Of course, one sub isn't going to have the same grunt and oomph as two, but as far as delivering taught, controlled bass frequencies capable of rattling floorboards, the S5000 is more than tasty enough on its own. It's quick too, delivering explosions and booming soundtracks with tightly accurate aplomb.

Just one S5000 amplified subwoofer in this setup – THX Select2 certification demands two

The S50 D dipoles do exactly what they're supposed to, delivering a spread of sound effects and incidental details from a diffused source that help to draw you into the action on the screen rather than distracting you from it.

Verdict

There's no getting around it, the Teufel System 5 is no stranger to the ugly stick. But if you can live with the unsubtle looks – and it's not like Teufel doesn't have other systems which are much easier on the eye – you can treat yourself to a powerfully incisive audio performance with enough change left from a grand to get yourself some decent cables too. ®

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