August 2024

Audience ClairAudient 1+1 V5 Personal Reference Monitor Review
The little engine that can.
Review By Dr. Michael Bump

   Audience President and CEO, John McDonald, is among those exceptional members of the professional audiophile community who serve all consumer interests with quiet equity, succinctly, non-judgmentally, and with knowledgeable authority. His years of innovative experiences designing fine audio products have nurtured a wellspring of advice on a variety of high-end audio topics. Above all and simply stated, John is an exceptional individual any of us would consider fortunate to have in our life circle. 

A perusal of the Audience website offers an excellently-mapped library of not only the comprehensive offerings of high-level Audience audio products, including cables, power cords, power conditioners, OEM and DIY parts, accessories, and pro audio, but also supportive pages on available upgrades, product/industry news, media coverage (incl. published reviews/awards), as well as an extensive listing of international dealers/distributors. One will also note that John and his team provide excellent informative introductions as to the role and function of each product category – a straightforward and valuable reference for the novice to experienced audiophile. All examples and reflections of the person at the top, his Audience team, and their collective focus on the audio enthusiast. Above all, these qualities are indicative of the outstanding musical outcome born of every Audience product.

I first came to appreciate the level of quality and truth-in-music objectives of Audience components when asked to pen a review of the adeptResponse aR6-T4 passive power conditioner for Enjoy the Music.com. With no misgivings on the significance of a solid electrical foundation in the success of a reference audio system, I was nevertheless taken aback by the transformation my system experienced with the aR6-T4. I knew without question that Audience's "Music First/Do No Harm" mantra was an absolute – a faithfulness to the recorded event in every authentic sense. Needless to say, I hung a "Welcome Home" sign on the aR6-T4.

What If...
Audience set out exploring the world of one-way loudspeakers at the onset of the company in 1997. In fact, the idea of developing a benchmark crossover-less design was John's primary motivation for establishing the company, alongside that of founding partners Richard Smith and Roger Sheker. They believed significant advancements in speaker performance were possible only if conventional designs and technology could be set aside, providing a clean slate for a new standard in audio performance - One faithful in every way to the recorded moment without compromise. Following Roger Sheker's breakthrough research and development of the proprietary "A3" driver, Audience debuted the ClairAudient 16 in 2009, a crossover-less design featuring sixteen 3" full-range dynamic drivers, each with a frequency response of 40Hz to 22kHz and a combined sensitivity rating of 99dB!

Shortly thereafter, the 1+1 was introduced - A compact, bi-pole monitor, employing an active 3" driver on both the front and rear baffles of a trapezoidal cabinet, wired in-phase, and reinforced by two 4" passive radiators on either side. The objective was to create an ultra-small footprint, high-resolution reference monitor that offered the utmost in musical truth, presented in a highly-refined, impeccably crafted cabinet, all with the ability to appear and perform at a level significantly above its price point. Twelve years and seven upgraded versions later, the 1+1 V5 loudspeaker design has emerged from its rite of passage honoring this objective.

Specific to the most recent 1+1 V5, I paraphrase Audience's website introduction:

"The 1+1 is the most unique small footprint loudspeaker in the world. It features a wideband driver eliminating the need for desparate drivers and crossovers. The 1+1 V5 measures flat from 55Hz up to 22Khz without the use of a dedicated tweeter and associated crossover. Consequently, transition at the most critical frequency range, from mid to high, is entirely smooth and supremely coherent. The 1+1 V5 is a bi-pole design, which expands the soundstage, extends low frequency, and increases power handling. There are active full range drivers, in-phase, on the front and rear baffles, complemented by passive radiators on each side. The jewel-like enclosure is a joy to look at and will fit into any room where space is at a premium and high-quality sound is desired.

The two A3S2-16 drivers employed in the 1+1 V5 are a dual gap motor design with ultra long-throw excursion providing surprising SPL levels with big dynamic range. They are exceptionally resolute at low volumes and will effortlessly deliver the full emotional slam of your most dynamic music."

Background And Development
John provides the following chronology and respective design modifications of the 1+1:

- 1+1 introduced in 2012 at THE Show in Newport Beach, California.

 - 1+1/i introduced in 2016 as a variation of the 1+1, including upgraded passive radiators.

 - 1+1/ns was introduced in 2021, furthering improvements on the passive radiators and integrating baffle-step reduction technology.

 - 1+1 V2 introduced in 2015 included the new proprietary A3S2-16 driver (replacing the original A3S2-8). These drivers offered: a) A more powerful motor resulting from the use of higher quality steel in making the magnets, b) Higher tolerances of motor-to-basket assembly connections, resulting from re-tooling the basket and CNC machining of the motor structure, c) Implementation of Audience proprietary OCC copper tensile wires (versus OFC in the original version), d) Elimination of jumper wires and 10 solder connections, resulting in the conversion of a dual 8-ohm voice coil design to a single 16-ohm voice coil.

 - 1+1 V2+ introduced at CES 2016, the V2+ implemented solder-free Tellurium spring tension binding posts and internal wiring with new Audience Au24 SX wire. The cabinet interior divider panel was also removed, with amended dampening material added. The sonic improvements of the V2+ design were nothing short of stunning. These improvements put the loudspeaker in a different class, sounding larger and more capable with noticeably more finesse, dynamics, and resolution. 

 - 1+1 V4 introduced in July 2021 saw the addition of improved passive radiators and top-of-the-line KLEI ultra-low mass pure copper binding posts.

Now in its fifth iteration and introduced in June, 2022, Audience has continued to implement improvements on linearity, bandwidth, SPL stability, and a host of other sonic attributes. Of particular note is the inclusion of a high pass filter to eliminate frequencies below 40Hz, allowing amplitude to be increased without driver damage during heavy low-frequency passages. The result is not only increased safety at higher volumes, but an improved, more defined overall bass response, as well as improved distortion levels for greater clarity.

As a crossover-less design, the 1+1 V5 places its entire bandwidth on one driver. John explains this rationale:

"By their nature, crossover networks are one of the main compromises in speaker designs due to the variety of problems they introduce which include phase distortion and other audibly negative artifacts. From the inception of Audience, the vision was to build a loudspeaker that was free from the limitations of conventional loudspeaker design. The only way around disparate drivers and crossover networks is to use "full range" loudspeaker drivers that are capable of reproducing the complete audible frequency range of music. Audience developed a unique and technically advanced, ultra-high resolution A3S full-range driver so that the incoming music signal is not redirected, filtered or delayed in any way. The result is exceptional transparency, powerful dynamics and an exceedingly natural transition from low to high frequencies."

Description And Set-Up
"Those could not be any cuter," responded my wife as I unpacked the 6"x8"x9.5" trapezoidal cabinets. Slightly more than a handful in stature and weighing in at only 7 lbs/4 oz, these "cute" characters suggesting Star Wars sidekicks are highly crafted and beautifully engineered audio instruments. Make no mistake, the build, fit, and finish of the 1+1 V5 is nothing short of drop-dead gorgeous. Mirror gloss-black cabinetry is finished with side walls of simulated wood veneer, the edges of which are beautifully sculpted and rounded, reflective of a level of artisanship many times their asking price. Though the sleek grills offer a stealth face, I'm an advocate for the naked image, preferring the vibe (and sonics!) sans grills.

I would like to add that the upgraded KLEI Classic Harmony binding posts are yet another example of top-shelf components contributing to the next-level presentation of the 1+1 V5. Ultra-low mass and pure copper, the grip and feel of these terminals are absolute. Summarily speaking, one cannot help but be immediately taken aback by the level of attention and panache typically reserved for audio pieces many levels above the 1+1 V5's price point. Indeed, this was an impression that transcended my entire experience with these marvelous speakers at every turn.

I'm not set up for a practical desktop assessment of the 1+1 V5, so my evaluation was carried out exclusively in my main reference system. This required stands, which John was kind enough to accommodate. Audience works with Sound Anchors of Palm Bay, Florida to provide interested ClairAudient 1+1 V5 owners with a custom-tailored monitor stand. These are quite heavy, made of 0.25" aluminum. Weighing in at approximately 100 lbs, each, they provide rock-solid footing and coupling. Though the stands provided for this review were a fixed height of 25.25", height and number of columns can be accommodated per customer. Stillpoints isolation footers, such as the mini risers serving on my samples, can be added for $150 each. Audience also offers a desktop stand ($75/pr) that raises the monitors a few inches and angles them upwards toward ear level.

For either set-up option, I would highly recommend the use of well-designed aftermarket decoupling footers that do not require internal threading (as the cabinets do not have inserts). I found the small rubber adhesive footers provided to be inadequate, particularly when considering the speaker's lightweight. In lieu of my reference Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables and in the interest of designer congruency, I opted to review them with a provided pair of Audience Au24 SX speaker cables. For separate interest, Audience provided me three of their power cord models to audition with my Kronos Sparta turntable power supply unit – The forte f3, Studio ONE, and frontRow. Admittedly, an altogether debatable topic here, to be sure. However, sometimes the only way to know is to ignore mechanical/electrical logic and simply listen. Perhaps a review / discussion for another day....

Though She Be But Little, She Is Fierce
"The Little Engine That Could," "Big Things Come In Small Packages," "Go Ahead, Underestimate Me," "From Small Seeds Grow Mighty Trees..." Applicable enough, if not slightly corny, my earworm kept looping these clichés during initial listening of the Audience ClairAudient 1+1 V5. My simple mind couldn't help itself, I suppose. Perhaps the most befitting one seemed to be, "Though She Be But Little, She Is Fierce" (William Shakespeare).

Indeed, throughout my listening experiences, the 1+1 V5 defied its quaint size by throwing an amazingly realistic image of crisp proportions, clean, truthful, and representative of the recorded moment in the most authentic manner. Music didn't just emerge from a small cabinet. Rather, the recorded moment simply appeared in full dress, devoid of an electro-mechanical source, authentically brought to life from the venue in which it occurred, viscerally, truthfully.

Hearing Is Believing
For perspective, my listening space is a dedicated room 15'x19', fully carpeted, with a 12' ceiling. Reference speakers (Von Schweikert Audio Endeavor Special Edition) are 42" off the long wall, 56" off the sidewalls, with an 8' spread (slightly toed). Centered listening point is at a distance of 11'. There are no acoustic room treatments (as-yet). For many, the space might be considered average in size. With the 1+1 V5 on Sound Anchors monitor stands, I began evaluations from an approximate nearfield position (approx. 4' distance/ 5' spread) to become better acquainted with the quality of the speaker output with minimal room influences. I proceeded to expand the distance and spread throughout the evaluation period, eventually arriving at the system reference point of 11' / 8'. The resulting presentation was similar to what might be expected of most reference-level monitors, with an obvious difference of a tremendously versatile design coupled with a very attractive price point.

At nearfield, the 1+1 V5 displayed exceptional detail, speed, definition, and, to a lesser degree, stage, and source placement. With continued separation and room integration, stage width, depth, and height expanded, lower frequencies increased with added mid-range bloom, and above all, source placement and spatial cues locked in with a heightened sense of authenticity to the source. The absence of a crossover network among multiple drivers provided for a liquid time alignment and seamless coherent sound, particularly from upper mids through treble frequencies. A more natural, organic hue was added to individual sources, as well as helped better define recorded venue characteristics. The lack of depth below 40Hz did not dilute my appreciation for all the other exceptional sonic attributes, yet I was aware of its absence all the same - more so as the stage expanded and bi-pole dispersion characteristics in the presentation became more apparent.

Ultimately, I decided to introduce my Velodyne DD 10+ subwoofer to the mix with the crossover feathered between 50-60Hz. In my experience, this significantly changed the game, giving these little diamonds absolute validity, particularly at lower amplitudes. The end-game quality of sound was resolute, corporeal, and tangibly organic to every reference recording. Depending on acoustical conditions, one may find integrating the sub to be a tricky process, but in the end, well worth the effort. It must be noted that one could be thoroughly satisfied with the 1+1 V5 sans sub, particularly in a more nearfield role. However, I highly recommend integrating a room-appropriate subwoofer (in stereo if possible) to take the 1+1 V5 listening experience to a whole new level. FYI: In preparation for this review, John shared with me that Audience is presently designing a powered sub to mate specifically with the 1+1 V5. Stay tuned....

What the Music Tells Me: A Few Reference Examples
Bela Bartok/Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Cond. – Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta. (200g vinyl / RCA Living Stereo)
Now mind you, this is the genre of music that, for the most part, puts food on the table for my wife and I. And, leave no doubt that I wake up each day to rediscover the absolute joy of studying, performing, and teaching classical/art music. Yet strangely, I acknowledge little time is spent in my (albeit few) leisure hours enjoying it in my audio reference room, opting rather for my latest jazz trio or previously unknown Velvet Underground recordings.

Having had the privilege of performing this work on about a dozen occasions in my professional career, as well as years of academic study, I can concur with many others that, since its release in 1956, this particular performance, sculpted by maestro Reiner, stands as the definitive interpretation by which all other recordings of the work are measured.

Through this reference, the fullness of scale/depth of stage the 1+1 V5 creates is impressive. Startling dynamics and a soundstage that was incredibly wide and as much deep. Timbral / organic personality was as true as I've ever experienced, partic. percussion sources.  Lightening quick, crisp upper-frequency transients offered up an exciting, live experience that did not distract, but rather enhanced in natural balance to the mid and lower transient characteristics. There were no hi-fi artifacts – Only naturally organic sound that enveloped me as I seemingly enjoyed the performance from the concert hall. The 1+1 V5 truly filled/pressurized the listening room, defying its dimensions. Further, they achieve life-like dynamics at a rate of speed that accurately reproduces spatial performance subtleties, ultimately bringing life to music.

From a musician's perspective, what I find particularly intriguing is just how revealing and comprehensible musical form is in the 1+1 V5 listening experience. Exceptional clarity, air, and space, among other acoustic variables, allow compositional intent and performance interpretation to be laid bare without unintentional vagueness. Perhaps most importantly, the 1+1 V5 helped open the door to the energy of the music. Aside from the technical language that we often defer to in sonic descriptors of high-end audio, they brought forth the intangibles of live music – that which moves both mind, heart, and body simultaneously.

Bill Evans Trio – Waltz for Debby. (SACD/Universal Japan SHM-SACD)
My "They're in the room!" moment came early in the listening sessions with this reference recording. This is the second (live) album cut from an afternoon session at New York's Village Vanguard jazz club in 1961. Those considered Bill Evans aficionados (I do not profess to be one of them) generally hold this and Sunday at the Village Vanguard as snapshots of the Bill Evans Trio at their best (in addition to the 1961 recording, Portrait In Jazz). As bass player Scott LaFaro was tragically killed in a car accident only 10 days following these recording sessions, both WFD and SVV serve as somber homage, though WFD seems to be a more balanced serving of selected titles. Much has been written as to the stunner this particular SACD pressing is. Suffice to say that, through the 1+1 V5, I found the beautiful reflectiveness of this music real and genuine.

The elements of decay in each envelope offered an anticipation of music to come – A continuing conversation and commentary on something so amazing, that it defies traditional language. LaFaro's bass, though typically heavy in recordings such as this, is less so, warm, with a greater presence to the transient characteristics of actuation. The same can be said of all three instrumental sources. Without exaggeration, the 1+1 V5 brought me to the gig – At times allowing me to move the brushes myself over Paul Motian's snare drum, or stand over Evan's keyboard as he depressed each key.

Rachelle Ferrell - First Instrument. (CD/Blue Note)
Man, what a beautiful recording project! A reissue of her 1990 debut studio project, Somethin' Else, First Instrument is an audiophile's dream in both system/equipment evaluation and just simple listening enjoyment. No doubt, the 1+1 V5 enhanced an already beautifully balanced presentation. Given a similar repertoire of standards, there is some natural comparative interest with many other female jazz artist recordings, where one can quickly hear how Ferrell's unique and versatile treatment of her "instrument" stands alone. Alas, I only wish she had continued to pursue this genre more thoroughly/experimentally rather than crossing over to R&B. One of my favs on the First Instrument recording is also one of the shortest (literally and figuratively!), "Inchworm" (Just for kicks, I enjoyed running back/forth between hers and Patricia Barber's rendition!). Lenny and Rachelle create a fantastic call/response scat intro that was completely palpable via the 1+1 V5's delivery.

The subsequent synthesis between the human voice and instrument was wonderfully represented when Shorter and Ferrell cut loose. It is only when they converge on the highest frequencies of their respective ranges that one hears a slight roll-off/roundedness. The raw talent and versatility of Ferrell's craft come to bear in the live version of "Autumn Leaves," the 1+1 V5 enhancing a realistic stage and reflection of the venue. Add a knock-out lineup of first-call musicians such as Wayne Shorter, Stanley Clarke, and Lenny White, and this track sends chills from beginning to end.

James Taylor – Before This World.(180g vinyl / Concord Music Group)
For as much as I enjoy critical listening and have embraced the music of James Taylor for most of my life, it's odd to realize I've never used one of James' recordings as a point of reference in audio reviews. Better late than never, I suppose, and Before This World provides an excellent vehicle. Besides, a long-time friend from my University of Illinois days, Andrea Zonn, is with the band, backing vocals and playing a mean fiddle! I always enjoy hearing her perform and catching up backstage at concerts.

The opening track, "Today, Today, Today," keeps this setlist grounded in its country and blues roots. It's a great introduction to the immensely talented and seasoned artists gathered for this project (James aptly bills this gathering of friends as "The All-Star Band"). The mixes are all hot, putting James front and center, yet a clean path is carved right down the middle to allow a crystal view of everyone in the band.

The title track, in duet with Sting, is presented almost as a prayer, in all the quartal harmonic splendor of Gregorian chant, while allowing a wide frame for James' distinctive finger-picking style. Despite the fact there were moments when I longed for the heft, pop, and punch of my VSA Endeavor SEs, particularly when Steve Gadd wanted to bring it, the 1+1 V5 was more than up to the task throughout this recording.

Conclusions
I'll be the first to admit that I initially found myself staring at these little marvels as much as I did listening to them. However, they quickly proved themselves to be far more than a curiosity, as they are moreover a lifestyle solution, offering exceptional, highly resolved music through a transducer so small, yet revealing life-like music ten times their size. The forward-thinking team at Audience ultimately provides a holographic audio image of musical time and space, faithful to its recorded genesis. From a professional musician's perspective, this is the ultimate gift of reference (deep) listening. "In the end, it's all about the music," and less so 'listening' with one's eyes. Without fail, the 1+1 V5 brought me to the gig every time.

A "micro monitor" within a class unto itself, the ClairAudient 1+1 V5 is representative of Audience's years of impactful innovations in the high-end consumer audio industry, where the company remains a significant influence in the authentic re-creation of recorded music. Cabling, power conditioning, OEM / DIY designs, have all served as benchmark contributions to the industry. Equally so, their amazing success with crossover-less speaker designs on such a compact scale has opened the audiophile landscape to possibilities previously unrealized. The 1+1 V5 represents the current pinnacle of such success. It serves a unique role as a counter-response to the go big or go home community, drawing curiosity through its demur appearance, only to ambush unsuspecting listeners with a sense of realism assumed from only a select handful of the finest speakers.

Finally, I share with enthusiasm that Audience is currently developing two new full-range floor standing loudspeaker models, incorporating much of the technology in the 1+1V5, coupled with some exciting new groundbreaking patented acoustic technology advancing to a whole new level of performance. Once again, stay tuned...!

If space is a consideration, then Audience has given discerning audiophiles a fantastic gift in the 1+1 V5.  If space is but one of several implementation considerations, then the 1+1 V5 remains one of the most versatile high-end speakers available.

I want to make the point that the 1+1 V5 should be understood and certainly respected for far more than its novel existence in a high-end audio world. "Size matters" goes both ways, and the fact that a reference-level musical presentation can be re-created through "the world's smallest footprint speaker," offering the versatility of placement and application without compromise, worthy of an accompanying ensemble of top-shelf reference-level audio components, deserves a long, deep listen.

The Audience ClairAudient 1+1 V5 demonstrates a level of audio value beyond approach. It is a loudspeaker at home in any reference listening environment, offering an exceptional conduit to the high-art of recorded music. Above all, it will generate tremendous pride of ownership, worthy as an end-game speaker in a variety of fine audio systems.

The Audience mantra remains strong and faithful through the 1+1 V5: "Music First / Do No Harm." Listen for yourself and enjoy the music!

Specifications
Type: Type: Monitor loudspeaker with dual full-range drivers in bipole configuration with two side-firing passive radiators
Frequency Response: 55Hz to 20kHz (+/-3dB)
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 87dB/W/m in room
Recommended Amplifier Output: 15 to 60 Watts
Recommended Stand Height: 28"
Input Terminals: Five-way loudspeaker wire binding posts
Dimensions: 8" x 9.75" x 6" (HxDxW)
Weight: 7 lbs. 4 oz.
Price: $3,900 (not including stands)

Company Information
Audience AV
120 N. Pacific Street
Suite K-9
San Marcos, CA 92069

Voice: (760) 471-0202
E-mail: info@audience-av.com 
Website : Audience-AV.com