Installation complete – a breeze to set up and understand. Playing the same track “Ferry,” the 18 simply couldn’t compete with the 19’s deep bass response, falling short against the A9 too. But here’s where it shines: the midrange and treble performance is absolutely stunning, delivering an expansive soundstage that feels like a breath of fresh air. The bass limitations come down to speaker size and cabinet design, which is why most folks pair the 18 with its bigger sibling, the 19.
Pro tip: Streaming via AirPlay from your phone through a Xiaomi TV box? The audio quality hits rock bottom. Unless you’re investing in the Beo streaming player, do what I did – grab a 3.5mm to dual RCA cable. It’s a simple fix that guarantees proper sound quality.
Now let’s talk about what makes the 18 special. Its midrange and treble reproduction is crystal clear and incredibly easy on the ears – no listening fatigue here. Coming from the A9’s single-unit driver array to this proper stereo separation with dedicated left/right channels was nothing short of an epiphany. Don’t get me wrong, the A9 is fantastic – this is just a whole different ballgame with dramatically wider imaging.
Full disclosure: I’m no audio engineer, just a longtime admirer of the brand’s iconic design. These observations simply compare my experience between the A9 and this new setup.
Out with the old, in with the new. One final farewell shot for my trusty A9 – my musical companion for more than a year of memories.
Naomi Banks 
Willa Roberts 
Hazel Snyder