Encel Launches Raw Gelati Bookshelf Speakers: Affordable High-Quality Sound Now Available in Australia
In the ever-evolving world of audio gear, it's always exciting when a new product promises great sound without the hefty price tag. Encel's latest offering, the Raw Gelati bookshelf speakers, might just be hitting that sweet spot. For those who've spent countless hours tweaking setups in the pursuit of quality sound, these speakers present an intriguing option.
The Raw Gelati is like a breath of fresh air for anyone looking to upgrade from basic speakers without diving deep into high-end territory. These compact speakers stand at 300mm tall and measure 174mm x 224mm, making them a solid choice for small to medium spaces. Encel opted for a minimalist design—a Liquorice Black finish that harks back to classic studio monitors. The matte cabinetry is complemented by ashen grey speaker cones, resulting in a clean aesthetic that fits seamlessly into various setups.
Under the hood, the Raw Gelati features a silk-dome tweeter paired with a polypropylene mid/bass driver. This combo is designed to deliver what Encel describes as "bouncy bass, glittering treble, and a confident midrange." With a frequency response covering 50Hz to 20kHz (+/-3dB) and a peak SPL of 96dB, they seem poised to handle everything from mellow jazz to punchy rock tracks with ease.
Operating at a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, these speakers are recommended for use with amplifiers rated between 25W and 100W. This makes them versatile enough to integrate into a variety of audio setups, whether you're just starting out or have a more established system.
One standout feature is their compatibility with the colorful magnetic grilles from the original Gelati line. While the Raw Gelati doesn't include grilles by default—part of Encel's effort to keep costs down—you have the option to snag any of the twelve vibrant grilles separately. Colors like Eucalyptus Green, Ocean Blue, Lemon Yellow, and Coffee Brown let you swap out the look in seconds to match your mood or decor, adding a personal touch to your sound system.
Encel hasn't overlooked environmental considerations either. They've minimized the use of single-use materials in the packaging, and detailed instructions are available online to reduce paper waste—a small but commendable step towards sustainability.
According to lead designer Sam Encel, the goal with the Raw Gelati was to strip back unnecessary elements and focus on delivering outstanding sound at an affordable price. By simplifying the design and offering a single finish option, they managed to keep costs low without skimping on quality.
The Raw Gelati speakers are now available in Australia for A$479 and will be launching in New Zealand next month at NZ$549. They come with a five-year manufacturer's warranty, which adds an extra layer of confidence for potential buyers.
For newcomers to the Hi-Fi scene or seasoned enthusiasts hunting for value, the Encel Raw Gelati could be worth a closer look.
