MAGAZINEWhy start from scratch if you already have a fantastic passive loudspeaker: the Veritas? Exactly! And that‘s why the P4 Match Air was created as a smart activated concept based on the successful Veritas P4 Next. The series consists of a compact speaker, the M4, and four floorstanding speakers from P4 to P10.
Active Floorstanding Speaker Test
Phonar P4 Match Air Review
Phonar’s P4 Match Air is based – elaborately activated – on the passive model P4 Next.
The P4, which is tilted characteristically backwards for acoustic reasons, marks the position of the small two-and-a-half-way bass-reflex floorstander with a height of 93 centimeters. Equipped with high-quality, selected Scandinavian drivers – the legendary 26 ring-radiator as well as two superb 130 peerless bass/midrange drivers – and an amplifier unit with 240 watts of power per channel, it weighs in at a respectable 22 kilograms. Of course, the P4 Match Air can be operated conventionally via cable alone as a great all-rounder. A superb DSP and DAC ensures extensive possibilities for connection and for adapting to the individual placement and room acoustics. Ten corresponding presets can be selected.
Phonar will, however, also supply a „PLATIN Hub“ (unit price 700 Euro; set price 4000 Euro), which will upgrade the P4 for wireless operation according to industry standard WISA (24 Bit/96 Kilohertz) as well as for Bluetooth aptX, Multiroom, HD-Streaming/DLNA, Chromecast, Airplay and for cooperation with Spotify (Connect), Tidal and Qobuz. Volume and source can be selected via the remote control, but more specific options have to be controlled via the respective provider‘s app. The hub is thus a transmitter, streamer and control unit all in one, including analogue and digital inputs, USB and even HDMI (ARC).
Everything is set up in mere minutes, whereby limited knowledge of PC technology and network administration is by no means an obstacle. The short manual for „pairing“ the remote control/hub and for setup/pairing the speakers as well as for Google Home and Wi-Fi is nevertheless helpful. Already the use of Bluetooth convinces as very simple but also great sounding, which is all the more true for HD-streaming from a server. In combination with a TV, the Phonar scores with usability thanks to HDMI (ARC) and massively enhances the sound, without changing the usual controls.
Charming musician
The great base-model seems to have paid off, as the activated P4 from northern Germany, immediately captivated us with great clarity, three-dimensionality, audiophile transparence and downright casual smoothness. Electronics and loudspeakers match each other excellently.
Although it resolves very finely, the Match Air never gets annoying. Even less perfect recordings are implemented with a touch of empathic grace, for which one is grateful in everyday life.
With a neat and controlled but never oversized bass, it can also be used in smaller rooms. But there‘s also no problem with partying either, which we learned quickly with electronic music from „Yello“.
The Phonar is a speaker developed with care and commitment, which has delivered a lot of pleasure and enjoyment to us, and will continue to do so for any future owner. Strong recommendation! ■
Remote control
The Hub’s remote control is easy to use and makes operation much easier.
Verdict: Phonar P4 Match Air
Active floorstanding speaker of the one-meter class with an exceptionally musically smooth performance and well thought through smart concept (with separate hub wireless operation possible).It is based on the successful Veritas P4 Next model – which can conveniently even be converted to Match Air (!).
Technical Details: Phonar P4 Match Air
Floorstanding speakers (active)
Phonar P4 Match Air
Price: ca. 4400 € (Last check: 14.10.2022)
Dimensions WxHxD: 31 x 96 x 31 cm
Warranty: 5 years
Manufacturer: Phonar
General Data
Measurement Values
| Lower cut-off frequency (-3dBSPL): | 42 Hz |
| Distortion factor at 63/3k/10k Hz: | 1.0/0.3/0.5 % |
| Sound pressure characteristic (at 200 mV): | 79 dBSPL |
Stereo Test
Sound Level Active speaker: 77%
Price/Performance
Lab Comment: Phonar P4 Match Air
Well-balanced frequency response with good bass, good-natured distortion behaviour, quite excellent step response (timing). The speakers should be aimed towards the listening position, otherwise there is a relatively strong high frequency roll-off.
Features: Phonar P4 Match Air
Balanced/unbalanced inputs, USB, ten presets (frequency response adjustment). With hub: Remote control, analog/digital inputs, USB, HDMI (ARC), Bluetooth, DLNA, Airplay, WLAN/WISA, Chromecast, Spotify Connect.