Arcam, ATC, Audio Technica, Creek, Chord Company, Eichmann, Dynavector, Epos, Focal / JM Labs, Grado headphones, Harbeth,

Isoblue (and special branch), Kudos Audio, Lyngdorf, Lyra, Michell Engineering, Naim Audio, Neat Acoustics, Nordost, Origin Live, Ortofon, Nottingham Analogue, Partington, Primare, Rega, Roksan, Sim2, Graham Slee, Shahinian, Something Solid, Stands Unique, Stax Earspeakers, Sumiko, Trichord, Wireworld, Wyrewizard

Here we have an extremely well judged range of speakers with looks that have proved very popular with buyers. Surprisingly so, given that the styling is quite dramatic. There are high gloss tops, fronts and backs and side cheeks finished in a sort of high quality synthetic wood finish. The two colours are moka (brown) and ebony (black). This is not an attempt at a realistic wood finish, the cheaper 700 series looks far more convincing, but an alternative that manages to feel and look expensive.

The photograph on the left gives you and idea of how the moka looks against the gloss black. Hint : we have found a greater liking for the black.

The build quality is superb, with very thick (and braced) side panels. The floor-standers have cast alloy bases. In terms of content, all feature 6.5" Polyglass drivers and TNV Al/Mg inverted dome tweeters. There is a slightly larger 807v stand-mount with a 7" driver.

Looks apart, the real appeal of these speakers is their sound quality. Across the range, they offer a fine balance of refinement, flattering warmth and decent resolution that makes them very easy to live with.

The 806 stand-mount gives an excellent impression of being a larger, more expensive product. It works well on the Something Solid open frame stands, although buyers may prefer the appearance of a solid pillar under it.

In truth, the vast majority of people prefer the idea and looks of a floor-stander and the 816v surprised us be being every bit as good (emphatically better if you have a larger space to fill) as the stand-mounter. The 816 is pretty impressive with the lowly Nait 5i driving them but moving up to the NAC 122 / NAP 150 (or NAP 200) combos allow them to open up in a very convincing way.

We have even had tremendous results in quite confined spaces. With Naim electronics, standard issue NAC-A5 cable is fine, although Nordost Flatline gold makes a very successful alternative.

Moving on the the taller and slightly deeper 826V brought another surprise : for an extra £200 they are disproportionately more accomplished.

With two bass drivers, a dedicated midrange and, of course, a tweeter, these have quite complex crossovers. Predictably, they need rather more 'grunt' than the Nait 5i can muster but actually give a good account of themselves with the 122/150 in charge. This is not a simple power issue - the 150 is not much more powerful than the Nait - so it is partly character too and something more laid back, such as the older 112 pre-amp is likely to prove just too tame.

Anyway, with the 'right stuff' in charge of them, the Chorus 826 could be the fine all-rounder you are looking for!

The Chorus 800 series includes surround speakers, a centre speaker and active sub-woofer.

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