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April 2026
World Premiere Review!
"The objective isn't to make
art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable."
Giddy. (adj) The emotional response I have developed to the musical instruments that are Børresen loudspeakers. In my crossover life as both a professional musician and high-end audio writer and reviewer, I have grown acquainted with a handful of select audio designs that, from my perspective, serve as true musical instruments – creations that express sonic art in ways that reach into the human heart, corporeally moving both body and soul in ways that defy words. Before we get to my Børresen T1 SSE (Silver Supreme Edition) monitor loudspeaker review, here's some background. It was six years ago from my first encounter with Børresen loudspeakers, when, upon first listen, they revealed those same visceral qualities I am all too familiar with when on stage creating live music.
In the Spring of 2019, I was privileged to pen the U.S. Premiere review of the Børresen 01 Series stand monitor, the cornerstone of what was then the newly established Børresen Acoustics loudspeaker company of Michael Børresen and co-founding business partner, Lars Kristensen. In 2017, Michael and Lars sold their stake in Raidho, the loudspeaker company they co-founded in 2003, to set sail on a new Danish audio collaboration under the corporate banner, UpperLevel ApS (now known as Audio Group Denmark) in Aalborg, Denmark. Seven years later, I find myself once again penning a Børresen world premiere review! This time for the 01's successor, the Børresen T1 stand monitor – the foundation of the new T-Series (introduced March, 2025). This new series includes two floorstanding loudspeaker models, the Børresen T3 and T5, each scaled to fill the requirements of varying room sizes and individual preferences, all representing the next generation of the company's innovative thought and technology. With the 0 Series now recently retired, the Børresen / Audio Group Denmark family of loudspeakers has grown substantially. Inclusive of the sister brand, Axxess, Børresen loudspeaker designs are now represented through the X, C, T, and M-Series, all offering monitor as well as floorstanding models, with each carrying varying degrees of new DNA throughout the lineup.
I am among many in the high-end audio community who view Michael Børresen as a modern renaissance man. I might take it a step further and simply refer to him as a genius. As an audio artisan, he possesses an uncanny ability to respond to the universal question, "What if," by learnedly and systematically exploring all possible contributing elements of material, electrical, and mechanical sciences with the aesthetic sensibilities of a seasoned musical artist. Indeed, the more I listen and learn, the more I find the fruits of his almost child-like curiosity endlessly inspiring. The significance of Michael's creative efforts could not have been fully realized without the business savvy of long-time friend and creative associate, Lars Kristensen. Today, their partnership is as much the brand of Audio Group Denmark as the innovative audio pieces they represent. These include Ansuz (cabling / power distributors/network switches/resonance control), Aavik (amplification/electronics), Børresen loudspeakers, and their newest company, Axxess (cost-effective audio components). What began as a team of two has grown to approximately 65, all contributing expertise within a cottage-like environment of hands-on craftsmanship in every phase of R&D, assembly/testing, international distribution, marketing, and media presence. It is timely to acknowledge the level of success this blossoming conglomerate has witnessed since its founding, no doubt as a business, but far more as a self-contained think tank towards the development of a comprehensive array of proprietary home audio instruments, intent on redefining and advancing truth when experiencing the recorded musical moment.
Music Reborn
Børresen M1
Børresen M1 Two-Way Monitor Loudspeaker - A completely redesigned, topology-optimized 3D-printed driver basket made from zirconium, providing extreme stiffness and superior structural dampening compared to the 01. Even the cavities of the basket are filled with zirconium powder, providing additional damping properties. As a natural element, zirconium offers significant improvement/quality of inert acoustical characteristics. A structure engineered to retain energy where it matters and eliminate noise where it doesn't. - An advanced driver membrane technology consisting of two layers of thin spread-tow carbon fiber affixed to both sides of a Nomex honeycomb core (Similar to the body makeup of Formula 1-type racing cars), finished with a top layer of titanium skin treated with an Ansuz-designed "Supreme" coating. The latter is a uniform layer of zirconium, tungsten, and aluminum chrome nitride applied by means of a Hi-PIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron) machine. The combination of these materials provides a state-of-the-art membrane optimizing stiffness in all directions and reducing unwanted resonances to unprecedented low levels.
M1 4-Layer Driver Membrane
- As pure silver has 6 to 8 percent better conductivity than copper, the patented iron-free magnetic system of the M1 bass/midrange driver (IronFree5) exclusively employs 0.5-kilogram handcrafted silver pole rings in place of copper rings, leading to more precise, faster driver response, less distortion, and cleaner overall musical clarity. All told, the improved magnetic system results in an inductance reduction approximately twelve times lower than conventional driver designs. - Improved element methods have been applied to the RP94 closed ribbon planar tweeter, which amounts to approximately 94dB/W/m efficiency, operating from approximately 2.5 kHz upwards. The moving mass is an incredible 0.01 grams! The robustness of this tweeter allows it to handle extremely high transient peaks without any ear-fatiguing breakups.
RP94 Ribbon Planar Tweeter
- An improved version of the serial crossover network (vs a standard parallel filtering system), with the inclusion of military-grade capacitors, paper-insulated foil coils, and ultra-low noise resistors. All resulting in a quieter, seamless phase coherency.
Børresen T1 Serial Crossover
- Another key improvement in the advancement of noise suppression is the adoption of active Ansuz/Tesla coil technology. Similar to applications used in other Audio Group Denmark products (such as Aavik amplifiers and Ansuz cabling and power supplies), these coils feature double-inverted windings to cancel standing waves, eliminating high-frequency EMI, and enhancing signal purity/transparency. For the Børresen M1, the coils are integrated into the crossover PCB whereby the "active" element requires a 14-Volt DC external power supply via a BNC rear cabinet connector used for the speaker's internal dithering circuits. This is then plugged directly into the wall or a clean low-voltage resource, such as the Ansuz PowerBox. - Ansuz Gold Signature Series wiring is employed throughout, representing the finest wiring offered by Audio Group Denmark. Gold Signature consists of an amalgam of gold, silver, and copper, which is considered the apex of Ansuz's noise control and material science research. - Cabinet structure of Børresen's M1 two-way monitor loudspeaker is notably beefier than the 01, providing more air and bracing architecture to better manage internal vibrations as well as enhance driver output. This includes a carbon fiber inlay at a key position of the cabinet's sidewalls to improve inertness, providing better resonance control.
01 (left) / T1 (right)
- Finally, Børresen's M1 utilizes a sophisticated rear venting system (referred to as an internal flow system) which allows the drivers to decompress efficiently, reducing pressure buildup and distortion within the cabinet, contributing to an open and dynamic sound. These rear ports improve low-frequency extension and efficiency by allowing the woofer's rear sound waves to reinforce the front-facing output instead of being trapped inside. Audio Group Denmark's North American Sales Manager, Peter Hansen, explains: "Once the driver pushes air out, in a perfect world, you want it to suck the same amount of air back in. To do this, you have to control the air flow. Once you do that, you generate consistent pressure in the cabinet at all times, the result being no negative interference of the air movement from the driver." This venting system allows the drivers to decompress efficiently, which reduces internal air pressure buildup. By managing this pressure, the design aims to minimize distortion and eliminate "boomy" sound, contributing to more well-defined bass.
T1 Internal Flow System
- Fundamental to the reduction of unwanted sonic artifacts with all Audio Group Denmark designs are the Ansuz Darkz resonance control discs, designed to manage and eliminate mechanical vibrations and natural resonances in audio components, thereby improving sound clarity, staging, and dynamics. Darkz come in a variety of material grades (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or zirconium) and consist of three stacked discs, the upper two floating on three ball bearings to ensure excellent handling and absorption of vibrations. To maximize decoupling of the M1 from its dedicated stand, top-of-the-line Darkz Zirconium Z2S ("material grade 2 / supreme topcoat treatment") are provided standard for use between the cabinet and titanium top plate. The option to use Darkz in decoupling the stand from the floor is also possible. The stand column and feet are made of a natural-based composite material that reduces distorting mechanical influences, especially hysteresis. Combined, the Ansuz Darkz and stand column work together in draining vibrations down and away from the speaker cabinet structure.
Take It From The Top
Børresen T1 SSE Stand-Mounted Monitor Details
And Pricing All noted design enhancements in the M-Series are applied to the T-Series, with four relevant cost-saving exceptions: 1) The topology-optimized 3D-printed zirconium driver basket (which is a major contributor to the M1's price point) is replaced with titanium (thus the "T" Series). Though less expensive, titanium still provides significant reductions in inductance and vibrational noise.
T1 Titanium Driver Basket
2) Unlike the M-Series, the T-Series does not include a fourth titanium skin layer enhanced with the Ansuz Supreme coating (zirconium/tungsten/aluminum chrome nitride) on the 5" bass/midrange driver. Rather, the outer (third) spread-tow carbon fiber layer is treated with a special polymer coating to further enhance sonic qualities.
T1 SSE IronFree5 Titanium Driver
3) In place of the Ansuz Darkz Zirconium Z2S, the T Series is provided with Titanium T2S resonance control discs (Of course, any of the Darkz resonance control discs can be used via listener preference).
4) While the cost-no-object approach to the M1 maintains an exclusive application of pure silver in the driver motor system, the T Series offers the option of either copper or pure silver hand-crafted pole rings. The inclusion of the latter is referred to as the Silver Supreme Edition (as provided for this review). Cryogenic treatment of the speaker's metal components, including pole rings, internal wiring, baskets, crossover coils, and tweeter, is yet another unique proprietary process applied standard to the M and T Series. The process results in substantial improvements in conductivity and a reduction in inductance. To further reduce costs, the T-Series is offered in either a standard Cryo-only version or the Silver Supreme Edition (SSE). True to the BØrresen 0 Series visual aesthetic, both the T and M Series carry forth and amplify a modern Scandinavian sensibility, capitalizing on the sleek, nautical/Formula-One inspired modernism that is in service to sonic aerodynamics. Indeed, the sculptured synthesis of speaker cabinet and stand is something to behold. I was of course, similarly impressed with the 01, however, the Børresen T1 has evolved into a beefier, refined, more elegant version, indicative of the contemporary Danish hi-fi aesthetic. Combined, both speaker and stand present a true work of art in both form and function, melting beautifully into the décor of any home. One is immediately aware that the Børresen T1 is not just audio equipment, but offers the presence of exceptional musical art sculptures, akin to those of the Baschet brothers or David Letellier. Standard cabinet finishes include a high-gloss walnut veneer or piano black, with the option of custom color finishes also available. In service to music? Most certainly. In service to a broader stroke of art? Most definitely.
I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank Tyler Mueller (owner of Next Level HiFi), Peter Hansen (Audio Group Denmark U.S. Sales Manager), and Travis Townes (T3 Audio), who were kind enough to send along a comprehensive inventory of Ansuz power and cabling in support of my T1 SSE review. The inventory consisted of: C3 Speakz 4m
speaker cables ($12,860)
Borresen Proprietary Cyrogenic Treatment
To include a compare/contrast assessment of all these outstanding audio pieces would exceed the intentions of my Børresen T1 SSE evaluation. However, please allow me to inject that each amalgam of the above brought forth a clear and discernible effect to the presentation, offering varying levels of exceptional clarity, resolution, texture, and absence of noise floor, all without a hint of artificial coloring. Their presence in the mix was a reminder of the power and significance of house synergy among Audio Group Denmark designs.
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) Having had the privilege of performing this work about a dozen times 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 and depth of immersive soundscape the Børresen T1 Silver Supreme Edition monitor loudspeaker generates is impressive. Startling dynamics and a soundstage that was incredibly wide and as deep. Timbral / organic personality was as true as I've ever experienced with percussion sources. Lightening quick, crisp upper frequency transients offered up an exciting, live experience that did not distract, but rather enhanced the natural balance of the mid and lower transient characteristics. There were no hifi artifacts – Only authentic sources that enveloped me as I seemingly enjoyed the performance from the concert hall. Børresen's T1 SSE stand-mounted monitor loudspeaker truly filled the listening room, defying its dimensions. Further, they have the ability to 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 Børresen T1 SSE 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 T1 SSE 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) The elements of decay in each envelope offered an anticipation of music to come – A continuing conversation and commentary on something so amazing, it defies traditional language. LaFaro's bass, though typically heavy in recordings such as this, is less so, warm, but with a greater presence to the transient characteristics of actuation. The same can be said of all three instrumental sources. Without exaggeration, the T1 SSE 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.
James Taylor – Before This World.(180 gram vinyl /
Concord
Music Group) The opening track, "Today, Today, Today," keeps this set list 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. Oh yes, that driver's speed! The T1 SSE, represented that quintessential Børresen transient command, immediacy, and resolution in spades. I'm quick to clarify, however, that these sonic characteristics in their respective musical scenarios translate to real-world live experiences and not a hi-fi attention-seeking effect. Surely revealing beyond expectations, the T1 SSE retained a voicing that is believable, coherent, and authentic. Imaging in this reference was off the charts, with sources precisely located in space, coupled with a three-dimensional representation I could walk right into, revealing the smallest details. For a monitor, the T1 SSE demonstrated an amazing sense of scale through this recording.
Rachelle Ferrell - First Instrument (CD / Blue Note) 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 T1 SSE's delivery. The subsequent synthesis between human voice and instrument was wonderfully represented when Shorter and Ferrell cut loose. It's here, where they converge on the highest frequencies of their respective ranges, that one usually hears a slight roll-off/roundedness. However, not so with Børresen's two-way stand-mounted T1 SSE loudspeaker, as the reach went effortlessly up and beyond. Imaging outside the sweet spot throughout this recording was never compromised. Similarly, spatial presentation was exceptional, and among the very best I've experienced. Tactile colors/timbral realism were visceral and simply stunning, even at low amplitudes. In particular, the raw talent and versatility of Ferrell's craft came to bear in the live version of "Autumn Leaves," where the T1 SSE revealed a realistic stage and reflection of venue – A soundstage that was enveloping and expansive, with the most notable characteristic being impressive front-back depth. Indeed, the T1 SSE had me appreciating many newfound marvels in layering and spatial cues throughout this recording. If I could write this review by simply saying "…Yes, they're THAT good!" I would offer it up. But I know we all need content & context beyond simply my word. Oftentimes in the aesthetic pleasures of music, however, experiences are devoid of words, and after all, isn't that where the beauty and the magic hide? Such were these moments with the Børresen T1 Silver Supreme Edition two-way monitor.
Education
With revelation must come education, and Audio Group Denmark handles this with aplomb. The information is accessible and in abundance, so all can fully learn and appreciate the extent of research and development the company think tank is contributing to the high art of recorded music reproduction. Their international presence seems to grow daily and substantially. A brief perusal of Audio Group Denmark's website will reveal a comprehensive library of company history, technical descriptions and specifications of the entire product line, listing of international distributors, current news, and an extensive listing of reviews, testimonials, and YouTube videos, all presented in an impressive and user-friendly layout. Adding to this strategy has been their steady presence at trade shows and luxury home audio events. Those who know, know. That is to say, visiting and experiencing a room with Audio Group Denmark components is not only wonderfully enjoyable, but it is a learning opportunity – a classroom, if you will. As a university music professor, I can speak to Lar's and Michael's engaging and educational method of working the room. Add to the faculty Tyler Mueller and the learned crew at Next Level HiFi (Wayne, IL), and you have a powerhouse team of high-end audio knowledge. Everyone they meet is a friend, and an ongoing opportunity to teach all who will listen about their ongoing work and employment of designs. An extensive list of reviews has added significant support to this educational process, offering enthusiastic endorsements to the quality of the product and the function of the company's work.
Coda From my 01 review, I am reminded of my early conversations with Michael, and how grounded he remains today that science must accurately communicate the intangibles of recorded musical performance, serving the moment and its artists as close to reality as possible: "For me, it's not about resolution, speed, etc., but about the ability to present music. When we can afford to do things right, the game is totally different. Performance is not about sound, this bass or that treble, etc. If you listen for those things, you overlook the music. The primary objective of a fine audio system should be to convey the emotion and intent of the artist." To remove every barrier between music and the listener. This has been Michael Børresen's goal from the beginning. As both a research center and consummate creator of game-changing audio designs, Audio Group Denmark continues to check off all the right boxes. However, they are far more than just being the "latest flavor" in high-end audio. In my opinion, they are the torchbearers for the direction and evolution of recorded music playback, making contributions to the recorded music listening experience that are meaningful and, dare I say, unforgettable. The Børresen 01 has deservedly taken its place in the pantheon of innovative speaker designs that have brought recorded music significantly closer to the live moment. The T1 SSE now moves this innovation a significant step forward. As the foundational ambassador to the T-Series, it truly represents “next level” listening in every respect and may well be your destination speaker.
An Investment In Musical Involvement So yes, their efforts are to be applauded and compensated, with the market appearing to bear it. And let's be balanced – In recent years, Børresen has made great strides towards introducing newer, less expensive speaker models that offer a significant percentage of trickle-down technology in more cost-friendly forms. One thing's for certain: the Børresen T1 SSE will involve you, and you will learn much. And lest we overlook, we're all here for the music. Giddy? You bet. As an audiophile and as a musician, the Børresen presentation brings me to the gig every time, and for those "giddy" audiophiles seeking the holy grail of recorded musical reproduction, the Børresen T Series, and in particular, the T1 SSE stand mount loudspeaker, may just be your portal to audio nirvana. Most enthusiastically recommended!
Reference System
Specifications
Manufacturer E-mail: info@audiogroup.com
U.S. Distributor E-mail: info@nextlevelhifi.com
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