I’ve been reporting on the Acoustique Quality, Amped and Music Hall partnership over the last few years, especially since I was able to meet everyone involved in Munich in 2019. (Note to self–quit referring to this speaker manufacturer from the Czech Republic as “AQ” in my notes, cuz it gets confusing.) I’ve been trying to review a pair of Acoustique Quality speakers ever since, which has been difficult due to their limited availability.
Now Acoustique Quality is readily available in the US thanks to Boris Meltsner, my old friend who also brings us the Amped collection of D-class amps that were among the first to make me declare, “Gee, Class D is starting to sound really good!” In the past, Acoustique Quality and Amped have delivered an enticing sound that doesn’t cost a fortune, and every year I visit one of Boris’ exhibit rooms, I’m even more impressed.
I’m also happy that Boris and Karel Svoboda, designer of Acoustique Quality, have found a partner with Roy Hall of Music Hall over the last few years. Roy brought along the new Music Hall Stealth turntable ($1,695 with arm) with an Ortofon 2M Black cartridge. This was a musical and refined combo that sounded exquisite with all types of music–especially jazz.
In the second room, however, I discovered a new pair of Acoustique Quality speakers, the AQ Canto 5 ($6,000/pr USD). This design, a slim and curvy and attractive floorstander, sounded intriguing and musical to the point where I turned to Boris and Karel and asked, “What about this?” I’ve been promising Acoustique Quality and Amped reviews for years, so Boris told me, “You want it? Call me, I will send it to you!”
Acoustique Quality’s new Canto line also features a small two-way bookshelf version called the AQ Canto 3, which comes in both passive and active versions. (The active model, called the Forte, also features Bluetooth and USB connectivity.) While I’m tempted to review these bookshelf models, I’m still entranced by the Canto 5’s beautiful, flowing lines. Acoustique Quality is well known in Europe and the Far east–it’s time to start talking about these solid and musical designs here in the US.
If you would like to hear even more coverage from AXPONA 2022, check out our recap report and highlights from our audiophile-oriented show The Occasional Podcast. You can stream the show direct from the embed below, or from your favorite podcast platform including iTunes, Android, Google, Deezer, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more.
