Revealed at the end of last year, the Element 12 standmounter has now been officially launched. The new speaker may be smaller than its Elypsis 1512 stablemate, but we're told its performance aims are identical: to give a singular, uncommon focus on dynamics, rhythm and engagement but contained within a smaller, more easily accommodated enclosure.

The Element 12 was created by the same duo that conceived the Elypsis 1512—David Fowler (founder, designer and manufacturer) and Phil Ward (electro-acoustic engineer)—and is precision-engineered and hand-made in the UK by a team of talented specialist contractors under the watchful eye and direction of the creators, so says Stratton Acoustics.

Formed of 26mm/46mm bamboo ply panels, the Element 12's internally braced cabinet houses a single, custom-made 12-inch paper mid/bass driver with dual voice coils. This is powered by a NeFeB (neodymium-iron-boron) magnet motor system.

Meanwhile, the bass is augmented via twin reflex ports that, according to Stratton Acoustics, are tuned to deliver an in-room response down to 38Hz. These ports are thoughtfully located out of sight on the cabinet's underside, which also means easier room placement.

High frequencies are provided by the same 1.2-inch soft dome tweeter used in the Elypsis 1512 model, housed in Stratton's patented Mechanically Isolated Tweeter Assembly and, once again, using a NeFeB magnet motor. At 94dB, the overall system sensitivity should translate into an easy life for partnering amplification.

David Fowler told StereoNET:

There are many, many forms of addiction. Ours is simply the desire to continue creating beautifully crafted, artisan-built loudspeakers that nail you to your seat the instant you hear them playing the music you can't get enough of. In short, we get our 'fix' by supplying customers with theirs.

The Element 12 features an integral stand formed from 3mm thick, powder-coated, structural steel panels based on Voronoi geometry, all underpinned by a high-gloss bamboo ply and natural cork base.

Initially, the Stratton Acoustics Element 12 will be available in four high-gloss mirror finishes: Piano white with silver, Piano black with Black and Gold, Maple with Silver, and Ziricote with Black and Gold, priced at £32,000/ €38,000.

Visit Stratton Acoustics for more information