In my capacity as an editor for i-fidelity.net I have the privilege to welcome hifi devices, which are beyond my personal budget, to my listening room and enjoy their performances. But I have acquired a certain stand-offish attitude so as not to succumb to the »infatuations« of some very good sounding components, while I can still enjoy a great performance for a limited period of time and then return the gear without pains. However, with Elac’s black beauties it happened to me: that wanna-have reflex uttered its voice in no uncertain manner, although the speaker is far beyond my financial reach. And this not just because the Air-X 407 really cuts a fine figure and is an adornment to any living-room, but above all because of its truly first-class acoustic performance, which is due to the various adjustment options and the precise driver control by means of active technology. The possibility to also run the speaker wireless and set up a rather minimalist chain, is the icing on the whole concept cake. My pain of parting won’t be petty. Who is currently in the market for a new loudspeaker in this price range – no matter if wireless is a must have or not –, and who values an aesthetic appearance just as much as superb sound, should seek a rendezvous with the Elac Air-X 407 – he or she might find a partner for life.   Stephan Schmid