Soliloquy News and Reviews

09/01/03 - SoundStage!: Review of the Soliloquy 6.2

In his review of the Soliloquy SAT 5, reviewer Tim Shea concludes:

“The Soliloquy 6.2s offer a lot for the money, and they are one of the few speakers out there that strongly appealed to both the left and right sides of my brain. Build quality is better than you have a right to expect at these prices, and but for a couple very small nits at the frequency extremes and the speaker's penchant to want its fair share of real estate to really shine, this is a speaker I find hard to fault. The midrange in particular is downright delicious and is well balanced by an excellent upper and lower supporting cast. Imaging and soundstaging are first-rate, and dynamics are as good as can reasonably be expected in the 6.2's price range.

All that is well and good, but when it comes down to it, what the Soliloquy 6.2s do best is bring the performance home and make it hard to remember that you’re listening to audio equipment. Now that is a compelling basis for a long-term relationship.”

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03/01/03 - TNT-Audio: Review of the Soliloquy SAT 5

In his review of the Soliloquy SAT 5, reviewer Scott Faller concludes:

“...All in all, the Soliloquy SAT 5's do a really fine job. Take into consideration the fact that they probably need a good sub mated with them, and you could have a pair of speakers that you may never want to upgrade. There is nothing wrong with this approach. Loads of guys out there build their system this way. Go for the detail of a sealed enclosure mini monitor and integrate a sub to fill in the lower end. Makes perfect sense to me....

...These speakers not only sound great but they are definitely eye candy. There's no wimpy finishes here. You will be buying quality piece of furniture with a gorgeous finish on it.

For those of you who like to crank the hell out of your music, you'll be glad too see the 200 watt power rating. I know I was. ...

If you are in the market for a pair of bookshelves and like the up front sound, the SAT 5's are well worth an audition. They are very nice sounding speaker and are beautifully constructed.”

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01/15/03 - Sensible Sound: Review of the Soliloquy 6.3

In his review of the Soliloquy 6.3, reviewer Tom Lyle concludes:

“..If one remembers my review of the Legacy Classics way back in issue 64, I said that they sounded like the real thing, and that I've heard none better anywhere near their price. That is, none better until I heard the broken-in pair of Soliloquys. Even with less than half the driver area, the 6.3s manage to fill my room with sound and create a wall-of-sound as good as the Legacies - yet with a greater sense of realism imparted to every recording that passes through them. Don't get me wrong, the Legacies are great speakers, and quite a bargain if you consider their size and number of high-quality drivers. Even though the Soliloquys aren't "perfect" speakers, one would likely have to spend quite a bit more money to get better sound (such as the Soliloquy 6.5, at more than twice the price?)...

I thought I'd own a pair of massive speakers driven by a solid-state music amp for all eternity, but that concept has changed because of my experience with the Soliloquy Model 6.3. I strongly recommend an audition with a broken in pair as soon as you are in the market for new speakers — and maybe even you think you're not....”

Download the full review [108KB] in Adobe Acrobat Format

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11/15/02 - CES 2003: Soliloquy and Marsh will co-exibit

Soliloquy and Marsh will co-exibit in the Alexis Park #1953 and demonstrate both two- and multi-channel systems.

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10/2/02 - CEDIA 2002: Show Report

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10/01/02 - JazzTimes: Model 6.5s floorstanding speakers

In the Sound Advice column titled "Speakers Now,Or Forever Hold Your Peace of Mind" Mike Quinn wrote of the Model 6.3 floorstanding speakers:

“...my love affair with the 6.5s has not ended, even after nearly two months of daily aural trysting. ...I have never experienced bass that goes down so low (the specs say they reach down to 22 Hz with their three 6.5-inch woofers), that fills the room with its enormous force, yet reveals a point of origin so focused that you know exactly where on the aural stage it is coming from.

...These are big speakers and they require a big room—unfortunately, twice the size of the room I have presently. From my experience, a room at least 20 or 25 feet long and around 15 feet wide should do the trick; bigger might even be better. With that much space to play with and breathe in, these speakers can truly come alive. If you have the real estate in your living room and the bucks, by all means, give these a spin.”

Download the full review [220KB] in Adobe Acrobat Format

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9/24/02 - The Sensible Sound: Model 6.3 floorstanding speakers

Reviewer Tom Lyle, currently evaluating our Model 6.3 floorstanding speakers, called to anounce he's buying them as his new reference. While we won't know how his review will read until it publishes, it seems a safe bet that he liked them. What's more, Tom announced that he started to also write for SoundStage!. We look forward to hearing how our 6.3s will hold up in future SoundStage! reviews Tom will be conducting.

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8/23/02 - Positive Feedback: Soliloquy Model 6.3

In his review of the Monarchy SM70 Pro amplifiers, Francisco Duran uses the Soliloquy Model 6.3 and calls them

“...big and velvety smooth... I did hear a slight thinness in the upper mids through lower treble through my ProAcs, but I put the blame on the speakers. When I switched to the Soliloquy 6.3s, I heard no such thing. In fact, the pairing of the Soliloquy 6.3s -- or the stand-mounted 5.0s -- with the Monarchy amps made for a very synergistic match...”

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8/20/02 - Audio Ideas Guide: Review of the Soliloquy Model 6.5

In his review of the Soliloquy Model 6.5, Aaron Marshall concludes that:

“...the Soliloquy 6.5 is a rousing success, capable of the kind of high resolution, full bandwidth, ultra-dynamic sound that folks shopping for big speakers crave. If you count yourself among this group you'd be well advised to give the 6.5's a listen. A heavyweight at a middleweight price, the 6.5 doesn't just pack a punch; it's a contender...”

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8/15/02 - Positive Feedback: Review of the Soliloquy Model 5.0

In his review of the Soliloquy Model 5.0, Francisco Duran finds that:

“...At the end of the day, the Soliloquy 5.0 speakers offer you a lot for your money. First of all, they play music in a very well-balanced manner, especially for their size. They look great, and they come with several veneer options at no extra charge. Third, they are flawlessly built and have an optional stand that simply is one of the best you can buy. They also mate well with a variety of amps. It is always easy to fall into a comparison mode with equipment. In some cases it is unfair due to the price differences, but in the case of the 5.0s, I felt the difference in sound quality vs. price when compared to my speakers was a lot smaller than one might think. While not the equal in every way of almost-four-times-the-price speakers, the Soliloquy 5.0s have many strengths that add up to a lot of music...”

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5/1/02 - Listener: CES 2002 Report

In the May/June2002 issue's CES 2002 report, Listener spots our Soliloquy/Art Audio display in the Tuscany Resort.

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5/1/02 - Stereophile Guide to Home Theater: CES 2002 Report

In the May 2002 issue's CES 2002 report, Fred Manteghian covered the Alexis Park "oasis of 2-channel in the middle of a desert of future technology, multimedia, and home theater extraordinaire". See his rave remarks about the Soliloquy/Marsh Sound Design setup.

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4/1/02 - Stereophile: Soliloquy Model 6.5

In the April 2002 issue's CES 2002 report, Larry Greenhill reports on Loudspeakers Under $6,000/pair while Paul Bolin concentrated on Cost-No-Object Loudspeakers. See why Paul included our flagship Model 6.5 in his Cost-No-Object report.

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4/1/02 - Soliloquy: Dave Berman CEO of Soliloquy Loudspeaker Corporation

As the final step of a corporate restructuring that was initiated after CES 2002, Dave Berman, former Vice President, has taken over as CEO of Soliloquy Loudspeaker Corporation. Bernie Byers remains on board as COO. Comments Berman on these recent changes: "When I met Bernie in March of 2001, he was looking to take a step back from the day-to-day responsibilities at Soliloquy. He wanted to concentrate on new opportunities that had presented themselves with his medical supply business. After leaving Sensory Science, I wanted to take a step forward in my career. With very successful CEDIA 2001 and CES 2002 trade shows, the opening of our own Raleigh-based cabinet shop, new in-wall models, and the new C-6, R-6, 6.0 and S-10C models under my belt, Bernie felt very comfortable that I was the right guy to take the company he started to the next level. I'm pleased to now shoulder the responsibility to steer Soliloquy and our associated partners AAD-USA and Marsh Sound Design into the next growth phase. I predict great things for 2002, and everyone here at Soliloquy is very excited about the future."

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4/1/02 - JazzTimes: Soliloquy Model 6.5

Based on his enthusiastic response to our Model 6.5 at CES, Mike Quinn requested a pair for review and we're pleased to say that a pair is enroute to him for in-home validation.

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4/1/02 - JazzTimes: Soliloquy Model 6.5

In his monthly column Sound Advice, reviewer Mike Quinn dedicated the April issue to his CES 2002 show coverage. He had this to say about our Model 6.5/Art Audio Gill Signature setup:

“... On the affordable side, relatively speaking, Art Audio offered its new integrated amp, the Gill Signature ($3,800) which, powering a pair of Soliloquy 6.5 speakers ($6,395) with only 15 watts of juice, provided some of the best sound I heard in Vegas. I auditioned an XRCD of Miles Davis' Bag's Groove and his trumpet came to life magically, three dimensional, seemingly floating in space. Highs were open and airy, mids were liquid but upfront and the bass was solid and definitely not sloppy. The entire effect was a sound that was one of the most present and credible at the show, and also the least fatiguing or strident. These puppies were real! I didn't want to leave this room and found myself yearning to return even while listening to systems three or four times the price across town...”

[©JazzTimes, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission - JazzTimes, April 2002, pg 62]

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3/10/02 - The Sensible Sound: Soliloquy Model 6.3

Being very impressed with what they heard at CES 2002, this publication has requested review product, and Tom Lyle is scheduled to evaluate a pair of our Model 6.3.

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2/15/02 - Solspeak: CES 2002 Show Report

In our own CES / T.H.E.EXPO 2002 show report, we document things to come

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2/2/02 - SoundStage!: Soliloquy Model 6.2

In his Jimmy Awards, Jim Saxon's show coverage includes the Bel Canto Design eVo2i digital integrated driving Soliloquy 6.2s for "revitalizing sonic osmosis, a magic tonic."

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2/2/02 - SoundStage!: Soliloquy Model 6.5

In his review of the 6.5, John Potis concludes that they are “...Herculean and among the very best available. Bass response is outstanding — it just doesn't get much better. The midrange is clean, uncolored and transparent. Large-scale dynamics are all in a day's work for these speakers, soundstaging is excellent, and images are sharply delineated...”

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1/15/02 - The Audio Asylum: Soliloquy Model 6.5

Inmate Rod M.'s top 10 CES systems include our Art Audio / Soliloquy room in the Tuscany which showed a maple/black pair of 6.5s driven by the Gill Signature amp, Art Audio DM-VPS tube preamp, Gill Elise tube DAC and a Muse Model 9 transport, with cabling by Acoustic Zen

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1/15/02 - Secret of Home Theater & High Fidelity: Soliloquy C-6 Center Channel

In their CES 2002 show coverage report, the Las Vegas team takes a photo of Soliloquy's new C-6 reference center channel, and one of Marsh Sound Design's new HT-4000 surround sound processor

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1/15/02 - Secret of Home Theater & High Fidelity: Soliloquy's new automotive lacquer finishes

In their CES 2002 show coverage report, the Las Vegas team takes a photo of Soliloquy's new automotive lacquer finishes, as displayed on the main floor of the convention center

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1/15/02 - SoundStage!: Soliloquy C-6 Center Channel

In their CES 2002 show coverage report, SoundStage! snaps a picture of Soliloquy's new C-6 reference center channel

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1/15/02 - SoundStage!: Soliloquy Model 6.5

In their CES 2002 show coverage report, the SoundStage! team was surprised to hear how well 15 single-ended tube watts drove our 6.5s, saying that the "Art Audio's Gill Signature SET amplifier is a hard-wired design that uses EL34 tubes to deliver 15Wpc. It sounded surprisingly dynamic driving Soliloquy 6.5 speakers."

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1/01/02 - EnjoyTheMusic.com: Review of the Soliloquy Model 6.5

In his review of the Model 6.5, Todd Warnke begins by postulating that we "set out to offer specifications and sound that re-define this price category" and ends finding "a wonderful combination of skills, one that has no peer in this price range and so is a must audition for anyone looking for a true full range, affordable (in audiophile terms anyway) loudspeaker."

Download the full review [356KB] in Adobe Acrobat Format

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12/01/01 - The StereoTimes Most Wanted Award by Tim Shea: Review of the Soliloquy Model 5.3

Budget Loudspeaker —Soliloquy 5.3 $1995/pr.: “These are not the easiest speakers to work with. They are very heavy for a relatively small floorstander (80 lbs. each) and have a large rear port, which means that placement close to walls/corners is not an option. They are also very sensitive to room shape and placement in general, so if they are not properly set up they will sound much less than impressive. Basically, it takes some doing to get them to sound right. Why am I telling you this? Because if you have the time/patience/desire to get it right, you will be rewarded with an incredibly lifelike performance in your listening room. Performance is a key word. These speakers have the ability to be an open window on the performance as well as the music, which is not easy to find at this price point in my experience. If you want warm and lush, look elsewhere. If you want transparent, full, detailed, and accurate with a holographic soundstage this could be your boy. They may not be perfect and there are limits to what a speaker this size can do, but you will get a serious glimpse into the high end on the cheap with the 5.3s.”

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12/01/01 - SoundStage!: Review of the Soliloquy Model 6.5

In his review of the Naked Truth Audio Calla OTL amplifier, John Potis used the Model 6.5 and noticed "... particularly over the Soliloquy 6.5s, the bass was enormously powerful and rhythmic ... The plucked double basses 5:30 into "No Sign of Ghosts" [James Horner's soundtrack from Casper, MCA MCAD 11240] had every bit of the detail and heft that one experiences in a live venue ... Bass-drum resonance filled the illusory hall on "Strangers in the House," illuminating a huge window on the performance. "First Haunting/The Swordfight" showcases the bass like few other pieces in my music collection, as double basses, bass drums and even some synthetic bass lines all set my room in sympathetic motion. Violins from "The Lighthouse - Casper and Kat" were just intoxicating in their authenticity. "Casper's Lullaby" features an oboe that rises from the music with an emotional component that it never had before, partly due to their contrast with its tonal opposite: the piano accompaniment. Where the distant miking of the piano creates a large and blooming — if somewhat soft and muted — presence, the ever-so-delicate oboe is heard with fine precision ... "

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11/26/01 - SoundStage!: Soliloquy Model 6.5, R-6, and C-6

Reviewer John Potis, currently evaluating the Model 6.5 in 2-channel mode, informed us that he wishes to also review it for their sister publication HomeTheater & Sound in a multi-channel setup. We have earmarked one of the new C-6 reference center channels and a pair of R-6 bi/dipolar rears for John's enjoyment early next year.

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11/01/01 - SoundStage!: Soliloquy Model 5.3

Reviewer Tim Shea continues to use his personal pair of Soliloquy Model 5.3 to evaluate equipment. Commenting on the Acoustic Zen shotgun biwire Satori speaker cable, he had this to say about the sound emanating from the Soliloquys:

“... In general, every element of the soundstage seemed to stand out more in bold relief, which was probably a combination of the improved preservation of the harmonic structure of the music along with what I perceived was a quieter background. It would be easier for me to say it was improved dynamics, but it seemed like so much more than that...” and concludes “... Acoustic Zen cables convey more musical information than I've ever heard, and they do it in a completely balanced and neutral way...”

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11/01/01 - EnjoyTheMusic.com: Soliloquy Model 6.2

In his review of the Manley Labs Neo-Classic 300B amp, reviewer Todd Warnke uses the Soliloquy Model 6.2 and finds “...very good bass extension with surprisingly good control, superb mids, extended highs, excellent staging, near explosive dynamics, far more power than I expected and very nice resolution...”

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10/01/01 - Stereophile Magazine: Soliloquy Model 6.2

Zan Stewart attends HE2001 on a music mission and "was floored" listening to Gary Karr's version of Tomaso Albinoni's "Adagio in G" over the Soliloquy Model 6.5s in the Soliloquy/Art Audio exhibit [Vol.24, No.10, pg.65/66]

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10/01/01 - Stereophile Magazine: Soliloquy Model 6.5

Chip Stern visits the Soliloquy/Art Audio exhibit at the HE 2001 HiFi show at the NYC Hilton and describes the “big, spacious-sounding Soliloquy Model 6.5” as “making a powerful impression” that "filled the room with focused, subwoofer-quality bass while maintaining excellent coherence and transparency". [Vol.24, No.10, pg.60]

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9/01/01 - SoundStage!: Sneak Preview of the new Soliloquy Model 6.0

In their real-time CEDIA 2001 show coverage, the SoundStage! team provides a sneak preview of the new Soliloquy Model 6.0

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9/01/01 - Stereophile Magazine: Soliloquy Model 6.5

Jonathan Scull covers HE 2001 on a Cost-No-Object Electronics assignment and notices the amplifiers of Soliloquy's co-exhibitor Art Audio: "...Art Audio's Joe Fratus played his chrome-dream pure class-A, 20Wpc Jota ($12,000, available in stereo for $8k) through the impressive-looking Soliloquy 6.5s. Joe's amps are now available with the KR 32B from KR Electronics" [Vol.24, No.9, pg.67]

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9/01/01 - Stereophile Magazine: Soliloquy Model 6.5

Robert Deutsch covers the HE 2001 HiFi Show in NYC and, in his magazine report, lists the Soliloquy 6.5s under his favorite four audio products of the show: "Soliloquy/Art Audio/Gill - I first heard the Soliloquy 6.5 loudspeaker at Montreal's 2001 Festival du Son et de L'ImageSon & Image. I was impressed then, and I continue to be impressed by the sound quality and value offered by this $5995 floorstander designed by Acoustic Energy and Platinum founder Phil Jones" [Vol24, No.9, pg.65]

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9/01/01 - EnjoyTheMusic.com: HE 2001

Bill Gaw, in his 25th Chapter of Audiolics Anonymous, praises the performance of the Sound Application CF-X conditioner and recalls where he had first heard it - at the HE 2001 show where he "awarded Best Sound of Show to this room on the spot as it [Art Audio/Soliloquy] now had the best audio I'd heard at any show".

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4/01/01 - Solspeak.com: CEDIA 2001 Show Report

Our own CEDIA 2001 show report shows a sneak preview of upcoming Soliloquy in-wall products

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4/01/01 - EnjoyTheMusic.com: Soliloquy Model 6.5 awarded Best of Show Honors

Bill Gaw covers HE 2001. After his first day, he bestows 'Best of Show' honors on the $120,000 Alon Grand Reference System. On the second day, he revises his vote in favor of Soliloquy's new 6.5 speakers in the Art Audio/Soliloquy exhibit. He proclaims it "Best Analog and CD-based System". He explains that:

“...for a relatively inexpensive system compared to the big boys, the sound beat everything else at the show by far. Again, I don't think it was any individual component but the system and the ears of the people who set it up. This was as good two channel playback as I've heard anywhere. If I were in the market for a complete system I'd be knocking on their doors. While it wasn't horns, the 92 dB efficiency of the loudspeakers were being used to good affect with SET amps... and they sang. Most noticeable was the bass, which was extremely tight and deep. I couldn't believe they were getting this in a hotel room from 20 watt amps with a cone speaker. The rest of the range was also superb, but that I could expect. If you can find a dealer who'll demo this entire system, go for a listen...”

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3/25/01 - EnjoyTheMusic.com: Soliloquy Model 6.5

Clark Johnson listens to the Soliloquy/Art Audio exhibit at the HE 2001 show in NYC's Hilton Hotel. After hearing the Soliloquy 6.5s, he exclaims "... this could ruin me for the rest of the Show! Here is totally natural (and all-tube except for digital chips), full-range sound with tone and staging and the deepest and most defined bass ever heard in such environs..."

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3/25/01 - EnjoyTheMusic.com: Soliloquy Model 6.2

Writers listen to three Soliloquy systems at the Montreal HiFi show and single out the Model 6.2 as performing exceptionally well

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3/15/01 - Soundstage!: Soliloquy Model 5.3 Receives a Standout Room Mention

the Soliloquy 5.3 receives a Standout Room mention at the Montreal HiFi Show

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3/01/01 On hifi: Soliloquy Model 5.0

Wes Phillips discovers magic when hooking up the Soliloquy Model 5.0s in his review of the Audio Supply AE-25 Super Amp.

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2/1/01 - EnjoyTheMusic.com: Soliloquy Model 6.5

Jim Saxon launches his Jimmy Awards CES coverage and singles out the Soliloquy Model 6.5 display as "best sounding room at the Alexis Park"

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2/1/01 - Stereophile Magazine: Soliloquy Model 5.3

Kalman Rubinson, in his review of the Blue Circle BC21 line preamplifier & BC22 solid-state power amplifier, fondly remembers the Soliloquy 5.3's he so favorably reviewed in an earlier issue [Vol.24, No.2, pg.119]

“And as good as the Blue Circles were with the Revel Studios, my experience with the Paradigms suggests that there might be other, more apt matches - Revel's Performa F30 and Soliloquy's 5.3 speakers come immediately to mind. Boy, would I love to hear those with the Blue Circles!...” [ page 119 ]

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1/12/01 - Stereophile Magazine: Soliloquy Model S-10

Chip Stern discovers the added goodness of augmenting the Soliloquy S-10 active subwoofer [Vo.24, No. 2, pg.129]

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1/12/01 - CES 2001 in Las Vegas: Our own show report and detailed announcement

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1/6/01 - Soundstage!: Soliloquy Model 6.5

The Soliloquy 6.5 is chosen as standout display in the CES 2001 show coverage

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