{"id":33488,"date":"2022-12-20T15:03:35","date_gmt":"2022-12-20T13:03:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=33488"},"modified":"2023-08-01T08:58:23","modified_gmt":"2023-08-01T06:58:23","slug":"borresen-z1-and-01","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/review\/loudspeaker-reviews\/loudspeakers-passive-reviews\/borresen-z1-and-01\/","title":{"rendered":"B\u00f8rresen Acoustics Z1 and 01"},"content":{"rendered":"

Review samples supplied by Ohm Audio<\/a><\/h4>\n

Retail prices per pair in the Netherlands, including 21% VAT:
\nB\u00f8rresen Z1 – \u20ac10.000
\nB\u00f8rresen\u00a0Z1 Cryo – \u20ac12.000 (as reviewed)
\nB\u00f8rresen Z1 Stand – \u20ac2.400<\/h4>\n

B\u00f8rresen 01 – \u20ac29.700
\nB\u00f8rresen 01 Cryo – \u20ac31.700
\nB\u00f8rresen 01 Silver Supreme Edition – \u20ac43.000 (as reviewed)
\nB\u00f8rresen 01 Stand – \u20ac4.300<\/h4>\n

Ansuz Darkz C2T – \u20ac280 per piece
\nAnsuz Darkz S2T – \u20ac640 per piece
\nAnsuz Titanium Balls – \u20ac48 for a set of 3 for 1 Darkz
\nAnsuz Tungsten Balls – \u20ac84 for a set of 3 for 1 Darkz<\/h4>\n

B\u00f8rresen Acoustics<\/h3>\n

Together with Ansuz and Aavik, B\u00f8rresen Acoustics is part of Audio Group Denmark, a company known for innovative, high-performing, and gorgeously stylish audio products. B\u00f8rresen loudspeakers are named after Michael B\u00f8rresen, the original founder, owner, developer, technical brains, and manufacturer of Raidho speakers. Now devoting 100% of his time to B\u00f8rresen Acoustics, the brand offers two different speaker series: the 0-Series and the Z-Series.<\/p>\n

When B\u00f8rresen Acoustics embarked on the endeavor to create what they regard as the ultimate loudspeaker, they set themselves some overriding goals: Reengineering the driver technology, optimizing the crossover, bringing inductance down to the absolute minimum, and providing the loudspeakers with the best mechanical grounding and resonance control.<\/p>\n

Why B\u00f8rresen avoid iron in loudspeaker designs<\/h3>\n

In most speaker drivers iron is used to conduct the flux, so that you, with one magnet, can create a quite narrow gap where the voice coil is placed. The iron inside and outside of the voice coil creates a concentration of flux, together with the current in the voice coil, that in the end moves the speaker coil.<\/p>\n

Iron simply makes it impossible to push the flux above a certain degree and that means that when you are using iron in this classic way, it will limit the flux that the speaker driver is able to create. But when the sum from the electromagnet is negative, compared to the DC Flux, you can easily lower the flux.<\/p>\n

The iron-free B\u00f8rresen magnet system is the solution to both minimizing noise and creating a wider flux span. It is what it promises: a magnet system without iron. This results in a 1\/10th inductance of the voice coil to what you would experience in regular speaker drivers.<\/p>\n

A speaker driver with less or no iron at all will perform better. Creating an environment where the magnetic flux change is minimized \u2013 or evened out \u2013 will create a speaker that sounds much more natural.<\/p>\n

This is the result that B\u00f8rresen aims for: \u201cA speaker that does not sound like a speaker, but sounds much more like \u201cthe real thing\u201d; the artist in front of you.<\/em>\u201c<\/p>\n

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For more information, see the optimizing the loudspeaker magnet system<\/a> article and video on the AudioGroupDenmark site.<\/p>\n

Z1 Description<\/h3>\n

The B\u00f8rresen Z1 is a 2-way stand-mount speaker. It’s compact in size but with majestic performance. The Z-series from B\u00f8rresen Acoustics are more affordable than the upper-tier 0-series, but no savings have been made where this matters most. For example, the tweeter and drivers in the Z1 are in the basis the same as the units in the 0-series.<\/p>\n

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B\u00f8rresen Z1 Crossover<\/em><\/p>\n

The black baffle\/waveguide is made from HDF composite and is attached in a screwless manner, such that it can still be removed. Where the 0-series from B\u00f8rresen Acoustics is lute-shaped, the Z-series use a more basic square cabinet with smoothly rounded corners. The drivers and crossovers are unique and made in-house by B\u00f8rresen. The dipole planar tweeter operates from 2,500 Hz and is made of a special type of foil with a moving mass of only 0.01 grams and is driven by a fast and super powerful Super-Neodymium N52 magnet. The Bass\/Midrange unit is a 4.5\u201d cone consisting of a 4 millimeter thick ‘Nomex Honeycomb Core’ design with two layers of unwoven carbon fiber from the Japanese manufacturer ‘Toray’, a high-tech manufacturer that also makes parts for Formula 1 cars and the aerospace industry. The structure of the woofer ensures an optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio and therefore optimal sound quality. As with the tweeter, the woofer cone is driven by a powerful Neodymium N52 magnet. The combination of both a light moving mass and a powerful N52 Neodymium drive ensures an extremely fast acceleration of the units, this ensures a fast playback. The materials used also ensure an extremely low self-inductance, which in turn ensures that little distortion or resonance occurs.<\/p>\n

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The Borresen Z1 is an open (bass-reflex) system, but because of the clever use of diffusers at the bass port, the bass port does not emit large sound waves with a lot of energy to the rear wall. Instead, the sound waves are broken up and reduced in size, resulting in reduced energy output from the bass port. This allows you to place the Borresen Z1 pretty close to the back wall without causing resonating or dominating bass. Nevertheless, in many rooms, a little extra space is often desirable for optimal transparency and depth of imaging.<\/p>\n

Optionally, you can add additional Darkz decouplers underneath as the interface between the speaker stand and the floor.<\/p>\n

Cryogenic Treatment for speakers?<\/h3>\n

Cryogenic treatment in itself is nothing new. It’s often used to treat cables and connectors, but its use for loudspeaker parts is quite unique. The B\u00f8rresen Acoustics speakers from the Z-Series and the 0-Series are both available in a ‘Cryo’ version. The Z1s that are reviewed here have undergone this Cryo process.<\/p>\n

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“A selection of elements in our Ansuz products, the handcrafted B\u00f8rresen driver units, and all the metal components of several of our loudspeaker models undergo an in-house, specialized cryogenic treatment, where they are subjected to a cooling process lasting 72 hours.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The cryogenic treatment of the metal parts is done by B\u00f8rresen\u00a0Acoustics in-house and in their own specific manner. The cryogenic treatment of the metal parts is a process that takes a total of 3 days. In the first 24 hours, the metal parts are cooled to cryogenic temperatures. During the next 24 hours, the temperature is kept constant at around -196\u00b0 Celsius. During the following 24 hours, the temperature of the metal parts is gradually raised to room temperature. Gradual cooling and heating of the metal parts are critical to avoid thermal stress in the metal. The cryogenic treatment of the metal parts compresses and strengthens the structure of the metal and reduces the residual stress in the metal which normally occurs when metal changes from its liquid phase to a solid phase. The result of the cryogenic treatment of the metal parts is that the conductivity increases by about 6-8%, which in turn ensures faster and more transparent sound reproduction.<\/p>\n

For more information, see the why Cryogenic treatment increases performance<\/a> article and video on the AudioGroupDenmark site.<\/p>\n

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01 Description<\/h3>\n

The B\u00f8rresen 01 (number-zero, not letter-O) has a special lute-like enclosure with a rigid detachable HDF baffle that is mounted using a screwless design. The drivers and crossovers are manufactured in-house and completely unique. The dipole planar tweeter is made of a special type of foil and has a moving mass of only 0.01 gram (!) and the drive is done by fast and super powerful Super-Neodymium N52 magnets. The tweeter is located in its own compartment in the cabinet which is vented by means of two ventilation openings on the side of the cabinet and 1 port on the back of the rear of the speaker.<\/p>\n

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The 4.5\u201d Bass\/Mid unit consists of a 4 millimeter thick ‘Nomex Core’ cone design with two layers of unwoven carbon fiber which is produced by the Japanese manufacturer ‘Toray’, a high-tech manufacturer that also makes parts for Formula 1 cars and the aerospace industry. Similar to the tweeter, the cone is driven by a Super-Neodymium N52 magnet, combining both a light moving mass and a powerful N52 Neodymium aa drive provides extremely fast acceleration and stopping power of the units, this ensures a fast and open, and very uncolored display. The materials ensure an extremely low self-inductance, which in turn ensures that little distortion or resonance occurs.<\/p>\n

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The B\u00f8rresen 01 is an open (bass-reflex) system, but because of the clever use of diffusers inside the bass port, the port does not emit large sound waves with a lot of energy to the wall. Instead, the sound waves are broken up and reduced in size, resulting in reduced harmful energy output from the bass port. This allows placing the speakers up to about 40 cm from the back wall without introducing dominating or resonating bass. Nevertheless, in many rooms, a little extra space is often desirable for optimal transparency and depth of imaging.<\/p>\n

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B\u00f8rresen 01 Crossover<\/em><\/p>\n

The B\u00f8rresen 01 comes complete with 3 top-tier Ansuz T2S (Supreme) Darkz decouplers. These are intended for use between the speaker cabinet’s underside and the dedicated 01 Stands but if desired they can also function on any other stand.<\/p>\n

Standard, Cryo Edition, and Silver Supreme Edition<\/h3>\n

The Cryo Edition version is similar in construction to the standard version. Only in the Cryo version, all metal parts that can be found in the loudspeaker are cryogenically treated one piece at a time. The parts are cooled down to -196 degrees Celsius and slowly brought back to room temperature. As a result, the internal molecular structure changes, and the stress from the materials disappears. The cryo treatment is done in-house at B\u00f8rresen Acoustics itself, it is an expensive process but yields a substantial gain in sound quality.<\/p>\n

The Silver Supreme Edition is again the same as the Cryo version, however, this version utilizes hand-cast and CNC-machined pure silver induction rings in the drivers. These drastically change the properties of drivers, in a very positive way. The inductance is about 12 times lower than that of conventional drivers and the distortion is reduced by as much as about 40%.<\/p>\n

The 01 version reviewed here is the Silver Supreme Edition.<\/p>\n

Next: Stands and Darkz<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Stands and Darkz<\/h3>\n

Stands are optionally available for both speakers, although, being custom-made, they are natural partners, and especially the 01 stand is the obvious and best choice for the 01 speakers.\u00a0 Both stands are compatible with Darkz decouplers but these are not included. As standard, both stands are fitted with Darkz feet. Note that Darkz Feet are different from Darks Decouplers. The Darkz Feet are round aluminum parts fitted with 4mm, 6mm, or 8mm threaded ends that can be screwed into the stands, or when purchased separately, optionally into the bottom of audio components. The Darkz Feet underside consists of a circular cavity\/ridge that can interface with Darkz decouplers but the stands can also be placed directly on the floor.<\/p>\n

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Z1 Stands<\/h3>\n

The Z1 speakers have four dimples on the bottom that correspond to four dimples on top of the Z1 stands. 4 steel balls (larger than the Darkz balls) are placed in these dimples, after which one positions the speakers on top. I find it hard to not let one or more balls escape during the process but I’ve seen Ohm Audio’s Luuk do it effortlessly for both speakers, so maybe it’s just me. Once positioned, the speakers sit very solidly but for extra security (for instance when one has small kids), the speakers can be secured to the stands via a large screw that can be fitted from underneath the stands while speakers remain in position. One can also loosely fit this screw so that this does not affect the sound.<\/p>\n

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I’ve said it before: Audio Group Denmark sure knows how to create a beautiful aesthetic and the Z1 stands are no exception. They have a modern, subtly technical, yet clean and minimalistic appearance and a beautiful smooth finish. Aside from thin metal layers on the top and bottom, the stands are made entirely of HDF composite. According to the company, this has sonic benefits over using steel, but as I found during use, the material does not have the same strength as same-thickness steel or aluminum. With the speakers on top, the stands are discouragingly wobbly and honestly not befitting to speakers in this price category. At 2.400 euros, I feel that they cost at least twice as much as I would expect them to, based on the materials and construction. But they are beautiful and custom-made and in spite of their flexibility, they may still be sonically perfect for these speakers.<\/p>\n

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01 Stands<\/h3>\n

The 01 stands are absolutely gorgeous. It’s that I was informed that they, too, are made entirely of HFD, but I could swear that it was all aluminum. The smoothly curvaceous matte black center column with its sharp inward cavity on the rear end gives that impression. But the beautifully polished and shiny top and bottom sections most definitely had me convinced they were lacquered aluminum.<\/p>\n

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I’ll say it again, this company sure knows a thing or 16 about design! And unlike the Z1 stands, the 01 stands are very robust and utterly stable.<\/p>\n

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Both the top and bottom sections of the 01 stands have three precisely-machined felt-covered cavities into which one can fit a set of Darkz. As standard, the 01 speakers come equipped with one set of S2T Darkz each to use as the interface between speaker and stands or another surface.<\/p>\n

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The stands can be used directly on the floor but it is expected (and recommended by yours truly) to also use Darkz underneath them. The combined aesthetic is simply stunning and I’m sure the assembly is sonically a perfect match but I have to wonder why the stands must cost all of 4.330 euros.<\/p>\n

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Darkz<\/h3>\n

Audio Group Denmark has taken a very clever approach with their Ansuz Darkz resonance control devices in making all their other products compatible with them. This is not only smart marketing, but the Darkz actually consistently perform miracles whenever I try them. And as my previous tests as part of the Ansuz Power Distributors<\/a> have already shown, the more expensive they get, the better they sound, right up to the “ouch” price category. So, if you find your wallet a little thin after splashing out on a pair of speakers, do yourself a favor and only listen to the Darkz models that fit within the budget. Fortunately, as I found during this test, even the most affordable C2T Darkz already offers a very substantial improvement.<\/p>\n

Darkz can be used directly between the 01 stand and 01 speaker as a direct interface and in this case, no Balls are required. Alternatively, Darkz can also be used under audio components and in that case, the balls are optional. One can slide them underneath as they are, or one can add Balls on top. As I found, the Balls lead to further improved speed, air, and transient behavior. Finally, one can also use the Darkz in combination with Ansuz Darkz Feet which can be screwed into the component that they support.<\/p>\n

As far as I am concerned, Darkz have only one downside when used in combination with Darkz Feet or other Audio Group Denmark equipment which is that while maneuvering them, one or more of the balls on top may at some point escape your attention and wander off into the room. So far, I always recovered them but it may be a good idea to keep some spares around.<\/p>\n

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Viking Arm<\/h3>\n

The following has nothing to do with Ansuz or B\u00f8rresen but it has got to be the most satisfying tool that I’ve used so far: the Viking Arm. This handy tool will lift up to 150KGs with delicate precision, all by yourself, and with no effort at all. Simply squeeze the handle to lift, and you can do this as gently or as quickly as desired.<\/p>\n

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When the job is done, simply lower the arm by repeatedly pressing the left lever and watch the object lower with the same delicacy and precision as when going up. This is truly perfect for adding Darkz, Spikes, or other footers under speakers. The\u00a0 Z1 and 01 monitors are not heavy but imagine having to do the same with big floorstanders! Please do go for the real Viking Arms and don’t bother with the cheap copies as I have read several reports that they will bend in use. You just don’t want accidents when maneuvering costly speakers.<\/p>\n

Next: Listening<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Listening – Z1<\/h3>\n

The Z1s review samples are finished in a beautiful satin white finish. Absolutely nothing about it suggests “wood” or “paint”, rather, it looks a lot like a Krion or Corian composite. Speaking of which, the speakers are also suitably heavy!<\/p>\n

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Despite (or thanks to?) the wobbly stand, the Z1s produce an incredibly energetic, direct, and expressive sound. The level of tightness, focus, and detail is very high and certainly meets my expectations at the price. Point source fans will also want to pay attention as these speakers focus incredibly precisely. The imaging is rock-solid and well-earthed and the sound is well-concentrated while the speakers have no problem projecting well outside of their enclosures when the recording dictates this.<\/p>\n

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These speakers are FAST, too! Despite the bass-reflex port, they start and stop on a dime, so to say, and I really like this level of accuracy. Although fast and impulsive, the Z1’s bass does not lack body at all and the speakers are happy pounding out rock, bass-heavy dance music, or R&B as they are producing classical or jazz.<\/p>\n

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The Z-terminals are silver-plated brass<\/em><\/p>\n

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Ribbon tweeters have a habit of sounding airy and open but sometimes they lack body and lower midrange fulness, and it can be hard to mate them to a dynamic woofer. Not in this case, though, as the two operate in perfect unison. Further, the Z1’s lower midrange is actually quite rich and fulsome with a “wood-like” tonality, and certainly not lean. The larger a driver, the more it starts to beam, meaning that it becomes more critical to sit in precisely the correct position. Long ribbon drivers (such as those used by Magnepan, Apogee, Diptyque, Analysis, and other dipole speaker brands) are especially infamous for this.<\/p>\n

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The ribbons in the Z1 and 01, however, are aided by a waveguide (imaged above) that greatly increases the vertical spread of the high frequencies. I actually tested this by removing the waveguide and can confirm that it really works as advertised. When standing up in front of the speaker, I can still hear a very good amount of treble but with the waveguide removed, the output all but drops off above the midrange. Horizontally, there’s no beaming, the dispersion easily covering an entire 4-seat sofa.<\/p>\n

Being a technical tour-de-force, I’m sure the speakers will have a very flat frequency response if measured, but as I experience them in relation to the top-of-the-line 01s, as well as my Magico S1 MkIIs, the Z1s do have a tendency to sound forward in the lower midrange. What I hear is a cupped-hand kind of prominence that I feel deviates from perfect neutrality. When standing up or at extreme angles to the side, for instance in the adjacent kitchen area, the upper treble rolls off, and the aforementioned effect increases. Interestingly, I found this effect is somewhat reduced with the waveguides removed, but then so are their benefits. But as noted, the off-axis performance is absolutely fine across the entire listening area.<\/p>\n

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“Naked” Z1 sans Waveguide. Do note that the speakers are designed with the waveguides in mind and they should normally not be removed. <\/em><\/p>\n

Matters of taste aside, the Z1s have a rich and colorful, organic quality in the midrange which makes them stand out from other speakers that have the Z1’s analytical quality. They do not mask anything, yet, they do not sound lean, nor devoid of emotion, let alone clinical. In fact, I’d say the Z1s are gently relaxed, and on the full side of neutral.<\/p>\n

The tweeter is open and airy, and it is highly revealing of the source material. Play something rough or edgy and the sound will simply conform to the input signal, just as it should in my opinion. In and of itself, the Z1’s treble has a gentle quality and could even be considered smooth. It is explicit and highly resolving but not hard or “in your face”. Nevertheless, there is no restraint in terms of dynamics, and there is plenty of bite and attack if needed. Oh, and the Z1 can play loud, too! Of course, it is not a PA speaker and the woofer ultimately has its limits, but it is very dynamic and shows no signs of stress even when pushed beyond the levels that I find comfortable. If anything, because they are so stress-free, the speakers encourage playing a little louder.<\/p>\n

Then, we arrive at arguably the speaker’s most amazing feature: the quality of the bass! First, it goes as deep as the Magico S1 MkII floorstanders. This in itself is already an accomplishment because the Z1 monitors are not even half the S1’s size. But not only do the Z1s go deep, but their bass also has immense power, again roughly comparable to that of the S1. The biggest surprise is that the Z1’s bass is even tighter, snappier, and more precise.<\/p>\n

Overall, the Z1s sound very different from the Magicos and their voicing is a matter of taste, but technically speaking, I would say they perform roughly on the same level, which is quite amazing.<\/p>\n

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Listening – 01<\/h3>\n

Going into this review, I feared that the 01 might not live up to its price tag. Because let’s be honest, they look stunning in their Walnut finish but 43.000 euros excluding stands is stratospheric for a monitor speaker. But mere moments after hearing the 01s after the Z1s, that fear vanished. Yup, the 01s are massively<\/em> better.<\/p>\n

The specs do not show it, but going by the need to raise the volume to achieve the same measured loudness, the 01s appear to be about 3 dB lower in sensitivity. This might mean that the crossover is different and probably more elaborate, and going by my listening impressions, that certainly seems to be the case. But I have no doubt that the refinements induced by the Silver Supreme Edition also make their mark.<\/p>\n

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These speakers truly are fantastically precise, quick, crisp, and highly resolving, and they are considerably<\/em> more neutral, linear, and transparent than the Z1s. Like those speakers, the 01s are superbly focused yet capable of wide and deep imaging, and while they are very revealing, they remain relaxed and are not edgy or bright, nor in any way overbearing. Rather, they are supremely delicate, airy, and gentle.<\/p>\n

The Z1 was already performing more or less on the same technical level as the Magico S1, certainly in terms of resolution, precision, and refinement, as well as the bass, but the 01 takes the performance in these areas even further, way beyond what the S1 can do. In a cross-comparison when going back to the Magicos, there is no denying the lower levels of resolution, tightness, precision, and delicacy.<\/p>\n

Uniquely, in spite of having benchmark-setting levels of resolution and precision, the 01s remain harmonically rich and are even subtly smooth. More specifically, while the 01s have the same full-blooded and gently relaxed signature of the Z1s, they do not have the “cupped-hands” effect and only exhibit a hint of that model’s “wood-like” tonality. Compared to the Magicos, the 01s midrange is not quite as tonally neutral, but another way of putting this would be that the 01s have a more saturated tonality with more of an organic touch. Whereas the Z1s are a little forward in the midrange compared to the S1 MkIIs, the 01’s sound ever so slightly laidback and polite in the midrange. They are simply never shouty, much in a gentleman-like manner. While the Z1’s midrange prominence and higher sensitivity make them sound more upfront and lively at first, I most definitely prefer the 01’s more sophisticated approach.<\/p>\n

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Another marked difference between the Z1 and 01 is in the bass. While the 01 reaches just as deeply as the Z1, the higher neutrality extends down into the bass where 01 is even cleaner and even better behaved. The Z1 can start and stop on a dime, and so can the 01, but the latter sounds even more accurate and more sophisticated while doing so. The Z1’s bass is very fast and precise but after hearing the 01, somehow, the Z1 comes across as a little heavy-handed. Some people may like that kind of behavior or are perhaps used to this. While this does help to get a party started there’s no denying that the 01 takes the audiophile performance to an even higher level. Besides the presumed modifications in the crossovers and the silver ring in the woofer magnet, it seems obvious that the 01’s curvy speaker enclosures are also debit to this. But surely, the special reflex port design helps with this.<\/p>\n

One of the reasons why I chose Magicos is that they have a sealed cabinet which means that they interact less with room boundaries and are less prone to excite room modes. In spite of their ported designs, however, both the 01 and Z1 behave absolutely exemplary in the bass. I encountered absolutely zero negative influence from that port. No chuffing, no boom, just pure, clean bass throughout its entire range. Quite an achievement.<\/p>\n

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When compared to more typical booming and zooming bass-reflex designs, some may feel the 01’s bass is a little dry. While I personally don’t feel that way, there are ways to mitigate this. For instance, the choice of speaker cable. I’ll go deeper into this further down.<\/p>\n

In my room, the Magicos S1 MkIIs really do not reach any deeper than the 01s but they do sound fuller and meatier. This is not a measure of quality but a matter of character and it may be a plus or minus depending on your view. In a way, the Z1’s bass is actually more in line with how I perceive the Magico Q range: precise, relatively slightly lean, but deep and super articulate. Not that anyone would confuse a Magico Q1 with a B\u00f8rresen 01. As I mentioned, there is no clinical aspect here, nor are the B\u00f8rresens over-controlled. In fact, they sound juicy and manage to sound both precise and liquid at the same time.<\/p>\n

Like the Z1s, the 01s sound most ideal in the sweet spot or at least in the lateral area of the listening position. But compared to the Z1s, they have a more controlled or even-handed dispersion, and unlike the Z1s, the 01s sound good anywhere in the apartment. Even around the corner in the kitchen.<\/p>\n

After listening to the Z1, I still preferred the Magicos, but after hearing the 01s for a prolonged period, I’m not so sure anymore! Now, the Magicos sound comparatively sober and significantly less spacious.<\/p>\n

Next: Darkz C2T and S2T<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Darkz C2T and S2T<\/h3>\n

The Darkz C2T consists of three aluminum layers loosely coupled by two sets of three titanium balls. When used under the speaker stands, the user needs to apply 3 more balls as the direct interfaces to the speaker stand’s base.<\/p>\n

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The Darkz S2T uses stainless steel layers instead of aluminum and this is immediately noticeable as they seem to weigh 4 times as much as the C2T. Otherwise, the design is the same as for the C2T and the same titanium balls are used.<\/p>\n

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Adding Darkz C2T<\/h3>\n

With the C2T positioned underneath the stands, the sound becomes crisper and more articulate as well as more delicately rendered, but without adding any dryness as can often happen with other hard-couplers. The fluidity remains. To my delight, the bass becomes faster and clearer. The upper midrange also becomes more expressive as well as more prominent, and spatial sounds are rendered more distinctly. These may be the entry-level Darkz variants but boy do they have a large effect!<\/p>\n

Changing to Darkz S2T<\/h3>\n

Following my previous experiments with the two top-model Darkz as part of the two Ansuz power distributors, I knew there was a considerable difference at the high end of the Darkz assortment. It was comforting to find that the same holds true for the two most affordable models. Sure enough, with the S2T’s having replaced the entry-level C2T’s, the difference is not subtle. All the extra articulation and expression remain but the improvements are now filled out more completely down to the rest of the sonic spectrum.<\/p>\n

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Whereas the C2T’s are already hugely effective but have a mildly prominent (but not unpleasant) upper midrange and a relatively slightly leaner bass, the S2T’s are harmonically more balanced top to bottom, with the upper bass also gaining more substance in the process.<\/p>\n

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The latter aspect is especially noteworthy in combination with the cleaner-sounding 01 speakers, where the S2T is undeniably synergistically the ideal match. The fuller-sounding Z1 speakers are less in need of the improvements in the upper bass that the dearer model brings. But if one desires an extra uptick in bass fullness and harmonic richness, the S2Ts are still commendable with these speakers.<\/p>\n

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Titanium Balls and Tungsten Balls<\/h3>\n

When Darkz are used in combination with Darkz Feet, one needs a set of 3 Balls per foot. There are currently 2 types of Ansuz Darkz Balls available. You can choose between Titanium or Tungsten, where the Titanium Balls are the same as the ones that are fitted inside the C2T and S2T Darkz. When picking up the Tungsten Balls for the first time, it is interesting to find how relatively heavy they are! In fact, the Tungsten Balls weigh 4 times as much as the Titanium Balls, which according to Ansuz greatly improves the resonance absorbing properties.<\/p>\n

In my listening tests, I confirmed that these two types of balls do indeed make an audible and worthwhile difference. The Tungsten Balls sound noticeably fuller in the bass and lower midrange and richer overall, and quite incredibly, they even enhance the spaciousness.<\/p>\n

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Darkz used under audio equipment<\/h3>\n

Darkz also work incredibly well under audio components such as in this case a classic Wadia WT3200 CD transport. The Darkz greatly improve the player’s pacing, articulation, transient attack, and overall precision. The Darkz perform their magic under a CD transport but, as I found, just as well under an integrated amplifier, such as the Accuphase E-280 in the other room.<\/p>\n

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When also using the Balls on top (in this case directly coupling to the WT3200’s bottom plate but ideally used in combination with Darkz Feet), the transparency and precision further increase.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Next: Ansuz Speakz P2 and C2 speaker cables, Secondary System, and Conclusion<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Ansuz Speakz P2 and C2 speaker cables<\/h3>\n

The Ansuz speaker cables were not delivered until later, so for my initial impressions, I have used Driade Flow Reference 808<\/a> speaker cables. These are incredibly revealing and neutral and well-capable in highlighting the differences between the two speaker models. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these cables to anyone who wants to rule out cable influences as much as possible. Then again, one might want to add a bit of juiciness, harmonic richness, warmth, or that difficult-to-quantify term, magic.<\/p>\n

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This is where the Ansuz speaker cables come in. Like the B\u00f8rresen speakers, the Ansuz cables have inherently high resolution but it’s presented in a very gentle manner with a good amount of lushness and a touch of warmth.<\/p>\n

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Ansuz Speakz C2, Ansuz Speakz P2, and Driade Flow Reference 808<\/em><\/p>\n

Above the Speakz X2 entry-level speaker cables, the Speakz P2 speaker cables are the second level up in the Ansuz range, yet they have a marked effect on the sound! The soundstage becomes very noticeably wider and the music is presented with a dreamy lushness and a measure of liquidity that makes many other cables sound matter-of-fact. The vocals have great focus but the cable is not as crisp as I’d like nor very accurate or particularly fast in the bass. I can say this because I know the speakers themselves are 1000% capable of not only meeting but surpassing my expectations in this field. Nevertheless, the other side of that medal is that these cables add an amount of fullness, body, and richness, which I think many listeners will find very appealing. With this cable in place, one can certainly not accuse the speakers of sounding dry in any way.<\/p>\n

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The 01’s slim rear end only allows banana connectors but the Ansuz connectors fit perfectly<\/em><\/p>\n

Positioned above the Speakz P2 is the Speakz A2 which we will skip to arrive at the Speakz C2 speaker cables. Positioned below the Speakz D2 and the top-tier Speakz DTC-2 Ultra, the Speakz C2 can be considered the mid-level speaker cable. And given what I heard, I think it also represents the sweet spot.<\/p>\n

The C2 produces the same super-wide soundstaging along with the same precise focus and alluring liquidity, but now, this is augmented by significantly cleaner and faster bass and higher overall precision. It’s still not the most immediate or most articulate cable in the world but the result is beautifully free-flowing and organic. The balance is well-chosen and this cable is a great alternative for the more analytical cables that invariably sound drier and more matter-of-fact.<\/p>\n

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Secondary System<\/h3>\n

As a final experiment, I positioned the Z1s in my secondary system<\/a>. The challenge here is that more or less full-range speakers normally don’t work well in this area due to room-boundary effects in the left corner. This is one of the reasons why I am still using the tiny Xavian Perla Esclusivas<\/a> in this area. The main room mode is just below the lowest frequency that the Perlas can reproduce and as such they augment their bass extension, rather than working against it.<\/p>\n

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The Z1s, however, work beautifully! They sure have considerably more bass extension, and more bass fullness, and they basically sound full-range in this room, yet, they hardly excite the room mode and don’t sound boomy at all. What I hear is a gentle increase in bass over a very wide frequency range rather than the sudden peak at a certain frequency, which is so common with other speakers.<\/p>\n

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As one would expect given the price disparity, it’s humbling to return to the Xavians after having had the Z1s in the system.\u00a0 I would say the two are just about equally lively and expressive and the Xavians manage to sound just as natural, but in literally all other audiophile parameters, the Z1s are simply superior.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

With the Z1 Cryo, B\u00f8rresen has produced a speaker that, certainly for this brand, is not priced extravagantly and that fully delivers the sound quality, as well as build quality, that one expects at the price. The speaker is very fast, very precise, and very expressive, yet it manages to still sound smooth, tonally saturated, and remarkably full-bodied. I would even say that it possesses too much character in the midrange but that is also a matter of personal preference.<\/p>\n

Contrary to the Z1 Cryo, the 01 in the Silver Supreme edition is actually priced quite extravagantly. But it also delivers in a huge manner while possessing superlative aesthetics. Let’s not mince words, sound quality is of the utmost importance, but with a product that is usually positioned very prominently like a speaker, so is the visual appearance!<\/p>\n

But even if one considers looks second to the sound, the 01 clearly demonstrates its superiority. They are fantastically precise, quick, crisp, and highly resolving, and they are considerably<\/em> more neutral, linear, and transparent than the Z1s. They are superbly focused yet capable of wide and deep imaging, and while they are very revealing, they are also relaxed, and not edgy or bright, nor in any way overbearing. Rather, they are supremely delicate, gentle, airy, harmonically rich, and even subtly smooth.<\/p>\n

Where both speakers amaze is in the bass. Not only do the Z1 and 01 produce super-precise, highly articulate, and ultra-fast bass but they also reach deep enough to equal the output of a small floor-standing speaker. But in this area, too, the 01 performs on a higher level still than the Z1.<\/p>\n

Addendum<\/h3>\n

After finishing the review, I received some interesting pictures and extra information from Luuk, sent to him by Frits Dalmose, sales director of Audio Group Denmark, detailing the precise differences between the Z and 0 drivers and crossovers.<\/p>\n

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Left: 0 series; Right: Z-series<\/em><\/p>\n

Frits Dalmose, sales director of Audio Group Denmark:<\/p>\n

“The quality of the Neodymium is the same in the Z- and 0-series – N52.\u00a0 A lot of philosophies are the same but dimensions and details are different. The crossovers are different and simpler in the Z-series than in the 0-series. Also, the component qualities are slightly different even though the quality is still extremely high in both series”.<\/em><\/p>\n

External Links<\/h3>\n

Distributor for the Netherlands: Ohm Audio<\/a>
\nManufacturer: B\u00f8rresen<\/a> and Ansuz<\/a><\/p>\n

Team Ohm-Audio bv:<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Derk Broos<\/div>\n
Luuk Broos<\/div>\n
Gerbren Noordhuis<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
As of 01-01-2022, Ohm Audio BV is the official distributor for Ansuz, Aavik, and B\u00f8rresen in de BeNeLux.<\/div>\n

Ohm Audio<\/a><\/h4>\n

Open by appointment
\nTuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 18:00<\/h4>\n

Zernikepark 21
\n9747 AP Groningen<\/h4>\n

Phone line 1 : +31 (0)6-38027736
\nPhone line 2 : +31 (0)6-38027745
\nEmail : i n f o @ o h m – a u d i o . n l<\/h4>\n
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