Please introduce yourself to our readers
My name is Ragnar, and I live in Bodø, Norway. I am a former live sound engineer, now an intensive care nurse, with a lifelong interest in music and hi-fi. Music is a constant presence in my daily life, whether I’m doing chores at home or relaxing. But the real reward is being able to sit down in my armchair, immerse myself in the music, and simply enjoy the music.
What made you start looking for something new, and how did you end up with Sigberg Audio?
The pursuit of better sound is always part of the hobby. My curiosity was sparked after reading about the Manta/10D and the strong reviews the system had received from both customers and the hifi press.
After an audition, I was extremely impressed. At the time, I had a Kii Three system with BXT bass modules in my living room and was very happy with it. Still, the demo made it clear that even higher sound quality was possible.
I was already familiar with cardioid loudspeakers through the Kii, and the fact that the Manta is also cardioid is a major advantage, as I do not have a dedicated listening room and my options for acoustic treatment are limited.
Immediately after switching speakers, I noticed that the Manta/10D combination sounded effortless at any volume. Having this kind of reserve also improves listening at normal levels, as the speakers and amplifiers are effectively cruising, with correspondingly low distortion.
The soundstage the speakers paint in the room is phenomenal, with a level of detail, depth, and width that is difficult to match at an attainable price.
The Manta also appealed to me with its retro, slightly brutal appearance. You can tell they mean business.
That the designer himself is a genuinely friendly and service-minded person was definitely an important factor in my decision to change speakers. I place a high value on good service, and this is something Sigberg Audio truly excels at. I would even go so far as to say the service is unique.
Can you describe the room and setup?
Our living room is my main listening space, with very few acoustic treatments beyond a few rugs on the floor and normal furnishings. The room is approximately 35 m², with a small open dining area to the left of the left speaker of about 10 m². I sit roughly in the middle of the room, about 2 meters from the rear wall, and just over 3 meters from ear to tweeter. The speakers are positioned just under 4 meters apart (tweeter to tweeter).
I run the Manta/10D with a MiniDSP SHD as preamp, streamer, and Roon endpoint. I use the system both for music and for movies when the projector is used on dark autumn and winter evenings. The Manta/10D are, unsurprisingly, very capable performers for movie sound as well. I am also into vinyl and have a good old Technics SL-1000MK3 turntable.
Ease of setup
Getting sound from the Manta system was surprisingly easy, as the subs already include presets specifically designed for use with Sigberg Audio loudspeakers. One XLR cable from the preamp to each speaker and one cable between the sub and the speaker, and it was already sounding great straight out of the box.
After a bit of work with placement, some measurements, and a little EQ in the bass to compensate for the room, the result is phenomenal!
Finally you also have a second Sigberg system?
After a very positive experience with the Manta and 10D in my main listening room, the desire to have Sigberg Audio creations in the TV room as well naturally followed. So I decided on an SBS / Inkognito system.
Getting the majority of the Manta/10D’s qualities in a more affordable and compact package is pure gold. They sound absolutely superb and paint a wide and detailed soundstage in front of you even at low listening levels, just like their bigger siblings. When you turn things up a bit, you quickly realize just how much capacity these speakers have. They are the very definition of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and truly something everyone should have the chance to experience.
