TiFi Hestia 

     Creation Story

After various stereo solutions, it was time to address the needs of home theater system. Just like with computer speakers, the aim for home theater setups is to create speakers with a timing-aligned passive filter setup. In the context of a home theater system, there are too many speakers to digitally control all their drivers. Drawing from past development experiences, the primary objective was clear: to select speakers that facilitate smooth sound transitions. This process proved to be quite labor-intensive. It took two months to find the right speakers. The search would have been expedited had manufacturers provided comprehensive measurement results.

Once the speaker drivers were chosen, the rest of the process proceeded smoothly. TiFi Hestia was initially dubbed "snowman" due to promising experiments with a completely round speaker enclosure. This led to the bass component of Hestia also adopting a spherical shape. This design allows for flexible orientation, whether the speaker is wall-mounted or placed on a table, eliminating any concerns about directing sound towards the listener. Inside the speaker enclosure, certain structural elements were implemented to slightly equalize the sound. For the tweeter, the shape of the enclosure edge was of some importance. Behind the tweeter lies a miniature filter comprising a single high-quality capacitor.

The initial sound test evoked a smile. The bass speaker from Monacor, featuring a Kevlar cone, proved capable of delivering exceptionally pleasing bass when required. Its limited volume prevents it from reaching very low frequencies, resulting in a crossover point around 80 or 100 Hz, depending on the system configuration. Ordering a tweeter with a titanium membrane initially raised concerns about whether the measurements would indeed be as impressive as claimed, ensuring a resonance-free profile. Monacor's Hi-Fi promise held true; the tweeter exhibited an exceptional profile.

Of course, surround and overhead speakers were also needed. Both of these were solved with a single full-range speaker. The surround speaker enclosure is the same size as the front speakers' bass section, allowing for the same type of stands to be used for both. For the surround speakers, a Tang Band four-inch full-range loudspeaker was selected, with a wide directional profile and slightly attenuated high frequencies. This allows the speaker to be correctly oriented to ensure ambient sound without revealing its location, as is strongly recommended for surround speaker placement. The best sound profile is with speaker directed 20 degrees off-axis (overhead).

The placement of the overhead speakers is intended on the front wall, below the ceiling, to transmit sound using ceiling reflections. For this purpose, a Monacor three-inch full-range speaker with a slightly sharper high-frequency response was chosen. When used at close range, the sound would be too sharp, but with the help of the distant position and reflections at an appropriate angle (25 degrees off axis to listening spot, towards ceiling), the sound profile is good for the height speakers.

Sound Profile

For sound profile detailed evaluation look at Spinorama measurements: TiFi Hestia M

The goal was to create the center, left, and right channels so that the horizontal directional profile encompasses four seating positions on the couch. Loudspeaker drivers positioned on top of each other, accomplish this task effectively. While a slow-acting filter doesn't provide an expansive vertical listening area, it's unnecessary. The front speakers are positioned far enough away to encompass various potential seating positions vertical differences. However, the high-frequency loudspeaker must target the usual seating height. Then the frequency profile is straight, as evidenced by the Spinorama measurements. With rigid diaphragms, the sound itself is precise, as one test listener aptly put it - very good resolution speakers. All nuances of singers' voices and musical instruments are audible. There is enough power for a standard-sized open living room. The high frequency is pure and clear, and the bass, typical of a closed enclosure, does not resonate even when the AV system decides to push it.

Certainly, the sound quality of the home theater system is heavily influenced by the home theater receiver used and the setup process. The Yamaha RX V6A, which was tested, provided two options. If the system is configured for small speakers, the sound quality suffers significantly. This turned out to be a drawback of this particular model. However, when configured for large speakers, the sound produced by the Yamaha was notably pleasant. At times, the bass was so robust that toggling the small subwoofer on or off had minimal impact on the sound quality. However, without a subwoofer, there is a lack of deep bass, and these speakers are not intended for standalone use.

Test listeners feedback

The process of listing the speakers took some time, allowing some test listeners the opportunity to experience the TiFi Hestia home theater system.

Tested in a 20 m2 open-plan space (opening up to approximately 80 m2) with a Yamaha RX V6A receiver, automatic tuning, "natural" setting, and "standard" sound profile. Configuration: center speaker, left and right front speakers - TiFi Hestia M (3 speakers); surround speakers - TiFi Hestia S (2 speakers); overhead speakers - TiFi Hestia O (2 speakers); Yamaha small subwoofer.

A.M., an entrepreneur, engineer, and music enthusiast: A speaker system with very detailed sound imaging. When a singer's voice cracks or there are peculiar harmonics in an instrument, it is all perfectly audible.

J.K., business consultant, audiophile: A decently good-sounding set. The main speakers produce surprisingly well-rounded bass for their size, and the bass from the surround speakers is also accurate.

I.P., recruitment consultant, radio amateur: My favorite among all the ones I've listened to. Speakers with a very good sound imaging.