For the benefit of our readers, who are you?
My name is Peter and I live in Moers, on the edge of the Ruhr area in Germany. I work in the shipbuilding industry as an electrical engineer with focus on electric propulsion systems.
After decades of abstinence, I rediscovered my passion for hi-fi and music a few years ago. I hardly ever listen to music in the background anymore. Listening to music is now "me time" – a time to relax, enjoy and feel good.
How did you discover Sigberg Audio?
I became aware of Saranna speakers and Sigberg Audio through YouTube. Several aspects were highlighted as clear strengths that I found somewhat lacking in my existing system.
I contacted Sigberg Audio and had several very pleasant conversations with Thorbjørn via email. I felt extremely well advised and think that Sigberg Audio has a great approach to customer service. Although I hadn't been able to listen to the speakers beforehand, I was convinced to try them out.
What does your setup look like?
I had good speakers from another well-known brand and two McIntosh power amplifiers that had to be pushed into the corner while testing the new setup. Suddenly I have a lot of space.
I now have a very simple set-up with a short signal chain – only the Grimm MU-2 preamp/DAC and the Sigberg Audio Sarannas. I like the idea of being able to conveniently operate the system from my armchair with a single remote control (iPad).
I didn`t use standard power cords for my equipment. My ones are, let say better ones, but not fancy or super expensive. No filters or conditioners are used. For the analog connection between the MU-2 and the speakers, I use mid-priced Sommer XLR balanced cables.
Unboxing experience
Each speaker comes in its own package. Two adults are sufficient to move the speaker to its designated location. The same applies to unpacking and assembling the base and rubber feet. Easy-to-understand instructions are included.
Twenty minutes later, both speakers are ready to connect in the listening room. I opted for the "Shady White" color option. I particularly like the contrasting white ports on both sides of the speakers. The build quality is excellent, and the surfaces feel premium. The obligatory knock tests confirms: Rock solid!
Setup and initial testing period
My listening room is approximately 27 m2 and acoustically treated. I used a few days to experiment with speaker positioning. After much trial and error, I settled on:
Speakers 2.60m apart. The distance to the back wall is again 0.3m.
Ca. 10° of toe-in. My listening position is now 2.8m from each speaker.
With this positioning, the Speakers “disappear” on most albums. Saranna presents a wide, deep and immersive soundstage, and the tonal balance of this speaker is simply sensational!
There is a vibrancy, dynamism, and joy of playing that constantly surprises me in a positive way, suppressing my "critical" listening approach, and instead allowing me to simply listen and enjoy.
Dialing it to 11.
During the first few days I only listened in the 60-80 dB range. When everything was dialed in, it was time to try higher levels. I chose my Rammstein playlist, which then played for a good two hours at an average of 90 dB. Saranna handled it completely unfazed. It was a lot of fun, and there was no sign of listening fatigue. As far as volume goes, Saranna can definitely handle even more.
While listening to more albums, I noticed that I consistently play them at a lower volume than on my previous system. The enjoyment and the emotions conveyed simply kick in sooner. That being said, I love cranking up the volume to the max when it comes to electronic and rock music.
Here are three examples that I absolutely loved at over 100 dB:
The concerts in China (Jean Michel Jarre), Senderos de Traición (Héroes del Silencio) and Dead can dance (Dionysus). On this last one, the full potential of the Sarannas is revealed. There are no limits to the spatial width and depth. The holographic image is simply sensational, and the depth layering is incredible. The reproduction of the different drums/percussions is so realistic, and pinpointing their location is completely effortless. There's so much space between the instruments and the performers.
What is your conclusion after your first few months with the Sarannas?
The Sarannas create a unique, three-dimensional stage. It's a beautiful illusion. Another one of the absolute strengths of these speakers is that I never feel the need to turn up the volume to get the "right" emotion from a song. Even at very moderate levels you experience the full range of the frequency spectrum. The bass retains its presence and is served with equal force.
Ordering these speakers was the right decision! The Saranna loudspeakers are quite outstanding:
• Superb holographic imaging and soundstage
• Fast sounding and very dynamic
• Clear, airy highs with a lot of detail
• Natural reproduction of S and sibilant sounds
• Never harsh or fatiguing
• Bass is tight, controlled with a lot of texture
• A lot of headroom, even when pushed hard
