Arendal Sound 1610 – New Loudspeaker Series from Norway

Norwegian company Arendal Sound has unveiled the 1610 loudspeaker series, bringing design cues inspired by the brand’s flagship models and a three-way architecture into a more accessible price segment – without compromising sound quality. Building on its flagship 1528 loudspeaker lineup, Arendal Sound returns with the new 1610 range: a deliberately “downsized” version aimed at serious performance, but without the flagship price tag. Made in Norway and clearly engineered with restraint rather than simplification, the 1610 lineup – consisting of four models – enters one of the most competitive segments of high-end audio, where brands like Focal, DALI, Paradigm, Wharfedale, and KEF fiercely compete for buyers’ attention.

The 1610 series uses high-density HDF enclosures designed with structural rigidity and acoustic control as top priorities. A 46 mm thick curved front baffle optimizes driver placement, improving phase alignment, transient response, and time alignment. Inside, reinforced bracing and damping are employed to suppress cabinet resonances and unwanted vibrations. The bass-reflex ports are carefully tuned for smooth airflow, helping the speakers reproduce low frequencies in a controlled, articulate way – without excess noise or “boom.”

High frequencies are handled by a 28 mm aluminum-magnesium tweeter designed to balance detail retrieval, extended bandwidth, and impressive dynamics. The tweeter is mounted in a controlled-directivity waveguide, which helps manage dispersion and improves integration with the midrange driver. This approach is intended to preserve clarity and precision while delivering an even and well-controlled distribution of HF energy toward the listening area.

Working alongside the tweeter is a 5-inch midrange driver with a lightweight, rigid carbon-fiber cone, helping maintain accuracy and dynamic range at low distortion levels. Tuned for the critical vocal-and-instrument band, this driver is designed for natural, unforced sound and smooth integration with the tweeter, ensuring a coherent and balanced presentation.

The tweeter and midrange are housed in Arendal’s proprietary Røst Essence Acoustic Core module – a design focused on dispersion control, phase coherence, and overall driver integration. At its heart is an elliptical waveguide that allows the tweeter and midrange driver to be positioned as close together as possible. This layout обеспечивает smooth, stable vertical dispersion, contributing to a wider, more stable soundstage and more even sound for multiple listeners.

In the 1610 series, Arendal uses 8-inch aluminum woofers with surrounds featuring internal stiffening ribs for improved control and long-term durability. This solution works in tandem with the acoustically optimized HDF enclosure, helping the speakers deliver high SPL capability, powerful dynamics, and deep, well-controlled bass without sacrificing clarity.

Arendal Sound 1610 loudspeakers will go on sale in March 2026 at the following suggested retail prices:

Arendal Sound 1610 Tower 8: USD 7,600

Arendal Sound 1610 Bookshelf 8: USD 3,600

Arendal Sound 1610 Slim 8: USD 2,800

Arendal Sound 1610 Center: USD 2,300