal is getting CC info for an audition! Great review James and AH! (p.s. start charging Gene by the pound er kilos.)
 
G

Golfx

Senior Audioholic
Thank you James. I wish I was shopping again. Maybe I can convince some family or friends to buy these. That would possibly satisfy my need to own yet more quality stuff.
 
Eppie

Eppie

Audioholic Ninja
Nice review Shady. I'm jealous that you get to listen to these first hand. Specs are pretty impressive and I like the styling too.
 
newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top