Just recently I've finished my review of the Acoustic Preference Gracioso 2.0 LE/ST speakers here. It was great to get up to date about the brand and to see how Acoustic Preference creational enthusiasm is still in the high gear. Many might not know, but Acoustic Preference was established way back in 2001. The present product portfolio shows only the speakers, even though over the years they’ve created and completed many products including their own line of electronics. And, that’s not all. Years back, when I’ve visited the company, I’ve seen an enormous amount of projects that Acoustic Preference was engaged at the time. From complex turntables, preamplifiers, amplifiers, wide variety of speakers designs etc. They’ve practically explored the high-end audio from all different sides.
The year 2017 was especially challenging for the Acoustic Preference for the absolutely same reasons that most of the high-end audio manufacturers are dealing with. The pricing structure and positioning of the new products on the market in the proper price segment. Anyone that is even remotely following our beloved industry knows for a fact, that in the past decade the prices have gone through the roof. There are many diverse views about the adopting of the luxurious business practices, but we’re are already on this pathway for rather a few years.
After a year of analyzing the market and pondering about the initiation, the new speakers models the Acoustic Preference team had concluded, that its better to refine and enhance the existing models and to bring them on the better level of performance, as already so much time and finances were invested into the original launch.
It drew thousands of hours to get the original GRACIOSO speakers line up to the introductory, particularly potent level. It’s not exactly a public secret, how by each year the prices of limited production (especially in Europe) are going way up. Even up to 30% for more complicated and complex manufacturing processes. 
The GRACIOSO 1.0 LE/ST speakers have obtained the new, better tweeters that are bringing a new level of resolution and somewhat bigger speakers’ enclosures (1,5l). Partnered with the new bass drivers the refreshed redesign allows to form a much better lower octaves performance.
Acoustic Preference GRACIOSO speakers were created from the ground up to work great in the ordinary living surroundings and for this exact reason, the new GRACIOSO uses bass-reflex (combined with special diffuser) port that points toward the floor.
The new 1.0 LE/STs are adhering to the original design concept. While retaining the initial structure and shape everything else is being revived.
There’s no need to point out, how Acoustic Preference adores the wood as the fundamental construction material. All the enclosures are manufactured from a rigorously selected, premium walnut solid wood. In the last process, each speaker is hand waxed at least 3-4 times up to the utmost shine.
This retains the authentic timber grain structure and provides an ecologic surface, that can be conveniently renewed with the 0.5 of the natural (oiled) wax. In this way, the splendid looks can be sustained for a decade and more.
Marjan is fully conscious that the market expects a consistent advancement and that’s why the company will only produce 99 pairs of the Acoustic Preference Gracioso 1.0 LE/ST speakers.
Each given pair receives a Limited Edition certificate with its own serial number engraved on the binding posts decorative plate. Every pair also comes with the handcrafted declaration certificate.
LIMITED EDITION
"Acoustic Preference Ltd.´s new Gracioso 1.0 LE (Limited Edition) loudspeakers are handcrafted and only 99 pairs will be produced. The technical and design state-of-the-art of the GRACIOS series, the Gracioso 1.0 LE produce dramatically natural and with all details rich sound that will shock your ears and senses and take you to the new experience of music."
Acoustic Preference´s Gracioso 1.0 ST (Standard) are significantly improved compared to the old model.
Only the best high grade components are used and they are completely hand made from start to finish with the highest standards and quality control. Every pair is tested and partially burned-in (approx. 100 hours) before delivery.
Every produced pair has a Limited Edition CERTIFICATE, with its own serial number also engraved in the terminal plate.
Every pair of the Standard model has a handcrafted DECLARATION.
THE CREATIONAL DUO
Here is what constructors have to say about the Gracioso 1.0 LE/ST speakers...
Marjan Tancer (designer): “That project was a challenge from the beginning, as the goal was to make better loudspeakers than already very good loudspeakers. With a bunch of a small changes, we have achieved amazing results. Changed concept and extension housings have made this speaker visually consistent in the prestigious naturally treated walnut, and are suitable for both modern and more sustained equipped environments. When I first listened to the Limited Edition Gracioso 2.0 speakers as a serial product, I was almost shocked of how much lower bass they can produce and how much of the image area they are able to conjure."
Davorin Žnuderl (electronic engineer and designer): “Successfully upgraded and well regarded product in every area, but without compromises from constructor’s point of view, it is always hard. Standards for such product are being raised daily by customers and even higher by our own expectations. Luckily, this trend is being well followed by our selected audio parts manufacturers, offering real technical improvements that can easily be confirmed sonically. New, better materials, constructions and techniques are being offered to you as a constructor, and from that point of view upgrade makes perfect sense and also obligation to customers. In the case of upgrading our Gracioso line, expectations were really high. Practically everything was upgraded: cabinet, drivers, and crossover. Even in that respect, final listening experience exceeded my expectations, summed up with a simple jet very hard to achieve feeling; that everything has really clicked into its place at much higher level than before.”
If you want to further understand how the minds of Marjan Tancer and Davorin Žnuderl operate you're invited to check out our interview with creative duo here.
THE INNER HEART
The final quality of any product will go only as far as the basic ingredients will allow. And after 7 years in production it is time for new and better ingredients, as science and new technology give us that option − solution.
Morel speaker units are well-known and regarded as one of the most technically advanced, innovative, and unique designs available. With the benefits of custom and special high grade drivers, the choice was obvious for us.
Mid-bass drivers are sourced from Morel, which is also the most famous for linear response and natural sound. Even higher grade mid-bass drivers are used in Limited Edition model to raise their sensitivity over 90dB, perfect for all kind of amplifiers including low-wattage tube amplifiers.
Due to their extremely flat and even frequency combined with a smooth and extended roll-off, Acoustic Preference was able to implement them with straightforward crossover and minimal frequency corrections.
For upper frequency range the state-of-the-art Scanspeak tweeters, made as matched pairs were selected. They were implemented primarily for their smooth and realistic timbre, we have also achieved ideal synergy with mid-bass ranges due to their extremely low resonant frequency and flat response.
With high grade Scanspeak tweeters the frequency response was raised up to 35kHz.
We have selected a crossover assembled from the finest high-end components supplied by the Mundorf.
Taking the quest for non-resonance, the base for circuit boards use hardwood plates of suitable thickness. Crossovers are additionally dampened with proprietary layer of rubber on the down side. Each crossover component is carefully bolted and glued to the base and point-to point wired, which is then bolted to the cabinet making it virtually a part of the non-resonant enclosure.
High grade Mundorf electronic parts, solid silver internal wiring (LE model), and handmade “point-to-point wired crossover” ensure full potential of the speaker as a whole.
Finally, quality aluminium bi-wiring terminals are provided for single or bi-wire speaker connection with high grade rhodium connectors.
THE WOOD ARTISANS
"Acoustic Preference Ltd. is a very special small company for High-End Audio (a term that has been much abused lately), and we like to market ourselves as an Exclusive Audio components manufacturer (i.e. as artisans). Our production is not a serial production, we do have serial models, but we do not produce them on a treadmill system. Awareness that our speakers are truly and completely handmade, what must be separately stated on each presentation, is very important."
From the selection and assembly of every single piece of 184 wood blocks necessary (for Gracioso 1.0), cutting each segment, hand composition of the housing, brushing to at least 4 layers of natural wax, and polishing, each electronic part for crossover is measured and paired. Drivers are finally checked before installing and every pair is tested and partially burned-in (approx. 100 hours) in our listening rooms. Everything is hand made under strict quality control.
"When you want a top quality audio product that will satisfy the highest demands, there is no place for ordinary. That is why our loudspeakers are totally hand made from start to finish with the highest standards and quality control."
Gracioso 1.0 LE (Limited Edition) is significantly improved compared to the Standard model. LE model will be very interesting for potential customer as they are produced in a limited quantity of 99 pairs.
"Gracioso is a speaker for those with the highest taste in performance and design. As it is aesthetically striking with its complex hardwood selected materials, so is the full embodied, natural, dynamic, and transparent sound it produces."
Gracioso line of loudspeakers is hand waxed with natural wax oil in multiple layers. That is why walnut wood looks so silky and shiny on the cabinets. "According to the personal craftsmanship of our loudspeakers series Gracioso, they cannot be made in serial mass production, so they will always be very rare and made in small numbers. At the same time, such approach guarantees the highest quality, and also they will always be prestigious and unique."
STANDOUTS
Solid wood integral construction system
Design in appearance of a droplet (no parallel planes inside the cabinet) and integral wood construction system are the best for zero resonance.
For achieving an acoustical basement that will produce high-quality sound, Acoustic Preference was steered mostly by anti-resonant technical know-how. For this reason, Gracioso loudspeaker housings are made by assembling multiple solid-wood horizontal segments used in such way that the grains criss-cross. Segments are preliminarily controlled, measured and assembled for optimal self-cancellation of resonances.
Shape of the front with a very large round over in order to reduce baffle diffraction and enhance imaging for the best sonic. The goal of the shape is to control internal standing waves and resonances.
All these factors used in the cabinet design ensure 100% non-resonant and acoustically ideal housing for the speakers.
Down fire bass-reflex system
Dispersed “down fire” bass reflex system is used for easier and better placing in room.
Bass reflex tube is placed on the bottom of the cabinet conduct air via proprietary diffuser dispersed in every direction, so speaker can be placed virtually anywhere in your listening room.
Magnet grill holder system
Since the beginning of our speaker creation, we also think about the practicality of use, so we use the magnetic system of fixing the protective grille to the speaker.
By simply positioning the grille near its position on the cabinet, magnetic power will merge them in place by itself.
Point to point crossover system + High grade Mundorf electronic material, and solid silver internal wires for LE models
High grade Mundorf electronic parts, solid silver internal wiring, and handmade “point-to-point wired crossover” ensure full potential of the speaker as a whole. For non-resonance base of crossover we use special hard wood of suitable thickness.
Silver internal wires are used in LE model. UP OCC copper wires are used in ST model.
Special flat feet
“Flat feet” protected spikes, which you get with the loudspeakers, are also user-friendly. With the protected spikes you will not scratch your floor and also placing is easier.
Specially made flat feet with ceramic balls (f 48mm) is manufactured by Franc Audio Accessories for the Limited Edition model. Basic flat feet is used in the Standard model.
Waxed wood is beautiful
Waxing was chosen as the finishing method for the wooden housing surfaces of the loudspeakers. The cabinets are sanded extremely smooth and finished with natural oil-wax. The waxing method conserves the natural appearance of the wood, as well as keeps it organically correct.
Gracioso line loudspeakers are min. 4-times hand waxed with natural wax oil. That is why walnut wood (generally applies to any type of wood) looks so beautiful on our cabinets.
Silky and shiny, but you can still feel real solid wood when you touch them − wonderful feeling!
In addition, maintenance of the loudspeaker is easier with the waxing method, since you can easily re-wax your loudspeakers at home. This way, the wooden cabinets will always glow as new.
THE MUSIC
There’s no review without music references right!? Well, this should be sort of a golden rule for any publication and review. I‘m trying to add my valuable part each time. There is always so much music, that I would prefer to add and introduce in the reviews, but the time, space and the nonetheless attention span are of limited proportions. So, here is a small part of the music, that was used in the evaluation…
McCoy Tyner - Sahara might not be his most recognized album, but it’s somewhat unusual and wonderfully distinct from his other productions. It’s an aural, perplexed narrative… The sonic wall of ever-expanding rhythmic structures illustrates one of the kind fluidity and the Walley Of Life is a splendid example of almost mystical jazz concept. Sahara has the inner soul of its own. It takes quite some of the proper (right) speakers' design decisions to let Walley Of Life to really thrive. Acoustic Preference Gracioso 1.0 LE/ST’s resolution, as well as the mid-frequency density, have granted the palpable and fluid sonic structure, that served best attributes of the album as grande forte. 
Anyone acquainted with Charlie Haden composition style with instantly recognizes his unmistaken signature in Song for Ché (Paul Motian, Sam Brown, Paul Metzke, Charlie Haden, Carlos Ward) from the album Tribute. This early ECM gem reveals so much about the system and the speaker’s capability to outstrip the regular criteria. There is a certain holographic aspect of the Song for Ché, that demandingly calls for carefully balanced speakers’ design. The three-dimensional scope and pulsating interplay quickly fails with the mediocre speakers' behavior. Not with the Gracioso 1.0 LE/STs. Acoustic Preference monitors allowed a captivating impact and multi-relief formation of the sonic layering of the song to come alive. Not quite the easiest feat to perform!
Frederick Fennell, Paul Riedo, Dallas Wind Symphony, Dallas Wind Symphony - Pomp & Pipes. The track Vikings from Finland Suite is among the frequent songs performing the duties of the lower frequency reality analysis. When slowly the Vikings unveils, the concentrated intensity of the grand organ steps in. It was more than interesting to discover the behavior Acoustic Preference Gracioso 1.0 LE/ST speakers. While they didn’t hold up to the impact of the 2.0 LE/ST, I was surprised by what they were still adequate to demonstrate. With organ going really exciting down to the lowest octaves, the energy enter into the new domains, where one need to encounter the quivering in the chest. This phenomenon is normally set aside for floor standers, but 1.0 LE/ST speakers managed to develop a strong enough energy’s fraction to not merely pass the test, but act unexpectedly well. For a change, it was not solely the marketing language shouting, but a reality in motion!
How do you know, that you’re listening to small speakers eyes closed? Well, Zhao Peng’s The Moon Represents My Heart from the album The Greatest Basso will speedily eliminate any uncertainties. Well, this was not the strict case with the Gracioso 1.0 LE/ST monitors! Zhao Peng’s voice has carried out quite an impressive density, that filled both of my listening rooms (small and bigger) remarkably closely to the behavior of the floor standers.
The same impact was carried on with another classical track, AC/DC’s Hells Bells from the Back In Black album. Much more than ordinary design choices are needed to reconstruct this song properly. Gracioso 1.0 LE/ST’s solid wood enclosure, careful selection of the drivers and crossover parts surely acted the winning recipe here. The gong, kick drum and electric guitar were all no shy of presenting themselves above the expected vibrancy. I wouldn't call Gracioso 1.0 LE/ST the rock & rock speakers, but they could bite with the grip quite seriously when needed!
THE CONCLUSION
Cleary the Acoustic Preference Gracioso 1.0 LE/ST Gracioso shares a number of excellences of the taller relative, the 2.0 LE/ST. The Gracioso 1.0 and 2.0 are closer in the performance than in the past, but they're still rather distinctive. The similar holds for 1.0’s LE and ST differences. Gracioso 1.0 LE uses much upper scale carbon mid-bass driver (instead of titanium coil bobbin) and this accelerates the performance a level up.
I was pleasantly startled by the sonic ability of the 1.0 LE/ST. Although these are the stand-mount speakers the sheer energy generated by the new mid-bass unit is truly hefty for this particular size. Rigid construction and massive solid wood walls allow high-energy impact and they shape, a particularly focused bass formation.
Acoustic Preference Gracioso 1.0 LE/ST speakers were created for the music lovers, that can instantly recognize the music’s immediacy, appreciate the timeless form and cherish a solid wood as the foundational building material.
Satin, hand wax surface is unquestionably worthy of the compliments. You’ll have to see it in person to thoroughly appreciate the smoothness and neutral feel. While high gloss lacquer can be impressive, this particular hand waxing finish fully appreciate the essential structure of the wood. The wood grain is not artificially accented. It’s preserved and cherished for what it is and this will undoubtedly address many people, that are seeking something extra for their living environments.
For the sonic velocity they’re able to project they cannot be taken lightly, considering the cabinet’s size. The solid wood and segmental structure place them on a completely different map than most of the speakers on the market. And the value for the price cannot be overlooked by any measures. You’ll have a tough time finding fully solid wood speakers nowhere near the price, even without the stands that have the identical structure!.
As the Acoustic Preference Gracioso 1.0, LE/ST speakers shares most of the qualities of the Gracioso 2.0 LE/ST loudspeakers they do deserve the same degree of the recognition; the Mono and Stereo Highly Recommended Product Award.
PRICE
- Limited Edition RETAIL PRICE: 8.100 € for EU customers or 6.640 € for NON-EU customers (if purchased directly from the manufacturer).
- Standard version RETAIL PRICE 6.990 € for EU customers or 5.730 € for NON-EU customers (if purchased directly from the manufacturer).
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
GRACIOSO 1.0 LE (Limited Edition 99 pairs)
- 2-way/bass reflex system (down fire)
- 12 dB/oct/LKR/2800 Hz crossover
- Frequency response: 39 Hz - 35 kHz
- Sensitivity: 89 dB / 1W/ 1m
- Power/Impedance: 150 W / 6 Ohm
- Dimensions: 255 (315) x 355 (420) x 1000 mm (W x D x H) with spikes
- Weight: approx. 26.0 kg/unit; approx. 2 x 42 kg with wooden crates.
Cabinet
- Prestigious walnut wood - integral construction system
- 4 layers hand waxed - natural wax oil
- Dispersed “down fire” bass reflex system
- Magnet grill holder system
- Special made ceramic flat feet (f 48mm) manufactures Franc Audio Accessories for Limited Edition model.
Mid-bass (Special high grade from MOREL)
- Dimension 160mm (6.3")
- Transient Power 10ms 1000W
- Nominal Power Handling (DIN) P 150W
- Cone/Dome Material: Carbon fiber/Rohacell/Carbon fiber composite sandwich cone
- Uniflow™ Aluminum diecast chassis
- Hybrid™ Neodymium/Ferrite magnet
- 3″ Large Hexatech™ Aluminum voice coil
- Copper insulated center pole
- High power handling
- Voice Coil Former Titanium
Tweeter (Special high grade from SCANSPEAK)
- 26 mm (1") Ring Dome Diaphragm
- Patented Symmetrical Drive (SD-2) motor
- Diffraction Damping Rubber Front
- Patented Phase Plug Design
- AirCirc Motor Design w. 6 Neo magnets
- Die Cast Rubber Painted Alu Face Plate Note
Crossover
- 12 dB/oct/LKR/2800 Hz crossover
- Mundorf Air Foil Coils, 99.99% pure OFC copper with Polypropylene insulation.
- Mundorf High-End Audio Grade MKP capacitors.
- High quality Rhodium Bi-wire terminals
- Point-to-point construction with pure Silver/teflon internal wiring
- Circuit boards base from hard wood plates in suitable thickness
GRACIOSO 1.0 ST (Standard version)
- 2-way/bass reflex system (down fire)
- 12 dB/oct/LKR/2800 Hz crossover
- Frequency response: 42 Hz - 35 kHz
- Sensitivity: 87 dB / 1W/ 1m
- Power/Impedance: 150 W / 8 Ohm
- Dimensions: 255 (315) x 355 (420) x 1000 mm (W x D x H) with spikes
- Weight: approx. 26.0 kg/unit; approx. 2 x 42 kg with wooden crates.
Cabinet
- Prestigious walnut wood - integral construction system
- 4 layers hand waxed - natural wax oil
- Dispersed “down fire” bass reflex system
- Magnet grill holder system
- High quality flat feet
Mid-bass (Special high grade from MOREL)
- Dimension 160mm (6.3")
- Transient Power 10ms 1000W
- Nominal Power Handling (DIN) P 150W
- Uniflow™ Aluminum diecast chassis
- Hybrid™ Neodymium/Ferrite magnet system
- Titanium coil bobbin
- 3" Large Hexatech™ Aluminum voice coil
- High power handling
- Cone Material Injected Damped Polymer Composite
- High Xmax, Low Qts, Low Fs, High QM
Tweeter (Special high grade from SCANSPEAK)
- 26 mm (1") Ring Dome Diaphragm
- Patented Symmetrical Drive (SD-2) motor
- Diffraction Damping Rubber Front
- Patented Phase Plug Design
- AirCirc Motor Design w. 6 Neo magnets
- Die Cast Rubber Painted Alu Face Plate Note
Crossover
- 12 dB/oct/LKR/2800 Hz crossover
- Mundorf Air Foil Coils, 99.99% pure OFC copper with Polypropylene insulation.
- Mundorf High-End Audio Grade MKP capacitors.
- High quality Rhodium Bi-wire terminals
- Point-to-point construction with UP-OCC Cupper/teflon internal wiring
- Circuit boards base from hard wood plates in suitable thickness
CONTACT
Acoustic Preference d.o.o.
Adamičeva 41
2000 Maribor
Slovenija, EU
Tel: +386 2420-68-73
Email:
- info@acoustic-preference.com
- davorin@acoustic-preference.com (For Servicing and warranty support)
- marjan@acoustic-preference.com (For Direct Buy)