Amphion Argon3X Bookshelf Speaker [Pair]

Product Concept

The Amphion Argon3X inherits the natural sound imaging and manageable size of the Argon3S while enhancing resolution, range, and spatial expression as a new generation X-Series bookshelf speaker.

With a newly designed titanium tweeter and a revised crossover, following the philosophy introduced in the higher-end Krypton3X, it improves high-frequency extension, subtle nuances, decay of sound, and integration between drivers. If the Argon3S is a highly complete standard model, the Argon3X is an upper model that hones its expressive power even further.

Rather than emphasizing sound dramatically, it allows you to see the information within a recording more deeply and quietly. The evolution of the Argon3X is not merely a specification upgrade but aims to naturally bring out the depth and nuances of music.

Further precision in the charm of the Argon3S

Argon3X raises the depth of the soundstage, clarity of localization, and reproduction of reverberation while maintaining the same scale as the Argon3S. The position of vocals floating between speakers, the sense of distance between instruments, and the air of the recording space become easier to perceive, allowing a natural grasp of the music's structure.

In particular, with acoustic instruments, vocals, chamber music, jazz, and live recordings, there is a difference in expressing the onset and decay of sounds. Rather than bringing out minute details excessively, Argon3X's appeal lies in naturally highlighting them within the flow of the performance.

High-frequency reproduction up to 55kHz with the newly designed titanium tweeter

Argon3X features a newly designed 1-inch titanium tweeter. The high frequencies are extended up to 55kHz, delicately depicting fine details in music such as cymbal overtones, string noises, vocal breath, and the hall's reverberation.

Despite the extended high frequencies, this speaker does not aim to sound bright or stimulating. Rather, it evolves in the direction of carefully showing the contours of sounds, the spaces in the environment, and the gradations of reverberation. The soundstage is wide, localization is clear, and it creates a natural stage that makes the speaker's presence less noticeable.

Unity through an improved crossover

The crossover frequency is 1,600Hz. Emphasis is placed on the connection between the tweeter and the 6.5-inch aluminum woofer, smoothly reproducing crucial vocal and instrumental bands.

In Argon3X, the crossover review further enhances the balance and integration between drivers. Each instrument's contours are clear, yet the overall music does not disassemble into separate parts. Vocals come forward naturally, instruments maintain appropriate distances, and the depth of the recording space is easier to perceive.

5th-generation waveguide and natural soundstage formation

Amphion's proprietary waveguide is a key technology for shaping the tweeter's radiation characteristics and naturally connecting it with the woofer. In Argon3X, combined with a low crossover point, it balances sound cohesion, localization, and the breadth of the listening area.

Not only when listened to directly in front of the speakers, but also in situations where you slightly change your position in the living room, the sound image remains stable, allowing you to enjoy music and movies in a natural balance. Here lies the Amphion characteristic of being accurate without being overly fussy, making it easy to handle.

Low-frequency texture beyond bookshelf types

The Argon3X, with its 6.5-inch aluminum woofer and rear-mounted passive radiator, reproduces deeply controlled low frequencies despite being a bookshelf type. The low frequencies are not pushed by volume but are rendered with accuracy in pitch, speed, and contour.

The bass line does not become unclear, the kick drum does not lag, and the low notes of the piano and cello do not muddy the midrange. While stabilizing the foundation of the music, it is balanced so as not to compromise the high resolution and transparency that the Argon3X offers.

A speaker that honestly reflects the quality of the amplifier

The recommended amplifier output for the Argon3X ranges widely from 50 to 250W, honestly reflecting the quality of the amplifier it is paired with. This does not mean a high-power amplifier is necessary; rather, by pairing it with an amplifier that excels in control, quietness, and sound staging, a higher level of performance can be achieved.

It is possible to enjoy natural midrange with a tube amplifier, or to enhance speed and control with a transistor amplifier. However, the Argon3X tends to reveal the characteristics of recordings and equipment relatively honestly, so its expression can vary significantly depending on the combination.

Choosing between the Argon3S and Argon3X

The Argon3S is the standard model, offering a well-balanced combination of the natural soundstage Amphion is known for, clear midrange, and manageable lows. On the other hand, the Argon3X elevates this approach to higher resolution, wider range, and precise spatial expression.

The Argon3S is suitable for those who want to enjoy music naturally over a long period. The Argon3X is suited for those who want to perceive finer nuances, reverberations, and the depth of the recording space. Although installation is similar for both, when aiming for a higher ceiling in expressive capability, the Argon3X is an extremely attractive choice.

Evaluation in Overseas Reviews

The Argon3X is reviewed in the UK audio magazine hi-fi+ as the next-generation bookshelf speaker succeeding the Argon3S. The review notes that the Argon3S already had the level of completeness that could be called a benchmark in its price range, and the Argon3X is evaluated as a model that has evolved even further from that.

Technically, special attention is given to the newly designed titanium tweeter and the significantly revised crossover. The high-frequency characteristics of the Argon3X have been extended from 25kHz on the previous Argon3S to 55kHz, reproducing reverberation, harmonics, and a sense of space over a wider range. Additionally, the series crossover design ensures the connection between drivers, coherence of sound, and stability of the load seen by the amplifier.

In terms of sound quality, the depth of the soundstage and three-dimensional imaging are highly praised. The review mentions the speaker's ability to clearly organize the movements of each orchestral section and the complex structure of musical pieces, presenting it not just as a high-resolution speaker but as one that naturally conveys the structure and intent of the music.

Regarding the bass, the rear-mounted 6.5-inch aluminum passive radiator provides controlled reproduction differing from a bass-reflex design. Instead of excessively boosting low frequencies, it maintains contour, timing, and texture, making wall placement easier, which is characteristic of Amphion's design.

According to hi-fi+, although the Argon3X is not a model aimed at the absolute scale or mass like large speakers, it is highly praised for its level of completion in other aspects. While maintaining the convenience of a bookshelf design, it significantly enhances resolution, soundstage, and musical clarity, making it a top-tier, highly refined model within the Argon series.