Audio Group Denmark rarely attends a show without introducing at least one new product, and at AXPONA 2024 they introduced two–the new Børresen C1 two-way monitors ($16,500/pair), and a new line of Axxess cables to go with the entry line’s other denizens such as the Forte integrated amps/DACs/streamers and the Børresen X series. So what’s the deal with this new C series? Where does it fit?
Words and Photos by Marc Phillips
Based on the price point, I quickly deduced that the Børresen C1 must be a replacement for the legendary Z line. I’m reminded of when I visited the factory in Aalborg in 2022, Lars Kristensen told me that he had nothing to hide from other manufacturers, and I could photograph anything I desired. “By the time everyone else figures out how we do it, we’ll be down the road doing something new.” Here’s an example of that philosophy–all of the advances in the flagship M and entry-level X series are now being employed in the new C series.
Axxess, Audio Group Denmark’s entry-level line, was heavily represented at AXPONA 2024. The three AGD rooms in Schaumburg were powered by the Fortes. In this room, with the Forte 3 and Ansuz power conditioning and ethernet switching and the new cabling, the new system retails for right around $35K. That means the Børresen C1 loudspeakers made up roughly half of the entire cost of this system, and it sounded spectacular.
I can pare it down to this: the Børresen C1 is priced closer to the entry level X1 ($5,500/pair), but sounds closer to the flagship M1 ($100,000/pr). The shock and surprise of the big soundstage, incredible clarity and mind-boggling bass reminded me of the first time I heard the M1s. That experience sent me on an AGD-inspired journey that last most of the year. Now I feel like I’ve come full-circle.
Peter Hansen, who handles the brand in the US, asked me if I ready for more review gear. “What do you want?” he asked. I pointed at the Børresen C1 monitors and said those.
If you would like to hear even more coverage from AXPONA 2024, check out our recap report and highlights from our audiophile-oriented show The Occasional Podcast. You can stream the episode direct from the embed below, or from your favorite podcast platform including iTunes, Android, Google, Deezer, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more.
I’m a HiFi shop owner (EMBER Audio + Design) and while a lot of what I carry in our line list was on site and brilliant sounding, I was deeply blown away by this particular AGD room – manned by Lars when we popped by, who is among the most entertaining people you can meet at a show.
The sheer value for money on display was shocking. It’s in my top three for best of a very, very well appointed show. Hats off, Denmark.