Opsodis 1 review: Super sonic surround sound for your desktop setup

While Kajima Corporation might be a new name to some, they’ve been masters of acoustic space since 1840, having designed and built many renowned theatres, music venues and cultural centres. The Opsodis 1 is essentially the culmination of 20 years of research with the University of Southampton’s Institute of Sound and Vibration Research. Bringing audio knowledge that delivers world-class concert hall acoustics and putting it into a desktop speaker.

Usually, this level of engineering stays in world-class concert halls, and the retail price reflects that: the Opsodis 1 is set to retail for $1,200 (£880).

However, for the global launch on Kickstarter, there is a significant "early adopter" advantage. Backers can secure the speaker for $720 (£530), which is a 40% discount. Given that the Japanese exclusive launch broke national records with over $6M in funding, I’m expecting these limited-tier slots to go quickly. Registration and info can be found on their website.

Design and features

OPSODIS is actually an acronym for Optimal Sound Distribution and uses cross-talk cancellation to actively control what each ear hears independently. The experience is similar to wearing high-end headphones or multi-speaker setups, all from a single source.

The Opsodis 1 – like all products in this arena – projects sound with spatial cues in different directions. However, it benefits from 20 years of research carried out by Kajima and the University of Southampton, exploring how sound reaches our ears.

Typical binaural systems use algorithms derived from Head-Related Transfer Function data measured from a standardised dummy head (like the famous Neumann KU100), which works reasonably well for some people and poorly for others. This is because the shape of people’s heads and ears varies so much.

The work Kajima has done with Southampton has produced a database of thousands of measurements from studying individual human subjects over 20 years. Making it one of the most extensive datasets of its kind and something that the competition would struggle to replicate.

Rather than relying on one averaged model, the Opsodis system can draw on a broad distribution of head and ear geometries, making the crosstalk cancellation and spatial positioning more reliable over a wider range of listeners. Cheaper “3D sound” systems are just applying a dynamically panned reverb.

The Opsodis 1 utilises proprietary software, combined with a hardware configuration of two woofers, two mid-range speakers, two tweeters and two passive radiators. All packed into a compact frame measuring 38.2cm wide, 8cm tall (including its rubber feet), 13cm deep and weighing only 2.3kg.

It’s at least half the size of the average TV soundbar. And as far as desktop audio goes, its small footprint is ideal for desks with limited space or for people who want to limit clutter.

The angular silhouette and brushed metal surface of the Opsodis 1 offer a refined luxury feel with an industrial edge. And coming in either black or silver, it would suit any modern home or workspace. What I like most about it is that it provides a spatial audio solution that doesn’t look like it was designed to sit within a streaming or gaming rig, surrounded by neon lights. But if that’s your bag, it’ll still look great in that setup as well.

There’s very little in the way of controls – only five buttons in total that sit on the top of the speaker. There’s power, input, sound modes and volume up/down. In terms of inputs, it also keeps things quite basic: USB-C (16-bit/48KHz), Optical Digital, 3.5mm AUX and Bluetooth 5.0.

Wi-Fi connectivity would have been welcome at this price, even if optional. Though after wrestling with Sonos setups, I can see the appeal of keeping things simple. There’s no hassle with setting it up, just plug in the supplied power cord, turn it on and select your preferred connection method.

Performance

Considering its diminutive size, the Opsodis 1 produces a richly immersive real-world listening experience with a more generous sweet spot than I’ve experienced with similar systems that take up more space, like the OXS Thunder Pro+.

I first came across the Opsodis 1 at a pre-CES innovation showcase, and even in a crowded conference hall, the impact of its directional sound was surprisingly effective. I could not believe that all of that sound was coming from a single source that was placed roughly four feet away from me. It was far from ideal conditions for a sound demo, and it still delivered.

Placed inside the controlled environment of your home or office desktop setup, it delivers an immersive experience that is without parallel in this form factor. Nothing this small delivers sound this expansive. If a superior product exists, I’ve not experienced it yet.

Most spatial audio products rely on multiple speakers and room reflections. Opsodis 1 is able to project a field of sound in three modes: narrow, wide and a simulated 2-channel stereo. Narrow is designed for a single person at a desktop, wide is for 2-3 listeners, and stereo performs like a regular speaker.

I enjoy the performance of mode 2 (wide) the most as I find the sound more enveloping, with a broader field of tolerance for experiencing its impressive detail and separation. Another benefit of mode 2 is that it generally offers a deeper bass response when listening to lower-frequency music.

I would say bass is maybe the only area where this speaker could deliver more. Even in mode 1, it comprehensively handles the rumbling whoosh of Maverick’s fighter jet during his test run scene in Top Gun. A Deep House track like “Raingirl” by Yaeji can start to feel muddy if it’s pushed too loud. It does output 20W per channel, though, so it’s by no means quiet. Anything over 40 watts is hard to speak over.

Where this speaker truly shines is with atmospheric video or gaming content. In situations where the direction of sound has a direct impact on the experience, Opsodis 1 throws you in, headfirst.

Should I buy the Opsodis 1?

When something as unique as the Opsodis 1 enters the market, it’s challenging to make useful comparisons. It’s especially difficult when the best things about the product can only be experienced in person. But what I hope I’ve got across to you is that this product is in a league of its own.

If you want to upgrade your desktop setup with a speaker that delivers astonishing sound performance in an impossibly compact unit, the Opsodis 1 is very hard to beat. Especially if you can get it at its early adoption price of $720.

At full price, it’s not going to be for everybody as it sits in a niche by its very nature. But if you’ve got the budget and a taste for finer things – aesthetically and in terms of audio – look no further. Opsodis 1 will make a fine addition to your office, studio or home setup.

Also Consider

The Opsodis 1 is unique enough that it doesn't really have a direct competitor. Nothing else at this price is doing single-unit, near-field, HRTF-driven 3D audio for a desktop listener. So rather than pretend otherwise, here's what I'd point you towards depending on what drew you to it in the first place.

If the 3D pitch doesn't grab you, look at the KEF LSX II LT. At £899/$999, KEF's wireless desktop system is an established benchmark in this bracket. Offering proper hi-res streaming, a refined Uni-Q driver array, and a stereo image that's been earning awards for years. You lose the spatial trickery and gain a streaming setup that works and is also easy on the eye – especially in “Amber Haze” (orange).

If you’re on a budget but still need a desktop speaker upgrade, the Ruark MR1 Mk3 is a smart buy. At £399/$599, these are one of the best pairs of active desktop speakers available, and they're beautifully made. No 3D, no DSP cleverness, just excellent conventional stereo - though you'll need to find space for two cabinets either side of your monitor.