Pirol

This review first appeared in October 2019 on HifiKnights.com. By request of the manufacturer and permission of the author, it is hereby syndicated to reach a broader audience. All images contained in this piece are the property of Dawid Grzyb or Soundspace Systems – Ed.

Reviewer: Marek Dyba
Analog sources: J.Sikora Basic MAX turntable, J.Sikora KV12 tonearm , AirTight PC-3, phonostages: Grandinote Celio mk IV, ESE Lab Nibiru V 2.5
Digital sources: passive custom PC with Win10, Roon, Fidelizer Pro 7.3, JCat USB Femto card with iFi power supply, Hdplex linear power supply for PC, JCAT USB Isolator, LampizatOr Golden Atlantic +Ideon Audio 3R Master Time (USB signal regenerator), LampizatOr Pacific
USB: iFi audio 0, micro iUSB3.0 and 3x Mercury cables
Preamplifiers: Audia Flight FLS1
Amplifiers: GrandiNote Shinai, Art Audio Symphony II (modified), LampizatOr Metamorphosis, Struss Audio DM-250
Speakers: Ubiq Audio Model One Duelund Edition, GrandiNote MACH4
Interconnects: Hijiri Million, KBL Sound Red Corona, Metrum Lab Edge, TelluriumQ Silver Diamond USB, Stavessence USB Eunoia and Apricity, Ethernet Eloquence
Speaker cables: LessLoss Anchorwave, Metrum Lab Edge, KBl Sound Red Corona
Power components: GigaWatt PF-2 MK2 and GigaWatt PC-3 SE Evo+; a custom power line with GigaWatt LC-Y in-wall cable; GigaWatt G-044 Schuko and Furutech FT-SWS-D (R)
Rack: Base VI, Rogoz Audio 3RP3/BBS
Sundry accessories: Rogoz Audio SMO40 and CPPB16 platforms and BW40MKII feet, Franc Accessories Ceramic Disc Slim Feet and Wood Block platform
Retail price of reviewed components in EU: €49'500/pr, as reviewed €57'600/pr, high-gloss adds €3'800, solid maple, oak, bamboo or cherry €19'500, solid Teak €29'000, optional bronze base €4'000

It's not every day that am I being solicited to review loudspeakers in the €50'000/pr range. I've done a few but not many. The main cause was logistics. Expensive speakers tend to get big and heavy. Bringing them up to my 3rd-floor flat without elevator is a challenge. But this time it did happen. So let me introduce you to the SoundSpace Systems Pirol. During the High-End show each year, I spend three days in Munich. There are pre-booked meets, friends I can only see this once a year and some interesting presentations I try to get into if crowds aren't prohibitive. Even though each year it's a very busy trip, I also allocate some unscheduled time out just to wander the MOC halls hoping to stumble across new-to-me brands or products. This year one such was by Acoustical Systems. This German manufacturer of brilliant tone arms and other vinyl-related products I already knew. But right adjacent was another booth which at the moment wasn't particularly busy for a rare chance to listen in peace and quiet. Inside I saw big impressive speakers with huge woofers on the sides and AMT tweeters in the front. That immediately caught my eye; plus they played vinyl.

That alone would have been enough to keep me but since despite questionable acoustic conditions sonics too seemed very good, I had no choice but to stay. I'd never met this brand before but learned that they are from Berlin and presently make two semi-active speakers. Whilst the room contributed strongly to less-than-perfect bass, the sound was still captivating. It was open, full of air, with a rich resolving midrange and vibrant yet smooth treble. I quickly gathered that it was surprisingly natural and highly enjoyable. Even the bass showed a lot of potential despite the hostile environment. Finally, the man behind the wheel didn't focus on rare super recordings to mollycoddle his setup but played real music from the jazz, rock and classic repertoire. I really wish more exhibitors would use music we actually listen to at home, not just the best of the best show-off productions.

The man running the presentation turned out to be company head Dr. Michael Plessmann. His brand is called SoundSpace Systems. He was actually a friend of next door's Mr. Dietrich Brakemeier. The latter had inspired Michael, a man with a doctorate in physics, to undertake developing his own dream speakers. He'd started building speakers as a teen but turned pro only in 2017. As he told it, he needn't make a living from it so took his time and held off going public until he was truly ready: at Munich HghEnd 2019. We kept talking and I got the sense that our vision on good sound and what we expect from a system was quite similar. Since my listening impressions suggested the same, I was convinced that his speakers were worth getting to know better. And, I am a sucker for small boutique brands that offer amazing product. They often seem more customer oriented too which people not fond of mass-market products can appreciate.