Following the recent release of their THX Ultra Certified 1723 flagship speaker line, Norway-based Arendal Sound is back with its newest flagship 1528 series (that was quick). They are not THX Certified, but Arendal claims that the 1528 series, “represents the pinnacle of our efforts, combining cutting-edge materials and world-class engineering for exceptional sound clarity and performance.”
Arendal 1528
The 1528 Series includes 6 models:
- 1528 Tower 8: $9,500/pair
- 1528 Monitor 8: $5,900/pair
- 1528 Bookshelf 8: $4,500/pair
- 1528 Slim 8: $3,500/pair
- 1528 Center+ 8: $4,700/each
- 1528 Center 8: $2,900/each
Pro Tip: The 1528 series does not include any subwoofer models, perhaps we will hear more about that at a later date.
Let’s dig a little deeper to see what this speaker series is all about.
Cabinet Design
The 1528 Series’ high-density HDF cabinets are crafted for superior acoustic performance. The 8cm-thick curved front baffle optimizes driver placement for better phase coherency and transient response. Inside, the cabinet is braced and damped to eliminate vibrations, ensuring pure, powerful sound. Flared bass reflex ports provide more airflow for tight, impactful bass performance.
Tweeter
To deliver the high frequencies a custom premium 28mm Lithium-Magnesium tweeter is used to provide fine details and wide dynamics. For added support, the tweeter is housed within a controlled directivity waveguide. This combination ensures that high frequencies are not only clear and detailed but directed precisely to the listener.
Midrange
The tweeter is paired with a custom 5″ Graphene midrange driver that combines light and stiff materials designed to provide exceptional accuracy and dynamics while reducing distortion as low as possible. The Midrange drivers in the 1528 series are designed to provide, a natural sound that blends with crisp highs from the tweeter (courtesy of the crossover). As a result, musical, dialogue, and associated detail are more natural.
Woofer
For the 1528 series, Arendal uses custom-designed 8″ aluminum long-throw bass drivers with inverted surrounds. This results in a sleek, integrated design housed in a prism structure for added stiffness. This combination supports a robust, acoustically optimized HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) cabinet that supports dynamic performance with deep, impactful bass.
Pro Tip: Each 1528 speaker is designed to adapt to different room conditions. Adjustable settings for the tweeter and mid-range allow for varied personal preferences or room acoustics. Bi-Wiring is also supported.
Sustainability
In addition to performance, just at the 1723 line, the 1528 speakers are examples of Arendal Sound’s commitment to sustainable practices and thoughtful design. Each speaker incorporates environmentally sourced materials, including the use of HDF for the cabinets and recyclable packaging. The speakers are not only designed to sound great but also incorporate sleek lines, premium finishes, and minimalist styling.
Comparison
| 1528 Tower 8 | 1528 Monitor 8 | 1528 Bookshelf 8 | 1528 Slim 8 | |
| Price (Pair) | $9,500 | $5,900 | $4,500 | $3,500 |
| Speaker Enclosure | Floorstanding Sealed/Vented | Monitor/Bookshelf Sealed / Vented | Bookshelf Sealed / Vented | On Wall/Sealed |
| Construction Material | HDF (High Density Fiberboard) | HDF (High Density Fiberboard) | HDF (High Density Fiberboard) | HDF (High Density Fiberboard) |
| Speaker Type | 3-way | 3-way | 3-way | 3-way |
| Tweeter | 28mm | 28mm | 28mm | 28mm |
| Midrange | 1 x 5 inches | 1 x 5 inches | 1 x 5-inches | 1 x 5-inches |
| Woofer | 4 x 8-inches | 2 x 8-inches | 1 x 8-inches | 1 x 8-inches |
| Ports | 140.5mm inner diameterer | 103.5mm inner diameter | 71,5mm inner diameter | N/A |
| Crossover Frequency | 420Hz/2800Hz | 420Hz / 2800Hz | 420Hz / 2800Hz | 420Hz / 2800Hz |
| Sensitivity (2.83v/1m) | 89.5dB | 85dB | 84dB | 84dB |
| Max SPL (Full Bandwidth Signal 20HZ-20KHZ, IEC60268) | 118dB Peak 112dB RMS | 114dB Peak 108dB RMS | 111dB Peak 105dB RMS | 111dB Peak 105dB RMS |
| Frequency response | 42Hz-20kHz +/-2dB | 58-20kHz +/-2dB | 42Hz-20kHz +/-2dB | 57Hz-20kHz +/-2dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 4-ohms | 4-ohms | 4-ohms | 4-ohms |
| Recommended amplifier power (RMS) | Up to 1000W | Up to 700W | Up to 500W | Up to 400W |
| Break-in for optimal performance | 50 hours | 50 hours | 50 hours | 50 hours |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 135.0 x 20 x 54.8 cm 53.2 x 11.4 x 21.6 in | 80.8 x 29.0 x 44.8 cm 31.8 x 11.4 x 17.6 in | 55.5 x 29.0 x 36.8 cm 21.9 x 11.4 x 14.5 in | 55.5 x 29.0 x 19.8 cm 21.9 x 11.4 x 7.8 in |
| Dimensions (HWD) with Bass Supports and Puck+ | 143.0 x 47.0 x 54.8 56.3 x 18.5 x 21.6 inches | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Weight (without puck+) | 79.4 kg 109 lbs | 47 kg 104 lbs | 30 kg 66 lbs | 23 kg 60 lbs 11 oz |
Center Speakers
| 1528 Center 8 | 1528 Center+ 8 | |
| Price (Each) | $2,900 | $4,700 |
| Speaker Enclosure | Center/Sealed/Ported | Center/Sealed/Ported |
| Construction Material | HDF (High Density Fiberboard) | HDF (High Density Fiberboard) |
| Speaker Type | 3-way | 3-way |
| Tweeter | 28mm | 28mm |
| MIdrange | 1 x 5-inches | 1 x 5-inches |
| Woofer | 2 x 8-inches | 4 x 8-inches |
| Ports | 1 x 103.5 mm inner diameter | 2 x 103.5 mm inner diameter |
| Crossover Frequency | 420Hz / 2800Hz | 420Hz / 2800Hz |
| Sensitivity (2.83v/1m) | 85 dB | 89 dB |
| Max SPL (Full Bandwidth Signal 20HZ-20KHZ, IEC60268) | 114 dB Peak 108 dB RMS | 118 dB Peak 112 dB RMS |
| Frequency response | 38Hz-20kHz +/-2.5dB | 45Hz-20kHz +/-2dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 4-ohms | 4-ohms |
| Recommended amplifier power (RMS) | Up to 700W | Up to 1000W |
| Break-in for optimal performance | 50 hours | 50 hours |
| Dimensions (HWD) without feet | 63.5 x 27.5 x 40.0 cm 25 x 10.8 x 16 inches | 115.0 x 27.5 x 40.0 cm 45.3 x 10.83 x 16 inches |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 29.0 x 80.8 x 44.8 cm 11.4 x 31.8 x 17.6 in | 29.0 x 135.0 x 54.8 cm 11.4 x 53.2 x 21.6 in |
| Dimensions (HWD) with Bass Supports and Puck+ | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | 47 kg 104 lbs | 82 kg 181 lbs |
The Bottom Line
The curved baffle on the 1528 series certainly looks striking and has us intrigued. Although, Focal has offered curved designs for years and more recently the SVS Ultra Evolution speakers are curved too.
Since the new 1528 series costs more than double per corresponding model over Arendal’s 1723 THX series, its 1528 speakers will truly have to offer something exceptional to convince current customers to upgrade or attract new ones.
Pricing & Availability
The Arendal 1528 Speaker Series is available for purchase through Arendal Sound’s official website and authorized dealers in the UK, US, and Europe in Basalt Black or Polar White finish.
- 1528 Tower 8: $9,500/pair
- 1528 Monitor 8: $5,900/pair
- 1528 Bookshelf 8: $4,500/pair
- 1528 Slim 8: $3,500/pair
- 1528 Center+ 8 : $4,700/each
- 1528 Center 8: $2,900/each
Each Arendal speaker comes with a 10-year warranty. Free shipping and returns are offered in Europe and the USA.
UPDATE 2/6/2025: Arendal Sound has added a dedicated stand for the 1528 Speaker Series. The 1528 Stand 8 provides a visual and sonic uplift for the 1528 Bookshelf 8, 1528 Center 8, and 1528 Monitor 8 speakers.
The 1528 Stand 8 incorporates an HDF (High Density Fiberboard) column and aluminum top and bottom plates, providing peerless rigidity and resonance control. Using the same, robust bar and foot design from the 1528 Tower, Stand 8 is designed to provide superior stability with a visual look that integrates with the rest of the series.
The top plate of the stand is pre-drilled, and precision screws are provided for a seamless, ultra-secure fit. Two integrated metal cable holders set-up clean and organized — preserving the sleek, modern look of your listening space, while Puck+ isolation feet reduce vibrations and resonance transfer. The 1528 Stand 8 comes with both hard floor and carpet sliders.
The 1528 Stand 8 is available for $700 per single stand from Arendal Sound. The stands come with either a Polar or Basalt finish.
For more information: arendalsound.com
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