Design Philosophy
Unlike the TS Voyager Mk1, which drew its design inspiration from the BBC LS3/5A, we had a different design goal for the MK2. We designed the MK2 to amalgamate the qualities of speakers such as Harbeth and B&W. More specifically, the high-frequency detail extension mirrors that of a B&W speaker. We tuned the midrange to possess the tonal richness characteristic of speakers like Harbeth and Spendor. Finally, we designed the cabinet to be larger than typical desktop speakers, ensuring sufficient bass output to eliminate the need for a subwoofer in a desktop setup.
Sound Characteristics
- High-Frequency Detail: The TS Voyager MK2 SE is a master of high-frequency detail. It uncovers every hidden nuance in the recording, yet it's carefully tuned to prevent listening fatigue, ensuring a pleasurable listening experience.
- Midrange: We designed the midrange to be tonally rich and full-bodied, providing a warm and intimate listening experience.
- Bass: The TS Voyager MK2 SE's larger sealed cabinet size allows for an impressive well controlled strong bass performance.
Standard or Special Edition?
Although the Mk2 and Mk2 SE share the same crossover design, the Mk2 SE utilizes higher-quality components. Specifically, the Mk2 SE uses air-core inductors instead of iron-core inductors and features superior capacitors and non-inductive wire wound resistors. This choice of premium components enhances the Mk2 SE's resolution and composure at higher volumes. While the standard Mk2 is manufactured entirely in China, the Mk2 SE's crossover is designed and built in Canada, with the final assembly in the USA.
Holographic 3D Soundstage
Although the TS Voyager MK2 is a small speaker compared to most standmount speakers, its ability to project a 3D holographic soundstage is quite impressive, especially if you pull it away from the wall and sit less than 6 feet away from it. Although originally designed for nearfield use, the performance of the MK2 surpassed our expectations, and it can be used in a small to midsize room as a standard standmount speaker.
Exotic Capacitors
One key factor contributing to the MK2's rich, luscious midrange is its use of expensive, exotic Jupiter Vitamin Q Aluminum foil paper-in-oil capacitors. Jupiter Condenser's website states, "Jupiter Vitamin-Q creates the ultimate lush tone with a mysteriously warm, juicy midrange and excellent musical flow, while offering a slightly softer top and bottom end compared to the Comet Type."
By utilizing these premium capacitors, the MK2 achieves a uniquely full and vibrant midrange character. The warm, liquid tonality blends seamlessly with a smooth high-frequency response and controlled bass for an exceptionally musical and engaging sound. This combination of components allows the nuances of vocals and instruments to shine through with remarkable clarity and presence.
While costly, implementing these capacitors exemplifies the MK2's commitment to audio excellence. By prioritizing premium components like the Jupiter Vitamin Q capacitors, the MK2 delivers a truly luxurious listening experience defined by its rich, organic, and utterly immersive midrange performance.
Why buy a TS Voyager MK2?
So, if your heart skips a beat for crystal-clear vocals and you want every song to feel like a warm hug for your ears, the TS Voyager MK2 isn't just a good choice—it's your holy grail. While other speakers are busy flexing their soundstage muscles, thumping their dynamic bass chests, and twinkling their detailed high notes, the MK2 is the cool cat that specializes in serenading your ears with the warm, velvety tones of the human voice.
Measurements
The MK2 was designed with a U-curve in the frequency response. While an anechoic flat curve can provide excellent detail in the midrange, it can sometimes be a bit shouty when the music has a peak in the upper midrange. To address this, we designed the MK2 with a slight dip in the upper midrange. Although this might make the upper mids less pronounced, the benefit of a more pleasant listening experience outweighs any shortcomings.
ThomasAndStereo
TS Voyager MK2 SE
TS Voyager Mk2 SE specifications
| Value | |
| Impedance | Nominal 8 Ohms |
| Sensitivy | 83dB |
| Dimensions | 7.5” W x 12” H x 8” D |
| Weight | 5.10 kg each |
| Tweeter | 28mm silk dome |
| Woofer | 130mm treated paper cone woofer |
| Power Handling | 50 Wrms |
| Tweeter | Dayton RST28F-4 tweeter |
| Woofer | DC130A-8 |
| Frequency range | 60 hz - 22 khz |
Customer Reviews
Honestly, I bought these Voyager MK2 SE speakers just to see what Thomas has been banging about. Holographic Sound? Silky smooth midrange? I thought I had both on my system already. But boy, these speakers took it up 2 notches. Live recordings sound really live and even studio recordings occasionally would give me goosebumps. Amazing speakers, and they are now my favorites of my speaker collection.
As mentioned by other reviewers you would probably need a subwoofer to make them shine, and plenty of power. I have a modest setup in an untreated room and they still sing like no other speaker I have.
My setup: Eversolo DMP A6 streamer, Denafrips Ares 15th DAC, and Fosi audio ZA3 dual mono with upgraded op amps.
I’ve been on a pursuit of sound excellence for the last two years and I’ve auditioned at least 10 sets of bookshelf speakers ranging in price from 500 to 2500. Some came highly recommended and my Buchardt MK 2’s being my reference at 2500. Fantastic speakers but I still wanted something that was a touch more refined on the high end. I kept 3-4 sets for various reasons which include the KEF LS50 Meta, Elac Unifi reference, and a set of Starke Sound betas. All excellent speakers but I was still looking for that sweet spot for my ears in a less than 3k range. I saw a couple of reviews on the SE’s and knew they were limited in quantity and pulled the trigger based on those reviews. Luckily I got in and received my pair. Upon opening the rather small box I was kind of dumbfounded. Size reminded me of a small set of Wharfdale’s I reviewed and kept ( crazy good for the price) and proceeded to unbox them. Size was smaller than I expected but set them up, and gave them a spin. Holy crap was I surprised. Immediately noticed the detail and bass extension for such a small speaker. Wow, was all I could think. Kept playing them for hours and have yet to use anything else since, 3 months later. Only have gotten better since then. Crystal highs, non fatiguing, tight bass, fantastic imaging and precise instrument placement. I still can’t believe how good these speakers are. Thomas knows something about sound based on these and I will look into his highly rated hardware going forward. Just wow.
Thomas, thanks so much for the great design and implementation on these speakers. I received them yesterday and have connected them to a PASS/Ayre/Denafrips combo, and I've tried them with a Musical Fidelity A1 integrated. I was pleasantly surprised by how soft yet detailed the tweeter sounds (compared to my KLH 5, Tekton Lore, and Klipsch Heresy). I was concerned that they could possibly be too bright, but not at all. The setup process is challenging so far, but I can tell it will be perfect soon. The first impression I had was the depth of soundstage, which is very impressive. I have them well out into the room at about 6ft from the wall. I am also noticing wonderful midrange details (especially lower midrange) that I've never heard in music I'm very familiar with.
I'm looking forward to playing with positioning in my small-medium sized room.
PS - They mate well with a KEF Kube 12" sub using the speaker level connection from the amp.
This is a sweet and special pair of speakers! Upon first use, the highs immediately reminded me of the B&Ws. The highs are transparent and silky-smooth without being forward nor fatiguing. For those familiar with Arenal 1723 tweeter sounds, which is also very revealing but textured, the Voyager Mk2 SEs are smoother in the highs, yet retaining all detail! This resulted in high frequencies being easier for the ears (Than the Arendals). The Voyager is smoother and airy in comparison. For near-field listening, smoother is easier on the ears, thus could be listened to for longer period of time.
The mids are also another highlight of the Voyager Mk2 SE’s. It seems that human voices are at the sweet spot of the speakers. Male husky voices sounded prominent and female voices sounded sweet, clean and airy.
The bass is clean, quick and snappy. However, given the smaller size of these speaker and my setup, bass doesn’t reach down low (rated 60Hz). For those bass-heavy tracks, I hooked up my spare subwoofer so it helped scratch that bass itch.
I just head the TS Voyager MK 2 SE , The fit and finish is nothing short of the best I have ever seen . Its a very detail speaker and accurate to the source . Just make sure you have least 50 Quality watts of power . If you looking for a pair of speakers in this category these are a must hear and see , make sure your system is up to it . A small or a medium room should be fine . Check it out !!