Gauder Akustik Arcona 80 MKII SD

Overview

The Gauder Akustik Arcona 80 MKII SD is a 2.5-way passive floorstanding loudspeaker in the German brand's more attainable Arcona MKII SD range. It pairs two XPulse cone bass and mid drivers with a silk soft-dome tweeter, all tied together by Gauder's signature ultra-steep symmetrical crossover. That crossover uses slopes far steeper than typical designs, dramatically reducing overlap between drivers so the speaker behaves in a phase-accurate, coherent way through the crossover regions.

Roland Gauder's engineering philosophy is visible in the cabinet as well as the crossover. The drop-shaped enclosure, built to Gauder's teardrop cross-section approach, controls internal standing waves and cabinet resonance, while a downfiring bass reflex port on the rear supports low-end extension in a tidy footprint. WBT-Nextgen terminals handle the connection to your amplifier, and the whole speaker is made in Germany.

This is a resolving, honest loudspeaker for listeners who value timing, imaging and tonal accuracy over exaggerated warmth or coloration. As a passive design it needs a separate amplifier to make sound, and Gauder Akustik makes only loudspeakers, so you choose the electronics that suit your room and taste. The Arcona 80 MKII SD suits medium to larger rooms where its two bass and mid drivers can deliver full-range scale.

Key Features

• 2.5-way passive floorstanding design in the Arcona MKII SD line
• Two XPulse cone bass and mid drivers for extended, articulate low end
• Silk soft-dome tweeter for smooth, refined high frequencies
• Gauder's ultra-steep symmetrical crossover for phase-accurate coherence
• Drop-shaped cabinet to control internal resonance and standing waves
• Downfiring bass reflex port on the rear for clean low-frequency loading
• WBT-Nextgen terminals for a secure, high-quality amplifier connection
• Made in Germany to Gauder Akustik's exacting standards

How the Arcona 80 Compares

Gauder Arcona 80 MKII SD vs Gauder Akustik Arcona 100 MKII SD

The Arcona 100 MKII SD sits higher in the same Arcona MKII SD range and is built for larger rooms and greater scale. It shares the XPulse cone drivers, soft-dome tweeter and ultra-steep symmetrical crossover, but steps up in cabinet and bass capability. Choose the 100 if you have the space and want more effortless low-end authority; the 80 is the more room-flexible choice. See the Gauder Akustik Arcona 100 MKII SD.

Gauder Arcona 80 MKII SD vs Gauder Akustik Arcona 60 MKII SD

The Arcona 60 MKII SD is the more compact floorstander below the 80 in the range, ideal for smaller and medium rooms. It carries the same design language and crossover philosophy in a smaller enclosure. Step up to the 80 when you want more bass reach and greater physical scale in a larger space. See the Gauder Akustik Arcona 60 MKII SD.

Gauder Arcona 80 MKII SD vs Spendor D9.2

The Spendor D9.2 is a British floorstander voiced for a rich, full-bodied and easygoing presentation. The Arcona 80 MKII SD takes a different design path, using its ultra-steep symmetrical crossover to chase phase accuracy and coherence. Both are capable full-range speakers, so the choice comes down to whether you prefer the Spendor's warmth or the Gauder's precise, revealing character. See the Spendor D9.2.

Recommended Amplification and Source

The Arcona 80 MKII SD is passive and revealing, so pair it with resolving amplification and a clean source that scale with its accuracy. Gauder makes only loudspeakers, so choose electronics from the options below.

• Accuphase E-3000 Integrated A refined, high-current integrated that drives the roughly 4 ohm load with control and delivers the low-noise clarity these phase-accurate speakers reward.
• Luxman L-507Z Integrated A powerful, musically detailed integrated whose grip and resolution let the XPulse drivers and soft-dome tweeter show their timing and tone.
• Parasound JC5 Power Amp For a separates approach, this stereo power amp offers ample current and stable drive into the 4 ohm impedance, keeping the Arcona composed at volume.
• Matrix Audio MS-1 Pre A streamer, DAC and preamplifier in one that gives the JC5 a resolving digital front end, completing a clean, revealing source-to-speaker chain.
• Yamaha GT-5000 Turntable For vinyl listeners, this high-mass turntable supplies a stable, dynamic analog source that suits the speaker's honest, detailed nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Arcona 80 MKII SD an active or passive speaker?
It is a passive loudspeaker. Gauder Akustik makes only loudspeakers, so you need a separate amplifier to drive it.

How many ways is the Arcona 80 MKII SD?
It is a 2.5-way design, using two XPulse cone bass and mid drivers together with a soft-dome tweeter.

What tweeter does it use?
It uses a silk soft-dome tweeter, which is the tweeter type across the Arcona MKII SD range. It is not a diamond tweeter.

What is Gauder's ultra-steep symmetrical crossover?
It is a crossover with slopes far steeper than typical designs, which almost eliminates overlap between drivers for phase-accurate, coherent sound.

What is the nominal impedance?
It is about 4 ohm, so pair it with an amplifier comfortable driving that load.

What is the sensitivity?
About 87dB measured at 2.83V/1m.

What is the frequency range?
Approximately 32Hz to 45kHz.

How much power can it handle?
Power handling is up to about 170W.

Where is the bass port located?
It uses a downfiring bass reflex port on the rear of the drop-shaped cabinet.

What terminals does it use?
It is fitted with WBT-Nextgen terminals for a secure, high-quality amplifier connection.

Where is it made?
The Arcona 80 MKII SD is made in Germany.

What does the drop-shaped cabinet do?
The teardrop cross-section helps control internal standing waves and cabinet resonance for a cleaner, more coherent result.

What size room suits the Arcona 80 MKII SD?
It suits medium to larger rooms, where its two bass and mid drivers can deliver full-range scale. For smaller rooms consider the Arcona 60 MKII SD.

How does it compare to the Arcona 100 MKII SD?
The 100 sits higher in the same range and offers greater scale and low-end authority for larger rooms, while the 80 is the more room-flexible option.

Does it need special stands?
No. As a floorstanding model it uses its own floor spikes and hardware. The stand mount Arcona 40 is the model that needs matching Gauder stands.

What amplifier should I use?
Use a resolving, high-current amplifier that is happy with a roughly 4 ohm load, such as a premium integrated or a preamplifier and power amplifier combination from our recommendations.

Can I bi-wire the Arcona 80 MKII SD?
Refer to the terminal configuration on your specific unit; connection is made through its WBT-Nextgen terminals. Our team can advise on cabling for your setup.

Is a diamond or beryllium tweeter used here?
No. The Arcona MKII SD line uses a soft-dome tweeter. The upgradeable aluminum to beryllium tweeter belongs to the higher Capello line.

What warranty does it carry?
It is covered by Gauder Akustik's 10 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Gauder Akustik dealer in Maryland, so you get a genuine, fully warranted product along with expert system guidance to match the right amplification and source to your Arcona 80 MKII SD.