Grove 18.0

Coherence that brings music closer

Natural voices, clearly defined instrumental tone and a sense of space shaped by subtle decays. Grove 18.0 was created for listeners who want to explore the details of recordings and follow the music with ease.The first model in the Grove series brings the experience gained in developing Forest loudspeakers to a more accessible standmount design. It combines transparency and smoothness with an energy that makes listening engaging across a wide range of music. It is tuned for rooms of up to approximately 20 m².

Two drivers, one voice

Grove 18.0 is a passive two-way design. A Dayton Audio Signature series mid/bass driver works alongside an RST28A tweeter from the Reference series. Both use aluminium diaphragms. Their selection, mounting and tuning are all guided by the goal of a seamless transition between the two frequency ranges.We paid particular attention to the midrange. This is where we find the character of a voice, the texture of instruments and small changes in expression. Grove 18.0 presents this range naturally and clearly, preserving the coherence of each musical phrase. The treble complements the presentation with precision, revealing nuances of articulation and delicate decays.

A one-piece baffle with our own waveguide

The front baffle is made from a high-density wood composite, chosen for its rigidity, hardness and dimensional stability. Surface durability and the ability to shape complex profiles precisely were also important considerations.The rounded outline of the baffle and our custom-designed waveguide surrounding the tweeter dome are formed in a single piece. The waveguide’s geometry flows seamlessly into the black surface, giving the loudspeaker its distinctive appearance. The choice of material brings structural requirements together with attention to detail and aesthetics.We developed the waveguide to support the drivers’ time and phase alignment in conjunction with the crossover. The design reference point is two metres in front of the loudspeaker, at tweeter height. Together, these elements serve a coherent presentation and clear reproduction of the space captured in the recording.

Energy in a standmount format

Grove 18.0 delivers bass with distinct impact and texture, giving music rhythm and a firm foundation. We have carefully refined its integration with the midrange so that power goes hand in hand with instrumental clarity.Details and subtle nuances remain audible at low listening levels. As the volume rises, the presentation gains power and expression. Low-frequency capabilities remain more limited than those of the floorstanding Forest models, but Grove retains the ease and scale needed for engaging music reproduction in its intended setting.We combine comfortable extended listening with fidelity to the recording’s character. A strong accent, a raw tone or the bite of an instrument remain part of the performance. Our aim is to reduce colouration introduced by the loudspeaker while preserving the expression of the recording.

A carefully refined crossover and cabinet

The crossover, designed in-house by OWL Audio, uses low-tolerance components: polypropylene film capacitors, air-core inductors, and foil and metal-film resistors. We assemble it using point-to-point wiring, keeping connections between components short. We evaluate both the design and the finished loudspeakers through measurements and listening sessions.The cabinet is made from 16 mm MDF of increased density. Internal bracing stiffens the cabinet while also shaping the mid/bass driver’s chamber. Felt mats and aramid fabric form a damping system selected during the development of the design.The bass-reflex port exits at the rear. The terminals accept cables fitted with banana plugs or spade connectors. M8 threaded inserts beneath the rubber feet allow spikes to be fitted.

A finish with its own character

The black front baffle is shared by all versions of Grove 18.0. It is paired with three cabinet finishes: distinctive Zebrano, natural American Walnut and an Oak Mocca modified veneer. We protect the veneer with hardwax oil, bringing out its grain.The contrast between the dark baffle and the wood texture emphasises the loudspeaker’s simple form. Rounded corners soften its outline and establish the design language of the Grove series.