Acora Acoustics SRC-2 Loudspeakers

A Monument to Great Sound

In 2019, Acora Acoustics burst onto the audio landscape with a line of granite enclosure-based loudspeakers and quickly gained a reputation as a top-performing brand, receiving positive reviews and winning "Best of Show" at various audio events. The company seemed like an overnight success, but like so many "overnight success" stories the journey took years of hard work and dedication. Valerio Cora, the co-owner and designer of Acora Acoustics, grew up around the marble and granite business his dad started a half-century earlier after moving from Italy to Ontario, Canada. He developed the initial design for the Acora SRC loudspeaker series almost two decades ago and constructed a one-off version using granite as the foundation. His wife and co-owner, Sheree Cora (SRC), played a prominent role in making the design aesthetically pleasing and suitable for home use.

Val pursued a career in computer IT and established his company in that field, but he always retained his passion for bringing to the market loudspeakers made of granite. He waited almost 20 years until advancements in granite-cutting/finishing techniques and adhesives made his dream possible. He was also involved at that time in that other little life project known as raising a family, so his plate was quite full. By 2018 he had the time, capital, and technology to bring his dream to fruition, and establish Acora Acoustics.

Fast forward to the 2020 Florida Audio Expo, where I first encountered the Acora Speakers. I was impressed by the sound quality of Acora's SRB stand-mounted 2-way speaker. However, I missed hearing their floor-standing SRC-1 speakers displayed in another room. I planned to listen to them at AXPONA 2020, but then Covid happened.

At AXPONA 2022 I had the opportunity to experience the SRC-2 floor-standing speakers. I was captivated listening to a selection from The Royal Ballet Gala Performances conducted by Ernest Ansermet—a sonic spectacular recorded by Decca at Kingsway Hall and issued here by RCA Victor. Rather than focusing on technical factors such as midrange, bass, or treble, the overall orchestral reproduction grabbed my attention, and once seated, the music's emotional depth quickly drew me in.

Afterwards, I asked Val about the speaker and what made it special. He replied, "Everything." The response initially seemed ambiguous, but after listening at home for six months I now understand what he meant! I visited that AXPONA room on four separate occasions during the three-day show to confirm whether what had touched me was influenced day one by my mindset or was possibly the result of some astrological phenomenon. On subsequent visits, I found myself irresistibly drawn to sit and savor the music, forgetting my critical duties and becoming emotionally drawn in. Achieving this level of engagement requires several key factors to harmoniously coalesce. Before getting to those, first a speaker overview to bring you up to speed.

Acora SRC-2 Details

The 2.5-way floor-standing Acora SRC-2 features a tapered enclosure crafted from eight 3cm thick African Black Granite slabs flawlessly assembled with virtually invisible mitered joints. The front, side, and back pieces are tapered and angled to reduce the impact of the baffle reinforcing specific wavelengths. The top and bottom slabs are the only parallel surfaces, and they are sized differently. The 43 inch tall speaker weighs 244 pounds and measures 5 inches by 14 inches at the top and 14 inches by 18 inches at the bottom. The integrated base measures 20 inches by 15 inches and has top accessible leveling spikes (thank goodness!).

 

Efficiency is 92.5 1w/1m, and the speaker's mild impedance curve ranges from 3.2 ohms to 12 ohms, allowing them to work well with a broad range of amplifiers. 

Using granite offers exceptional structural stability and eliminates the need for internal bracing. Val explains that this has two benefits: it significantly reduces the inner reflections of the driver's rear wave that can "blur" output, and it allows for the full use of the enclosure's volume for acoustics. For example, if a cabinet has an internal volume of 1 cubic foot, but 25% of the air space is taken up by bracing, the actual usable acoustic volume is only .75 cubic feet. Listeners are consistently surprised by the "size" of the sound these modest dimensioned cabinets deliver. 

It is a pleasure to speak with Val; his "laid-back" presence and desire to talk about music rather than his creation is refreshing. When the subject of the speaker does come up, it quickly becomes evident that it is a labor of love he has put his heart and soul into, and he is correspondingly protective of it. He keeps many design details "close to the vest," and I can respect that. 

The SRC-2 uses world-class drivers, including the 1" Scanspeak Illuminator Series Beryllium Dome tweeter and two 7" sandwich paper cone woofers from the same Illuminator series. I researched and found that the off-the-shelf price for these drivers is around $500 and $400 each, respectively. Isaac Markowitz, Director of Sales and Marketing for Acora, tells me that Acora orders proprietarily modified versions of these drivers that work specifically for Acora designs and cost quite a bit more.

The crossover, a quasi-4th order design, resides in a separate damped enclosure attached to a carbon fiber plank inside the speaker to reduce the sonic effects of vibrations. There's a two-inch port above a single pair of Cardas binding posts.  

I learned several things when shown a picture of the crossover. Its multi-layer design prioritizes component orientation based on magnetic field considerations. It employs air core inductors, and silver film capacitors, and, most notably, excludes any resistors in the signal path, which is quite unusual. Accomplishing this requires those proprietary drivers along with precise component matching and adjustment. Val is confident that the effort is worthwhile to eliminate any degradation that even the best resistor can add to the signal and he maintains that this is one of the reasons why the speaker's dynamic expression is nothing short of exceptional.

 

Acora offers an optional grill to protect the drivers and "dress" the speaker. My wife entered the room during a photo session and complimented me on finally reviewing a speaker that could seamlessly blend into our living space. She found their appearance "sculptural" and a "speaker she could live with." While beauty resides in the eye of the beholder, I must admit I have not encountered another speaker that can match the performance level of these while being presented in such a stunning, "livable" package.

Hey, this could end up being an all around win-win situation!

 The Setup 

The suggested initial setup is an equilateral triangle arrangement with no toe-in and the rake angle set at zero degrees, as measured on the speaker's top. These speakers throw a nice vertical listening window, offering an excellent sound field whether the listener is sitting or standing.

While this initial setup produces impressive sound, and you may settle for it, the SRC-2s are like a finely tuned race car that responds to subtle changes in caster or camber adjustments. Val encourages customers to be open to exploring additional adjustments to enhance performance further.

Case in point: in my 20' X 23' listening room, I settled on the speakers 8.5 feet apart and 55" from my front wall. My seating position was nine feet back, and I used virtually no toe-in. At first, I was pleased with my setup, but over time I noticed some slight issues with the image and sound. It turns out that two factors caused these problems.

Upon inspection, I found that the right speaker was one degree out of side-to-side level, having settled in on my carpet-covered brick floor. I resolved the issue using the easily accessed leveling spikes and then checked the speaker height. It's important to note that measuring from the floor to the top of the speaker may not guarantee that the tweeters are level with your ears due to potential variations in the floor's level. I threw a laser line across the top of the speakers and saw that the left speaker was almost 1/4 inch higher than the right speaker. Once I corrected those issues, I found that the center image was perfectly aligned, and my earlier brightness issue was resolved. I enjoyed working with such a precise product where minor adjustments could have a predictable, repeatable, and significant impact. 

For the front end, I used two different sets of electronics. The first was the tube-based Valve Amplification Company (VAC) Master preamp and a VAC Signature 200iQ amplifier. The other set was the solid-state-based SMc Audio VRE-1C preamp and an SMC Audio DNA One GT23 Ultra amplifier. The analog source was my AMG Viella V12JT turntable and Micro Benz LP-S cartridge, which I connected to the VAC Master phono stage. The digital source included an Innuos Zenith Mark III, Jay's Audio CDT-3 Mk3 transport, and a PS Audio DAC II.

Additionally, I used my Studer A810 reel-to-reel with King Cello preamp. Cabling was the Iconoclast by Belden analog cables with Audience power cords. For digital cables and digital power cords, I used Triode Wire Labs. 

I had terrific listening sessions with the SMc Audio and the VAC gear, each offering a unique sound. The SMc combo was impressively clear, balanced, and responsive, with precise control over the entire range of sound. The VAC combo added a satisfying sense of depth and richness to the music, much like adjusting the color level on a TV makes the colors more vibrant and intense. The SRC-2's neutrality was demonstrated by showcasing the unique musical characteristics of both front-end combinations with little editorializing of its own. 

Everyone has their unique preferences regarding how they want music to sound. Selecting electronics for a speaker can be compared to choosing a preferred lighting temperature. Some individuals may prefer the warmth and richness of 3700k lighting, while others may enjoy the excitement and high energy level of 7000k lighting. Additionally, some may appreciate the balanced quality of 5000k lighting.

The Acora's neutrality lets you move the sound toward your preferred sonic landscape. Do you enjoy the organic richness of something like the VAC, Audio Research, or VTL tube gear? Then, go for it. Perhaps you want hi-resolution, high-energy sound with locked-in bass, maybe the CH Precision would be your choice. Want to knock it down the middle of the fairway and stay out of the rough? Try a Boulder 866 or some Pass Labs. You can take these speakers to your happy place while always appreciating their fundamentally excellent musical quality. 

 Making the Music Connection 

I invest considerable emotion when listening, and when the system is "locked-in, "you will find me air-conducting, tapping my toes, and fully involved in the musical moment. Numerous listening sessions have left me deeply moved, after which I often turn off the system and sit in silence to appreciate the moment fully. These experiences inspire me and remind me why I love this hobby. 

During a recent listening session, a friend turned to me and said, "I think that violin is speaking to me." This simple phrase reminded me that the goal of the audio journey is to be touched by the artist. My friend didn't mention technical aspects like mid-range or bass; he expressed his state of mind. The artist had reached out and touched him through the audio system. The Acora SRC-2 speakers have evoked similar emotions during my time with them. 

When connecting to music, there are many factors to consider beyond just the bass, midrange, and high frequency. In the next section, I will be changing my usual approach, and rather than imposing my questionable, and perhaps unrelatable, music preferences on you to describe the sound, I will strive to explain specific qualities that attract me to this speaker and relate them to you, much like I would tell a friend who asked about them. Feel free to let me know whether this approach is practical or if you prefer a more "traditional" review.

         

What's Special? 

Lack of Dynamic Compression    

The virtual absence of dynamic compression is a hallmark quality of the SRC-2. Dynamic compression shows up in a couple of ways, but one of the most obvious is collapsing of the soundstage as the volume increases. Another is that instruments will "wander" and seem to drop in and out of the music based on the complexity/volume of the music. Not so on these speakers. When a system is correct, it can play loud without sounding loud, and you have the desire to increase the volume. Removing the "dynamic governor" allows the SRC-2s to present rock-stable (pun intended) sound staging and imaging while maintaining instrument separation at a high-volume level. Because I listen to many live concert recordings and like to reproduce them at "real" listening levels, this is one of the significant qualities that drew me to this speaker.

This is due, in large part, to the benign impedance curve, the high mechanical efficiency of the cabinet, the lack of resistors in the crossover, and the careful magnetic alignment of crossover components.  

Bass/Midrange Transient Response 

The Acoras boast exceptional bass/midrange transient response and a distinct lack of blurring. The clarity, focus, and physical impact of the bassline are impressive. Val explained that the woofer's precise transient response results from the granite enclosure's exceptional rigidity, which prevents the driver's energy from being absorbed. A more efficient energy transfer from the woofer cone to the air produces a clear, unblurred lower midrange sound. The bass and lower midrange exhibit minimal distortion, creating a broader, more coherent "window of transparency."

The deep bass response was exceptionally focused and more than adequate in quantity, surprising several listeners.

Linear Dynamic Expression 

The SRC-2 has a uniform, balanced dynamic expression across all frequencies. No part of the sound is dynamically emphasized or suppressed. Much like you can have a non-linear frequency response curve with dips and peaks, you can also have a non-linear dynamic response. A good example is combining an electrostatic speaker with a dynamic woofer. The difference between the dynamic characteristics of the two is apparent, and the sound lacks coherency. Top to bottom, the SRC-2's sound is equally dynamically expressive and explosive.                                         

Seamless Crossover 

Why is this sentence so uncomfortable to read?

All the words are correct, and all the letters are readable, yet something is uncomfortable about it.  

That sentence is how most multi-driver loudspeakers make my mind feel. I hear all the music and understand the words, yet my mind must work to "assemble" the sound.

Music played through the Acora's sounds more like it is all in one font. The blend of fundamental and harmonic information creates a cohesive and unified listening experience allowing me to enjoy the music without focusing too much on analyzing its quality. They "speak with one voice."

 

Resolution and Transparency 

Regarding audio resolution, the SRC-2 is the proverbial "audio microscope" that doesn't compromise on revealing sonic details in the recording. However, it has not sold its "soul" to accomplish this by highlighting details. Highlighting details to create an illusion of resolution can be fatiguing and cause listener fatigue. Rather than highlight/emphasize detail, the Acora speakers uncover detail while walking the razor's edge of neutrality. Resolution and organic quality do not have to be mutually exclusive. 

When I stand outside Preservation Hall in the French Quarter, waiting to enter, I can easily differentiate between a live saxophone performance and recorded music played through a sound system. It's not just a matter of frequency response but rather the subtle nuances of phase, dynamics, and harmonics. The Acora speakers gave me many "live music" cues while listening. 

Soundstage and Imaging 

The precision with which they capture minor details and spatial cues, their ability to express dynamic range, and the clarity and stability of their images allow these speakers to produce a vast, seamless soundstage and invite you into the recording venue. They excel in this area.

Pulling it all together 

While I have noticed some of these qualities in other loudspeakers in one way or another, the melding of these six traits makes the SRC-2 a top-tier speaker.

I can easily follow a rhythm guitar throughout a song. When played side by side, I can distinguish whether "plucks" are from a viola or a cello (or both). I can detect if the tympanist is using hard or soft-headed sticks. They maintain the clarity of a high hat when the drummer hits the bass drum. Backing vocals become interesting and significant. Choral music maintains stability in the size and individuality of singers as the music gets louder and more complex. Listening through the SRC-2s, music that I thought I knew every nook and cranny of was revealed to have more musical information and instrument interaction than I had previously experienced.

Caveats?

At this point in the review, I usually mention any shortcomings that need consideration. The trouble is that, when considered within its bandwidth range of 29Hz to 30,000Hz, the only issue I can report is that these speakers can't fix anything wrong with your system. Early issues I thought were attributable to the speakers later turned out to be caused by other elements.

Like other high-performance loudspeakers, these need meticulous component pairing and setup to fully optimize their potential. They are very revealing, do not require artificial enhancement, and will expose any equipment issues. Valerio takes pride in their "true to the source" sound reproduction and makes no apologies for its uncompromising authenticity. 

Does this mean the Acoras are only suitable for listening to high-quality audiophile recordings? Paradoxically, that was not the case. I could enjoy music on these speakers that I had previously avoided on other systems. Increased transparency and dynamic range do not always produce a "bright and strident" sound. Genuine resolution and transparency can reveal subtle details and tonal nuances that make the music feel warm and intimate, as you experience in a live performance.

How often have you had a great musical experience in an acoustically flawed environment? When I listen to a jazz quartet at the LSU School of Music, I consistently complain about the acoustics but still enjoy the performance. Through the SRC-2 speakers, I could better appreciate musically imperfect recordings I had previously avoided because I felt more connected to the music and less focused on the speakers. 

Acora Acoustics introduced its $218,000 flagship loudspeaker, the VRC, at the 2023 Florida Audio Expo, where my listening session with them left a lasting impression. After hearing them there, I was eager to listen to similar music on the SRC-2s in my room. I was not let down and will say this. Had the SRC-2s not already been given a name, they easily could have been called the VRC junior. The SRC-2 delivers a considerable helping of the VRC sound at only 22% of the cost, and with the addition of a couple of good subwoofers, that gap could be closed even more. (Hint: Stay tuned…can you say REL?) 

Closing Thoughts

The Acora SRC-2 checks virtually all the boxes I am interested in, including dynamic expression, tonality, transparency, imaging, and soundstage, and they can aurally and physically engage me regardless of whether I am listening to Bruckner or Boygenius. 

This speaker can compete with, and in some instances, even surpass the performance of other more expensive speakers. They provide sound quality that would have carried a six-figure price tag just a few years ago. Yes, they are a significant investment, but in today's world of high-end audio, they are resetting the performance bar at their price point. Their combination of performance and livability could easily make them an "End Game" speaker, getting listeners off the "speaker merry-go-round," which is a very costly ride.

Look, there are many exceptional loudspeakers in the $50,000 range, all bringing something a little different to the party, and depending on your personal preferences, you could undoubtedly prefer one of them over Acoras. My intention is not to declare a "best" option but rather to convey that if you are interested in making a purchase in this price range or even higher, the Acora Acoustics SRC-2, with its unique qualities, would be on my very shortlist to seek out and audition.

That is what I would tell a friend. 

Yes, color me impressed, and when it comes time to return these speakers to their rightful owner, it will be a sad day for me indeed …. You can carve that in stone. 

Wait a minute…. my wife said she liked them!