Floorstanding loudspeakers — Econik Speakers Econik 1851

The Econik 1851 is an active loudspeaker from Econik Speakers, designed with Munich-based designer Anton Erbenich and developed and manufactured in Germany. Its enclosure is 3D-printed from quartz sand and impregnated with epoxy resin, giving a sand-coloured, textured mineral surface, and the speaker hangs from a curved stand rather than standing on the floor. The rough mineral surface is intended to reduce vibration of the cabinet walls, and the maker calls the material low in vibration and rigid. The monolithic cabinet has an almost spherical interior volume, which the maker uses to minimise standing waves inside the box.

Key specs that matter

A 28 mm ceramic tweeter from Eton Audio works with a 181 mm magnesium composite mid and bass driver from the Eton Arcosia series, crossed over at 3,200 Hz by a fully digital crossover. Two Class-D amplifiers developed in Denmark are rated at 150 W each, driving the woofer and tweeter separately. Econik quotes a response of 34 Hz to 40,000 Hz within plus or minus 3 dB. The speaker unit measures 370 x 535 x 565 mm and weighs 28.3 kg, while the suspension stand measures 800 x 1,950 x 950 mm and weighs 9.3 kg.

Engineering and use context

The suspension is a specially developed steel cable system attached to the curved stand, which makes the heavy cabinet appear to float. According to Econik, it separates the cabinet almost completely from the ground and stops structure-borne vibration from travelling into the floor, regardless of how that floor is built. The ceramic material of the tweeter diaphragm is described as extremely light and rigid. The maker describes the suspension as passive and maintenance-free. Amplification and signal routing are fully integrated, so each speaker needs only one power cable. Warranty covers the drivers for 5 years, extended to 10 years with registration, and the amplifier for 2 years, extended to 5 years with registration. The model is offered on request, with no published price.

Pairing

The 1851 receives audio wirelessly over WiSA as lossless 24-bit and 96 kHz signals and needs an Econik Stereo Hub or Surround Hub X as the connection point for sources. The Stereo Hub supplies HDMI ARC, three optical inputs, a coaxial input and an analogue input, plus streaming via Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Roon, Chromecast, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. A separate power amplifier is not needed. The WiSA link carries audio without a signal cable between the hub and each speaker.

Alternatives

The Econik ELEVEN is a larger active loudspeaker from the brand, priced at EUR 7,349 per pair.