Sphinx Element 5 Reviewed by Hi-Fi+

In the March 2026 issue of Hi-Fi+, the Sphinx Element 5 receives an extensive equipment review, written by renowned audio journalist Alan Sircom.

The review explores the remarkable return of Sphinx, a brand originally known for high-end electronics in the 1980s and early 2000s. Today, under the same group behind Siltech and Crystal Cable, Sphinx has re-emerged with a new focus on loudspeaker design, with the Element Series representing a bold and highly original approach.

Engineering as a Complete System

According to Hi-Fi+, the Element 5 stands apart from conventional loudspeaker designs. Its sculptural cabinet shape is not merely aesthetic but derived from the requirements of the internal acoustic architecture. The enclosure houses Sphinx’s distinctive Zero Gravity™ Bass transmission-line system, developed through extensive modelling and research into transmission-line behaviour to achieve deep, controlled and evenly distributed bass.

The Element 5 is a three-way, five-driver loudspeaker featuring dual side-firing bass drivers, two dedicated midrange units and a beryllium tweeter. Each driver operates within carefully optimised chambers, allowing the loudspeaker to control resonances while maintaining speed and clarity throughout the frequency range.

Hi-Fi+ also highlights the speaker’s unusual passive-interface, amplifier-assisted architecture. Rather than functioning as a fully active loudspeaker, the internal amplification stage acts as a form of “power steering”, stabilising the load presented to the external amplifier while preserving the traditional preamp–power amp–speaker signal chain.

Listening Impressions

During listening sessions, Sircom reports that the Element 5 consistently reveals new insights in familiar recordings. From electronic music to jazz and rock, the loudspeakers demonstrate exceptional bass precision, articulate midrange detail and expansive soundstaging.

The review describes the Element 5 as combining analytical precision with musical engagement, allowing listeners to hear deeper into recordings without sacrificing energy or emotional impact.

Ultimately, Hi-Fi+ concludes that the Element 5 offers something genuinely new in the high-end loudspeaker landscape — a design that brings together innovative engineering and an exceptionally revealing musical performance.

We would like to thank Alan Sircom and the Hi-Fi+ team for their thoughtful review and detailed coverage of the Sphinx Element 5.