🎵 What Really Matters: Music That Moves You
Here’s the thing – we believe it all comes down to one simple question: “Can you close your eyes and genuinely believe there’s a real musician performing in your living room?”
The Live Performance Test
The very best speakers don’t just play music – they disappear completely. You stop thinking about drivers and cabinets and crossovers, and suddenly you’re just… there. In the studio. At the concert. That’s what we’re after – music reproduction so convincing that your brain forgets it’s reproduction at all.
🔑 Our Three Pillars of Musical Excellence
1. Timbre – The Soul of Every Instrument
Right, timbre – this is what makes a saxophone sound like a saxophone rather than a synthesizer, even when they’re playing the same note. Think about it this way: a violin and piano could play middle C at exactly the same volume for exactly the same length of time, yet you’d never confuse one for the other. That difference? That’s timbre.
Technically speaking, timbre comes from:
- Harmonics: the additional tones that naturally resonate above the fundamental note
- Attack and decay: how a note begins (sharp pluck vs gentle onset) and fades away
- Resonance: how the instrument itself vibrates sympathetically
- Texture: those fine details that make sound feel tangible
What this means for your music:
- A saxophone should sound metallic and warm, not plastic and cold
- Voices should have natural warmth and character, not digital perfection
- Wooden instruments should sound woody, strings should sing
- You should easily distinguish a Steinway from a Yamaha piano
Our test suggestion: Close your eyes while listening to Coltrane’s sax or Miles Davis’ trumpet – can you feel the metallic resonance and hear the breath moving through the instrument?
2. Dynamics – Where Music Comes Alive
Dynamic range is the difference between the quietest whisper and the loudest crescendo. These variations might be subtle – like gradually adding instruments – or dramatic, like the silence after a thunderous climax.
Why this matters enormously:
- Music lives and breathes through contrast
- The best speakers let you feel the music’s natural rhythm
- From the gentlest pianissimo to soaring fortissimo without strain or compression
Our test suggestion: Try Eva Cassidy’s “Over the Rainbow” – can you hear her intake of breath before each phrase? Do you feel the emotion building with every dynamic shift?
3. Coherence – When Everything Just Clicks
Picture a symphony orchestra playing as one unified instrument, not a collection of separate musicians fighting for attention.
The technical foundation:
- Perfect timing between all drivers
- Phase coherence across the entire frequency spectrum
- No gaps where instruments mysteriously disappear
Our test suggestion: Listen to Diana Krall live – do the piano, double bass, and drums sound like they’re sharing the same room? Can you feel how they breathe together musically?
👁️ Beyond Sound: The Complete Experience
Here’s something people often overlook – speakers are furniture too. They live in your space, catch your eye every day, and become part of your home’s character.
🎨 Design That Inspires Daily
- Sonus faber: These Italian beauties are hand-crafted like violins, with wood finishes so gorgeous you’ll find yourself admiring them even when they’re silent. They sound as warm and inviting as they look.
- Acoustic Energy: British precision engineering with clean, contemporary lines. Perfect for modern interiors where form follows function.
- Davis Acoustic: French elegance meets innovative driver technology – speakers that whisper sophistication.
- Driade: Modern aesthetics focused purely on sonic excellence – no compromises.
🏠 Living in Harmony
The best speakers don’t just disappear acoustically – they integrate so naturally into your space that they feel like they belong. Whether your style leans toward:
- Warm, natural materials that create a welcoming atmosphere
- Clean, minimalist lines that bring calm and order
- Statement pieces that spark conversation and admiration
Your speakers should bring you joy every single day, whether they’re playing music or simply being beautiful objects in your room.
🎯 Recognizing True Musical Excellence
✅ Positive Signs: The “Forget Test”
- You completely forget you’re listening to speakers
- Time seems to slip away while you’re listening
- Emotional responses happen naturally, without effort
- Musical details emerge organically – you don’t have to hunt for them
❌ Warning Signs to Watch For
- You feel oddly tired after listening (your ears are telling you something’s not right)
- You find yourself analyzing the technology more than enjoying the music
- Instruments sound technically perfect but somehow lifeless
- You miss that sense of the musician’s actual presence
🔍 How We Evaluate Speaker Excellence
The 15-Minute Test
- Track 1 (3 min): Solo piano – can you hear the key touch, pedal work, and room acoustics?
- Track 2 (4 min): Chamber orchestra – do individual instruments remain distinct yet unified?
- Track 3 (4 min): Rock or pop – is there energy and drive alongside clarity in busy passages?
- Track 4 (4 min): Vocal performance – do you feel the intimacy and hear the human imperfections?
The Emotional Response Check
- Do you get genuine goosebumps at your favorite musical moments?
- Do you naturally move with the rhythm?
- Can you sense the atmosphere of the original recording session?
🏆 Why Specifications Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Technology Should Support, Not Dominate
- Frequency response: A perfectly flat curve isn’t necessarily musical
- Impedance ratings: 4 ohm vs 8 ohm matters less than natural timbre
- Power handling: Loudness and musicality are entirely different things
- Distortion figures: You won’t hear the difference between 0.01% and 0.05%, but you will hear soul
The Human Element
We regularly invite professional musicians to evaluate speakers because they instantly recognize when their instruments sound authentic. A violinist knows immediately whether our speakers capture the true character of their instrument.
🎼 Musical Styles and Speaker Character
Jazz & Classical: Natural Authenticity
- Instruments must sound genuinely real
- Spatial information and ambiance are crucial
- Full dynamic range from whisper-quiet to room-filling
- You should hear fingers on strings, breath in wind instruments, pedal mechanics
Rock & Pop: Energy Without Aggression
- Punch and drive that energizes without fatigue
- Clarity in dense, multi-layered productions
- Bass you feel in your chest, not just hear
- Vocal clarity that cuts through complex backing tracks
Electronic Music: Precision With Character
- Synthesized sounds that still feel organic
- Deep, controlled bass extension
- Spatial effects that create believable soundscapes
- Detail and resolution without clinical coldness
🏠 Room Integration: The Final Piece
Context Is Everything
- Even the best speakers are only as good as their environment
- Room acoustics and speaker placement often matter more than specifications suggest
- Proper amplifier matching is essential for natural timbre
- Your personal taste and listening preferences are equally important
Our Consultation Approach
- Understanding you: What music moves you? What emotions are you seeking?
- Room assessment: What will work beautifully in your specific space?
- System harmony: Ensuring speakers, amplification, and sources work together
- Fine-tuning: Optimizing everything for your musical preferences
💡 Trust Your Ears Above All
“Specifications tell you how something measures. Musicality tells you how it makes you feel.”
At Taste for Audio, we believe that choosing the best speakers means finding those you genuinely love listening to, hour after hour, without any sense of fatigue. Speakers that move you emotionally. That vanish acoustically and let the music speak directly to your heart.
Because ultimately, you’re not buying speakers – you’re investing in access to musical emotion.
🎯 Finding Your Musical DNA: A Personal Guide
Every music lover is wonderfully unique. Your musical preferences, listening environment, and sensitivity to different sonic qualities determine which speakers will be perfect for you. Our carefully curated selection helps you discover and follow your own musical instincts.
🎵 Sonus faber – For the Emotionally Connected Listener
Your Musical DNA: You’re drawn to the emotional heart of music
You might recognize yourself here:
- Favorite genres: Jazz, classical, acoustic music, intimate vocals
- What you notice: Warmth in voices, instrumental texture, musical “soul”
- Listening style: Extended sessions, relaxed evenings, deep immersion
- Living space: Warm, welcoming rooms with natural materials
Where Sonus faber excels:
- Timbre perfection: Instruments sound utterly lifelike
- Vocal intimacy: Singers seem to perform just for you
- Musical flow: Everything connects organically and naturally
- Visual harmony: Wood craftsmanship that enhances your living space
Perfect for: Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Miles Davis, intimate chamber music
🎵 Acoustic Energy – For the Detail-Oriented Perfectionist
Your Musical DNA: You want to hear everything, exactly as intended
You might recognize yourself here:
- Favorite genres: Electronic, modern productions, complex arrangements
- What you notice: Clarity, precision, technical excellence
- Listening style: Critical evaluation, comparing different recordings
- Living space: Clean, contemporary environments with controlled acoustics
Where Acoustic Energy excels:
- Transparency: You hear exactly what the artist and producer intended
- Resolution: No musical detail remains hidden
- Dynamic control: From whispers to explosions without strain
- Consistency: Reliable performance day after day
Perfect for: Daft Punk, Radiohead, film soundtracks, high-resolution audio
🎵 Davis Acoustic – For the Refined Purist
Your Musical DNA: You seek authentic, uncompromised musical experiences
You might recognize yourself here:
- Favorite genres: Classical, jazz, acoustic performances, chamber music
- What you notice: Natural refinement, subtle details, authentic character
- Listening style: Focused attention, quality over quantity
- Living space: Quiet, dedicated listening environments
Where Davis Acoustic excels:
- French refinement: Elegant, sophisticated musical presentation
- Advanced drivers: Innovative materials delivering pure, natural sound
- Midrange magic: Voices and instruments with perfect textural realism
- Subtle dynamics: Revealing nuances that others miss entirely
Perfect for: Classical soloists, intimate jazz ensembles, acoustic guitar, vocal repertoire
🎵 Driade – For the Contemporary Music Enthusiast
Your Musical DNA: You appreciate modern engineering serving all musical styles
You might recognize yourself here:
- Favorite genres: Diverse tastes spanning classical to contemporary
- What you notice: Balance, versatility, modern design sensibility
- Listening style: Daily enjoyment across various sources and volumes
- Living space: Contemporary interiors where integration matters
Where Driade excels:
- Modern engineering: Advanced techniques for pure, uncolored reproduction
- Versatile performance: Equally at home with any musical style
- Contemporary design: Speakers that belong in today’s interiors
- Reliable excellence: Consistent quality for everyday musical enjoyment
Perfect for: Streaming playlists, modern classical, contemporary jazz, digital sources
🤝 Why This Personal Approach Works
Musical taste evolves. What captivated you five years ago might feel different today. Understanding how different brands excel in specific aspects of musical reproduction helps you choose more thoughtfully.
One size definitely doesn’t fit all. An analytically-minded listener choosing overly warm, colored speakers might feel frustrated. An emotionally-driven music lover selecting clinically neutral monitors might miss the magic entirely.
Our diverse selection lets you experience different philosophies of musical reproduction. In our listening rooms, you can easily compare these approaches and discover what truly resonates with your way of experiencing music.
Because the best speakers aren’t those with the most impressive specifications – they’re the ones that make you happiest with your music, in your room, day after day.
🎧 Experience the Difference Yourself
Curious how your favorite music sounds through our carefully chosen selection?
🏠 Start at Home: The Headphone Comparison
Before visiting us, try this simple test with good headphones:
- Play the same familiar song through different speakers or headphones
- Notice where the “technology” disappears and only music remains
- Which system lets you listen most naturally, without any effort or strain?
This “disappearing act” test helps you recognize what musicality really means – and what you might be missing with other systems.
📍 Then: Experience Excellence in Our Listening Rooms
📍 Visit our dedicated listening spaces: Room 1 (full-range systems) or Room 2 (nearfield setup for intimate detail)
- Complimentary one-hour listening sessions
- Bring friends or family – multiple listeners welcome
- Your own music encouraged – no generic demo tracks
- Compare active and passive speaker systems
- Experience the difference between measurements and musicality
- No pressure, just discovery and musical exploration
📍 At Taste for Audio: Listening Room 1: Full-range comparisons in a realistic home environment Listening Room 2: Nearfield setup optimized for detail and precision Matched levels, your music, your decision
Book your listening session | Call us: +31 (0)10 820 20 45
Because choosing the perfect speakers isn’t a decision for your head – it’s a choice for your heart.
📚 Expand Your Audio Knowledge
Deepen your understanding of high-quality audio and discover what truly suits your preferences:
🔊 Speaker-Related Insights:
🎛️ Amplification & System Building:
🏢 About Taste for Audio:
Because excellent audio begins with knowledge and culminates in the perfect match for your musical soul.
🔍 What People Actually Ask Us About Speakers
❓ “So what actually makes a speaker ‘the best’? Is it all about the specifications?”
A: Specifications are useful starting points, but they don’t tell you if you’ll love listening to music through them. The best speakers are those that make you forget you’re listening to technology at all. Perfect measurements mean nothing if the speakers don’t move you emotionally.
❓ “I keep hearing about active vs passive speakers – what’s the real difference?”
A: Active speakers have built-in amplification – they’re essentially plug-and-play systems. Passive speakers require separate amplifiers, giving you more flexibility in system building. Both approaches can deliver exceptional results when executed properly. It’s really about your preferences for convenience versus customization.
❓ “My friend spent £10,000 on speakers and insists they’re better than anything else. Are expensive speakers always superior?”
A: Your friend might be absolutely right for their setup and musical preferences. However, we’ve heard £2,000 speakers that moved people to tears, while some £20,000 models left them feeling disconnected. The best speakers are those that connect with you personally, regardless of price.
❓ “What’s better – 2-way or 3-way speaker designs?”
A: Neither is inherently superior. 2-way speakers often offer better coherence due to simpler crossover networks, while 3-way designs can provide more detailed frequency separation and power handling. Excellent engineering matters more than driver count.
❓ “Everyone mentions 4 ohm vs 8 ohm impedance – should I be concerned?”
A: Only to ensure your amplifier can drive your chosen speakers properly. Some amplifiers prefer 8-ohm loads, others handle 4-ohm speakers beautifully. We’ll help you match components correctly – focus on the musical experience rather than the technical specifications.
❓ “Can smaller bookshelf speakers really compete with large floorstanding models?”
A: Absolutely. Many bookshelf speakers rank among our finest performers. Large speakers can move more air and play louder, but smaller speakers often excel in imaging precision and are easier to position optimally. Size isn’t everything in speaker design.
❓ “How should I actually test which speakers are right for me?”
A: Bring music you know intimately – not carefully chosen demo tracks, but recordings you’ve heard countless times. If you find yourself discovering new details or feeling unexpectedly moved by familiar songs, you’re on the right track. Trust your emotional response over analytical thinking.
❓ “Do I need expensive cables to get the best from premium speakers?”
A: Quality cables can make a meaningful difference, but they’re the final refinement, not the foundation. Ensure you have the right speakers, proper positioning, and appropriate amplification first. Then consider cable upgrades from our Neotech selection.
🌟 Understanding Speaker Technology: A Deeper Look
🔬 Driver Engineering in Premium Speakers
The best speakers employ carefully matched drivers working in perfect harmony:
Woofer Design for Musical Foundation:
- Materials matter: Paper offers warmth, Kevlar provides control, aluminum delivers precision, carbon fiber gives ultimate performance
- Optimal execution: Rigid yet lightweight construction with controlled resonance patterns
- Listen for: Tight, musical bass that supports the music without overwhelming it
Midrange Drivers for Musical Soul:
- Critical frequency range: Where voices and most instruments naturally live
- Seamless integration: Perfect blending with both woofers and tweeters
- Listen for: Natural vocal reproduction and authentic instrumental textures
Tweeter Technology for Sonic Air:
- Material choices: Silk for smoothness, metal for detail, exotic materials for ultimate extension
- Refined implementation: Extended response without harshness or fatigue
- Listen for: Delicate cymbal work, acoustic guitar string detail, natural vocal sibilants
🎛️ Crossover Networks: The Speaker’s Brain
Crossover design significantly influences overall sonic character:
Design Philosophy:
- Minimalist approach: Fewer components for greater transparency
- Complex networks: More precise driver control and protection
- Component quality: Premium capacitors, inductors, and resistors for signal purity
What to listen for: Seamless frequency transitions without gaps or peaks, natural tonal balance across all frequencies
🏗️ Cabinet Engineering Excellence
The enclosure contributes as much to sound quality as the drivers:
Design Approaches:
- Sealed cabinets: Superior transient response and bass accuracy
- Ported designs: Extended low-frequency response and higher efficiency
- Material science: From traditional MDF to exotic composites for optimal resonance control
Advanced Construction:
- Curved panels: Reducing internal standing waves
- Multi-chamber designs: Isolating different drivers for cleaner performance
- Strategic damping: Controlling internal reflections without over-damping
🎵 Matching Music Styles to Speaker Characteristics
🎼 Classical Music Excellence
Classical reproduction demands the highest standards:
Large orchestral works require:
- Full dynamic range: From barely audible pianissimo to room-filling fortissimo
- Spatial accuracy: Precise instrument placement within the soundstage
- Tonal authenticity: Every instrument must sound convincingly real
- Recommended approach: Larger speakers with excellent dynamic capabilities
Chamber music intimacy needs:
- Refined detail: Every subtle musical gesture clearly audible
- Natural scale: Instruments sized appropriately for your listening room
- Textural realism: The physical character of acoustic instruments
- Recommended approach: High-quality monitors with superb midrange clarity
🎷 Jazz Performance Realism
Jazz demands particular sonic qualities:
Small ensemble jazz:
- Intimate atmosphere: Creating that late-night club feeling
- Individual clarity: Each musician distinct yet part of the whole
- Rhythmic precision: Every beat perfectly timed and weighted
- Harmonic complexity: Complex chord structures fully resolved
Vocal jazz specialties:
- Microphone character: From intimate whispers to projected performances
- Breath and presence: Natural human elements that create connection
- Venue acoustics: Distinguishing studio recordings from live performances
- Accompaniment balance: Supporting the voice without masking subtleties
🎸 Contemporary Music Mastery
Modern productions present unique challenges:
Studio recordings:
- Multi-track clarity: Separating complex layered productions
- Dynamic control: Maintaining musicality despite heavy compression
- Electronic integration: Blending synthetic and acoustic elements naturally
- Vocal prominence: Clear vocals cutting through dense instrumental backing
Live performance energy:
- Venue character: Capturing the acoustic signature of different spaces
- Audience interaction: The energy and excitement of live performance
- Stage dynamics: Different perspectives and microphone placements
- Energy transmission: Conveying the excitement of live music
🔧 Optimizing Performance: Setup and Environment
📏 Fundamental Placement Principles
Even exceptional speakers need thoughtful positioning:
Distance relationships:
- Rear wall spacing: Affects bass response and soundstage depth
- Side wall clearance: Controls early reflections and imaging precision
- Listening triangle: Optimal speaker and listener positioning
- Starting point: Begin with speakers 1/3 into your room depth
Angular positioning:
- Toe-in adjustment: Balancing soundstage width with focus
- Height alignment: Tweeter positioning relative to ear level
- Tilt optimization: Fine-tuning for optimal frequency balance
- Trust your ears: Small adjustments can yield significant improvements
🏠 Room Acoustic Considerations
Your listening environment is part of the system:
Frequency response issues:
- Room modes: Standing wave patterns affecting bass response
- Reflection management: Controlling first reflection points
- Reverberation time: Balancing liveness with clarity
- Furniture placement: Using existing elements to improve acoustics
Practical solutions:
- Speaker positioning: Often the most effective acoustic treatment
- Listening position: Sometimes moving your chair helps more than room treatment
- Gradual improvement: Small changes accumulating into significant improvements
- Professional guidance: When to seek acoustic consultation
🔌 System Integration Excellence
Creating synergy between components:
Amplifier matching:
- Power compatibility: Adequate headroom for dynamic peaks
- Impedance stability: Consistent performance across frequencies
- Sonic complementarity: Balancing component characteristics thoughtfully
- Practical example: Pairing warm amplifiers with analytical speakers
Source quality importance:
- Resolution hierarchy: Quality inputs enable speaker potential
- Dynamic range: Uncompressed sources reveal speaker capabilities
- Noise floor: Clean signals for maximum transparency
- Investment strategy: Balancing source, amplification, and speaker quality
“The goal isn’t to reproduce sound. The goal is to recreate the musical moment.” – Taste for Audio Philosophy
