TOPAS LIGHT

The LIGHT version of the TOPAS is, just like its larger sister, a speaker that is perfectly happy being run at low volumes. High volume levels are just as distasteful to the small 10 cm W 100 S - 8 Ohm mid-bass driver in this combination of cabinets as they are to the high-end TI 100 - 8 Ohm. This is a natural consequence of the small diaphragm area and limited excursion.

However, due to the large cabinet volume and the bass reflex/transmission line arrangement, this speaker produces a surprisingly rich bass sound that one would hardly expect to get from a 10-cm driver. This, in conjunction with the extremely reasonably priced SC 10 N - 8 Ohm tweeter and the few components making up the crossover, creates a small column speaker that must be generally affordable by anyone and will earn its fair share of astonished looks.

But how does this less expensive version compare in reality to the TOPAS? To be perfectly frank, the sound quality of the TOPAS is not quite matched. The LIGHT version is slightly lacking in detail and less precise compared with its big sister. The clarity of the TOPAS that was praised so highly by various specialist magazines cannot be equalled in a direct comparison. But if one bears in mind the price difference of around € 800, it is surprising how well the LIGHT version stands up for itself in terms of value-for-money.

This is our recommendation: this is the ideal speaker solution for people who prefer quieter sounds or for use in quieter listening areas, such as the bedroom etc. But anyone who is not averse to spending more and who needs to be able to squeeze more volume from the setup, will want to go for the more expensive TOPAS.