Hi-Fi Choice

Acoustic Energy AE 103 £550 Bowers & Wilkins 684 S2 £800 Cambridge Audio Aeromax 6 £900 Dali Zensor 7 £730 PSB Speakers Imagine X1T £750 Roth OLi RA4 £400 This well-executed British-designed floorstander has a build quality that’s well above its price point and a specification that partners nicely done anodised aluminium cones with a soft fabric dome tweeter. The second incarnation of the 684 is thinner than it’s predecessor thanks to the use of smaller drive units still utilising the brand’s characteristic woven Kevlar cones. But how does the heavily tweaked S2 design fare against price rivals here? Just 18 month’s after the launch of its Aero range comes the revamped Aeromax, complete with shiny cabinets, improved internal bracing and driver enhancements. It’s the most costly model here, but will that be enough to take the spoils? One of Denmark’s most respected loudspeaker makers, Dali should always be on your audition list.