Despite still not being back to its pre-COVID size and attendance there was still a lot to see at CES 2023. One product category that used to attract a lot of visitors was high-end audio. Although the number of exhibitors in that category has diminished significantly in recent years, there were still some key off-site exhibits worth checking out from Harman/JBL and Naim/Focal as well as a scattering of show floor exhibits hosted by SVS and Audio-Technica with some interesting new products.
Octavio were also at CES 2023 and we were very impressed with their new Maestro wireless loudspeaker that could be a very appealing option for some consumers that are looking for a high-end wireless solution that is competitive with some of the best wireless loudspeakers from KEF, PSB, and Triangle in the same price range.
Who is Octavio?
Octavio is a small audio start-up based in Lille, France that specializes in affordable hi-fi audio products. In partnership with large speaker maker Davis Acoustics (also based in France), Octavio made the journey to Las Vegas to debut its first wireless Speaker: The Maestro.
What Maestro Brings to the Table
Incorporating Octavio-developed Wi-Fi sound technology, the Maestro was designed to offer a high resolution wireless solution that is free of coloration.
Octavio’s Wi-Fi sound technology supports audio file playback without any compression, providing a more accurate listening experience.
Tip: Multiroom wireless audio is also supported.
From David Minard/Victor Gignon, co-founder of Octavio: “We are delighted to announce today the upcoming release of our speakers, the result of several years of work. Octavio Maestro is the next logical step in the development of our company, which aims to democratize high-fidelity sound. As musicians and music lovers ourselves, we are sensitive to the sound quality of a song, and our speakers have met our own requirements“
From Olivier Visan from Davis Acoustics: “As a French specialist in the manufacture of loudspeakers…for over 35 years, we are proud to support young French companies dedicated to music. Working with Octavio is the perfect opportunity to blend our know-how with their proprietary technology, to meet a single requirement: to be at the service of music.“
Driver Technology
The Maestro incorporates 12cm Kevlar midrange/bass drivers from Davis Acoustics to facilitate precise sound reproduction. Both light and rigid, they provide optimum midrange and bass reproduction.
Two passive radiators are used to extend low-frequency response without the problems caused by traditional Bass Reflex cabinets.
Each speaker incorporates a silk dome tweeter for clear high-frequency reproduction.
Cabinet Construction
Using carefully selected high-end components, Octavio Maestro’s integrated audio technology ensures that the music reproduction is true to the artist’s vision.
Octavio has put a lot of emphasis on the use of high-quality materials in the overall construction. The textile used comes from the Danish brand Kvadrat, a specialist in acoustic design. The wood, as well as the aluminum, have been selected for durability.
Its metallic tapered edge cabinet reduces distortion and was designed to minimize driver interaction with the baffle.
Compatibility with Decor
In addition to being compatible with any audio equipment (CD player, turntable, etc.), Octavio Maestro is a great alternative to a soundbar for watching movies and series. You can connect it directly to a TV via analog or digital optical connection.
Streaming
The Octavio Maestro uses Wi-Fi Lossless to maximize the transmission of streaming information without any loss or interference. Unlike Bluetooth, Wi-Fi does not apply any compression to your audio signal.
The Octavio offers support for Qobuz, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, Amazon Music. or TIDAL. Stream any content from your Apple device with AirPlay 2. Bluetooth is also supported.
Mobile App
The Octavio Virtuose mobile app is rather well designed and makes it relatively easy to add all of your favorite streaming accounts and control all of the speakers functionality from your smart device.
Specifications
- Speaker Type: Connected active speaker (Wireless Powered Speaker)
- Amplifier Type: Class D
- Output Power: 70W
- Frequency response (-3dB): 40Hz – 20khz
- Audio resolution: 16bit 48kHz
- WiFi (b/g/n): 2.4GHz/5GHz
- Power Consumption (In use): 14W
- Power Consumption (Standby): 1.9W
- Weight: 3.45kg/7lb 10oz
- Dimensions (LWH): 31.5 x 28.5 x 27-cm/12.4 x 11.2 x 10.6-inches
- Colors: Light Model, Black Model (aluminum acoustic grille included)
Speaker Drivers
- Midrange/Woofer: 13cm (5.12 inches)
- Tweeter: 2.5cm (0.98 -inches)
Wireless Protocol Support
- Spotify Connect
- Tidal Connect
- AirPlay 2
- Bluetooth
Connections
- 1 Jack 3.5mm
- 1 Toslink (Digital Optical)
- 1 Ethernet RJ45
Tip: In order to connect a turntable, you will need to place a phono preamp between the turntable and Maestro’s audio inputs, unless the turntable has a built-in phono preamp, in which case you can connect directly to the Maestro.
Price & Availability
The Maestro is priced at €599/$650 USD each or €1,199/$1,300 per pair (availability coming in March 2023)
Additional audio products offered by Octavio include Octavio Stream (high-fidelity audio streamer) and the Octavio AMP (compact connected amplifier), along with cable accessories.
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