[Product Review] Coveted Studio Monitors Amphion One12 and One15

I often look forward to the next issue of Sound & Recording Magazine in which various studios and musicians equipment are featured. Among them, I noticed studio monitors with large, white, circular waveguides often appear. Just recently,thanks to a collaboration with MixWav, I was fortunate enough to borrow the Amphion One12 and One15.So, I am going to proceed with the review right away.

amphion / One12

amphion / One15

“Amphion Loudspeakers Ltd. was established in 1998. We specialize in designing and manufacturing studio monitors known for their honest and accurate sound reproduction.
All our products are handmade in Finland (Amphion amplifiers are assembled in Finland), ensuring long-lasting listening quality.”

First, let's start with the appearance. These studio monitors are perfectly square. When you think of the appearance of studio monitors, they typically have a square shape when viewed head-on, but theyusually have curved parts when viewed from the side. However, the Amphion One12 and One15 are a perfect square from every angle. Personally, I think studio monitors look cooler when they are square. It's similar to how I like the boxy designs of old cars.

The construction is also quite robust. One notable aspect is that there are no seams in the enclosure. On many other studio monitors, you often see a separation between the front panel and the body, but in this case, the absence of that adds to its impressive design.

Many of today's best seller and popular studio monitors are powered types, which incorporate built-in power amplifiers. In contrast, Amphion monitors are passive types, driven by dedicated power amplifiers. This distinction sets them apart significantly. Pursuing pure sound reproduction from studio monitors might suggest that it's better not to include unnecessary components within the monitors themselves. Amphion's strong commitment is also evident in their decision to provide dedicated power amplifiers rather than generic ones.

Now, let’s take them to the electronic music room in Sound House’s showroom and listen to the sound.

As for the volume itself, there wasn't particularly a significant difference compared to other studio monitors of the same size. However, when it comes to sound quality, there was a significant difference.

We often receive inquiries asking, "What's the difference between cheaper and more expensive studio monitors?" It's difficult to articulate in words, so one way I respond is by telling them, "higher information content in the sound."

The sound of Amphion is truly like "there is the real thing."
I was honestly surprised by this. While I do enjoy the sound quality of models from well-known brands, but after I compared them side by side, the difference became clear.

↑Tweeter: 25mm / 1 inch Titanium
The Amphion’s original waveguide ensures that the drivers are seamlessly integrated, eliminates cabinet diffraction, and produces a uniform response across a wide frequency range, achieving a broad listening area.

↑Midrange / Woofer: 15cm / 5.25inch Aluminum

↑By adopting a passive radiator instead of a bass reflex port, not only is natural energy propagation and improvement in low-frequency characteristics possible, but also enhancement in midrange clarity.

In comparison to other models where you might feel the sound emanating primarily from the front face of the studio monitor, Amphion gives the sensation that the sound is coming from all around the studio monitor. To describe it differently, while other models may feel like you’re listening to a live performance on TV, Amphion gives a sense of being at a live venue and experiencing the sound in a real, immersive way.

Amphion aims to create studio monitors that achieve high resolution and natural sound reproduction. After conducting this sound check, I am thoroughly convinced of their goal. Despite not being someone who engages in electronic music, I now simply desire them because I can clearly discern such a significant difference in sound quality.

If you're looking to elevate the environment where you listen to music or produce your work by one or even two levels of quality, I highly recommend Amphion studio monitors. Please, check them out.