LD Systems CURV 500 Series Speakers Quick Review : Made for Those Who Take Music Seriously

LD Systems is an award-winning and respected German electronics company that designs and manufacturers industry-leading audio products that deliver top-notch audio experience to consumers around the world.

So you can imagine how excited I got when the company's exclusive distributor here in the Philippines invited me to try out their current flagship speaker system and to even take it home.


Of all of LD Systems Philippines' current product offerings, the CURV 500 Series - which includes CURV 500 AVS and ES - is the one that's made specifically for those with discerning musical ears or consumers who take sound quality very seriously.

The main difference between the CURV 500 AVS (shown in this photo) and the ES is that the latter has a metal pole - called 'distance bar' - holding up four 'stackable' or interlocking satellite speakers allowing it to throw sound farther. Apart from that, their sound quality and internal hardware are more or less the same.


The unit that I'm showing you in these photos is the LD Systems CURV 500 AVS. This has an official suggested retail price of Php 59,990 here in the Philippines -- and according to our friends from LD Systems, at that amount, it's already a 'great value for money' purchase considering that competing products cost almost twice as much.


This powerhouse speaker system consists of a 10-inch bass-reflex subwoofer with Class D power amplifier representing its core complemented by two satellite speaker peripherals, which can be expanded to eight.


One of the special features of the CURV 500 Series is that its satellite stereo speakers can be stacked or mounted on top of each other via the company's patented technology called SmartLink plug-and-play adapter.

You can stack up to four satellite speakers and in this "mono" form factor, the speakers can produce more 'directed' booming sound.

Notice that in this configuration, the stack has a curved look reminiscent of those large overhead speakers that we see in concerts. That's where this series gets its name from.

In terms of power, this system has 380 watts RMS and features a maximum sound pressure level of 122 dB, allowing it entertain a crowd of up to a hundred. And with the LD Systems' very own WaveAhead technology, listeners will surely enjoy the high-definition audio quality made possible by excellent audio balance. As someone who's had the chance to listen to numerous songs - ranging from ballads to party music - on the CURV 500, this is certainly something I can attest to.


The subwoofer core of the system - the largest element in the package - features a limiter, a 4-channel mixer with 16 digital effect presets (supporting microphone and guitar input, among others), and Bluetooth connectivity support that lets you connect your smartphone or music player to the Curv 500 wirelessly. On top of those, it also has Combo and Speakon-compatible sockets, four digital system presets, and an M20 threaded flange.

(If you're wondering, you can connect your Android smartphone or iPhone to this system via Bluetooth as you would with a wireless headset or portable speaker. Just press on the Bluetooth button on the subwoofer's control panel, look for the device on your handset, and pair with it. It's very easy.)


Flaunting a downright durable metal-and-polycarbonate enclosure with three ergonomic carrying handles (shown in the photo above), this main core is protected against short circuit, overheating, over-voltage, making it safe to use day in and day out, at home or outdoors.

Each satellite speaker measures 12 cm x 12 cm in front.

They have this sleek unibody anodized aluminum shell that makes them look and feel both elegant and durable. This luxurious material also eliminates resonance and reduces distortion compared to wood.


The satellite speakers are powered by a single SmartLink Adapter (shown in the photos above as the thinner case attached at the bottom of the unit), which allows for quick adjustment of the number of satellites to use, making this system very scalable and allowing for multiple installation options, including mounting on tabletops, ceilings, and walls.

"LD Systems want to bring the sound quality that we usually only get in big concerts to our own living rooms though this fairly company system. With the CURV 500, you can enjoy the best sound quality you can get from this kind of system with your friends and family. This is the best that we have to offer," our friends from the company told me during one of our meetings earlier this month.


But don't take our word for it, watch this exclusive TechPinas demo video of the LD Systems CURV 500 Series (featuring Mr. Johenson Tan and Mr. Mark Cruz of LD Systems Philippines) to hear the sound quality for yourself. After which, let me know your thoughts about the system via our comments section below.



The LD Systems CURV 500 AV Set comes with a subwoofer with mixer unit, two satellite speakers, two SmartLink adapters, and two speaker cables.

LD Systems CURV 500 ES

On the other hand, the LD Systems CURV 500 Entertainer Set (ES) includes the same package plus two more satellite speakers and a distance bar that the owner can attach to the system via the screw-hole on top of the subwoofer.


Given all the amazing and unique features of the LD Systems CURV 500 Series, I think this set is perfect for thorough audiophiles who are looking for a great home entertainment system that can wow their equally discerning friends and family members. Likewise, CURV 500 AVS or ES is great for acoustic bands or for owners of bars, recording studios, or clubs who want to upgrade the sound system in their establishment. I highly recommend it!

LD Systems products are available at SM Appliance, Gadgets Hub @ The SM Store, Astroplus, Odyssey, Robinsons Appliance, Intune, and other leading appliance and music stores. It can also be purchased online via Lazada (http://www.lazada.com.ph/ld-systems/) and The WOW STore (https://thewowstore.com.ph/brand-ld-systems).

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