High End 2022 • Hot Product

French loudspeaker maker Apatura showed a new model that might look familiar but breaks important new ground for the brand. Visually almost identical to the Edena Evolution, with its asymmetrical, curved-wall cabinet and clever mechanical grounding system, the new Forté (€7500 per pair, including tax) has eschewed the characteristic ribbon tweeter in search of greater efficiency and an easier load. Instead it uses a version of the SB ring-radiator tweeter, which Apatura says is similar to the one used by Wilson Audio and a number of other high-end manufacturers, in a D’Appolito array that delivers 93dB sensitivity and a benign 4-ohm load. Bandwidth extends to 35Hz (-3dB), making the Forté an ideal match for high-quality low-powered amplification.

We’ve long wondered why other speaker manufacturers haven’t followed in the extremely successful footsteps of the Living Voice Auditorium series; well, one finally has and, judging from the natural grace, articulation, agility and dynamics on show in Munich, they’ve got it right.

The Forté will be available before the end of the year. We particularly liked the rather beautiful "soft metallic" finish of the show pair.