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Apertura Swing Loudspeaker Review: Elegance Meets Precision in French Hi-Fi Design
Apertura Audio, a boutique French loudspeaker manufacturer, has long been celebrated for its artisan approach to speaker design and its relentless pursuit of acoustic perfection. The company’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has gained them a devoted following among audiophiles worldwide. The Apertura Swing, positioned in the middle-to-upper tier of their product lineup, embodies the brand’s ethos of blending refined aesthetics with cutting-edge audio engineering. Designed by Christian Yvon, Apertura’s acoustic mastermind, the Swing aims to deliver unparalleled sound performance while maintaining an understated, luxurious design.
With its sleek, slender form and proprietary technologies, the Swing is marketed as a premium loudspeaker for discerning listeners who value both style and sound quality. Does it live up to its promise? Let’s dive in.
TL;DR
- French-crafted loudspeaker blending elegant design with cutting-edge engineering.
- Features Apertura’s patented "DRIM" crossover technology for natural, phase-coherent sound.
- Offers tight bass, expansive soundstage, and precise imaging, per expert reviews.
- Premium build quality ideal for modern, minimalist interiors.
- Best suited for audiophiles seeking balanced performance across music genres.
Design and Build
The Apertura Swing is a visual masterpiece. Standing tall with a height of 110 cm and a slim, slightly curved profile, it exudes sophistication without overwhelming your room. The cabinet is crafted with real wood veneers and finished with meticulous attention to detail. The Swing is available in several finishes, including satin black, high-gloss white, and natural walnut, allowing it to blend seamlessly into both contemporary and classic interiors.
The cabinet design is not purely aesthetic—it’s also functional. Apertura employs a non-parallel internal structure to minimize standing waves and resonance. The result? A cleaner, more transparent sound. The front baffle houses a two-way driver configuration, consisting of a 29mm soft dome tweeter and a 17cm mid-bass driver, both custom-made for Apertura by renowned European driver manufacturers. The drivers are recessed into the baffle to reduce diffraction and improve phase coherence.
The Swing’s slim profile belies its sturdy construction. The cabinet feels solid and well-damped, with no audible vibrations even at higher volumes. Apertura’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the precise driver alignment to the high-quality binding posts at the rear.
Technical Characteristics
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | 2-way floorstanding loudspeaker |
| Drivers | 29mm soft dome tweeter, 17cm mid-bass |
| Frequency Response | 38 Hz – 30 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 89 dB SPL @ 2.83V/1m |
| Impedance Nominal | 8 Ohms |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 30W – 150W |
| Crossover Technology | DRIM (Dual Resonance Interface Module) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 110 cm x 18 cm x 28 cm |
| Weight | 22 kg per speaker |
| Finishes | Satin black, high-gloss white, walnut |
Acoustic Performance
The Apertura Swing delivers a sound that’s as refined as its design. Its acoustic signature is marked by transparency, coherence, and a natural balance across the frequency spectrum. Reviewers from Haute Fidélité and StereoNet have praised the Swing for its ability to reproduce music with lifelike precision and an expansive soundstage.
The Swing’s 29mm soft dome tweeter, which extends up to 30 kHz, ensures a smooth, airy treble. High frequencies are crisp and detailed, without veering into harshness or sibilance. This makes it particularly enjoyable for vocal and acoustic tracks. Meanwhile, the 17cm mid-bass driver delivers tight, controlled bass with impressive depth for its size. While it doesn’t quite reach the subterranean levels of larger floorstanders, it provides enough punch for most genres without overpowering the mids.
One of the standout features is the DRIM crossover technology, a hallmark of Apertura designs. This patented crossover ensures phase alignment between drivers, resulting in a coherent soundstage and pinpoint imaging. Instruments and vocals are well-separated, with a tangible sense of depth and positioning.
The Swing thrives in mid-sized rooms and excels with high-quality amplification. Pair it with a neutral or slightly warm amplifier to fully appreciate its nuanced performance. Whether you’re listening to jazz, classical, or electronic music, the Swing maintains its composure and clarity, delivering an engaging, fatigue-free experience.
User Feedback
User impressions of the Apertura Swing on forums like Home Cinema France and Hi-Fi Vision are overwhelmingly positive. Many users highlight its elegant design, which integrates seamlessly into their living spaces. Several noted the Swing’s ability to deliver a detailed, natural sound that’s free from coloration.
Audiophiles praised its soundstage and imaging, often comparing it to speakers twice its price. Bass performance also received commendations, with users describing it as tight and musical rather than boomy. A few users mentioned that the Swing requires careful placement and room acoustics to shine, but once dialed in, its performance is exceptional.
The only recurring critique is its price point. At approximately €6,000 per pair, the Swing sits in the premium category, which may deter budget-conscious buyers. However, most agree that its performance and build quality justify the investment.
Conclusion
The Apertura Swing is a superbly crafted loudspeaker that marries French elegance with audio engineering mastery. Its transparent, balanced sound and meticulous build quality make it a standout choice for discerning audiophiles. While it may not cater to bass-heads or those on a tight budget, its refined acoustic performance and understated aesthetic will appeal to those seeking a premium listening experience.
Ideal for mid-sized rooms and high-quality amplification, the Swing is versatile enough to handle a wide range of music genres. Whether you’re savoring a delicate piano sonata or diving into a high-energy rock track, these speakers deliver with poise and precision.
Alternatives
If you’re exploring other French-made loudspeakers in the same price range, consider these options:
- Focal Kanta No. 1: A compact yet powerful bookshelf speaker with exceptional detail and dynamic range.
- Triangle Magellan Duetto: Known for its lively, engaging sound signature and luxurious cabinet design.
- Cabasse Murano: Offers precise imaging and robust bass performance in a stylish, compact form.
- Jean-Marie Reynaud Cantabile Jubilee: A floorstander with a warm, natural sound and excellent musicality.
- Atohm GT2-HD: A high-performance floorstanding speaker with a focus on clarity and dynamics.
References
- Apertura Audio – Official Website
- Haute Fidélité Review – Link
- StereoNet Review – Link
- User feedback on Home Cinema France Forum – Link
- User discussions on Hi-Fi Vision Forum – Link
