STEREO GUIDE verdict
The Econik Six climbs to a new sound level with AMT instead of SEAS dome tweeters. After comparing it with the standard version, which was improved following our review last year, we can say unequivocally: the additional outlay when buying or investing in retrofitting existing speakers is really worth it.
Advantages
- Outstanding fine detail and resolution
- Excellent imaging precision
- Exceptional bass response for its size
- Bass calibration and sound presets
Disadvantages
- Wireless operation only with hub
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Tonal balance / transparency9.5
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Bass / Dynamics9.4
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Spatial imaging9.6
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Usability / Connectivity9.5
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Price/Performance9.4
We reviewed the Econik Six a year ago(click here for the report) and were very impressed by the active compact speakers from German production. However, there was one small point of criticism: vocals sounded a little too concise in the upper presence range. But even then there were two hopes for a new level of perfection. On the one hand, the very smart concept based on wireless technology from WISA (Wireless Speaker and Audio) made it possible to load various tuning curves via a USB stick.
If the company HiFi Pilot, founded and managed by Jens Hörmann and Berthold Daubner, had taken the criticism to heart, they could have followed up with another vote. But that would only have been the small official route. The two Eisinger entrepreneurs already had a bazooka in the pipeline at the time: an Air Motion Transformer (AMT) from Mundorf, which could even be retrofitted. This was precisely the reason why it took some time before the retrofit option and the new AMT version of the Econik Six went on sale.
Film keeps the Econik Six fresh
However, the two HiFi pilots have recently completed the development and are already enjoying good demand for the upgrade, which is available for 600 euros. The price also includes minor modifications by milling the installation openings in the high-quality MDF cabinets manufactured in the Erzgebirge. The two active speakers have to be sent to the manufacturer for this. A good reason to pay a personal visit to the company headquarters in Eisingen to compare old against new and get an impression of the up-and-coming company. A company just outside Stuttgart that will soon be moving from a rented building to a new building in the region. This also reflects the rise of the hi-fi distributor and its flagship brand Econik Speakers.
The Econik Six can still be used with AMT as a 2.5 or 3-way loudspeaker. The Mundorf foil transducer was given a round mounting plate as part of the adaptation to the baffle cut-out for the SEAS silk dome tweeter with a diaphragm diameter of 2.5 centimeters. Below this in the baffle is a 16.5 cm diameter bass/midrange driver from the SEAS Prestige series. In addition to the front low-midrange cone, there is another identical 6.5-inch woofer at the rear of the cabinet.
The Econik Six relies on a tailwind
How the audio signal is distributed between the two cone drivers cannot be actively controlled by the user via a switch or app, but is done indirectly by selecting the respective preset. All sound presets are designed for 2.5-channel operation as standard; however, a special preset is available for particularly fine voice reproduction, which switches the speaker to true 3-way operation. The DSP-controlled crossover has also been optimized so that it corrects the installation locations by means of phase shifting. At the same time, a dynamic bass boost ensures that a powerful and full sound image is maintained even at low volumes.
A lot of feedback was also incorporated into Econik Six in the course of further development. HiFiPilot now favors the 3-way solution because the front Seas cone can then concentrate fully on the vocal range, elegantly eliminating the negative effects of overlapping and intermodulation distortion, in which the large cone excursions in the bass affect the mid-range.
Like the version with dome tweeter that is still available, the new AMT version of the Econik Six is also based on the tried-and-tested WISA platform. I have already had several positive experiences with this wireless technology, including when reviewing the Piega Premium 301 Wireless Gen. 2, which use the same stereo hub from Platin Audio in Denmark. The Mission LX Connect also relies on this wireless transmission standard, which is promoted by the WiSA Alliance and is suitable for surround sound.
WISA decision
The sophisticated concept, sound quality and ease of use of WISA-based wireless loudspeakers are impressive. Although some users who prefer wireless streaming only may find the compact stereo hub an unnecessary intermediate step, it offers enormous advantages for discerning music lovers. The hub is a particularly valuable addition to the Econik Six, which itself only has a balanced XLR connection. This small, inconspicuous black box, available individually for 700 euros or as a package for an additional 300 euros, enables short signal paths and avoids annoying cable clutter at the speakers. Up to eight speakers can be wirelessly supplied with high-quality 2-channel sound.
Each Econik Six requires only one power cable for operation. The hub transmits the audio signal wirelessly in Hi-Res quality of up to 24 bit/96 kHz via the WISA radio link. The range is even more extensive with the Surround Hub X, which even enables wireless 7.1 or 5.1.2 channel operation. Speakers such as the Econik Four (as rears) and the Econik Seven (as center) can be easily integrated here.
On the connection side, the transmitter/preamplifier is extremely versatile: it has three optical Toslink digital connections, a coaxial S/PDIF, analog RCA and 3.5 mm jack inputs as well as a USB-B port for connecting to a computer. As a highlight, it even offers HDMI ARC for uncomplicated playback of TV sound. There are also wireless interfaces such as AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.2 as well as Wi-Fi for integration into the home network.
Customized connectivity
The WISA hub from Buchardt Audio, another brand distributed by HiFi Pilot, also offers these extensive connection options. However, the Danish loudspeaker specialists concentrate purely on stereo reproduction, which regularly led to customer questions regarding the lack of center speakers. This demand ultimately gave rise to the Econik Speakers brand. Jens Hörmann remembers that in the course of developing their own loudspeakers, they collected numerous ideas on how to further improve the speakers.
One of these areas of improvement was the chassis used. Econik chose drivers with more powerful drives and better technical data. This also explains the significantly higher weight of the Econik Six (12.1 kg) compared to the comparably sized Buchardt A500 (6.5 kg). The cabinets have also been optimized, with thicker walls, additional bracing and slightly more internal volume. These measures increase the low resonance, reduce sound coloration and create optimum acoustic conditions for the woofers.
Smart solution: DSP equalizer presets for recording
In addition, Econik has invested in its own sound tuning of the integrated DSP presets, a feature originally introduced by Buchardt. These sound profiles offer various tunings, for example for placement close to the wall, brilliant highs, softer timbres or a special 3-way tuning optimization. The presets can be easily downloaded from the Econik website, transferred to a USB stick and played directly to the speakers. Although this may seem a little more complicated than direct selection via the app, it worked simply and reliably in our practical test.
Setting up the speakers requires several steps, but thanks to the excellent video instructions on the Econik website, it is also easy for non-experts to do. Jens Hörmann explains each step clearly and comprehensibly, which could serve as a model even for the major manufacturers. This eliminates the tedious search in operating instructions and PDF documents.
A wireless remote control is used for control which, unlike infrared remote controls, does not require a direct line of sight and provides information such as the volume via LED feedback. The speakers must be registered individually on the hub and are assigned a defined position in the system via a switch. Connection to the home network is straightforward via the Google Home app, which also offers multi-room functions and can manage listening zones in the home.
Econik app with smart functions
Another strength is the free Econik app for iOS and Android, which was specially developed for fine-tuning the sound in the bass range. For once, Apple users get off cheaply: the app uses the iPhone’s microphone and pink noise playback to analyze the room acoustics and effectively correct room modes. Android users can alternatively purchase a separate measuring microphone. The combination of room correction and selectable sound presets makes it possible to ideally tune the speakers to your own room and listening taste.
Overall, the Econik Six concept impresses with its well thought-out details, ease of use after successful setup and outstanding sound quality. It shows that WISA-based systems really can offer a serious alternative to traditional wired systems for discerning audiophiles.
Listening comparison: Does the AMT of the Econik Six improve the sound?
In HiFi Pilot’s listening room in Eisingen, we found the ideal living room conditions for a listening comparison between the previous Econik Six with SEAS dome tweeter and the new Econik Six version with AMT. Initially, we ran the previous version as our anchor in order to recall all the sound characteristics and to see how the familiar speaker would sound under different conditions. It offered the same excellent, vivid and sharply defined imaging as in the reviewed, which took place in the LowBeats listening room at the time. But with the improved basic setup, any sharpness in the mids was gone. The result was an exemplary balanced sound image with a stable spatial stage representation and a rich, well-dosed bass foundation.
Given the advanced maturity of the basic model, the two Econik Six with AMT were unable to score with greater homogeneity. Compared to the version reviewed a year ago with the old sound tuning, this would undoubtedly have been a trump card, as the balance of the new Econik has been achieved perfectly. The Mundorf ribbon blended seamlessly into the sound and played perfectly with the two cone drivers, not only tonally but also in terms of timing.
Even though the new equalizing of the previous Econik Six ensured a high degree of homogeneity, the new model was able to go one better with its weightless Air Motion Transformer. And not only, as expected, with a plus in resolution in the treble range, airiness and transparency. With recordings such as “Between Two Points” (David Gilmour, “Luck And Strange”) from the STEREO GUIDE Qobuz playlist “Audiophile Voices”, there was also an increase in flair.
For the listening test: STEREO GUIDE Audiophile Voices, the playlist on Qobuz
The Pink Floyd guitarist’s voice sounded more authentic, more nuanced and simply radiated even more than with the dome tweeter. This enhancement, which is likely to give you even more goosebumps when listening to his favorite music, was not achieved by emphasizing the treble or even making it too sharp. It was accompanied by an exemplary silkiness and testified to the high degree of fine-tuning in the all-round successful integration of the ribbon tweeter, which brought much more subtlety to light.
In addition to choral effects to support the voice, these included the decay of stringed instruments, such as on the aforementioned album by David Gilmour, or the blowing sound of Till Brönner’s trumpet on the track “Till Tomorrow” by Yello. This track from the STEREO GUIDE playlist “Extreme Bass Tracks” is also an example of the drive this active bookshelf speaker is capable of. The interaction between the ribbon and cone was seamless and unleashed a tremendous drive, which underlines the fact that even fun-loving listeners don’t have to have large floorstanding speakers and stacks of electronic components for normal living rooms. Two compact speakers were sufficient here, which were supplied with high-resolution music from the Qobuz streaming service wirelessly from the iPad via the WISA hub using Apple AirPlay 2.
One for all
“Till Tomorrow” also proved that the topic of bass reproduction can be covered convincingly with the Econik Six. But it wasn’t just the fun and bass criteria that were convincingly covered by the Econik Six and its AMT. Audiophile expectations regarding the stability and width of the sound stage were also met. The bookshelf speaker can therefore be used for a wide range of music. All of this came together in “Sing It Back” by Moloko, for example, where the tension slowly built up and tight, sonorous synth drums with fine hi-hats spread across a wide stage and perfectly accompanied the voice.
Econik Six with AMT: Conclusion and alternatives
The Econik Six is a successful example of a successful organ transplant. With the AMT upgrade, which is also available to all owners of the previous model at a fair price, the compact active speaker, which is also a complete success in terms of connectivity and adjustment options, has taken another significant step forward. It offers even more drive and, above all, more authenticity, resolution and audiophile enamel than before.
This makes the Econik Six an extremely attractive alternative to the offerings of established brands such as the Canton Smart Vento 3 S2 or the Nubert nuZeo 4, which it also contrasts with a large selection of extremely high-quality-looking veneers. In the case of its Swabian competitors, it can also score points with better HDMI and wireless connectivity without the need for expensive additional devices. However, the two most important questions can be answered particularly clearly: the moderate surcharge compared to the Econik Six without AMT is worthwhile for all applications. And the 600 euros for retrofitting the Air Motion Transformer are also a very good investment.
Technical spezifications Econik Six
- Manufacturer’s recommended retail price: from 4,300 euros, stereo hub 700 euros (300 euros surcharge in a bundle)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 20 x 38 x 30 cm
- Weight: 12.1 kg
- Special features: App, bass calibration via iPhone, sound presets playable via USB stick. HDMI-ARC, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.2, housing in black, white and real wood veneer (oak, walnut, wild apple)
- More at: www.econik-speakers.com
