After a two-year hiatus, Norwegian brand Arendal is bringing back its eight-model 1961 Series, citing overwhelming global demand. A recipient of the EISA 2020-21 Best Product Award for Home Theatre Speaker System, the lineup benefits from trickle-down technology from the award-winning 1723 Series. Arendal states that the 1961 models combine precision engineering, refined Nordic design, and dynamic performance typically reserved for significantly more expensive offerings.

The name 1961 carries historical significance, rooted in Norwegian engineering ingenuity. It was the year the Tromøy Bridge connected the island of Tromøy to the mainland near Arendal, a landmark achievement in accessibility and progress. Much like that bridge, Arendal Sound says its 1961 Series aims to connect listeners to a superior audio experience, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge acoustic advancements.

The 1961 Tower is the range’s most commanding floor-standing model, featuring a 2.5-way design, custom 5.5-inch long-fibre pulp-cone drivers, and a 28mm soft dome waveguide tweeter. Arendal claims it delivers a refined, room-filling performance with a tunable bass port for added flexibility. The included spike kit allows precise tilt adjustments, optimising the listening angle while minimising vibrations.

For those seeking a compact yet powerful solution, the 1961 Monitor offers a 2-way stand mount design, with the versatility to be wall-mounted via a VESA100-compatible mount. Like its larger counterpart, it incorporates Arendal’s custom driver technology and waveguide tweeter, which the company claims produces a balanced and articulate sound signature.

The 1961 Bookshelf is more compact while maintaining what Arendal says are the same high-performance principles. Designed for smaller spaces, it is claimed to retain the brand’s signature clarity and dynamics. It can be easily wall-mounted, making it a flexible choice for stereo or surround applications.

The 1961 Center is engineered for home theatre enthusiasts who demand clear, natural dialogue and seamless integration with other Arendal speakers. According to the company, its compact 2-way design, wall-mount compatibility, and matching driver configuration ensure a cohesive soundstage when used in a multichannel setup.

For immersive spatial audio setups, the 1961 Height speaker is designed for Dolby Atmos and other height-channel applications. Arendal states its angled 2-way design allows for placement on top of the 1961 Tower or wall and ceiling mounting. This model brings cinematic vertical dimension to any system while maintaining tonal consistency with the rest of the series.

The 1961 Surround introduces a triaxial design, which Arendal claims offers a more expansive and immersive multichannel experience. Two dipole full-range drivers work harmoniously with a front-firing two-way mid/bass and tweeter system, creating a surround effect designed to blend effortlessly into the listening space. Wall-mount compatibility ensures a streamlined installation for dedicated home theatre setups.

The subwoofer lineup includes the 1961 Subwoofer 1V and Subwoofer 1S, both powered by the Avalanche 550 iQ amplifier delivering 550W RMS output with intelligent DSP. Arendal states that the 1V features a vented design that maximises low-frequency impact, with the option to seal the bass port for a more precise response in different room environments. The 1S, a compact sealed design, is said to be tailored for those seeking tight, controlled bass in smaller music and theatre spaces. Both models feature a custom 12.2-inch glass-fibre reinforced driver with airflow venting technology, which Arendal claims maintains smooth performance at all dynamic levels. Additional features include a 1.8-inch LCD display, customisable EQ settings, and anti-vibration puck feet to ensure stability and isolation.

Available in Arendal’s signature hand-painted matte Black and White finishes, the company asserts the entire 1961 series has high build quality standards. Each speaker is constructed from a high-density fibreboard (HDF), which Arendal says ensures a resonance-free, solid enclosure that contributes to clean and articulate sound reproduction.

The 1961 Series is now available for pre-order exclusively through Arendal Sound’s direct-to-consumer model. Each purchase includes a 60-day risk-free trial, a 10-year speaker warranty, and a 5-year warranty on subwoofer electronics. As with all Arendal products, buyers gain access to a robust support network, including the community-driven Arendal Sound Club.

1961 Tower is priced at £1,600/US$1,900/€1,900 per pair. The 1961 Monitor comes in at £1,000/US$1,150/€1,150 per pair, while the 1961 Bookshelf is £730/US$850/€850 per pair. The 1961 Center is available for £530/US$600/€600 per unit. The 1961 Height and 1961 Surround models are priced at £730/US$850/€850 and £830/$950/€950 per pair, respectively. The 1961 Subwoofer 1V is £1,050/US$1,200/€1,200, while the 1961 Subwoofer 1S is £900/US$1,000/€1,000. Pricing and availability in other regions have not yet been confirmed.

For more information visit Arendal Sound