At the California Audio Show last August, I got to see and hear the striking Serene Audio Talisman desktop speakers. A few years ago finding a pair of powered desktop speakers was next to impossible, yet now there are so many powered desktop speakers on the market that a manufacturer has to do something to set their speakers apart from the others. As audiophiles we of course think the only way to do this involves the sound; while this is certainly of great importance, for speakers that are going to set on your desk or credenza, looks also matters. The Serene Audio Talisman speakers are handcrafted from bamboo, leather, and brass; combined with their curves, they are truly eye catching.
Their looks, build quality and sound make it hard to believe they cost $445 a pair and not $1,495. I admit that Andrew Jones’ new little Elac speakers sound better, but only if you put them on stands and have a really good integrated amp; and even then, they aren’t nearly as good looking as the beautifully artistic Talisman’s. Thinking about it, every time I have heard the little Elacs they were in systems where the stands and cable cost more than the speakers. So, it’s a stretch to say they are better. With the Serene Talisman speakers, you just plug in your iPad, iPhone, computer or any device with a headphone output, and press “play.” Click to read full review.