Aretai Contra 200F | FLAX 2024 - Part-Time Audiophile

Of course I headed straight for the Aretai room at the 2024 Florida International Audio Expo–after I reviewed the $9K/pair Aretai Contra 100 monitors a few months ago, I’m determined to keep track of this Latvian speaker manufacturer and their potent designs. Founder design Janis Irbe greeted me when I walked in, and he informed me that this was the US debut of his middle-of-the line Aretai Contra 200F loudspeakers ($24k/pair).

Words and Photos by Marc Phillips

I’ve seen all three Aretai models, including the flagship Aretai Contra 350F ($54k/pair), at the Munich shows. I found the Contra 100s, despite their size, go plenty deep (32 Hz) and loud in large rooms without strain–impressive for such a small monitor. (It helps that the 100s is actually a three-way design, with a 6″ driver on the rear baffle.) But the Aretai Contra 200F speakers go down to 25 Hz while maintaining a sensitivity of 96 dB. Could these be the perfect speakers for the Allnic Audio T-1500 Mk.2 300B integrated amplifier I have in for a review, an amp I want to keep if I can keep getting speakers in that will blossom with just 10 watts per channel?

I thought to myself, hey, I don’t remember the Aretai Contra 100s being this efficient–because, at 87 dB, they’re not. (I think you see where I’m going with this.) In a system with more Convergent Audio Technology amplification (just like Gershman), Analog Audio Design reel-to-reel, an Aurender server and Viablue cables, the Aretai Contra 200F loudspeakers sounded effortless, powerful and true to the music. There were other FLAX exhibit rooms using Viablue–I have to say that these thick, beefy cables with the almost-gingham patterns on the jackets are very intriguing. (You know where I’m going with that, too.)

Nevertheless, count me in as a fan of Aretai. It’s a common problem in the high-end audio industry that new brands from overseas countries have a difficult time breaking through to US audiophiles. I know, I tried that doing that for a living for a decade. But the Aretai Contra 200F loudspeakers are such a complete and impressive design, and US audiophiles should be seeking them out for a listen.