Raidho X1.6 Bookshelf Speaker – Black High Gloss (Pair)

The Raidho X1.6 is a compact 2-way bookshelf speaker with a Raidho ribbon tweeter and a 16.5 cm Ceramix woofer/midrange driver.

The big little brother: the X1.6 takes the mini-monitor idea and gives it more diaphragm area, more volume and noticeably more bass. Danish high-end from in-house driver manufacturing, at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Why the X1.6?

The heart of it here too is the Raidho ribbon tweeter: an 11-micron-thin, just 20-milligram-light foil with no classic voice coil. The result is treble with virtually no resonance of its own – delicate, open, completely effortless. Below it works a 16.5 cm Ceramix driver: an aluminium cone whose surface is turned into a hard ceramic layer through a plasma process. This sandwich diaphragm is extremely stiff and low in distortion. The massive, 20 mm thick aluminium front plate gives the drivers a rock-solid foundation – construction effort otherwise found in far more expensive classes. Unlike the smaller X1t, the X1.6 works with a rear-firing bass reflex port and extracts audibly more depth from its larger cabinet.

What you hear

Openness, calm, a pitch-black background against which instruments and voices appear three-dimensional. The X1.6 draws a wide, precise soundstage and stays composed even at higher levels. In the bass it goes surprisingly deep and clean for its size (Raidho states 45 Hz) – enough foundation for most rooms, with no subwoofer at all.

Who is the X1.6 suited for?

For anyone who wants the charm of a compact speaker but is after a bit more bass and headroom than the X1t offers. Ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, on a good stand and with some distance from the wall (the port sits at the rear).

Bottom line: anyone wanting to fill really large rooms or go deep into the sub-bass is better off looking at the X2t or the TD series. And the rear port doesn't like a wall-hugging setup – give it ten to twenty centimetres of air behind it, or it will boom.

Our verdict

The X1.6 is the sensible sweet spot of the X series: almost as compact as the X1t, but with the bass and composure that makes many people happier in everyday use. Anyone looking for a small speaker with genuine high-end treble and a fully grown foundation will listen very contentedly for a very long time here.

Technical data

• Type: 2-way bookshelf speaker, bass reflex (rear port)
• Tweeter: Raidho ribbon/planar-magnetic tweeter (foil approx. 11 microns)
• Woofer/midrange: 16.5 cm (6.5") Raidho Ceramix (ceramic-coated aluminium cone)
• Front plate: cast aluminium, 20 mm
• Crossover frequency: 3.5 kHz
• Frequency response: 45 Hz to 50 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
• Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V/m)
• Impedance: above 6 ohms
• Recommended amplifier power: from approx. 50 W
• Cabinet: MDF, Piano Black lacquer (high gloss)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 200 x 360 x 265 mm
• Weight: 11.5 kg per speaker
• Placement: shelf or stand; some distance from the wall due to rear port
• Origin: developed and manufactured in Denmark
• Included: 1 pair of Raidho X1.6 (2 speakers), each with a magnetically attached front cover

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the X1.6 and the X1t?

The X1.6 is the larger of the two compact Raidho monitors. It uses a 16.5 cm driver instead of 13 cm, a larger cabinet and a rear port – this brings more depth (down to 45 Hz instead of 70 Hz) and a bit more level. Both share the same ribbon tweeter.

How much bass does the X1.6 deliver without a subwoofer?

Surprisingly much for its size: Raidho states a frequency response down to 45 Hz. In small to medium-sized rooms the X1.6 generally doesn't need a subwoofer. Only in large rooms or with sub-bass-heavy music does adding one become worthwhile – we're happy to advise you on that.

Does the X1.6 need distance from the wall?

Yes, a little. The bass reflex port sits at the rear, so the X1.6 shouldn't be pushed directly against the wall. A few centimetres of air (roughly 10 to 30 cm) is usually enough to keep the bass clean and defined instead of booming.

Which amplifier suits the X1.6?

With 87 dB sensitivity and an impedance above 6 ohms, the X1.6 is uncomplicated. A clean amplifier from around 50 watts is enough; good tube amplifiers also work well. A bit of power reserve never hurts – we're happy to help with the right combination.

Does the X1.6 need a stand?

For optimal sound, yes. A stable stand brings the tweeter to ear level and ensures calm, precise imaging. A shelf or sideboard will do in a pinch, but costs soundstage stability and bass definition.

Why buy the Raidho X1.6 at HD Zürisee?

Because placement, wall distance and the amplifier make the difference with a speaker of this class. We take the time for your setup so the X1.6 shows its full potential. As an authorised specialist retailer in Wädenswil, we accompany you from advice to delivery – call us (044 680 22 00) or write to us.

Pairs well with

Set on the right base and driven cleanly, the X1.6 hits top form: you'll find matching stands under Speaker Stands, amplifiers under Integrated Amplifiers. And anyone wanting to see the full breadth should look at the Raidho range.