VAF Research EVO1 Loudspeakers Product Review

JANUARY 2017 VAF RESEARCH EVO1 REVIEW / VAF RESEARCH / EVO1

VAF Research EVO1 Local Hero It says something about their integrity that No one can describe VAF Research as churches, Adelaide, founder Philip Vafiadis hi-fi. STAND MOUNT LOUDSPEAKER a newbie startup. Based in the city of both outlets carry the best of Australian made and his company VAF Research have been in More positively, models as good as the VAF business since 1978. EVO1 loudspeakers do more to erase our $2,999 RRP While audiophiles appreciate the best effort cultural cringe than ‘paid for’ advertising and of Australian brands the caliber of Elektra sycophantic audio reviews. Audio, Whatmough and VAF, down below in Whatever way you look at VAF one thing the mass market appreciation of locally made is clear: VAF is a world-class speaker audio gear borders on the ignorant. manufacturer. End of story. Maybe this relates directly back to a cultural The EVO1 Speaker is a bass reflex design, cringe fostered by a perception that Australian featuring a front port, making positioning in made compared to exotic imports, simply smaller rooms substantially easier. They can be doesn’t cut the commercial muster. placed a lot closer to rear walls but care needs Or it may be the case the local audio scene to be taken with positioning near sidewalls. can’t afford the advertising bling supported Prices on the EVO1 are also refreshingly real by the imports and their condescending hi-fi worldly and begin at $2999 RRP. media. It also doesn’t help the local producers a jot that the establishment audio press VAF’s Adelaide store also retails other high “VAF is a world-class largely ignores their work. All in the interest of quality components, typically harmonious to their own loudspeaker creations. Also the advertising dollar. speaker manufacturer. Great Hi-Fi specialist stores have always supplied was the $4990 RRP Densen B130xs Integrated amplifier for the review, it’s the amp supported Australian made hi-fi on its merits. VAF sells and recommends for use with their End of story.” Len Wallis in Sydney and Rab Turner’s Carlton EVO1 speakers. Audio Visual have a long and proud history of stocking the best sounding gear around. Densen amplifiers are made in Denmark and distributed locally by Radiance AV.

VAF Research EVO1 Local Hero It says something about their integrity that No one can describe VAF Research as churches, Adelaide, founder Philip Vafiadis hi-fi. STAND MOUNT LOUDSPEAKER a newbie startup. Based in the city of both outlets carry the best of Australian made and his company VAF Research have been in More positively, models as good as the VAF business since 1978. EVO1 loudspeakers do more to erase our $2,999 RRP While audiophiles appreciate the best effort cultural cringe than ‘paid for’ advertising and of Australian brands the caliber of Elektra sycophantic audio reviews. Audio, Whatmough and VAF, down below in Whatever way you look at VAF one thing the mass market appreciation of locally made is clear: VAF is a world-class speaker audio gear borders on the ignorant. manufacturer. End of story. Maybe this relates directly back to a cultural The EVO1 Speaker is a bass reflex design, cringe fostered by a perception that Australian featuring a front port, making positioning in made compared to exotic imports, simply smaller rooms substantially easier. They can be doesn’t cut the commercial muster. placed a lot closer to rear walls but care needs Or it may be the case the local audio scene to be taken with positioning near sidewalls. can’t afford the advertising bling supported Prices on the EVO1 are also refreshingly real by the imports and their condescending hi-fi worldly and begin at $2999 RRP. media. It also doesn’t help the local producers a jot that the establishment audio press VAF’s Adelaide store also retails other high “VAF is a world-class largely ignores their work. All in the interest of quality components, typically harmonious to their own loudspeaker creations. Also the advertising dollar. speaker manufacturer. Great Hi-Fi specialist stores have always supplied was the $4990 RRP Densen B130xs Integrated amplifier for the review, it’s the amp supported Australian made hi-fi on its merits. VAF sells and recommends for use with their End of story.” Len Wallis in Sydney and Rab Turner’s Carlton EVO1 speakers. Audio Visual have a long and proud history of stocking the best sounding gear around. Densen amplifiers are made in Denmark and distributed locally by Radiance AV.

Research and Development Unboxing/Setup An email sent to Simon Wilde, mounted perfectly in the voice coil It has taken VAF about 6-months Three daunting large boxes of different real wood finishes to one of the VAF team heavily of the woofer and is therefore time to complete the prototype, were waiting for me one evening the black ash finish on the demo involved in bringing the EVO1 aligned and phase coherent.’’ audition and fine-tune this model. after work. Two identically sized pair, allowing for you to better loudspeakers to life solicited “So by our calculations a 6½” Fit and finish is paramount for all but not the third. Clearly two match them to your décor. a little more information about woofer is the smallest you can VAF products and their new local “researching high-quality speakers and a component. The Densen Amplifier was also their genesis. go with a sealed enclosure (with craftsman has raised the bar in VAF had taken great care to packed exceptionally well. VAF has been researching high- a 2nd order roll off at the low terms of fit and finish. compacts for more ensure the review products A nice little leaflet in the box told quality compacts for more than a end) getting to 60Hz and be able “Advanced CNC capability arrived safely, double boxing me the Densen amplifier came decade, according to Wilde. to blend to a subwoofer with combined with three generations than a decade” where necessary. with a lifetime warranty, attesting no ‘droop’ in the response. Of “We released a range called ICON of ‘old school’ know-how are a The EVO1 speakers were to the manufacturer’s confidence. about ten years ago as a study course, placement will always fantastic asset, and the quality unpacked replacing my ELAC BS The Densen, while appearing into compact speakers. This compromise this, however it of what we’re making now has 403 speakers. quite minimal for an integrated taught us a lot about speakers can be done if you have that as never been higher – we can Without exaggeration, anyone amplifier, weighed in at a not with small volumes. They were a minimum.’’ boast we continue to make world encountering the EVO1 will agree insignificant 14kg, and was really popular and the smallest “That speaker led into a push class speakers,” Wilde insists. they’re large, at least for a stand finished in a stunning brushed ICON100 with its little 3” full range to make something even mount speaker. Measuring in at silver. driver ended up being chosen smaller, the I-49 which we admit 37cm tall, 22cm wide and 35cm over 20 other brands for use in compromises that ideal of the deep, they towered over my But it wasn’t supplied with a Parliament house Canberra. This perfect blend with the sub, ELAC BS 403’s. remote control, so for anyone was because of the detailed voice however the dual concentric who can’t deal with getting up to reproduction it achieved in such a driver in that speaker – a 4” with Aesthetically, they aren’t for the adjust volume or switch sources, small size,’’ Wilde said. a FULL SIZE 1” dome tweeter weak hearted either, though you might best look elsewhere in a box that no one believes they are available in a number for your amplification needs. “A few years ago now we released a new signature series speaker is made as a fully mitred ½” called the I-90, with a proprietary HDF construction cabinet. This handmade driver from SEAS speaker amazes everyone.” Norway. This represented the This experience inspired VAF to smallest speaker you can make work on designing a speaker for that can seamlessly blend with a the two-channel connoisseur sub woofer and maintain realistic that would be compact, but not dynamic range. It’s also a dual require a subwoofer for a realistic concentric – with the tweeter sound.

Research and Development Unboxing/Setup An email sent to Simon Wilde, mounted perfectly in the voice coil It has taken VAF about 6-months Three daunting large boxes of different real wood finishes to one of the VAF team heavily of the woofer and is therefore time to complete the prototype, were waiting for me one evening the black ash finish on the demo involved in bringing the EVO1 aligned and phase coherent.’’ audition and fine-tune this model. after work. Two identically sized pair, allowing for you to better loudspeakers to life solicited “So by our calculations a 6½” Fit and finish is paramount for all but not the third. Clearly two match them to your décor. a little more information about woofer is the smallest you can VAF products and their new local “researching high-quality speakers and a component. The Densen Amplifier was also their genesis. go with a sealed enclosure (with craftsman has raised the bar in VAF had taken great care to packed exceptionally well. VAF has been researching high- a 2nd order roll off at the low terms of fit and finish. compacts for more ensure the review products A nice little leaflet in the box told quality compacts for more than a end) getting to 60Hz and be able “Advanced CNC capability arrived safely, double boxing me the Densen amplifier came decade, according to Wilde. to blend to a subwoofer with combined with three generations than a decade” where necessary. with a lifetime warranty, attesting no ‘droop’ in the response. Of “We released a range called ICON of ‘old school’ know-how are a The EVO1 speakers were to the manufacturer’s confidence. about ten years ago as a study course, placement will always fantastic asset, and the quality unpacked replacing my ELAC BS The Densen, while appearing into compact speakers. This compromise this, however it of what we’re making now has 403 speakers. quite minimal for an integrated taught us a lot about speakers can be done if you have that as never been higher – we can Without exaggeration, anyone amplifier, weighed in at a not with small volumes. They were a minimum.’’ boast we continue to make world encountering the EVO1 will agree insignificant 14kg, and was really popular and the smallest “That speaker led into a push class speakers,” Wilde insists. they’re large, at least for a stand finished in a stunning brushed ICON100 with its little 3” full range to make something even mount speaker. Measuring in at silver. driver ended up being chosen smaller, the I-49 which we admit 37cm tall, 22cm wide and 35cm over 20 other brands for use in compromises that ideal of the deep, they towered over my But it wasn’t supplied with a Parliament house Canberra. This perfect blend with the sub, ELAC BS 403’s. remote control, so for anyone was because of the detailed voice however the dual concentric who can’t deal with getting up to reproduction it achieved in such a driver in that speaker – a 4” with Aesthetically, they aren’t for the adjust volume or switch sources, small size,’’ Wilde said. a FULL SIZE 1” dome tweeter weak hearted either, though you might best look elsewhere in a box that no one believes they are available in a number for your amplification needs. “A few years ago now we released a new signature series speaker is made as a fully mitred ½” called the I-90, with a proprietary HDF construction cabinet. This handmade driver from SEAS speaker amazes everyone.” Norway. This represented the This experience inspired VAF to smallest speaker you can make work on designing a speaker for that can seamlessly blend with a the two-channel connoisseur sub woofer and maintain realistic that would be compact, but not dynamic range. It’s also a dual require a subwoofer for a realistic concentric – with the tweeter sound.

Comparisons Conclusion Listening to the VAF’s compared to my usual ELAC BS403 speakers, The VAF EVO1 Speakers and the Densen B-130xs amplifier are going showed a touch less bite. There was an obvious smoothness in the to be tough to send back. On their own, they each stack up well. sound that bordered on relaxed, compared to the ELACs. Combined, they take the performance to another level. So much so, I’m finding it difficult to go back to my regular system. The ELAC’s were a touch tighter in low-end response, but didn’t have nearly as much extension. Compared to say, the KEF LS50’s the EVO1 What that says is the VAF and Densen combination is stunning. has substantially better bass response. They don’t have quite the Those looking for virtually reference level performance for their small to midrange “push” that the LS50’s do, but they do still retain excellent mid-sized listening environment, should certainly hear the VAF EVO1 midrange detail. Which led to the assessment that the VAF’s are a very speakers. And if an amplifier is on your shopping list, or if you’re looking well rounded, balanced sounding speaker. to upgrade the one you have, put the Densen on your short list too. WORDS: Tarkan Ceviker Auditioning www.vaf.com.au For the first couple of weeks The addition of the Densen that I noticed any kind of port outstanding. Not only that, but I had the VAF EVO1 speakers B-130xs raised the bar further noise from the speakers. the sound imaged incredibly in my possession, I had them still. Overall, there was a far I’m a big fan of Gerry Rafferty’s wide, like I was cocooned within connected to my usual Vincent greater sense of soundstage “City to City” on vinyl. I own a wall of sound. CD-S7DAC/SV-237 combo. width and refinement. a current repressing and also Track 1 on side B, “666” also Even though the EVO1 Speakers Streaming Noah Gundersen’s recently picked up an early sounded excellent, with great were sent to be used in tandem “Day Is Gone” via Tidal through German pressing from 1978. dynamics, vocal sitting front with the Densen, it was vital to Roon on my MacBook Pro, I could Spinning via my Marantz TT-15s1 and centre and just a wonderful evaluate each on its own merit. almost hear the actual studio in and running through my Pro-Ject sense of musicality. Initially noticeable was the VAF’s the background of Gundersen’s Phono/Power Box RS combo, As I listened further on, I thought lower sensitivity compared to vocal. The amount of detail the sound was simply sublime. to myself, “this is music”. The my ELAC’s. retrieval was absolutely superb. way the VAF speakers conveyed So transparent, I could almost Even though there was only There also seemed to be far smell the booze coming off their message was pretty a 1.5dB difference in claimed greater separation of the vocals Gerry’s breath! astonishing really. sensitivity, the volume dial on and instruments too, as was I then pulled out my LP of City & my amp needed to be pushed evident when listening to Jack On the classic track “Baker Colour’s “Bring Me Your Love”. noticeably higher. As VAF Savoretti’s “Soldier’s Eyes”. His Street”, the saxophone exploded suggests, probably not the right vocal sat in a very clear space, into my room, blasting my Track 3 on Side A, “The Death fit for someone running a low not getting caught up with the eardrums full of rich, brassy of Me” had a real life presence powered valve amplifier. acoustic guitar playing just to the goodness and when Rafferty’s with Dallas Green’s well captured, right of centre. vocal took centre stage, it intimate vocal presenting itself It’s difficult to describe the sound descended back into a very fully and entirely separate from the that the VAF EVO1’s produce. “Two Weeks” by FKA Twigs satisfying intimacy. doubled up acoustic guitar tracks. demonstrated the almost They are incredibly detailed. The My copy of recent favourite The same could be said about kind of micro detail that they bring unbelievable bass response of “22, A Million” by Bon Iver also track 4, “Body In a Box”. to the surface is uncanny, yet the EVO1s. Even at a relatively sounded engaging. there is a svelte-like smoothness moderate listening level, the It didn’t seem to matter what that can be listened to for hours. VAF’s slammed their way through I’ve made a bit of a habit of the source material was. Rock, the chorus passages, a big growl cleaning every new record I buy classical, indie, electronic, jazz, They also have incredible of bass launching each one. with some Record Revirginizer the VAF/Densen combination bass response in my room before even the first playback. I handled it with aplomb. Nor did that is effectively a standard I did manage to get the VAF’s to feel like my record listening has it seem to matter whether the sized bedroom (3mx3m). The bottom out during this particular benefitted as a result, because content was digital or analogue, new EVO1 never seemed to track, but it was at a far higher oh my! the bass attack in the VAF EVO1 with the Densen sacrifice midrange or high volume than I would comfortably track 2, “10dEAThbREast” was had a very enjoyable musicality. frequency reproduction. listen to. It was also only then

Comparisons Conclusion Listening to the VAF’s compared to my usual ELAC BS403 speakers, The VAF EVO1 Speakers and the Densen B-130xs amplifier are going showed a touch less bite. There was an obvious smoothness in the to be tough to send back. On their own, they each stack up well. sound that bordered on relaxed, compared to the ELACs. Combined, they take the performance to another level. So much so, I’m finding it difficult to go back to my regular system. The ELAC’s were a touch tighter in low-end response, but didn’t have nearly as much extension. Compared to say, the KEF LS50’s the EVO1 What that says is the VAF and Densen combination is stunning. has substantially better bass response. They don’t have quite the Those looking for virtually reference level performance for their small to midrange “push” that the LS50’s do, but they do still retain excellent mid-sized listening environment, should certainly hear the VAF EVO1 midrange detail. Which led to the assessment that the VAF’s are a very speakers. And if an amplifier is on your shopping list, or if you’re looking well rounded, balanced sounding speaker. to upgrade the one you have, put the Densen on your short list too. WORDS: Tarkan Ceviker Auditioning www.vaf.com.au For the first couple of weeks The addition of the Densen that I noticed any kind of port outstanding. Not only that, but I had the VAF EVO1 speakers B-130xs raised the bar further noise from the speakers. the sound imaged incredibly in my possession, I had them still. Overall, there was a far I’m a big fan of Gerry Rafferty’s wide, like I was cocooned within connected to my usual Vincent greater sense of soundstage “City to City” on vinyl. I own a wall of sound. CD-S7DAC/SV-237 combo. width and refinement. a current repressing and also Track 1 on side B, “666” also Even though the EVO1 Speakers Streaming Noah Gundersen’s recently picked up an early sounded excellent, with great were sent to be used in tandem “Day Is Gone” via Tidal through German pressing from 1978. dynamics, vocal sitting front with the Densen, it was vital to Roon on my MacBook Pro, I could Spinning via my Marantz TT-15s1 and centre and just a wonderful evaluate each on its own merit. almost hear the actual studio in and running through my Pro-Ject sense of musicality. Initially noticeable was the VAF’s the background of Gundersen’s Phono/Power Box RS combo, As I listened further on, I thought lower sensitivity compared to vocal. The amount of detail the sound was simply sublime. to myself, “this is music”. The my ELAC’s. retrieval was absolutely superb. way the VAF speakers conveyed So transparent, I could almost Even though there was only There also seemed to be far smell the booze coming off their message was pretty a 1.5dB difference in claimed greater separation of the vocals Gerry’s breath! astonishing really. sensitivity, the volume dial on and instruments too, as was I then pulled out my LP of City & my amp needed to be pushed evident when listening to Jack On the classic track “Baker Colour’s “Bring Me Your Love”. noticeably higher. As VAF Savoretti’s “Soldier’s Eyes”. His Street”, the saxophone exploded suggests, probably not the right vocal sat in a very clear space, into my room, blasting my Track 3 on Side A, “The Death fit for someone running a low not getting caught up with the eardrums full of rich, brassy of Me” had a real life presence powered valve amplifier. acoustic guitar playing just to the goodness and when Rafferty’s with Dallas Green’s well captured, right of centre. vocal took centre stage, it intimate vocal presenting itself It’s difficult to describe the sound descended back into a very fully and entirely separate from the that the VAF EVO1’s produce. “Two Weeks” by FKA Twigs satisfying intimacy. doubled up acoustic guitar tracks. demonstrated the almost They are incredibly detailed. The My copy of recent favourite The same could be said about kind of micro detail that they bring unbelievable bass response of “22, A Million” by Bon Iver also track 4, “Body In a Box”. to the surface is uncanny, yet the EVO1s. Even at a relatively sounded engaging. there is a svelte-like smoothness moderate listening level, the It didn’t seem to matter what that can be listened to for hours. VAF’s slammed their way through I’ve made a bit of a habit of the source material was. Rock, the chorus passages, a big growl cleaning every new record I buy classical, indie, electronic, jazz, They also have incredible of bass launching each one. with some Record Revirginizer the VAF/Densen combination bass response in my room before even the first playback. I handled it with aplomb. Nor did that is effectively a standard I did manage to get the VAF’s to feel like my record listening has it seem to matter whether the sized bedroom (3mx3m). The bottom out during this particular benefitted as a result, because content was digital or analogue, new EVO1 never seemed to track, but it was at a far higher oh my! the bass attack in the VAF EVO1 with the Densen sacrifice midrange or high volume than I would comfortably track 2, “10dEAThbREast” was had a very enjoyable musicality. frequency reproduction. listen to. It was also only then