What Hi-Fi? Verdict
Stylish and Charming in many ways, and great alternatives to plain speaker cabinets for some
Pros
- +
Considerable style
- +
good fit and finish
- +
strong imaging and midrange transparency
Cons
- -
Don’t like big bass, big rooms or big volume levels
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
Who says loudspeakers have to be plain old wooden cabinets? French company Elipson certainly wants you to think outside the box with its Planet L, one of the most striking designs we've tested in recent years.
Roughly the size of a medicine ball and finished in a striking high-gloss red (black or white finishes are also available) these dramatic speakers are a break from the norm in every sense.
Transparent and uncluttered
The latest in a long line of spherical speakers – Elipson has been keen on the idea for years – the Planet Ls come supplied with simple metal supporting rings that can be placed on your desk or atop a conventional speaker stand.
Alternatively, elegant polished-metal floorstands are also available, at a pricey £200 per pair.
Smooth treble, broad soundstage
And sound quality? It's largely fine, the Planet Ls combining smooth treble with a broad, sweeping soundstage and the ability to generate excellent imaging and focus.
Some rivals can be more revealing in absolute terms (both for better and, depending on the recording, for worse) but there's plenty to like here all the same.
However, the Planet Ls are less comfortable with deep bass – as you'd expect, perhaps – and don't particularly relish large rooms or high volume.
But of course, those relatively plain-jane speakers are unlikely to sway someone smitten by the Elipson's style - which is why we can see the Planet Ls making many friends in the months to come.
