This week we tested the Elipson Prestige Facet 24F speaker, a model belonging to the French manufacturer?s flagship range, the Elipson Prestige Facet.
Elipson Prestige Facet 24F: new drivers
It took Elipson more than 30 years to renew its famous Prestige series. The driver configuration of the Prestige 4i reappears in the Prestige Facet 24F, namely in the form of a pair of 20 cm diameter drivers, a 17 cm midrange driver and a 2.5 cm tweeter. However, each driver has been upgraded and encompassed by a faceted ring to eliminate standing waves. These facets constitute the Elipson Prestige Facet series’ most notable novelty. Sculpted from a ring of rubber, they redirect the sound wave?s circuit within the immediate vicinity of the driver.
Elipson Prestige Facet 24F: a 3.5-way speaker
The Elipson Prestige Facet 24F is a 3.5-way speaker, which implies that each of its two bass drivers focuses on reproducing a different frequency range. This serves to optimize the drivers? frequency response curve and enhance infrabass. One of the drivers is assigned a specific frequency range and thus works more efficiently below a set cutoff frequency. The Prestige Facet 24F’s frequency response ranges from 28 Hz to 25 kHz (for a sensitivity of 93 dB/W/m at 1 kHz).
The Elipson Prestige Facet 24F is equipped with a 17 cm low-mid driver which features the same cone as the 20 cm drivers, ensuring the speaker?s tonal harmony. The speaker is fitted with a bullet-shaped phase plug in lieu of a dust cap.
Elipson Prestige Facet 24F: bass-reflex technology
The French brand has remained consistent with its use of bass-reflex technology, a technique Elipson helped develop after World War II and for which it has filed multiple patents. A large, flared port situated on the cabinet?s front panel hints at the speaker?s powerful bass output, or at least minimal noise related to air flow at high volume. The port was wide enough for us to reach in and touch the assortment of damping materials lining the interior of the cabinet.
The Elipson Prestige Facet 24F speakers are equipped with terminals that facilitate bi-wiring and allow for bi-amplification (separate amplification of the bass/low-midrange drivers and the tweeter). These screw terminals are silver-plated to ensure optimal transmission of high frequencies.
Elipson Prestige Facet 24F: finish
The speaker?s front panel is a testament to the brand’s reputation for fine craftsmanship, and even the inside of the bass-reflex port benefits from a glossy lacquer finish. The same metal has been used around the basket of each driver and for the phase plugs of the low-mid drivers. The magnetized grills?covered with acoustic fabric?may be easily removed to fully enjoy the Elipson Prestige Facet 24F?s unique design.
Elipson Prestige Facet 24F: test conditions
We listened to the Elipson Prestige Facet 24F speakers with the Yamaha MusicCast R-N602 stereo hi-fi amplifier and connected the devices using Norstone Skye MC cables. The music we listened to was streamed as FLAC files.
Elipson Prestige Facet 24F: listening impressions
The Elipson Prestige Facet 24F?s sound signature is characterized by a very well-articulated bass register, well-integrated highs and a consistently smooth delivery. Elipson claims that its new speakers ensure a fatigue-free listening experience, and we confirm this to be a fact. However, the listening experience is neither noticeably colored nor mundane. The Elipson Prestige Facet 24F does not require an extremely powerful amplifier to express itself and offers a convincing and balanced restitution, even at low volume.
Lows
Total mastery. Low frequencies are expressive and commanding. The dynamic range is compelling, even with a mid-range amplifier. For hi-fi installations, and even more so for home theater installations, the two 20 cm speaker drivers ensure an entertaining experience.
Mids
The energy is distributed so as to optimize the delivery of low-mids, which makes for full-bodied voices while adding texture to percussions. The portion of the midrange reproduced by the tweeter is handled with restraint and without any noticeable tonal emphasis. The speaker thus offers a serene listening experience as well as a broad and deep soundstage.
Highs
The high register is well integrated and free of any hint of dryness or excessive clarity. Again, this serves to add depth and breadth to the soundstage.
Elipson Prestige Facet 24F: conclusions
What we liked:
- The powerful bass register
- The smoothness of the tweeter
- The breadth of the soundstage
- The finish quality
The Elipson Prestige Facet 24F is, without a doubt, an easy speaker to listen to. Its main advantage is its realistic sound placement, which is suitable for both hi-fi and home cinema listening. It can be combined with any stereo amplifier or home theater receiver capable of delivering at least 50 Watts to power its pair of bass drivers.
