Elipson Prestige Facet II 24F

Introduction

Paris-based Elipson has a pedigree dating back to 1938, and they are founded on a philosophy of using ultra-modern design techniques, such as reflection in speaker design. Elipson, though, also has expertise in amplification, and the MC1BT music centre, featuring B&O’s ICE technology, received excellent reviews in 2016. So too did the W35 Xi connected speaker when they added Chromecast and AirPlay 2.

The Prestige Facet II 24F is an update of the range, featuring new feet, a new crossover, a new cabinet structure, and a new aesthetic feel.

The full Prestige Facet II range comprises three floorstanders, two bookshelves, and a range of matching cinema-based options, including Atmos, centre speakers, and surround sound options, all designed to cater to AV enthusiasts by Elipson. This reviewer, however, is firmly two channels.

Design

This Prestige Facet II 24F is a 3.5-way design in this new matte finish redesigned cabinet with a 25mm soft dome tweeter, a 170mm midrange and two 210mm woofers supported by a front facing bass reflex port. The loudspeakers are now internally wired with 2.25 mm² OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) cabling.

The new crossovers have been completely reengineered and are placed at 250, 600 and 3800Hz, promising a smooth, uninterrupted midrange.

Quality

The Prestige Facet II 24F come in a fingerprint-friendly silky matte finish. The review pair is white, but it also comes in black and black with walnut as options. There are fabric full-length grilles that are slightly transparent.

The binding posts are silver-plated for bi-wiring or bi-amping.

Specification and Price

Performance

Review Equipment

I’m using a Melco-based source on the right side of an ADOT optical data converter, paired with an Auralic ARIES transport and an iFi Pro iDSD DAC, also located on the right side of the data switch. I have an Atlas Mavros USB with Grun between the transport and the DAC.

For amplification, I have used either a Naim Audio Uniti CI-102 streaming amplifier or the peerless Moor Amps Angel 6, paired with the Moor Pre preamplifier. I’m using Tellurium Q Ultra Silver II XLRs and loudspeaker cable. The active PowerGrip YG-2 remains a significant component of this setup.

Physically

The loudspeakers are physically solid, with a fine resonant knuckle wrap. The boxing is exemplary and ranks among the best. The beautiful, intricate decoupled feet set the cabinets apart and look great. The spikes are mercifully soft; I have experienced some razor-sharp feet in my time that are pretty intimidating. The binding posts are solid, a bit tight in my view, and offer biwiring if preferred.

I’m a grille-off reviewer, but the fabric covers are delicate in a lighter shade of grey; the loudspeakers feel a bit softer with them. This is a fantasy, of course.

Naim Audio Uniti CI-102

The Naim Audio Uniti CI-102 is an under-the-radar pocket battleship of a streaming amplifier.  It has 150W of power into 8 Ohms, more into these 24Fs rated at 6 Ohms.  Used usually in a custom install environment, this unbridled power into the 24Fs is energetic, and the loudspeakers cope admirably, for example, Miles Kane’s Don’t Forget Who You Are rattles by dynamically.  There’s an authoritative bass response too, but there is more to be had, it feels, and the Moor Amps will deliver this response in due course.

These Facet II loudspeakers might be paired with a 102 or the eight-channel CI-NAP 108 in an AV installation, so the fact that this sounds so good is very positive.  In two channels, the midrange vocals are highly engaging and smooth. Go to review track A&W from Lana Del Rey, which combines the vocal midrange with that rich bass response towards the end of the track. I have the loudspeakers a meter away from the rear wall, but this A&W bass response is delicious.

Moor Amps Angel 6

Switching to the Moor Amps Angel 6, that uplift in bass response I was hoping for is delivered, with Coldplay’s Everglow falling all the way down to the low response claimed in this room. A&W (Qobuz 24-bit, 96kHz) showcases the capabilities of the Moor Amplifier, with its resolution, power, and control.

The Elipson Prestige Facet II 24 F offers beautiful pianos with both Lang Lang’s Arabesque (Qobuz 24-bit, 96kHz) and Nils Frahm’s stunning Chant (Qobuz 24-bit, 96kHz) from his album Solo.

Turning to the Michell GyroDec SE, it is Ryan time (Ryan Adams). These loudspeakers offer a smooth, analogue sound that is very engaging when paired with the Angel 6 power amplifier. It is a relaxed listen that is rather familiar; this is a good thing. These loudspeakers are designed for long listening sessions (Gold is a double album).

Turning to some larger, complex classical music seemed to be in order at this point. Selecting Vanessa Mosell’s Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2 (Tidal 24-bit, 96kHz), the 24Fs command the room with ease, with instrumentation swirling across the room, with the piano fixed in the centre of the soundstage. Well organised, impressive.

REL 99 Classic

I don’t really need this, but a subwoofer is always a good idea in my ears to uplift an already decent soundstage. The introduction of the REL 99 Classic is a real uplift to this soundstage, and this will be the case with most, if not all, loudspeakers. I am a massive advocate of a subwoofer and have been since understanding how the Jern 14 DS works.

With these loudspeakers, an air of refinement enters the room; it is subtle but effective. When I say ‘subtle’, this is only the case when the sub is dialled in at the correct level. If you childishly turn it up to ‘Bliss on Mushrooms’, all bets are off, but the 24Fs cope admirably.

I gather a new range of Elipson subwoofers will be available in the Autumn period to cover the AV requirements in Elipson’s loudspeaker ranges, including the Prestige Facet II range.

Overall

A hugely accomplished, dynamic loudspeaker with depth and excellent resolution. They appear to pair well with sound amplification and will be a good match with most. As an easy driving solution with their refined aesthetic upgrade, this is well worth an audition if this is near your price point, and I, for one, will be reluctant to see them go this week. These loudspeakers are suitable for long listening sessions and album evenings.