Vanatoo: Loudspeaker Technology Serving Art
Florida Audio Expo 2019 show in Tampa, Florida.
Report By Steven R. Rochlin

  If you're seeking big sound in a small package, or perhaps a modest system for the office, then Vanatooo might be perfect for you. Vanatoo is a lifelong dream for engineers Gary Gesellchen and Rick Kernen, with their love for audio and technology. Their expertise in acoustics and digital electronics, plus product development and manufacturing, is why Vanatoo products are extremely well designed. While many rooms at Florida Audio Expo 2019 were filled to the brim with gear, Vanatoo's room was sparse, with only a few small speakers and subwoofers.

Vanatoo had two models of their wireless powered speakers on display. The smaller set was the Vanatoo Transparent Zero (a.k.a. T0), introduced in April 2017. The larger set was the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore (T1E), which is set to ship by the time you read this. The new T1E is the second generation of the company's first product, the Transparent One from 2012.

Source was FLAC files on a Dell laptop connected to the speakers internal DAC with a TosLink optical cable. The speakers were mounted to inexpensive Sanus speaker stands. The sub, which we used sparingly, was the venerable Polk PSW10, which Vanatoo has been selling for well over a decade at the low low price of $99. SO what does a satellite/sub system set you back? Do i hear $1000, or perhaps $799. How about $359 for the Transparent Zero and $599 for the Transparent One Encore. The T1E is set to be available in real cherry veneer later this Spring for $649.

As an added bonus, Vanatoo's 30 day audition period mean that if you decide within 30 days of receiving your speakers you are not totally satisfied, you can return them for a complete refund. All Vanatoo asks is that you pay for the return shipping.

Vanatoo's sat / subs were a truly impressive small system here at Florida Audio Expo 2019. Enabled with specialized digital signal processing (DSP), you truly do get a big sound from a very small setup. As expected, smaller critically matched speakers bring a lovely soundscape, with imaging far larger than one might expect. Great room with sensational sound for the price!

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