Are you familiar with a clavichord? This particular instrument has a reputation for being so subdued that most concertgoers only realize the performance began several minutes into it. There's some truth to it. This instrument is definitely not suitable for large concert halls and was never designed for them. However, in intimate settings you can experience incredible things with it. Unlike a harpsichord, strings aren't plucked but struck with a small metal bar at the end of each lever mechanism. This bar also acts as a bridge so the sound only rings out while the key stays depressed. At the same time you have direct control over the string to create minute differences in volume and produce vibrato by trembling the key. I'd already experienced the magic of these sounds with low-mass widebanders and 300B triodes although their setup spectacularly crashed immediately after during a Bruckner 5th Symphony. Never mind. Today's system could effortlessly reproduce micro gradations between mezzo piano and pianissimo. The Aretai came as close as I've rarely heard from such a small "heavy-coned" multi-way speaker. A large Børresen once could do it too but I'd better not mention its price. In any case, the little Aretai impressed with the effortlessness and speed that rendered even the finest microdynamic hues. The Contra 100S are small yet when used correctly, remarkably capable. They deliver very clean bass, a world-class midrange and perfectly matched airy open treble. While they are quite user-friendly on placement, it's worth taking the time to experiment with wall distances for best performance. This includes choosing a suitable amplifier. The Aretai sound quite respectable even with less powerful amps yet any investment in a higher-end amplifier will readily translate.
Yes, their price is a point that can and must be discussed. It becomes less of an issue once we define appropriate applications. The Aretai Contra 100S are problem solvers for discerning audiophiles with smaller rooms where larger speakers often cause issues with overdone bass. Here Aretai come to the rescue because this Latvian brand has actually built their small speaker without compromising on quality compared to their larger siblings. Of course bass junkies and those obsessed with extreme dynamics should look elsewhere and those listening in very large rooms will likely miss some low-end substance. But for everyone else, this remarkable Aretai Contra 100S comes highly recommended. An audition is definitely worthwhile.
Aretai Contra 100S psych profile:
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