delicacy and elegance; no other speakers excel Ensemble Reference/Profundo in this respect, not even Sonus Faber's.

none in a small to mid size room

This review is for Ensemble Reference and Profundo combination. I traded up from Ensemble Animata to Reference on top of the Profundo subwoofers. Woo what a difference! Much more delicate in treble (an Ensemble trademark) and solid in bass. However, the Audion Silver Night (Push Pull version) is no longer juicy enough. I switch to a Jadis DA-60 and am in audio nirvana.

Similar Products Used:

Apogee Diva, Sonus Faber Extrema, Rogers LS3/5A.

Sweet, transparency, sound stage

not as warm and dynamic as Sonus Faber (Electa Amator I and Extrema)

Animata is a scaled-down version of Reference and PA-1. It seems that Animatas are available only in certain East Asia countries (?), retailing for around $2000. I have a pair in my office, driven by Audion Silver Night 300 B push-pull amps (20 watts). Very sweet and transparent sound. Sound stage is also good. Sonus Fabers (I used to have Electa Amators I, now Extrema; pricewise Animata should be compared to Minima Amator) are warmer. But both are superb mini monitors.

Similar Products Used:

Sonus Faber speakers

My HIFI:

ROTEL RCD-951
Tag Machlaren 60i
Van den Hul "The wind"
Van den Hul "The Frst Ultimate"

Clear, Sweet

I was looking for a bookshelf speaker. First, I was intrested in JM Lab Micro Utopia. Then, I found the Ensemble PA-1 Silver, which is very beautiful as Micro. I found that both speaker are very good. I spend my time mainly on jazz, specially female vocalist. I feel that PA-1 is better for voice. So far, I am very statisfied with my decision. It is good.
Speaker PA-1 with Landmark Stand
Cable: Ensemble Voiceflux
Amplifier: Copland CAS8

I first saw the pair of used Animata speakers lying in a local stereo shop near my house after examining a pair of used Sonus Faber Concertino. The Concertinos were driven by a local made EL34 integrated amp (25W stereo), and they sounded sweet and attractive. Then I saw the used Animata lying on the corner....since I read some good reviews about these speakers, I asked the owner to hook it up for me.

I was totally surprised the difference it had with the Concertino! The Animata was very open, clear, and the soundstage was better! If I have the $$$, I would buy it on the spot(used and selling for about us$1680), but since I just bought a house and car and....I took the concernito instead. I could live happily with either pair....but I think the Animata is a fine pair of speaker, and should be rated 5 stars acording to my taste. But for its' high cost, I have to take a star from it.

Similar Products Used:

sonus faber concertino