The Planet M from Elipson is a spherical speaker measuring 15 cm in diameter. It follows in the tradition of Elipson’s round speakers and incorporates recent technologies to deliver quality sound in a compact format. It is equipped with a 10 cm 2-way coaxial driver and features a white lacquer finish. This speaker can be used both in a stereo setup and in a multichannel home theater system.
French Design and Acoustic Heritage
The Elipson Planet M follows directly in the illustrious French acoustic tradition initiated by Joseph Léon in 1938. This ultra-compact speaker draws its roots from iconic models that have marked hi-fi history, notably the legendary BS50 from 1953 and the AS-30 from 1969, found in ORTF studios and French cultural institutions.
The spherical shape is not merely an aesthetic choice: it is a fundamental acoustic principle developed by Elipson for over 70 years. This perfect geometry eliminates unwanted resonances generated by the parallel walls of traditional speakers. Sound waves flow harmoniously across the internal curved surface, avoiding harmful reflections that disturb the diaphragm. This design allows the driver to perform under optimal conditions, without coloration or harshness.
Acoustic Configuration and Technical Choices
The Elipson Planet M adopts a particularly well-designed 2-way sealed-box architecture. The 10 cm coaxial driver is at the heart of this design: its treated paper diaphragm reproduces the midrange and upper bass, while the 20 mm fabric dome tweeter, positioned at the center, ensures high-frequency reproduction up to 22 kHz.
This coaxial configuration offers a major advantage: it concentrates sound emission at a single point, creating perfect time coherence between the different frequency ranges. The soundstage gains in precision and consistency, with a particularly stable and natural stereo image.
The sealed enclosure used for this Planet M reflects a precise acoustic philosophy. Rather than forcing a 10 cm driver to extend artificially into the bass at the expense of quality, Elipson has deliberately limited the frequency response from 90 Hz. This approach ensures faithful and controlled reproduction of upper bass, midrange and treble, without compression or distortion.
The internal wiring deserves particular attention: 99.99% pure OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) conductors ensure unaltered signal transmission. The silver-plated terminals, although accepting single wiring only, provide quality connectivity suited to amplifiers rated from 30 to 80 watts.
Sound Performance and Musical Character
Listening to the Planet M quickly reveals the qualities that have made Elipson’s reputation. Its musical character is apparent from the very first notes: tones sound neutral and silky, free from any aggression or artificial coloration. The particularly refined midrange reproduces voices with striking naturalness, while the treble delivers precise clarity without ever becoming intrusive.
The exceptional time coherence of this speaker results in a remarkably stable and precise soundstage. Instruments are positioned with a clarity that makes it easy to identify each source, creating surprising depth and width for a driver of this size.
This Planet M particularly excels in reproducing acoustic genres: jazz, chamber classical music, folk and popular music all find an ideal setting here. The finesse of dynamic nuances and the accuracy of timbres allow for extended listening without fatigue.
However, using a subwoofer becomes essential for full reproduction of the musical spectrum. Elipson’s Planet Sub, specially developed to accompany the Planet M, provides a harmonious transition around 90-100 Hz, naturally complementing the bass range without altering the overall tonal balance.
Installation Versatility and Integration
The Planet M’s compactness is one of its key strengths. With its 15 cm diameter and weight of just 1.7 kg, it fits into any space, from the smallest to the most spacious. The supplied circular base enables stable placement on any flat surface, while optional wall and ceiling mounts open up new installation possibilities.
This installation versatility is particularly valuable in a home theater setup. The Planet M can therefore serve as surround, center or even main speakers depending on room size and the desired configuration. Their even directivity and balanced response make them easy to integrate into demanding multichannel systems.
The speaker’s sealed enclosure allows placement close to walls without harmful proximity effects. This characteristic greatly simplifies installation, especially in confined spaces where every centimeter counts.
Build Quality and Finishes
The Elipson Planet M reflects French manufacturing excellence. Each unit undergoes rigorous quality control, which is evident from the first touch: the solidity and precision of the assembly inspire confidence and ensure durability.
The spherical enclosure, manufactured using Elipson’s traditional techniques, boasts perfect uniformity. The wall thickness, calculated to optimize internal damping, contributes to the system’s acoustic neutrality. The glossy lacquer, applied in several layers, offers remarkable depth and sheen.
The internal components reveal the same attention to detail. The coaxial driver, specially developed for this application, incorporates premium materials: a treated paper diaphragm for its damping properties, a fabric dome for smooth treble, and a ventilated voice coil for power handling.
Even the packaging demonstrates the care devoted to the product: each Planet M comes with white gloves to prevent marks during handling, a detail that reflects the attention paid to product presentation and protection.
Innovation and Exclusive Technologies
While adopting Elipson’s historic aesthetic codes, the Planet M incorporates contemporary technical innovations. The coaxial driver benefits from the latest advances in materials and geometry, optimizing frequency response and distortion.
The sealed enclosure is subject to advanced acoustic modeling, with an internal volume calculated to the nearest milliliter to optimize transient response. The precisely measured internal damping eliminates unwanted resonances without stifling dynamics.
The base design also deserves mention: its geometry prevents contact resonances while ensuring perfect stability. Rubber inserts damp vibrations and protect supporting surfaces.
This modern technological approach, combined with Elipson’s traditional expertise, positions the Planet M as a successful synthesis of heritage and innovation, preserving the brand’s musical soul while meeting contemporary requirements.
