Sphinx Element 3 Reviewed by SoundStage! Ultra

Sphinx Audio Engineering has been featured in a comprehensive review by SoundStage! Ultra, where reviewer Jason Thorpe takes an in-depth look at the Sphinx Element 3 loudspeaker.

First introduced at High End Munich, the Element 3 immediately stood out for its distinctive sculptural design and unconventional engineering. In his review, Thorpe explores both aspects in detail, examining how Sphinx combines innovative acoustic thinking with refined craftsmanship to create a loudspeaker that challenges traditional expectations.

Design and Engineering

The Element 3 is defined by its unique cabinet architecture and advanced internal design. Built around a rigid composite structure that combines an MDF core with a synthetic stone exterior, the enclosure provides exceptional stability and resonance control while contributing to the speaker’s striking visual identity.

At the heart of the design lies Sphinx’s Zero Gravity™ Bass architecture, an intricate transmission-line inspired alignment developed to deliver deep, controlled low-frequency performance from a compact enclosure. Complementing this is the PAC™ Hybrid Crossover, a sophisticated passive-active topology that combines traditional amplification with internal driver-specific amplification stages.

This unusual configuration allows the Element 3 to maintain the familiar amplifier-and-speaker relationship while benefiting from optimized signal delivery to each driver. According to Thorpe, the result is a loudspeaker that presents an exceptionally easy load to the partnering amplifier while preserving the sonic character of the electronics driving it.

Listening Impressions

During extensive listening sessions, the Element 3 impressed with its ability to balance refinement, clarity, and musical scale. Thorpe describes the speaker as highly engaging yet effortlessly natural, presenting music with a sense of ease that encourages long listening sessions.

High frequencies are rendered with smoothness and precision, while the midrange delivers excellent imaging and tonal richness. Perhaps most surprising is the low-frequency performance, where the Element 3’s single 6-inch woofer produces bass that is both deep and articulate, filling the room with convincing authority.

The review also highlights how clearly the Element 3 reflects the character of different partnering amplifiers, confirming Sphinx’s intention to create a loudspeaker that works harmoniously with a wide range of amplification, including low-powered tube designs.

Thorpe ultimately concludes that the Element 3 represents a bold new approach to loudspeaker design—one that combines innovative engineering with a sophisticated and highly musical presentation.

We would like to thank Jason Thorpe and the SoundStage! Ultra team for their thoughtful evaluation and detailed coverage of the Element 3.