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Now that I had a good body of observations, it was time for a comparative analysis. The immediate candidate was the AudioSpace AS3/5A, an established audiophile monitor standard. Old guard met fresh contender. Both are similarly low in sensitivity—albeit with very different impedances, the AS3/5A being 11Ω versus 4 Ω for the Ologe—and similarly voiced for a full and natural balance. To throw in some contrast, I also conjured up my memory of the Mark & Daniel Diamond+. With prodigious woofer excursions and a Heil-based tweeter, the M+D is a serious rival but demanding of power and placement.
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Both ONE and AS3/5A proved seductive in their midrange abilities but showed substantial differences. Here the Ologe exceeded the AS3/5A’s dynamics, additionally going deeper into the bass and louder than the legacy BBC design. The contest was not all one-sided however as the Audio Space countered with superior focus and sharper transient edge plus a slightly better consistency of dynamic abilities between its drivers (albeit with less overall output potential).
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Against the modern Mark & Daniel competition, the Ologe showed a difference of intent. The ONE is a jack of all trades by way of ease of use and application. Where its virtues lie, they are easy virtues to attain. The M&D Diamond+ by comparison requires very careful setup to integrate its two drivers and optimize its prodigious bass output. Unlike the ONE, its exacting needs afford no versatility and incorporate no adjustability but what it lacks in those parameters it repays with a combination of electrostatic responsiveness, transparency and sheer power.
The M+D demonstrated an overall dynamic range that was similar to the Ologe but with superior transient abilities and overall detail retrieval. Sheer bass capabilities of the Diamond+ exceeded that of the other two speakers in all areas—definition, range and output—with the Ologe being closest.
These results were indicative of what these speakers could achieve solo. Since most modern audio setups, especially those using smaller main speakers, will assume the use of a subwoofer, that’s what I tried next. (Because the Mark & Daniel is comparatively exempt for the need of subwoofers, it can be omitted from this portion of the discussion. We concentrate instead on our legendary benchmark versus the lifestyle pocket rocket.)
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The AS3/5As gained some dynamic benefits in this combination but far less than the Ologe. Now the ONE’s advantage in maximum output levels came to the forefront and the seamless blend with the subwoofer granted the little German speaker an improved consistency that matched the Audio Space and added superior dynamic range and overall volume. It also gained a bit of leading edge definition and transparency although it remained somewhat forgiving compared to the rest. End result with subwoofer combination? The AS3/5A was enhanced. The One was transfigured.
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Context and conclusion. Ologe doesn’t hide the ONE’s status as a lifestyle component. But there’s more than just a pretty face. The designers have hidden sufficient technology in this product to elevate its performance above the status quo of friendly lookers and gone to great lengths to guarantee optimum results in a wide variety of settings. With the ONE they set out to create a small speaker that could capture the qualities of a bigger box - tonal meat, dynamic ease and huge imaging. To a large extent that goal has been met with surprisingly few compromises.
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The ONEs performed well in two-channel use solo and with a subwoofer. Their midrange reproduction was competitive with established references and their bass and dynamic abilities approached standards held by larger speakers although short of the ambitious Mark & Daniel mini. Impressive strengths but perfect? No. Their weaknesses were twofold. They manifested as a lack of imaging precision and softness of transient attacks. This rendered the speaker enjoyable and engaging but not as critically enlightening as some for a sonic character that will divide the music from the detail lover.
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Beyond the abilities and demands of two-channel use, the context of multi-channel applications must be addressed. Ologe describes the ONE as a "multi-channel acoustic monitor". Here the potential of the Ologe may have its finest hour. Different circumstances make for different priorities. Multi-channel is about discrete sources rather than the phantom illusion of stereo. In such an application the ONE’s ability to create a strong sense of spatial volume becomes highly advantageous especially as a matched center channel where its other strengths will supersede stereo soundstage shortcomings. A full set of ONEs then? The speaker’s swaggering level of power handling and dynamics would be the perfect companion for the uncompressed challenges of multi-channel playback while its forgiving nature would render overly aggressive sources a touch more civilized. In this context the balance of virtues and faults may find a different weighting. A lifestyle component that an audiophile can live with? That may just be it.
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Caveats? A few. The speaker will require some horsepower for best results but rewards with dynamics well beyond its size. Those opting for the ASTAND should remember that the ONE can push serious energy and the stand has the potential to push back. Razor-sharp precision of soundstage information and transient detail are not this speaker’s strong suits. Those prioritising these qualities will admire the dynamic and frequency accomplishments but not be fully satisfied.
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From our Hong Kong 2011 show coverage
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Otherwise recommended for those who prefer a somewhat less aggressive presentation but demand a huge soundstage and good dynamics in a very small stylish package. Will reach the full measure with a good subwoofer. Décor and music friendly. Available through authorized dealers and directly from the American distributor TrueHarmonix.
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Quality of packing: Product arrived in professional touring case. Consumers will receive more conventional double box cardboard container. Styrofoam shell protection.
Reusability of packing: Yes.
Condition of components received: Perfect.
Delivery: FedEx.
Website comments: Comprehensive. Covers design philosophy and product.
Human interactions: Professional and informative.
Warranty: 5 year parts and labour
Final comments & suggestions: A small speaker that accomplishes wide response and dynamics without the penalty of making major real estate demands on a room.
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