The Apogee Diva loudspeakers are an iconic statement in high-end audio, representing the peak of ribbon speaker design during the late 1980s. If you’re the type of audiophile who believes sound should be as spacious, precise, and lifelike as possible, the Diva is a jaw-dropping masterpiece that delivers on all fronts. With full-range ribbon drivers, an imposing physical presence, and the ability to recreate a soundstage so vast it feels like stepping into a concert hall, the Diva has earned its reputation as one of the most coveted speakers of all time.
However, let’s be clear—owning and operating a pair of Apogee Divas is not for the faint of heart. These speakers demand serious amplification, careful setup, and the patience of a saint to extract their full potential. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the reward is otherworldly sound reproduction.
This pair has some minor moisture damage on two of the corners (shown in detail in the photos) but sonic is absolutely flawless. We've been enjoying them in the showroom for a few weeks.
*Includes two sets of crossovers. DAX available upon request.
Ships only via private courier.
- Production
- 1988-1993
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 10254
- Orig. MSRP
- $8000
- Restoration
- Extensive audio testing
- Casters added to stands
- Detailed
- Factory Specs
Height 188 cm
Width 82 cm
Depth 7 cm
Bass driver Aluminium/Kapton panel (hand cut)
Midrange Aluminium/Kapton
Tweeter Aluminium single element
Max Sound Level Over 115db @ 4 Meters using a 100 watt Stereo Amplifier
Sensitivity 87dB
Frequency response 20Hz (-3dB) to 25kHz
Suggested amp power 100W (8 ohm load)
Impedance nominal 3 ohms
Weight 150lbs each
Finishes available Light grey, Anthracite, Taupe plus faux marble and wood
Price at time of first sale (1988) $8000
- Liner Notes
The Diva was Apogee's most expensive ribbon speaker when it was released in 1988. Nearly as large as the original Full Range it was a 3-way system, slightly over 6 feet tall with a very large trapezoidal bass panel, a 3 element aluminium midrange ribbon and a tweeter made from a single strip of aluminium foil.
The design has an external crossover box with controls for bass (normal-lo), overall midrange level (normal-high), upper midrange (high-normal-lo), and tweeter level (high-normal-lo). These unfortunately have a detrimental effect on sound quality and are best removed from the circuit.
At over 6 feet tall the Diva does tend to dominate a room, although from my experience the bass is better controlled than the Duetta Signature which makes it more room friendly, at least in terms of room interaction in the low frequencies. It does want to be at least 3 feet, and no more than 5 feet from the rear wall, and although the recommended clearance from side walls is at least 10", I have found 2 feet or more helps the imaging considerably.
There were 2 versions of the Diva. After 1993 Divas were made to special order only. The later version will have serial numbers starting from 6000, as opposed to from 10000 for the originals. Also stronger magnets were used, which considerably increased the magnetic field strength. This also increased the maximum SPL to 118dB.
The Diva's outboard crossover was modified after serial number 10360 to make conversion for DAX (dedicated active crossover) operation easier for more information on converting the crossovers see the DAX page and manual.
- Shipping
- To ensure safe arrival, we often use private couriers. These are transporters in Sprinter Vans or pulling covered trailers often moving art and antiques across the country. Absolutely the safest way to ship short of you picking it up yourself. This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $600, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
- Stock No.
- 8856317231325
The Apogee Diva loudspeakers are an iconic statement in high-end audio, representing the peak of ribbon speaker design during the late 1980s. If you’re the type of audiophile who believes sound should be as spacious, precise, and lifelike as possible, the Diva is a jaw-dropping masterpiece that delivers on all fronts. With full-range ribbon drivers, an imposing physical presence, and the ability to recreate a soundstage so vast it feels like stepping into a concert hall, the Diva has earned its reputation as one of the most coveted speakers of all time.
However, let’s be clear—owning and operating a pair of Apogee Divas is not for the faint of heart. These speakers demand serious amplification, careful setup, and the patience of a saint to extract their full potential. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the reward is otherworldly sound reproduction.
This pair has some minor moisture damage on two of the corners (shown in detail in the photos) but sonic is absolutely flawless. We've been enjoying them in the showroom for a few weeks.
*Includes two sets of crossovers. DAX available upon request.
Ships only via private courier.
Production
1988-1993
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
10254
Orig. MSRP
$8000
Restoration
- Extensive audio testing
- Casters added to stands
- Detailed
Factory Specs
Height 188 cm
Width 82 cm
Depth 7 cm
Bass driver Aluminium/Kapton panel (hand cut)
Midrange Aluminium/Kapton
Tweeter Aluminium single element
Max Sound Level Over 115db @ 4 Meters using a 100 watt Stereo Amplifier
Sensitivity 87dB
Frequency response 20Hz (-3dB) to 25kHz
Suggested amp power 100W (8 ohm load)
Impedance nominal 3 ohms
Weight 150lbs each
Finishes available Light grey, Anthracite, Taupe plus faux marble and wood
Price at time of first sale (1988) $8000
Liner Notes
The Diva was Apogee's most expensive ribbon speaker when it was released in 1988. Nearly as large as the original Full Range it was a 3-way system, slightly over 6 feet tall with a very large trapezoidal bass panel, a 3 element aluminium midrange ribbon and a tweeter made from a single strip of aluminium foil.
The design has an external crossover box with controls for bass (normal-lo), overall midrange level (normal-high), upper midrange (high-normal-lo), and tweeter level (high-normal-lo). These unfortunately have a detrimental effect on sound quality and are best removed from the circuit.
At over 6 feet tall the Diva does tend to dominate a room, although from my experience the bass is better controlled than the Duetta Signature which makes it more room friendly, at least in terms of room interaction in the low frequencies. It does want to be at least 3 feet, and no more than 5 feet from the rear wall, and although the recommended clearance from side walls is at least 10", I have found 2 feet or more helps the imaging considerably.
There were 2 versions of the Diva. After 1993 Divas were made to special order only. The later version will have serial numbers starting from 6000, as opposed to from 10000 for the originals. Also stronger magnets were used, which considerably increased the magnetic field strength. This also increased the maximum SPL to 118dB.
The Diva's outboard crossover was modified after serial number 10360 to make conversion for DAX (dedicated active crossover) operation easier for more information on converting the crossovers see the DAX page and manual.
Shipping
To ensure safe arrival, we often use private couriers. These are transporters in Sprinter Vans or pulling covered trailers often moving art and antiques across the country. Absolutely the safest way to ship short of you picking it up yourself. This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $600, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
Stock No.
8856317231325
