This review delves into the Diptyque 115 Planar Magnetic Speakers, a compelling alternative to established brands like Magnepan. These speakers boast a sleek, modern design and surprisingly hefty weight, hinting at their robust construction and superior sonic capabilities. Unpacking reveals a meticulously crafted product, ready to deliver a unique listening experience. We explore their performance using various amplifiers, detailing their efficiency and optimal placement for maximizing their impressive soundstage.The Diptyque 115s deliver a remarkable level of detail and transparency, particularly showcasing female vocals with exceptional clarity. This review analyzes their strengths and weaknesses, comparing them directly to Magnepan and Martin Logan speakers in terms of sound reproduction, ease of driving, and bass response. Ultimately, we determine whether the Diptyque 115s achieve their ambition of surpassing the competition and delivering a truly superior planar magnetic listening experience.
Pros And Cons
- Large, larger-than-life sound presentation
- Very open and transparent sound
- Excellent imaging, with voices appearing in 3D space
- Impressive low bass output, potentially eliminating the need for a subwoofer
- Good performance at low volumes
- Easy to drive compared to similar flat panel speakers
- Lean mid-range; lacks punch and fullness in the mid-bass area, making rock and heavy metal sound thin.
- Heavy packaging (180 lbs crate)
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Diptyque 115 speakers arrived in an unusually slim crate, weighing a hefty 180 lbs. The packaging was surprisingly secure, with the stands pre-attached to prevent damage during transit. Even as demo units, the speakers arrived in perfect condition.
Upon unpacking, the sleek, modern design immediately caught my eye. Their slim profile belied their considerable weight (approximately 75-80 lbs each). The solid steel construction and ultra-thin mylar membrane hinted at a unique sonic experience.
Setup and Amplification
The Diptyque 115s are 86dB efficient, 6-ohm speakers. While Diptyque recommends 160 watts per channel, I tested them with both a 100-watt Nagra Classic amp and a pair of 300/500-watt Orchard Audio monoblocks.
Placement is crucial with dipole speakers like these. I experimented with both inward and outward-facing tweeters, ultimately preferring the inward orientation. The 'sweet spot' listening position, formed with a triangular arrangement of speakers and listener, significantly enhances the listening experience.
Sound Quality: Strengths and Weaknesses
The Diptyque 115s delivered a truly remarkable soundstage – expansive, three-dimensional, and detailed. Vocals, particularly female vocals, were stunningly clear and lifelike, exhibiting a breathtaking level of transparency.
However, the mid-range presentation was comparatively lean. While bass response was surprisingly deep and impactful for a flat-panel speaker, rock and metal genres lacked the visceral punch of more bass-heavy systems. Overall, these speakers excel with genres that prioritize clarity and detailed imaging.
Comparison to Magnepan and Other Planar Speakers
The Diptyque 115s share similarities with Magnepan and Martin Logan speakers, but offer several key advantages. They are significantly easier to drive and produce a more substantial bass response without the need for a subwoofer.
In terms of refinement and transparency, the Diptyque 115s surpass both Magnepan and Martin Logan speakers I've encountered. The exceptional imaging and three-dimensional soundstage create an incredibly immersive listening experience.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Diptyque 115 Planar Magnetic Speakers are exceptional performers, particularly for genres that emphasize clarity, detail, and a wide soundstage. Their transparency and three-dimensional imaging are truly remarkable, creating a holographic listening experience.
However, their leaner mid-range might disappoint fans of rock and metal music. Despite this limitation, the Diptyque 115s represent a significant improvement over other planar magnetic speakers, offering superior ease of driving, deeper bass response, and unparalleled sonic refinement. For listeners who prioritize accuracy and detail, they are highly recommended.