Orb Audio Mod1x, Mod2x, and SubONE Speakers Review

For their 10th anniversary, Orb Audio has updated all of their speakers.  Orb sent us a number of their products for review, including their updated Mod1X and Mod2X speakers, and the new subONE 200 watt subwoofer.

The Speakers

Orb Audio is creating speakers that are small, unique, and attractive.  The base of their designs is a full-range, 3” aluminum driver in a sealed carbon steel sphere approximately 4” in diameter.  Each of these modules is, predictably, called an “orb” and they are mounted solo, or wired in pairs and quartets, to create their various speaker models.  This also allows you to upgrade a Mod1X to a 2X or 4X configuration by simply buying additional orbs.  Prices start at $125 for a single orb with basic stand, and multi-channel bundles are available.

There are six standard finishes to fit every aesthetic need.  Traditionalists might choose the metallic black, where Ikea-frequenting modernists may prefer the Pearl White or Hand-polished Steel.  Steampunks and Victorians will be drawn to the Copper and Bronze finishes.  I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany, so I was very happy with the Hammered Earth finish with its subtle texture.

There are modest upcharges of $15/per module for the hammered earth finish, and $30/module for the steel, copper, and bronze

 Bronze & Copper Finishes                        Chrome & White Finishes   

The speakers come standard with a steel desktop stand in black or white, though I was also able to audition the optional BOSS Stainless Steel Desk Stands.  A variety of wall and floor stands are also available.  The standard steel stand was sturdy enough to hold the speaker with confidence, and could be bent slightly to adjust the listening angle.  The optional BOSS stands were much sturdier and had a nice rubber pad on the foot, but did not allow for any angle adjustment.

The Sub

The Orb Audio subONE is an 8” composite driver in a bottom-ported cabinet that measures 12” cubed, which is quite small by ported sub standards.  It is available in matte black for $399, but I took a look at the real walnut veneer, which is available for $517.  Powered by a 200w hybrid digital amplifier, the sub features a standard volume and crossover knob, with a 0 and 180 degree phase switch and auto-sensing power mode.  There is also a wireless adapter available for $129 that is powered from a port in the subwoofer, which does away with the need for a separate power connection.

Set Up and Listening

I set up the orbs as a near-field desktop system, and as a large room system, in 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 configurations.

The orbs feature spring-terminals, which work fine, but did limit the size of wire and type of terminations that can be used with these speakers.  This is especially true of the Mod2X, which is essential two Mod1X orbs wired in parallel.  This meant that I had to fit both the jumper wires and my main speaker wires into the spring terminals, which was doable, but required nimble fingers and 16-gauge - or thinner - speaker wire.  I would recommend that orb take a look at smaller banana plug options that are almost exactly the same size as the spring terminals to allow for jumper wires to be connected via rings or spade, and accommodate usage of banana plugs for the main wires.

According to the published manufacturer specs, the Orb Mod1X is rated to 80Hz +/- 3db.  However, my ears, and measurement microphone, showed the Mod1X dropping off closer to 120Hz measured at near-field from the center of the driver.  This isn’t a problem, and I was able to crossover the SubONE at 150Hz and get a full-range sound, but I would like to see Orb double check their measurements.

         Black Finish                                      Speaker Wire Terminals

When listening to the Mod2X, I noticed that placement was critical.  The two full-range drivers placed in close proximity to each other seemed to exhibit some comb-filtering effects when listening off-axis.  For example, when placed a foot or 2 below ear level, as with a speaker on a media stand, or above ear level as a side surround speaker, you might notice a drop-off in high frequency response.  For me, the strummed strings of an acoustic guitar lost much of their snap when in these placements, and returned only when I raised or lowered my head to bring my ears back to level with the speakers.  In my opinion, with a Mod2X, you will want to be very careful with placement and listening distance since the combing effect is more obvious the closer you are to the speakers.

The Mod1X, by contrast, had much better off-axis response and were more tolerant of placement above/below ear level.  Given that the single-orbed Mod1X had enough power handling for my large room, didn’t exhibit any comb-filtering effects, is higher-impedance, and is less expensive, it is my all-around recommendation over the Mod2X unless you need maximum power handling above all else (it also leaves more money left over for a second sub).

Mod1x Nearfield Frequency Response

In listening, the speakers proved to be well designed and reproduced the most critical midrange bands cleanly at high volumes.  This kept dialogue clear and the most critical music components present.  As previously mentioned, low-frequency reproduction was restricted below 120Hz, but that’s expected with a 3” driver in a small sealed enclosure, and the subONE handily took over low-frequency reproduction duties.  High frequencies weren’t exactly extended and airy, even in the near-field, but this is once again expected from a single driver design.  For a system to look and sound good, I think that all the engineering choices made were solid.

Meanwhile, the subwoofer sounded as good as any ported sub for its size, digging down suitably low for music.  I did not notice any port-noise when watching movies with low-frequency information.  While this sub may not be a room-shaker, it also won't draw you out of the moment with unwanted distortion or port noise.  Its high-frequency reproduction was extended enough to crossover at 150hz, making it a perfect fit for the Mod1Xs.  The subONE is not a game changer by any means, but it’s a small, solid, and attractive making is a perfect choice for the stylish orb speakers.

Conclusion

Typically, you have to pay a high premium for non-box-shaped speakers and unique finish options.  Orb gives you both at a price that is quite affordable.  These speakers prove that you can engineer conversation-starter styling in a speaker without demanding a 2nd mortgage from your customers.

On top of that, they sound pretty good with the ModXs showing great mid frequency detail and power handling, and the subwoofer handedly producing low frequencies, despite its compact size.  While you can get better sound out of larger/boxier speakers for the same money, you’d lose serious style points.  If you’ve been living without good sound because you didn’t think you could afford speakers that look and sound good, I’d recommend that you take a look at Orb Audio.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.