2024 Golden Ear: Crystal Cable Minissimo Forte Loudspeaker
- REVIEW
- by Andrew Quint
- Apr 05, 2025

$24,000; additional $1400 for Scala “Top-Hats”
The Minissimo Forte bears a visual resemblance to Crystal Cable’s Arabesque Minissimo, reviewed in TAS 256 and still in production. The enclosure has the same exquisite apostrophe shape that invites caresses from passersby and, again, the stands are integral, this time a single-pillar design. Scan-Speak Illuminator drivers are utilized, a 1″ beryllium-dome tweeter and a 5.5″ paper-cone mid/woofer. What represents an entirely new direction is that the crossover, contained within the stand, is powered—the Forte requires AC to function, even though it isn’t what most would think of as a “powered loudspeaker.” Rather, a gainless Hypex NCore Class D amplifier is inserted between the crossover and the drivers. This eliminates the large series inductor between the amplifier and the woofer, which is felt to result in more lively dynamics as well as more linear performance and reduced distortion. Life is made easier for the external power amp and the choice of speaker cables becomes less critical. Bass response, both measured and perceived, is robust (a subwoofer won’t be mandated in most rooms), and the speakers are impressively “fast.” The optional heavy aluminum Scala “top hat” that’s designed to sit atop the speaker unquestionably improves image focus and dynamics, and really should be considered essential. (346)
Tags: GOLDEN EAR AWARD STANDMOUND LOUDSPEAKER
