Unfortunately I've not had time to write up a full on technical review (with graphs etc.), work has has been non-stop. I can, however, report that the Sub 1s is quite simply fantastic! This 'baby' Arendal really does pack a mighty punch, easily outperforming much bigger and more expensive subs from the usual suspects.
The test system -
Anthem MRX-720
Arendal 1723 Tower S L&R
Arendal 1723 Centre S
Arendal 1723 Surround S
Arendal 1723 Sub 1 (dual)
- Arendal Sub 1s
- Arendal Sub 1v
The dual Sub 1 sub's were removed from the system, and replaced by the single 1s to kick things off. We spent a good few hours listening to different music genres and numerous tried and tested movie demo clips, and despite only having a few hours on it, the Sub 1s blended effortlessly with the rest of the system. One of the first things we noticed was how much the rubber surround on the driver moved, totally mesmerising, and an indication of how well this thing performs. The room we were in is challenging in that it had an open staircase to the first floor, but the Sub 1s had no difficulty pressurising the room, and was certainly happily giving my back a good kicking at every opportunity!
We switched over to the Sub 1v and ran it both ported and sealed, using the same tracks and demo clips as before. Now it's likely that it needed more hours, but it sounded a bit too 'boomy' for my liking, even in sealed mode. We probably could have tweaked the settings to improve things, but decided to turn our attention back to the 1s for the rest of the session. I'll come back to the 1v later.
We were interested to see whether the 1s would integrate with a 1723 Sub 1 (just for fun), and they actually went really well together. We switched back and forth between dual Sub 1's and the 1s and Sub 1 combo, and it was difficult to tell the difference. Sure, the 1s doesn't quite have the output of the Sub 1, but it's not far off, and considering the 1s digs a little deeper than the Sub 1, is smaller, weighs less and is slightly cheaper, I could easily pick the 1s over the Sub 1. In fact, if I was in the market for new subs, I would think seriously about putting a 1s in each corner of the room - or stacking duals in each corner
Now there are some minor negatives regarding cosmetic aspects . The matte finish isn't quite as good as the satin finish of the 1723 range in my opinion. That black cabinet is going to be a nightmare to keep clean, and matte white is probably even worse. Gloss finishes are not my preference anyway, but for some, the lack of a gloss option could be an issue.
The cabinet styling has also been changed from the 1723 range, gone is the ridge near the bottom of the cabinet. I like this design feature on the 1723's as it looks like the towers and subs are standing on a base, lifting the cabinet above the floor. The 1s and 1v's solid cabinet sits lower, even with the new puck's (that will leave an Arendal logo imprint in your carpet!!!).
Cosmetic issues aside, I would definitely be happy with the 1s in my system. I briefly contemplated getting four in place of my dual Sub 2's........
The 1v on the other hand, well no it isn't for me, particularly as I have no interest in ported subs. It's a big cabinet (as can be seen in the following images), so you need the space for it. I guess it may appeal to some, but I don't think it will be as popular as the 1s - which I think outperforms and offers better value for money than other subs in the same category.
Sub 1s sat on top of the Sub 1v, with a 1723s Tower behind.