AudioVector R3 Walnut Stop (pack of 2)

The Audiovector R3 Arreté is a 2.5-way speaker that embodies Audiovector’s philosophy: delivering precise and refined sound reproduction in a format that is both compact and elegant. Equipped with an AMT (Air Motion Transformer) ribbon tweeter and two 16.5 cm carbon drivers, it offers high-quality sound reproduction. Its exclusive Freedom Grounding system and advanced acoustic design make it a serious solution for demanding music lovers in this price range.

Sophisticated Acoustic Design

The R3 Arreté stands out with its elegant teardrop-shaped cabinet, made from HDF (high-density fiberboard) with substantial internal reinforcement. This shape is not just aesthetic: it eliminates standing waves inside the speaker, thereby improving the accuracy of sound reproduction. With dimensions of 103.4 × 23 × 36 cm, this floorstanding speaker fits harmoniously into medium-sized living spaces without visually dominating the room.

The cabinet sits on an inclined base, higher at the rear than at the front, which helps prevent vertical standing waves. This base also houses the downward-firing bass-reflex port, optimizing low-frequency reproduction. This design achieves an impressive frequency response ranging from 23 Hz to 53 kHz, thus covering the entire audible spectrum and beyond.

The internal design is equally meticulous, with separate compartments for the two mid/bass drivers that communicate via an internal port. This configuration allows the two transducers to “control each other” and play at high volume without losing precision. Nanoporous damping plates are strategically positioned inside the cabinet to optimize the acoustic response.

Exclusive Proprietary Technologies

The R3 Arreté incorporates several proprietary technologies that set it apart from the competition. The NES (No Energy Storage) system connects the speaker chassis to the cabinet in a way that reduces time smear, thereby improving the accuracy of sound reproduction. The LCC (Low Compression Concept) ensures that each driver’s sound is faster and distortion-free, also enhancing power handling.

The NCS (Natural Crystal Structure) treatment applied to the crossovers, terminals, and internal wiring contributes to a more natural sound with greater detail. While the effect of this technology is subtle when considered in isolation, it contributes to the speaker’s overall sonic excellence.

The cabinet’s non-parallel surfaces and the SEC (Sound Enhancement Concept) technology help create a more precise and three-dimensional soundstage. The carbon fiber connection panel prevents unwanted electrical interactions with the crossover components, while the robust terminals allow for bi-wiring for audiophiles seeking to further optimize performance.

Remarkable Sound Performance

The R3 Arreté stands out for its exceptionally open, extended, and non-fatiguing high-frequency reproduction, thanks to its Arreté AMT tweeter. This high-quality transducer delivers the subtlest nuances of cymbals and string instruments with remarkable precision, while avoiding the harshness often associated with detailed treble.

In the midrange, the R3 Arreté excels at reproducing vocals with naturalness and presence. Instrument separation is particularly successful, even in complex musical passages where several instruments occupy the same frequency range. This clarity is partly due to the carbon mid/bass drivers with titanium voice coils, specially designed for Audiovector by ScanSpeak in Denmark.

The bass is both deep and controlled, with remarkable agility for a speaker of this size. The downward-firing bass-reflex system contributes to a low-frequency reproduction that is both musical and precise, never becoming overwhelming. The R3 Arreté manages to convey the impact and dynamics of percussion instruments convincingly.

With a high sensitivity of 90.5 dB/W/m and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, the R3 Arreté can be driven by virtually any amplifier up to 350W, whether solid-state or tube electronics. This versatility makes it a speaker adaptable to different audiophile setups.

The Freedom Grounding System: A Major Innovation

One of the most distinctive features of the R3 Arreté is its Freedom Grounding Concept system. Unlike the grounding terminals found on some other speakers, which aim to eliminate RF interference from moving coils, Audiovector’s system has a different goal: to eliminate motional feedback distortion in the speaker baskets.

This unwanted energy is routed away from the drivers via a separate grounding circuit and exits the speaker through a terminal on the rear panel. The system uses a specific cable (sold separately) that splits to connect each speaker, then joins in a substantial Shunko connector that plugs into a standard wall outlet. No power is supplied to the speakers—the connection to the wall outlet serves solely as a reliable ground.

The effect of this system is remarkable: the soundstage becomes more focused, with a sense of increased volume, better clarity, and improved stereo imaging. Listening tests show that the music subjectively seems louder, as if the background noise had been significantly reduced. With well-produced rock/pop recordings, snare drums and kick drums have more punch and impact, while the bass is tighter.

Versatility and Integration into the Listening Space

Despite its audiophile performance, the R3 Arreté stands out for its ease of integration into different listening environments. Its modest footprint and elegant design allow it to blend with various interior decor styles without visually dominating the space.

The R3 Arreté also offers a generous “sweet spot,” allowing you to fully enjoy its sonic qualities from different listening positions. This feature is especially appreciated by those who wish to share their listening experience with others.

Installation is relatively simple, although optimal positioning may require some adjustments. The supplied spikes allow the speaker to be decoupled from the floor, thereby improving bass precision. For those who prefer not to use spikes, Audiovector also provides plastic feet that fit perfectly into the threaded holes intended for the spikes.

The protective grilles, made of black fabric on plastic frames held in place magnetically, can be easily removed for critical listening. Their thoughtful design allows them to be put back in place when the speaker is not in use, thus protecting the valuable drivers.

Technical Specifications

Proprietary Technologies

• Individual Upgrade Concept (IUC)
• Low Compression Concept (LCC)
• Soundstage Enhancement Concept (SEC)
• No Energy Storage (NES)
• Distortion-Free Filter Technology (DFF)
• Natural Crystal Structure (NCS)
• Free Grounding Concept (FGC)
• Nanoporous Damping Material
• Internal Dampers
• Carbon Terminal Plate

Design and Components

• Laminated Baffles
• Non-parallel Surfaces
• Audiovector Carbon Drivers
• Titanium Coil Technology
• Bi-wiring Compatible

Audio Performance

• Frequency Response: 23 - 53 kHz
• Sensitivity: 90.5 dB / W / m
• Impedance: 8 ohms
• Power Handling: 350 W
• Crossover Frequencies: 320 / 2900 Hz

Drivers

• Bass System: Floor-firing bass reflex
• Bass/Midrange Drivers: 16.5 cm carbon
• Tweeter: R AMT ribbon tweeter STOPPED

Dimensions

• Height × Width × Depth: 103.4 × 23 × 36 cm