Ø Audio Icon 12 Floorstanding Speakers

Overview

The Ø Audio Icon 12 is a horn loaded floorstanding loudspeaker from the Norwegian maker Ø Audio, pronounced urr, based in Drammen. Built around a Quad Vertex Sound Field horn mated to a 12 inch ultra linear woofer, the Icon 12 delivers the dynamic ease and immediacy that horn systems are known for, paired with clean extension down to 28 Hz. It is sold as a pair and carries a full range voice from a cabinet that stands just under 44 inches tall.

At the heart of the design is a 3.4 inch carbon fiber compression diaphragm loaded by a constant directivity horn, which keeps the tonal balance consistent across a wide listening window. The side ported bass reflex alignment supports a long stroke, extended range 12 inch woofer that moves air effortlessly, giving the Icon 12 the scale and effortlessness that make live recordings feel present in the room.

With 92 dB sensitivity and an honest 8 ohm load, the Icon 12 is a high efficiency loudspeaker that pairs happily with a wide range of amplifiers, from lower power tube and pure Class A designs to muscular solid state. At All Elite Audio in Maryland we are an authorized Ø Audio dealer, and we invite you to hear the Icon 12 in a proper setting.

Key Features

• Quad Vertex Sound Field Horn. The constant directivity horn maintains an even tonal balance across a wide listening area, so the soundstage stays stable whether you are seated in the sweet spot or moving through the room.
• Carbon Fiber Compression Driver. A 3.4 inch carbon fiber diaphragm delivers fast, low mass response for detailed and dynamic high frequencies without harshness.
• 12 Inch Ultra Linear Woofer. The long stroke, extended range 12 inch woofer moves substantial air with control, providing the scale and impact that horn lovers seek.
• Side Ported Bass Reflex Alignment. A side firing port supports low end extension to 28 Hz while offering placement flexibility relative to nearby walls.
• High Efficiency Design. At 92 dB sensitivity, the Icon 12 makes the most of every watt, letting you enjoy lower power tube and Class A amplifiers as readily as high current solid state.
• Friendly 8 Ohm Load. An honest 8 ohm impedance makes the Icon 12 an easy match for a wide range of amplifiers, simplifying system building.
• Substantial Cabinet Construction. Each speaker weighs 121.3 lbs, reflecting the solid, resonance controlled cabinet that supports the horn and woofer.

How the Icon 12 Compares

Ø Audio Icon 12 vs Klipschorn AK7 Heritage

Both are horn loaded designs built for dynamic ease and high efficiency. The Klipschorn AK7 is a fully corner loaded Heritage classic, while the Icon 12 uses a constant directivity horn and side ported bass for more placement flexibility. Choose based on whether you want a corner anchored installation or a freestanding horn.

Ø Audio Icon 12 vs Marten Parker Trio

The Marten Parker Trio offers a refined multi driver ceramic based presentation, while the Icon 12 leans into the immediacy and effortless dynamics of a horn loaded system. Preference here comes down to whether you favor a traditional cone tweeter voice or the lively horn character.

Ø Audio Icon 12 vs Gauder Akustik Capello 100 DV

The Capello 100 DV is a slim, high resolution tower with a focus on precision and low coloration. The Icon 12 trades that footprint for horn scale and higher sensitivity. Pick the Gauder for a lean tower aesthetic or the Icon 12 for horn drive and amplifier flexibility.

Ø Audio Icon 12 vs Amphion Krpyton 3X

The Amphion Krypton 3X emphasizes controlled directivity through a waveguide loaded design and neutral studio tuned voicing. The Icon 12 shares a directivity focus but delivers it through a full horn with higher efficiency. Consider your listening preference between studio neutrality and horn dynamics.

Ø Audio Icon 12 vs Ø Audio Verdande (next step up)

Step up to the Verdande for a larger 15 inch woofer, 94 dB sensitivity, and extension down to 26 Hz within the same horn loaded family.

Ø Audio Icon 12 vs Ø Audio Frigg O2 (next step down)

Step down to the Frigg O2, a three way floorstander with an 8.7 inch woofer and 90 dB sensitivity in a more compact cabinet.

Recommended Amplifiers

With 92 dB sensitivity and an easy 8 ohm load, the Icon 12 rewards amplifier quality over raw wattage. Any of the following AEA amplifiers will drive it beautifully, from refined Class A to high current integrated designs.

• Accuphase A-48S Class-A Stereo Power Amplifier: Pure Class A power is a natural partner for a high efficiency horn. The A-48S brings a smooth, refined character that the Icon 12 reveals in full, ideal for listeners who prize tonal richness.
• Luxman L-100 CENTENNIAL Pure Class A Integrated Amplifier: The L-100 offers pure Class A in an elegant integrated package. With the Icon 12 you do not need enormous power, so this pairing focuses your budget on quality and musicality.
• Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier: A flagship integrated with abundant control and finesse, the L-509Z gives the Icon 12 a grip and clarity that suits both intimate and large scale material.
• Accuphase E-700 Integrated Amplifier: The Class A E-700 combines warmth and resolution in a single chassis, a beautifully balanced match for the horn's immediacy and the woofer's authority.
• Yamaha A-S3200 Integrated Amplifier: The A-S3200 brings a solid, refined solid state voice with excellent build. It gives the Icon 12 effortless drive and a clean, dynamic presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of speaker is the Ø Audio Icon 12?

It is a horn loaded floorstanding loudspeaker, sold as a pair, combining a constant directivity horn with a 12 inch ultra linear woofer.

How is Ø Audio pronounced?

Ø Audio is pronounced urr. The company is based in Drammen, Norway.

What is the sensitivity of the Icon 12?

The Icon 12 has a sensitivity of 92 dB, which makes it highly efficient and easy to drive.

What is the frequency response?

The Icon 12 covers 28 Hz to 20 kHz, offering deep bass extension and full treble reach.

What is the impedance?

It presents an honest 8 ohm load, making it an easy match for a wide range of amplifiers.

What horn does the Icon 12 use?

It uses the Quad Vertex Sound Field horn, a constant directivity design that keeps tonal balance even across a wide listening window.

What is the horn driver made of?

The horn is driven by a 3.4 inch carbon fiber diaphragm for fast, low mass, detailed high frequency response.

What woofer does it use?

The Icon 12 uses a 12 inch ultra linear long stroke extended range woofer that moves air effortlessly with control.

What is the cabinet alignment?

It is a bass reflex design with a side firing port, which supports low end extension and placement flexibility.

How much does each speaker weigh?

Each Icon 12 weighs 121.3 lbs, reflecting a solid and resonance controlled cabinet.

What are the dimensions?

Each speaker measures 43.7 inches high by 14.6 inches wide by 20.1 inches deep.

Is the Icon 12 sold as a pair?

Yes, the Icon 12 is sold as a pair at All Elite Audio.

Do I need a powerful amplifier for the Icon 12?

Not at all. With 92 dB sensitivity and an 8 ohm load, the Icon 12 rewards amplifier quality over raw watts. Lower power tube, Class A, and high current solid state all work well.

Does it work with tube amplifiers?

Yes. The high efficiency and friendly impedance make the Icon 12 an excellent partner for lower power tube designs as well as Class A and solid state amplifiers.

Which Class A amplifier do you recommend?

The Accuphase A-48S and Luxman L-100 are both outstanding pure Class A choices that suit the Icon 12's horn immediacy and refined character.

What integrated amplifiers pair well?

The Luxman L-509Z, Accuphase E-700, and Yamaha A-S3200 are all excellent integrated partners for the Icon 12.

How does the Icon 12 compare to the Klipschorn AK7?

Both are horn loaded and highly efficient. The Klipschorn AK7 is a corner loaded Heritage classic, while the Icon 12 uses a constant directivity horn and side ported bass for freestanding placement flexibility.

How does the Icon 12 differ from the Marten Parker Trio?

The Marten Parker Trio offers a refined ceramic driver presentation, while the Icon 12 leans into the dynamic immediacy of a horn. It comes down to your listening preference.

How far from the wall should the Icon 12 be placed?

Because of its side firing port and horn loading, the Icon 12 offers flexible placement. Our team can help you dial in position during setup at All Elite Audio.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?

All Elite Audio is an authorized Ø Audio dealer in Maryland. We offer factory backed warranty support, expert setup guidance, and the ability to audition the Icon 12 with the right amplifiers in a proper listening environment. We are here to help you build a system you will enjoy for years.