Waterfall Serio review

We know not everyone has room for full-sized speakers, but this is a compromise too far Tested at £949.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

We know not everyone has room for full-sized speakers, but this is a compromise too far

Pros

  • +

    Excellent integration between satellites and subwoofer

  • +

    brand and design uniqueness

  • +

    ultra-flexible over positioning

Cons

  • -

    Shortcomings in dynamics, detail and attack lead to a lifeless delivery

  • -

    could do with greater bass depth

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Despite looking rather like a PC-partnering desktop system, it's clear that Waterfall wants us to think of the Serio 2.1 as a discreet hi-fi system.

The idea is that using something called Heatstream technology, the company has enabled its dinky speakers (roughly the height and width of a CD case) to handle the kind of power usually associated with much bigger speakers.

Of course, there's a separate subwoofer to help fill-out the sound, too.

In theory it sounds great, but in practice it falls short. Play the Gladiator soundtrack and the delivery is disappointingly dull and flat, lacking the dynamic drama that we know is on the disc.

Treble lacks sparkle

Detail levels all-round are reasonable, but unspectacular, and treble seems cut-off and short of sparkle, further reducing the attack and openness of the delivery.

There's a bit of a lack of bass depth, too, but this is one flaw we can just about put up with, as its a trade-off for the Serio's one key quality – integration.

As we well know, getting a subwoofer to integrate with satellite speakers is a real challenge, but here the HF1 sub tonally and rhythmically melds harmoniously with the tiny speakers.

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Is that enough to make up for the system's other sonic shortcomings? No, and when you factor in that neither the satellites or subwoofer look or feel as luxurious as the price tag suggests, you can perhaps understand why we're so disappointed by the Waterfall.

For this money you can pick up a complete, 5.1 B&W MT-25 package, and it still sounds better in 2.1 than the Serio. Damning, but true.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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