Audience ClairAudient 1+1 V5 Personal Reference Loudspeaker

The Little Speaker That Could ( Make Music )

When you think of high-end audio, you might envision large floor-standing speakers with multiple drivers and impressive cabinetry. However, some of the most astonishing sonic experiences can come from unexpected sources. This is the case with the Audience ClairAudient 1+1 V5 Personal Reference Loudspeaker. Despite its small 8" height, 9.75" depth, and 6" width, the V5 delivers sonic performance that can rival and, in some areas, surpass much larger speakers.

In my 40-plus years in the high-end audio industry, I've encountered countless speakers, amplifiers, and systems. Many have been impressive in their own right, but few have taken me by surprise. The Audience 1+1 V5, however, completely caught me off guard. I wrote three words in my initial listening notes: "This is crazy!" I wasn't just amazed by the clarity and coherence of the sound but also by the sheer scale of what these small speakers could accomplish and how they defied the typical assumptions about what a compact loudspeaker can achieve. 

Audience and the 1+1 Evolution 

Audience, founded by John McDonald in 1997 along with Richard Smith and design engineer Roger Sheker, has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of audio engineering. First introduced in 2013, the ClairAudient 1+1 is now in its fifth version. In 2020, Phil DuCote was appointed as the chief audio engineer, and his expertise quickly shaped the upgrade from the V4 to the V5—a transformation widely regarded as one of the most significant in the 1+1 series' history. Released 12 years after the first ClairAudient 1+1 model, the V5 includes several innovative design elements that elevate its performance. They are best described by the Audience website as follows:

• Unique Full Range Drivers

The A3S2-16 driver used in the 1+1 V5 is a proprietary Audience design that has undergone numerous refinements over the years. The A3S2-16 has a patented dual gap motor and basket structure with a 1-inch-wide voice coil, which is unusually large for a driver of its size. The total moving mass of the curvilinear titanium cone and voice coil is 2.5 grams. The driver has a total excursion of 11mm (5.5mm in each direction), a piston excursion normally found in larger woofers. The driver also has a relatively large spider and patented surround design supporting its long linear excursion. The neodymium magnet structure is highly vented to aid the dispersion of voice coil heat. Power handling of the A3S2-16 is 40 watts per driver/80 watts per speaker. All this adds up to an exceptionally fast and powerful motor capable of delivering ultra-high resolution and extremely realistic timbre with powerful dynamics.

• No Ordinary Box.

The 1+1 V5 enclosure has several unique features. The front and rear baffles are non-parallel, reducing the negative effect of internal standing waves. The enclosure also utilizes proprietary damping material that further reduces the effects of standing waves and internal reflections. The configuration of the 1+1 V5 has two active drivers set on opposite ends of the enclosure wired in-phase. This setup provides active vibration cancellation to minimize energy that would otherwise be transferred to the enclosure by the moving force of the drivers.

• Internal High-Pass Filter

The 1+1 V5 has a 40 Hz High-pass filter that reduces excessive excursion at infrasonic frequencies that cause distortion and potential damage to the drivers. There is a high-pass filter to eliminate sub-40Hz signals. This was included in V5 to prevent the driver being damaged by deep bass notes when played loud. In the process, the 1+1 V5's bass response was improved and power handling – and reduced thermal compression.

• Voicing Circuit

The 1+1 V5 has a voicing circuit that provides baffle step compensation, resulting in a very smooth frequency response. The proprietary circuit uses the highest quality parts. One of the main components being an Audience Auri-Cap XO film capacitor.

• Bi-Pole Radiation System

The 1+1 V5 is a bi-pole loudspeaker. Using two full-range drivers wired in phase on opposite ends of the enclosure results in a bi-pole radiation pattern. This bi-pole pattern results in an expansive, realistic, three-dimensional sound field. Using two identical drivers in phase increases power handling and sensitivity. 

• High-Quality Signal Path

The 1+1 V5 uses an ultra-low mass 5-way binding post made by KLEI. All internal wiring is done with highly regarded Audience mono-crystal speaker wire. The voice coil and tensile wire are also made with high-purity mono-crystal wire, providing, in total, a low-mass unobstructed path for optimal signal transmission.

 Here is a link for those yearning for more technical info, including Frequency response, Impedance curves, Dispersion plots, Polar plots, Step response, and more.

One of the more notable graphs shows that the Phase Angle is ZERO throughout the crucial midrange and lower treble (500 to 5kHz).

Design Philosophy: The Power of Simplicity 

At the core of the Audience 1+1 V5 is a deceptively simple design philosophy. The 1+1 V5 is a bi-pole speaker, meaning it has two active full-range drivers: one positioned on the front of the speaker and the other on the back. This arrangement allows for an expansive soundstage, as the drivers radiate sound from both the front and rear, creating a broader sense of space than traditional front-firing speakers. The V5 also features side-mounted passive radiators to complement the bi-pole design, which extends the bass response.

 Full-range drivers are unique because they cover the entire frequency spectrum (within certain limits) without needing a crossover network. Most traditional speakers split the audio signal into multiple frequency ranges, sending them to various drivers. While this can allow each driver to focus on a specific part of the frequency range, it also introduces potential problems with phase alignment, timing, and coherence.

Set Up

 While the ClairAudient 1+1 V5 can perform admirably in various spaces, it does benefit from careful setup and placement. I initially had low expectations for the success of setting up these speakers in my 20 x 22 x 15 listening room and was concerned that the V5 might struggle to fill the space. However, after placing the speakers on 28-inch stands, positioning them approximately six feet from the front wall, and toeing them just behind my head, I was amazed by how well they handled the room, filling my entire room with music without sounding small or constrained. Over the next four weeks, I continued to enjoy and learn from these speakers and never once felt the need to move them to a smaller room.

The speaker's compact size and near-field listening capabilities make it ideal for apartments, offices, or desktop setups where space is at a premium. However, whether you're sitting just a few feet away or in a larger room, the V5 maintains its clarity, coherence, and soundstage.

One thing to note is that the V5 does benefit from being placed away from walls and corners. Because of its bi-pole design, which radiates sound from both the front and rear of the speaker, positioning it too close to a wall can result in a loss of depth and imaging precision. For the best results, I recommend giving the V5 at least a few feet of space behind it to allow the sound to breathe and fully develop.

Sound Characteristics: Natural, Detailed, and Addictive

Mercilessly, the first cut I played was the prodigious Hoist the Colours by the Wellermen. I wanted to see just how far I could push these speakers. From the first organ notes and the shimmering of the opening cymbal clash, I knew something special was happening. My hand felt possessed to write that first listening note I alluded to earlier, "This is crazy!"

Frankly, I was stunned by how loud I could play the V5s before I sensed any stain on their part. Additionally, these tiny tots filled my entire room with sound…. excellent, stunningly coherent sound.

Obviously, they did not plumb the depths of the bass drum strikes that six REL subwoofers do. Still, I was impressed by how deep the bass reproduction extended and even more impressed by the initial striking of the drum, which conveyed the drum size and the mallet head details. Additionally, the vocals were rendered naturally, in tonal quality and an overall "oneness of sound" that was reference quality.

Nothing directed my ear to pinpoint the speaker as the source of the music. I have listened to several stand-mounted monitors over the years, but none have disappeared to the extent that I experienced while listening to the V5s.

The ClairAudient 1+1 V5  speaker's tonal balance is quite neutral, with the image slightly behind a line between speakers. The sound is refined and organic, projecting a coherent sound that is both revealing and musical. 

In terms of frequency response, the V5 performs admirably across the board. Midrange frequencies are where this speaker truly excels. Vocals and acoustic instruments are rendered with clarity and precision. Whether listening to the soulful voice of Gregory Porter or the intricate guitar work of Mark Knopfler, the V5 delivers a lifelike representation that draws you into the music. The midrange is rich and full without ever becoming bloated or overly forward. It strikes an excellent balance, allowing vocals and instruments to sit naturally in the mix. 

The high frequencies are equally impressive. They are some of the best I have experienced from a full-range dynamic driver and bring to mind a similar quality I hear when I drag out my Acoustat 2+2 electrostatic speakers. The titanium driver used in the V5 reproduces treble with a very good sense of air and space without ever sounding harsh or fatiguing. Highs are detailed but never exaggerated, making the V5 ideal for extended listening sessions.   

Despite its small size, the V5 delivers respectable bass performance. While it may not be able to reach the sub-bass depths that larger speakers with dedicated woofers can achieve, it holds its own in the lower frequencies. Considering its size, I found the bass performance more than adequate and quite surprising. 

Whether you are listening to the subtle nuances of a solo piano piece or the dynamics of a full orchestral performance, the V5 handled both admirably. The speaker is very responsive, capturing subtle micro-dynamics while delivering the big, dramatic moments with surprising power and authority.

Here is a summary of my listening notes: 

Sound Characteristics: 

•   Midrange and Highs

The 1+1 V5 speaker delivers exceptional performance in the midrange and treble frequencies. Its full-range titanium drivers produce detailed and clear vocals and instruments, making it an excellent choice for vocal and acoustic performances. The speaker does not produce any harshness or excessive brightness, allowing extended listening sessions without causing fatigue. 

•   Bass Response

It may not be able to reach the depths of Satan's Lair in terms of deep bass, but it compensates with tight and controlled low-end performance. The addition of side-mounted passive radiators boosts its bass capabilities, allowing the speaker to satisfactorily reproduce the E-string notes of a double bass (41hZ) or the thump of a kick drum while maintaining the clarity and definition of the rest of the mix. This makes it suitable for jazz, classical, and acoustic music. That said, if you listen primarily to bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop, you may find that the V5's low-end extension isn't enough to fully satisfy, especially in larger rooms or at ear-damaging volumes. Augmentation from a subwoofer could be a solution. 

•  Dynamic Range and Power

The V5 is impressive in its ability to handle both micro-dynamics and macro-dynamics effectively. The speaker can easily handle dynamic shifts, whether the delicate nuances of a quiet passage in classical music or the powerful bursts of sound in rock or symphonic works. While it may not reach concert-like volume levels, it can play loud enough in smaller rooms and near-field setups to satisfy most listeners, retaining clarity and control at a higher volume than its size suggests. I consistently enjoyed listening at 91-92 dB levels with no sense of strain. 

•  Soundstage and Imaging

The V5 creates a 3D-like sound field that makes the music seem to float in space, with pinpoint accuracy in instrument placement. The bi-pole configuration, with two drivers radiating sound both forward and backward, enhances this effect by increasing the sense of air and space around the instruments. 

•   Use in Small Spaces

The V5's size and design work well in smaller spaces, making it perfect for apartments, smaller listening rooms, or desktop setups where larger speakers might be too overpowering. In these settings, the V5 can produce a rich, full-bodied sound. However, it can also perform impressively in larger environments, so don't underestimate its potential. 

•  Natural Sound Signature

The V5s consistently evoked the word "natural" in my listening notes. The absence of a passive crossover and the use of a full-range driver produced a unified sound with no artificial separation between different frequency bands. I found the vocals of Gregory Porter, Chris Stapelton, Mark Knopfler, A.J. Lee, Allison Krauss, and on and on were communicated with coherence, tonal quality, and naturalness bordering on revelatory.

Soundstage and Imaging: A Three-Dimensional Experience 

The 1+1 V5 can create an impressive three-dimensional soundstage. Instruments and vocals are positioned precisely within the stereo image, with an outstanding space around each element, lending a satisfying sense of scale and dimension. Spatial cues are well-defined, and the bi-pole design enhances the immersive listening experience as the sound seemed to envelop me rather than be confined to the space between the speakers. The speaker blends into the room, leaving only the music. There is no feeling of the sound being tied to the physical location of the speakers. It is uncanny and disarming in this respect. 

I also noticed that the speaker's sound character and quality did not vary dramatically as I moved around the room. The piano's tonal balance remained consistent, allowing for a smooth and even sound from every angle. Additionally, I observed a significant reduction in "null spots" as I explored different room areas. In all these respects, the V5 brought to mind a similar experience with the Linkwitz 521.4 MG speakers I recently had in-house to review. A quick look at the Polar response revealed why - there is a smooth response falloff as you move off-axis and very little lobing.

Comparisons to Other Speakers: How Do They Stack Up? 

The 1+1 V5 is a unique speaker in many ways. Its compact size, bi-pole design, and high performance make it difficult to compare directly to other speakers in the same price range. However, there are a few other compact speakers that offer similar features and could be considered competitors to the V5. 

One such speaker is the KEF LS50, widely praised for its sound quality and innovative design. The LS50 uses a compact enclosure but employs a coaxial driver (in the form of   KEF's Uni-Q driver array), which uses the more traditional approach to speaker design of a crossover to divide the frequency range between the driver and the coaxially mounted dedicated tweeter. While the LS50 offers impressive clarity and imaging, some listeners may find that the V5's single-driver design provides a more coherent and seamless sound, particularly in the midrange.

Another competitor is the Harbeth P3ESR, a legendary British monitor known for its natural sound and tonal accuracy. Like the V5, the P3ESR is a compact speaker that punches well above its weight in terms of performance. However, the P3ESR uses a two-way design with a separate tweeter and woofer. While it offers a balanced sound, it may lack the sense of coherence and immediacy that the V5's full-range driver provides. 

The elephant in the room is, of course, the LS3/5a.

I can still vividly recall the impact of that speaker, which I sold in the 70s and 80s. It was my introduction to this fascinating hobby. While attending LSU, I walked into an audio store and experienced a transformative moment while listening to James Taylor on a pair of Rogers LS3/5a speakers that opened the door to a career in audio that continues to this day. Like they say, you never forget your first. Although, by today's standards, the LS3/5a sounds somewhat colored, it still delivers a very pleasing performance in many aspects. My recent experience with the 1+1 V5 brought back those fond memories. I believe it will serve as a gateway to the world of high-fidelity audio for many future audiophiles, much like the LS3/5a did for me back then. It is less colored with no LS3/5a mid-bass "bump,” and its soundstage, frequency extremes, and dynamic expression surpass the LS3/5a.

Ultimately, speaker choice comes down to personal preference and listening habits. Each speaker offers unique strengths, but the 1+1 V5 offers a compelling option for those who value coherence, transparency, and a natural, uncolored sound. 

Upgradability and Future-Proofing 

Audience has shown a commendable commitment to supporting its customers by offering upgrades for early adopters of the four previous 1+1 models. Depending on the speaker's age, Audience provides an upgrade path that ranges in price from $350 to $1,100, allowing owners of older versions to benefit from the improvements found in the V5 without purchasing an entirely new set of speakers. It's a rare move in the high-end audio speaker industry, where most manufacturers would prefer you to buy the latest model, and it speaks to Audience's dedication to providing long-term value to its customers. 

Looking Ahead 

John McDonald told me that Audience is developing larger floor-standing models incorporating unique, newly patented technology. While no specific timeline has been given, it's exciting to think about what the company might achieve with a larger canvas to work with. If the V5 is any indication, these future models could be game changers in the high-end audio world.

Conclusion: A Master Class in Sound Reproduction 

The Audience 1+1 V5 is more than just a compact speaker; it's a demonstration of how innovative design and engineering can produce extraordinary results in even the smallest of packages. With its full-range driver, bi-pole design, and lack of a crossover, the V5 delivers a level of coherence, transparency, and musicality rarely found in speakers of this size or price range. Its ability to create a three-dimensional soundstage and reproduce music with naturalness and precision makes it a standout.

Referring to Audience 1+1 V5 speakers as Personal Reference Monitors is a disservice. It implies that they are only suitable for computer desktop applications or small rooms for near-field listening, where they are indeed excellent. However, they excel beyond those scenarios. In many ways, they are simply Reference Monitors that have taught me a great deal about the impact of crossovers on music reproduction. They outperform many conventional multi-way loudspeakers, which sound uneven and disorganized in comparison. The Audience 1+1 V5s reproduce sound with superb coherence and speak with a single voice, conveying a sound quality that quickly becomes addicting. 

When I listened to the 1+1 V5s during the audition, it felt like I was a student attending a master class in sound reproduction. They unveiled new details in every familiar album I played, presenting fresh harmonic subtleties, textures, and a sense of naturalness that helped me understand more about the music and the artist. 

While it may not be ideal for listeners who prioritize deep, room-shaking bass or those who need concert-level volume, the 1+1 V5 is a speaker that rewards careful listening and critical evaluation. For those listeners who value tonal accuracy, coherence, and an immersive listening experience, the Audience 1+1 V5 is nothing short of a revelation. Many listeners would benefit from hearing it, and I speculate that many who do will fall under its spell.

I know I did. 

I highly recommend that you experience it. 

$3900.00/pair