I've been thoroughly enjoying the Hulgich Duke's, that Nick brought over after the hifi show !

 

I didn't divulge everything either, he also dropped off the just released Maestro mkll speakers, to have a play with and compare.

 

 

 

l was a tad slow in disconnecting the Duke's, after installing over 3 weeks ago - they just sounded so good!

 

Finally motivated myself to swap over to the Maestro's at the start of this week.

To say l got a surprise is an understatement!

 

Nick warned me about them, they are absolutely stunning in what they achieve for a compact 2.5 way floorstanding speaker !

 

Bass response is very impressive, l just had to invite some of my good friends and respected ears over for lunch and a listen.

 

@tubularbells @illusion @betty boop and @Black Orange came over and l ran the Maestro's initially.

 

 

We both spent a few very enjoyable hours listening to them, then moved onto the Duke's. 

 

 

I won't try and describe their respective performances, I'll leave it up to the guys to give individual impressions! 🙂

Edited September 26, 2025Sep 26 by evil c

In short a great afternoon. Evil being the cheeky bast**d that he is never divulged to any of us of the new accusations so im sure he took gleeful delight in seeing our individual responses when we noticed the new additions.

 

First up we were introduced the Maestro Mkll's (or was it the Dukes?) as it was initially hard to tell given the amount of sound emanating from the front of the room. First impressions were pretty wow. Im used to the sound from HUGE speakers given that my 175kg a piece Sovereigns are practically headphones in my setup I was amazed by the speed , weight and overall smoothness coming from them to the point where I reckon i'd be happy with a pair myself and I like to listen loud! Fit and finish were top notch also. Both the Maestros and the Dukes were impeccably finished and make my Duntechs look like a bad DIY job in comparison. 

 

As for the Dukes pretty much more of everything with similar voicing (however I noted some other guests reckon the Maestros were a bit brighter) which BTW I have to note how impressed I am the way Hulgich speakers are voiced as there on the warm side of neutral and never get bitey or fatiguing irrespective of the volume level (more in that later). As impressed as I was with the Maestros theres no doubt the much bigger Dukes were in another league however i'd argue if coin is tight im not sure there 3x better with the difference in asking price. Bass was even more extended and rich, perhaps somewhat more rounded than the Maestros with slightly less bite. Neither is better IMO just a preference in what you're chasing. Mids blended beautifully with the tweeter and the soundstage was deep and wide with an impressive sense of scale (particularly with that classical UHQR record whos composer ive forgotten as the genres not my bag). 

 

One thing I did notice which I never shared with anyone was the notable increase on overall volume level whilst listening. My prior visits to the evil ones lair were more constrained which to me is a hallmark of a good design. One that keeps egging you on to increase the volume as they were both so effortless in that regard and is something I admire in a design.

 

So overall once again a great afternoon full of good tunes, fine food and company. Thank you gents.

54 minutes ago, tubularbells said:

 

 

First up we were introduced the Maestro Mkll's (or was it the Dukes?) as it was initially hard to tell given the amount of sound emanating from the front of the room. First impressions were pretty wow. Im used to the sound from HUGE speakers given that my 175kg a piece Sovereigns are practically headphones in my setup I was amazed by the speed , weight and overall smoothness coming from them to the point where I reckon i'd be happy with a pair myself and I like to listen loud! Fit and finish were top notch also. Both the Maestros and the Dukes were impeccably finished and make my Duntechs look like a bad DIY job in comparison. 

 

As for the Dukes pretty much more of everything with similar voicing (however I noted some other guests reckon the Maestros were a bit brighter) which BTW I have to note how impressed I am the way Hulgich speakers are voiced as there on the warm side of neutral and never get bitey or fatiguing irrespective of the volume level (more in that later). Neither is better IMO just a preference in what you're chasing. Mids blended beautifully with the tweeter and the soundstage was deep and wide with an impressive sense of scale (particularly with that classical UHQR record whos composer ive forgotten as the genres not my bag). 

 

One thing I did notice which I never shared with anyone was the notable increase on overall volume level whilst listening. My prior visits to the evil ones lair were more constrained which to me is a hallmark of a good design. One that keeps egging you on to increase the volume as they were both so effortless in that regard and is something I admire in a design.

 

So overall once again a great afternoon full of good tunes, fine food and company. Thank you gents.

Appreciate your insight, Doug !

You are spot on, it was considerably louder than normal - insane levels of dynamic range can do that ! 😉

 

Enjoyed taking you out of your comfort zone, with a foreign genre called classical being inflicted! 😂

 

We played a whole side on vinyl of 

Respighi Feste Romain UHQR , and boy the level of dB's was pushing our limits ! 

 

Good point on both speakers, have individual strengths, that are each well up there.  🙂

Edited September 26, 2025Sep 26 by evil c

Just when you thought Nick Hulgich couldn't give us better speakers, he does.

Have now heard 4 different sets of Hulgich speakers in Evil's casa de las extremidades, all brilliant in their own way.

Those of you who heard the Dukes at the hifi show will agree how good they were, but in a natural home environment they are brilliant.

Thoroughly enjoyed the company and Evil dished up some tasty Thai 😋🍷

Black Orange arrived, looked around and spotted 3 different sets of Hulgich speakers, so we told him welcome to Hulgich Melbourne Inc.

We should be very proud as aussies to have the level of speakers Hulgich produce.

 

Evilc has always had a pretty nice set of mains from the brand so quite surprising to hear this latest set in the dukes go even further beyond !

 

Its a very modern speaker i think, beautifully presented. and in sound clean detailed dynamic and also rich in its what portrays.. doesnt leave you cold.. Not stressed or strained in delivery the entire time we were listening. just never put a foot wrong.. how many speakers can you say that about given the level of variety of music that were being played through ?

 

the maestros also a very modern speaker ... beautifully styled clean lines... and look top notch ! i found them pretty punchy and snappy in response and as expected when we switched to the larger dukes we got a step up in richness and full ness of sound we re presented. 

 

there was one of these sitting quietly to the side of the room 

 

https://www.grizzlyworks.com.au/lyrebirdamplifiers

 

 

 id bet that would be a lovely combo with the maestros .. hopefully evil c gets a chance to check them both out...

 

nice time with the guys and evil served up some lovely Thai. very enjoyable ! 🙂

1 hour ago, illusion said:

Just when you thought Nick Hulgich couldn't give us better speakers, he does.

Have now heard 4 different sets of Hulgich speakers in Evil's casa de las extremidades, all brilliant in their own way.

Those of you who heard the Dukes at the hifi show will agree how good they were, but in a natural home environment they are brilliant.

Thoroughly enjoyed the company and Evil dished up some tasty Thai 😋🍷

Black Orange arrived, looked around and spotted 3 different sets of Hulgich speakers, so we told him welcome to Hulgich Melbourne Inc.

Cheers Sam ! 🙂

Yeah, you greedy horde devoured all my Pad Kee Mao Drunken noodles!

Guess what l have to buy for the family tonight?? 😂

 

20 minutes ago, betty boop said:

We should be very proud as aussies to have the level of speakers Hulgich produce.

 

Evilc has always had a pretty nice set of mains from the brand so quite surprising to hear this latest set in the dukes go even further beyond !

 

Its a very modern speaker i think, beautifully presented. and in sound clean detailed dynamic and also rich in its what portrays.. doesnt leave you cold.. Not stressed or strained in delivery the entire time we were listening. just never put a foot wrong.. how many speakers can you say that about given the level of variety of music that were being played through ?

 

the maestros also a very modern speaker ... beautifully styled clean lines... and look top notch ! i found them pretty punchy and snappy in response and as expected when we switched to the larger dukes we got a step up in richness and full ness of sound we re presented. 

 

there was one of these sitting quietly to the side of the room 

 

https://www.grizzlyworks.com.au/lyrebirdamplifiers

 

 

 id bet that would be a lovely combo with the maestros .. hopefully evil c gets a chance to check them both out...

 

nice time with the guys and evil served up some lovely Thai. very enjoyable ! 🙂

Thanks al, you were pretty quiet there on the couch listening!

They are a bit of a shock initially. 😁

Yes Nick can be very proud - as indeed we Aussies can be, having a world class leading product! 

 

Funny you should mention the Lyrebird amplifier, l had glanced over at it before you came and wondered how it would go with the Hulgich's. 

 

Suspect better match, with the higher efficiency Maestro's at 90dB, as you pointed out. 🤔

Firstly, thanks @evil cfor inviting us for a wonderful and entertaining afternoon. And yes, I was pretty much in awe of all the Hulgich speakers in the house. 

Both the speakers opened up and raised the level of Clive’s already extraordinary system. I didn’t think his system could sound better, but these speakers took it up a notch again. Surely, there can’t be any more notches left!!!

I felt both Maestros and Dukes were excellent speakers and add many similarities across them, such as:

•    Excellent cohesion with great driver integration. I never felt any driver was standing out or drawing attention to itself. I guess a lot of work has gone into the crossovers for the seamless integration. 
•    Fast and dynamic sound. Speakers kept up with large scale dynamics without breaking a sweat. Sound was not congested, weather playing complex classical, big band jazz or rock. 
•    Ability to play loud … sorry neighbours 
•    Smooth high frequencies. Treble was smooth and these would also be great fit with some brighter Solid State gear. 
•    Tight Bass –

The bigger brother had all the above and a bit more of everything so played louder, went lower, even more effortless… all while looking gorgeous… 
I once asked if a subwoofer was playing but it was just the Dukes. 
Not that the Maestro were lacking in bass, the dukes just went lower to bring out more nuances in music. 

Overall, I think both punch well above their weight in their price range and are an absolute bargain. I guess being local and direct from manufacture does have its benefits for the buyers. 

20 hours ago, Black Orange said:

Firstly, thanks @evil cfor inviting us for a wonderful and entertaining afternoon. And yes, I was pretty much in awe of all the Hulgich speakers in the house. 

Both the speakers opened up and raised the level of Clive’s already extraordinary system. I didn’t think his system could sound better, but these speakers took it up a notch again. Surely, there can’t be any more notches left!!!

I felt both Maestros and Dukes were excellent speakers 

I once asked if a subwoofer was playing but it was just the Dukes. 
Not that the Maestro were lacking in bass, the dukes just went lower to bring out more nuances in music. 

Overall, I think both punch well above their weight in their price range and are an absolute bargain. I guess being local and direct from manufacture does have its benefits for the buyers. 

Thanks Kunar, very impressive analysis and opinion on their respective strengths! 

 

Well, l think that seals it , after all your positive reviews - you've convinced me!

 

Although that might ultimately have been the case, a few weeks ago, after much agonising on how good my Astor's  really are -  and plans to keep forever !.  

 

The Duke's are now officially a permanent addition here!. 🙂

 

 

 

HOLD ON!!!!!!

 

I think just to be 100% sure we should all be invited back for another course of Thai and a few reds, some  heavy listening before the final seal of approval is given.

3 hours ago, illusion said:

HOLD ON!!!!!!

 

I think just to be 100% sure we should all be invited back for another course of Thai and a few reds, some  heavy listening before the final seal of approval is given.

Sam, never look a gift "course" in the mouth! 😉

 

We can do it next time at the local restaurant, l need a break from slaving over the stove for you lot! 😂

Clive, that is awesome man...... Dukes are just plain awesome

 

 

Thank you guys for sharing your listening experience with the Maestro and Duke loudspeakers.

 

Designing these speakers requires a significant amount of technical precision. We perform hundreds of exacting measurements to ensure each driver operates at its optimal level, effectively minimizing distortion and maximizing sound dispersion. This thorough process allows us to expertly control the sound radiation from every driver, achieving precise phase alignment and a well-balanced frequency response.

 

Phase integration between drivers is essential for achieving a smooth and coherent sound presentation. It plays a vital role in creating a spacious soundstage with clarity and depth, allowing listeners to fully understand the details and spatial cues within the recording. 

 

While these technical measurements confirm that we have taken the correct path in speaker design, they don't tell the full story of how the speakers actually sound. This is where the art of voicing comes in—the crucial process of balancing detail retrieval, dynamic contrast, and overall musicality. The goal is always to achieve a natural sound that allows listeners to enjoy music for hours without fatigue, creating an immersive yet comfortable listening experience.

 

In short, the Maestro and Duke speakers combine rigorous science with artistic voicing to produce a soundstage and musicality that reveal what’s truly in the recording, offering both technical precision and emotional engagement.

 

Additionally, listening to the speakers in a proper home environment, especially within Clive’s incredible system, offers a far superior experience compared to a show environment. The careful system integration, room acoustics, and personal setup all contribute significantly to revealing the full potential of the speakers.

 

Finally, we want to express our sincere thanks to Clive for graciously hosting the speakers in his home. His support and willingness to share our speakers in a real listening environment have been invaluable in helping others fully appreciate what these designs can truly deliver.

5 hours ago, genkifd said:

Clive, that is awesome man...... Dukes are just plain awesome

 

 

Indeed they are!!

Very happy camper currently, Nick & Goran combined, are  unsurpassed in their field of audio l believe!

And Nick is one of the nicest guys, you will ever meet as a bonus! 🙂

 

49 minutes ago, Hulgich Audio said:

Thank you guys for sharing your listening experience with the Maestro and Duke loudspeakers.

 

In short, the Maestro and Duke speakers combine rigorous science with artistic voicing to produce a soundstage and musicality that reveal what’s truly in the recording, offering both technical precision and emotional engagement.

 

Additionally, listening to the speakers in a proper home environment, especially within Clive’s incredible system, offers a far superior experience compared to a show environment. The careful system integration, room acoustics, and personal setup all contribute significantly to revealing the full potential of the speakers.

 

Finally, we want to express our sincere thanks to Clive for graciously hosting the speakers in his home. His support and willingness to share our speakers in a real listening environment have been invaluable in helping others fully appreciate what these designs can truly deliver.

Very kind words from you Nick, especially during your current  busy schedule!! 😉

 

As I've previously pointed out, the original Astor's pushed me to lift my system's components, to try and push the boundaries of what they could/ can achieve reproduction wise !

 

As I've managed to elevate things to a very good level, Nick advised me that the Duke's were a logical step up in extracting even more!

 

I have been in denial, for a fair while but knew deep down he was right - it was just a matter of determining best method of psychological manipulation, to get the missus's blessing! 😂

 

Physical situ in our home, was a stroke of genius !!

With their engaging sound and gorgeous looks; plus my obvious deepening love for them - it helped weaken her hard resolve to do a complete 180 ! 😉 ( bribery too !)

 

The hardest part now, will be parting with the Astor's ! 🥹

(She wouldn't let me keep them).

 

And getting back to doing chores!  - - - 😬

 

 

Edited September 29, 2025Sep 29 by evil c

Big news everyone!

After discussions with Nick  from @Hulgich Audio , he is happy for me to demonstrate, the Maestro 2.5 way, and Duke 3 way floorstander speakers  to prospective buyers or  anyone interested in either discovering what is achievable in audio, or tailoring speakers for your own home system.

 

I can assure you they both sound absolutely extraordinary, and are incredible value for money! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please contact me by PM or phone me on Ph: 0425 799 459

 

I make one of the best Capuccino's, you will ever try too! 🙂

Edited October 2, 2025Oct 2 by evil c

Great result Evil.

Guys take the offer up, those speakers are fantastic.👌

32 minutes ago, illusion said:

Great result Evil.

Guys take the offer up, those speakers are fantastic.👌

Thanks for your endorsement Sam, this is a unique opportunity to hear these speakers, in a home environment !

 

The room acoustics are first class too, with vinyl or digital- l challenge anyone to not be astounded, how good either of these Hulgich speakers sound!

I certainly am! 🙂

For those looking for a top end pair of  loudspeakers, at a much  lower price - l have just advertised my Hulgich Astor's for sale.

 

Hulgich Audio Astor Floorstanding Loudspeakers https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/item/23427-hulgich-audio-astor-floorstanding-loudspeakers/

 

Trust me, you will not get many opportunities like this, to obtain such phenomenal speakers that many can afford ! 🙂

Time for an update:

 

Small pamper for my mighty Dohmann Helix One turntable !

This flexible light  just arrived from Amazon, and boy has this improved things! 🙂

Although it highlights every speck of dust on both my record and the glossy Carbon fibre top ! 🫤

Need our sunnies to look at that now😎

21 minutes ago, illusion said:

Need our sunnies to look at that now😎

Lucky it has dimmable levels of brightness, although that's the dullest it goes!

Maybe its a grow light, hopefully nothing sprouts underneath! 😁

It's your Jedi lightsabre buddy, may the force be with you.

You are under interrogation! 

 

its so beautiful....  😎

It has now been nearly 3 months, since l received the Hulgich Audio Duke speakers.

In that time, they have been a revelation in the enormous heights I've managed to attain! 🙂

 

Small tweaks in tube swapping of my CJ amps, plus in the Aesthetix Romulus have improved things considerably!

Plus l had the pleasure of a friend over recently, to analyse room acoustics, and several Roon convolutions have been created -to perfectly extract maximum performance from the Duke's. 

They really are a totally different beast, to when l first set them up and are incredibly exciting to listen to! 😳

 

Just a reminder,  that I currently have the Hulgich Duke speakers available for demonstration to interested buyers.

 

I have fine tuned these in my system, with the incredible Dohmann Audio Helix One turntable combo and also my Antipodes KALA K50 player/ Aesthetix Romulus tube DAC digital both providing astoundingly beautiful music !

 

If you are keen to explore the possibilities of high quality audio reproduction, and to hear one of the very best speakers available in Australia, ( regardless of price), then please feel free to contact me, by PM or phone.

0425 799 459 

I make a great Cappuccino too! 

 

Hi Clive,

 

Would love to come and pay a visit and hear what you have done!

 

Cheers

 

David