Piega Premium 801 Gen2 White (pack of 2)
Overview
The Swiss manufacturer Piega is expanding its Premium Gen2 range at the top end with this three-way floorstanding speaker. It combines the SSD RM 01-24 ribbon tweeter, already present on the Premium 301 Gen2 and 701 Gen2, with a horn designed specifically for this model. This technical pairing of ribbon and horn had never been used in the Premium series before. The speaker adopts the extruded aluminum cabinet of the Coax 611, the brand’s higher range, while offering a completely new driver configuration.
A magnetostatic ribbon coupled to a horn
The RM 01-24 tweeter uses a diaphragm with a moving mass of just 0.03 grams. This lightness allows for very short response times and a finely detailed reproduction of transients. The accompanying horn serves several purposes. It practically doubles the tweeter’s efficiency, which makes life easier for the amplifier in the high frequencies. It also allows the crossover frequency to be lowered to around 2.7 kHz, compared with a higher value on the other models in the series. Roger Kessler, head of development at Piega, explains that this lower crossover point, combined with the recessed mounting position of the tweeter, improves coherence with the midrange.
The horn channels the sound in such a way as to limit reflections toward the floor and ceiling. Horizontal dispersion remains wide and even, providing a larger listening area than with a conventional dome tweeter.
Symmetric-drive drivers
The 140 mm midrange driver uses FSD (Full Symmetric Drive) technology: the voice coil sits symmetrically within the magnetic gap. This principle promotes linear cone movement and reduces distortion. This midrange operates in a sealed chamber, acoustically isolated from the four woofers located below it.
These four 140 mm bass drivers also use FSD technology. Compared with the Premium 701 Gen2, which only has two, the 801 Gen2 delivers a maximum sound pressure level approximately 6.5 dB higher. This power reserve results in a firmer low-end foundation, without the speaker losing control during dynamic passages. The system operates in bass-reflex mode with four ports located at the rear of the cabinet.
A cabinet derived from the Coax series
The extruded aluminum profile is formed under a pressure of more than 5,000 tons, a manufacturing process rarely used in loudspeaker construction. The walls are 5 mm thick, the front baffle 8 mm. This rigidity limits unwanted cabinet vibrations.
Inside, Piega has added longitudinal braces, a damping layer, and an MDF matrix made up of small chambers. This internal structure, developed during Piega’s collaboration with an automotive manufacturer, eliminates residual resonances. The result is easy to verify: a punch to the cabinet produces only a dull, almost inaudible sound.
The silhouette remains slim despite the six drivers. The speaker measures 116 cm high, 21 cm wide and 31 cm deep, with a 35 cm diameter base. Each speaker weighs 39.6 kg.
Placement and amplifier compatibility
The cabinet design and orientation of the ports allow the Premium 801 Gen2 to be placed relatively close to a rear wall without causing excessive bass boost. This installation flexibility contrasts with some bass-reflex speakers that require substantial clearance.
The nominal impedance of 4 ohms and sensitivity of 90 dB/W/m make the speaker compatible with a wide range of amplifiers, from 50 W integrated models to power amps up to 250 W. The crossover, tuned for smooth impedance behavior, also accommodates tube amplifiers. The Piega Multi Connectors II terminals support bi-wiring or bi-amping.
Technical specifications
Transducers
- 1 RM 01-24 magnetostatic ribbon tweeter with integrated horn
- SSD (Super Sonic Drive) technology
- Ultra-precise high-frequency reproduction
- 1 140 mm FSD-M midrange driver
- Full Symmetric Drive technology
- Clear, linear mids
- 4 140 mm FSD-W woofers
- Redesigned construction
- Precise, powerful bass
Electrical characteristics
- Recommended amplifier power: 50 - 250 W
- Sensitivity: 90 dB/W/m
- Nominal impedance: 4 ohms
- Frequency response: 32 Hz - 50 kHz
Design and finish
- Configuration: 3-way floorstanding speaker
- Exclusive low-resonance aluminum cabinet
- Flexible positioning in the listening room
- Studio-grade precision combined with audiophile musicality
Highlights
- Next-generation magnetostatic ribbon tweeter with integrated horn
- Quadruple FSD woofer configuration for powerful, controlled bass
- Dedicated ultra-linear FSD midrange driver
- Exclusive low-resonance aluminum cabinet
- Flexible positioning
- Studio precision and audiophile musicality
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions (H × W × D): 116 × 21 × 31 cm
- Base: Ø 35 cm
- Weight: 39.6 kg
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Premium 801 Gen2 and the Premium 701 Gen2?
The 801 Gen2 features a horn-loaded tweeter (absent on the 701 Gen2), four bass drivers instead of two, and an aluminum cabinet derived from the Coax 611 series. These changes deliver higher efficiency in the treble, a stronger low-end foundation (around +6.5 dB of maximum SPL), and increased cabinet rigidity.
Can the speaker be used with a tube amplifier?
Yes. The crossover has been designed to maintain a stable impedance, which is suitable for tube amplifiers. A minimum of 50 W of power is recommended to fully exploit the speaker’s dynamics.
Is placement close to a wall an issue?
No. Piega has designed the cabinet and bass-reflex system to allow relatively close placement to the rear wall without excessive bass boom. Slight adjustments to the distance will help fine-tune the tonal balance according to the room’s acoustics.
What type of cable should be used for bi-wiring?
The terminals accept banana plugs, spades, or bare wire. For bi-wiring, two pairs of cables with identical cross-sections (2.5 to 4 mm² depending on length) are suitable. Remove the supplied metal jumpers before connecting the two pairs.
Is the base included?
The round base plinth is supplied with the speaker. Other options, such as a spike system, are available separately from Piega or its dealers.
Is the speaker suitable for home cinema use?
Its frequency response (32 Hz to 50 kHz) and available dynamic range make it suitable for multichannel setups. For mixed music and movie use, a subwoofer remains optional but can extend the very low end below 30 Hz in very large rooms.
What room size is appropriate?
The 90 dB sensitivity and ample bass headroom allow it to fill rooms from 20 to 50 m² with ease. Above that, a more powerful amplifier (150 W and above) is recommended to maintain dynamics at high listening levels.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: 694084
