Ferguson Hill FH009 home theatre system

Transparent horn speakers for your telly

Bass line

The FH009 certainly has slam. I had to ease back the bass to prevent the system sounding overly leaden; the stereo horns need some air to breathe. That said, the woofers don’t reach down deep; there’s only life from 50Hz upwards.

Open back drivers

Using CD as the source, the system images well once the right balance between the bass output and the stereo pair is struck. Rock, pop and jazz, the soundstage is wide and lithe regardless. However, taking a stereo feed from TV and movie fare so obviously meant to be heard in multichannel proves less rewarding.

Acrylic horns

It’s all about choosing your targets wisely. A stereo mix of the Lady Gaga: The Monster Ball concert Blu-ray certainly gives the FH009 plenty to get its teeth into. The system does a fine job of re-creating crowd ambiance, while moving things along with a thumping mid-range and fleshy, realistic vocals. Action fest Sucker Punch is far less convincing.

Also available in black

Despite the obvious workmanship lavished on this system, some rough edges remain in evidence: from an omnipresent low level hum to a nasty old skool thwump when the system was turned on/off.

Verdict

Overall, the FH009 is an extremely esoteric entertainment option, an expensive two-channel stereo system being positioned as an alternative to an upmarket soundbar. Ultimately, I suspect the proposition will prove divisive. Ferguson Hill has invented stereo Marmite. ®

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