Romeo Barisic on bringing Marten to Innsbruck
In Austria, Aktivstudio has become a destination for high-end audio, run by Romeo Barisic. What began in 2011 as a modest Wohnraumstudio (living room studio) in his home has grown into a serious high-end showroom.
Originally, Romeo had a singular focus: active loudspeakers. The name “Aktivstudio” captured that phase. Over time, he expanded the vision—welcoming passive speakers, tube gear, turntables and a curated range of high-quality audio components.
Today, Aktivstudio is more than a showroom — it’s a place where personal relationships and careful curation matter just as much as the gear on display. Romeo’s philosophy is rooted in passion, detail, and dialogue with his customers. As he says:
“The satisfaction of our customers is always our top priority.”
His decision to partner with Marten came through his collaboration with Jan Sieveking of Sieveking Sound, Marten’s German distributor. Marten’s speakers bring not only technical excellence but an emotional resonance, something Romeo seeks above all.
Q&A with Romeo, Aktivstudio
Can you tell us a little about the history of your company and how it has evolved?
“Aktivstudio – born out of passion. What began as a hobby in our own homes gradually developed into our studio today. The name Aktivstudio is reminiscent of my beginnings: back then, I focused exclusively on active loudspeakers. Today, it stands for my enthusiasm for high-quality audio technology and for the joy of inspiring people with exceptional sound.”
What is unique about your local market and your customers?
“For me, it’s not products that take center stage, but people. My customers are true music fans—faithful, loyal, and by my side for many years. I have an almost friendly relationship with many of them. And that’s exactly what makes my studio so special.”
How do you curate the brands you represent, and why did Marten fit into your portfolio?
“I choose my brands primarily based on sound quality and emotional appeal. In addition to sound, other criteria such as brand image, build quality, design, compatibility, distribution quality, and service quality are also important to me.”
What does a typical day look like in your showroom?
“My daily routine is as varied as our customers’ wishes. I process orders from the online shop, provide advice by phone or in person, hold exciting demonstrations in the studio and directly at my customers’ premises – and in between, we also take the time to enjoy a delicious espresso in the studio.”
What is your philosophy when it comes to high-end audio and customer experience?
“There is no such thing as “plug and play” in the high-end sector. Only carefully selected and perfectly coordinated systems can deliver the kind of fascination that ensures long-lasting enthusiasm and satisfaction. We pay attention to every little detail—because true sound quality is the result of precise fine-tuning. The satisfaction of our customers is always our top priority.”
How do you guide clients to find the right speaker for their home and lifestyle?
“In order to find the optimal solution for each customer, I ask specific questions about the room, the installation location, listening habits, room acoustics, existing electronics, and personal design preferences. Equally important is the listening test—in the studio and, especially in the high-end sector, also in the customer’s own home.”
Do you have a particular way of demonstrating music to reveal what Marten speakers can do?
“Good Speakers, matched with right amplifier, cables and a good source can play any kind of music”
What role does craftsmanship and design play in your choice of brands?
“It’s important, but not as important as sound quality and emotional appeal”
What was the first piece of music you played on Marten speakers, and what was your experience of it?
“I can’t remember which piece of music I played first, but the appearance of the Marten speakers does not hint at the richness of their sound. Based on the design, I would have expected a high-resolution, precise character, but what I heard was also emotionally engaging, full and musical. I’m very happy to have Marten speakers in my shop 😊”
Can you share a memorable experience with a client discovering Marten for the first time?
“I have already had many wonderful moments in a short time period with Marten speakers and my customers, across several series. Starting with Oscar Trio, then Parker Duo and Trio, and the absolute highlight, Mingus Quintet 2. I don’t even want to think about what comes next. What is always fascinating is the naturalness, liveliness, spatial representation, and resolution without tonal harshness. Achieving this balancing act is really very difficult, but Marten speakers seem to manage it effortlessly. A fascinating product!”
Which recordings or genres do you personally love to use when showing Marten speakers?
“Pretty much everything, actually: classical, rock, pop, jazz, electronic music, and not just good recordings.”
Outside of audio, what inspires you in your work or life?
“Most of all, my family. I have a wonderful wife, a daughter, and a son. They are the most important thing to me.”
What trends do you see in your market for the coming years?
“I don’t expect any major changes or trends in the industry. I believe that CDs will make a slight comeback. Streaming and LPs have become firmly established. Music systems will become somewhat more compact overall, with fewer devices.”
How do you see Marten fitting into the future of your business?
“Marten will play an important role and could develop into a very successful product in my studio over time. Marten will definitely occupy a top position in my upper range of speakers.”
What excites you most about working with Marten?
“I’ve only just started with Marten speakers, but the combination of sound and design is outstanding. The customer reactions have been almost entirely positive and enthusiastic, which makes me very excited for the future with Marten.”
Romeo’s passion for music and people has shaped Aktivstudio into far more than a showroom — it’s a place where long-term relationships are built on trust and shared listening experiences. With Mingus Quintet 2 Statement Edition, now taking pride of place in his showroom.
We’d like to thank Romeo for sharing his story with us, and Jan Sieveking of Sieveking Sound for his continued partnership in bringing Marten to Austria and Germany.
📷 All images ©Aktivstudio