“The Expressionist PLUS (FX3021) subwoofer packs tremendous punch for its tiny size,“ says Don Milks, Altec Lansing’s Senior Manager, Product Management for PC Audio. “By doing away with the enclosure and making the satellites angle-adjustable, we’ve made it easy for the listener to enjoy a remarkably deep, precise soundstage, no matter what distance or angle they listen from. We think this is the best performing $99 PC speaker on the market.“
The new Expressionist PLUS is a 2.1 channel subwoofer-satellite system featuring a dramatic cone-shaped, bottom loaded subwoofer that at its base is about the size of a small Frisbee disc. This sleek, modern looking sub utilizes a 5.25-inch, long-throw driver for authoritative bass that extends down to 50 Hz, even when placed on a desktop. The bass output is conveniently controlled within fingertip reach, letting the user tailor the optimum balance between sub and satellites. The entire system is driven by an impressive 24 watts of power.
The dual 2-inch full range satellites of the Expressionist PLUS complete the system, and are remarkable achievements of design and simplicity. Their innovative form utilizes Altec Lansing’s Audio Alignment™ craftsmanship that precisely aligns the drivers, enclosure and electronics for natural-sounding audio performance, the way the artist intended. The satellites can be aimed in any direction to focus the soundstage for the ideal listening position, distance and height. The end result is a deep and realistic stereo image that’s exactly proportioned to the listening area.
The diminutive size of the Expressionist PLUS makes it a perfect accompaniment for desktop and laptop computers and other 3.5mm-connected entertainment such as an iPod®. Power and volume controls are conveniently located for easy access.
Altec Lansing’s Expressionist PLUS FX3021 PC Speaker System will be available in June of 2009 at consumer electronics retailers and at www.alteclansing.com.
The LSR2300 Series includes: the LSR2328P Bi-Amplified 203 mm (8-inch) Studio Monitor with 165 Watts of amplification; the LSR2325P Bi-Amplified 133 mm (5-inch) Studio Monitor with 90 Watts of amplification; and the LSR2310SP Powered 254 mm (10-inch) Studio Subwoofer with an integrated 180 Watt power amplifier.
In developing the LSR2300 Series, JBL applied the same stringent Linear Spatial Reference criteria used in the design of the acclaimed LSR6300 and LSR4300 Series. While most manufacturers take only a single on-axis measurement of the speaker’s performance, JBL’s Linear Spatial Reference criteria requires 70 measurements, yielding more than 1,200 times more data. The data enables JBL to engineer a system that produces greater accuracy at the mix position. A trademark of LSR2300 design is the large waveguide and the elliptical tweeter aperture that work in conjunction with a 1” silk-substrate high-frequency transducer to deliver superior imaging and smoother frequency response.
Today’s music styles, film production and the demand for high-quality audio for HDTV require a monitor system capable of extended low frequency performance and high dynamic range. To address this, JBL engineered new long-excursion low-frequency transducers with high-flux motors and a custom tuned port that work in concert to produce deep accurate low frequency response, previously unavailable at this price point. The LSR2328P 8” model provides low frequency extension to 37Hz; the LSR2325P 5” model to 43Hz, and the LSR2310SP subwoofer provides deep low frequency performance below 28Hz. Each studio monitor in the LSR2300 line produces exceptional sound pressure level (SPL) achieved through the use of high-sensitivity transducers and careful attention paid to the thermal properties of the system.
Featured to integrate into professional systems, all models include balanced and unbalanced inputs that allow connection to a wide range of playback sources including computer audio workstations, professional mixing consoles, as well as consumer playback systems. The LSR2310SP Subwoofer includes a 2-channel bass management system with selectable crossover settings and balanced outputs for integration of the sub into any system. LSR2325P and LSR2328P enclosures include mounting points and are reinforced for safe wall mounting. Transducers in all models are self-shielded to allow use in close proximity to magnetically-sensitive equipment.
“Our objective was to introduce a line that provides an unprecedented level of accuracy and performance at affordable price points, an achievement that is confirmed by the tremendous response from the market,” said Peter Chaikin, Director of Recording and Broadcast Marketing, JBL Professional. “With the LSR2300 Series, it is now possible for any studio to have the professional quality and performance that have made our LSR6300 and LSR4300 models the choice of top engineers, artists and facilities worldwide.”
Ingenium Silver, Teresonic’s new range of loudspeakers, with pure sound of pure silver that can evoke the warmth and emotion of a live musical performance.
“The Silver edition provides all of the traditional Ingenium advantages - sonic clarity, coherence, and dynamics - while pushing the sonic qualities even further with pure silver coil drivers,” says Mike Zivkovic, president of Teresonic. “This combination of lifelike sound quality, extreme efficiency, and on-site tuning ability makes Ingenium Silver a truly unique offering for high-end audio systems.”
Ingenium Silver (available online at http://www.teresonic.com) also includes an adjustable driver system to accommodate a wide choice of famous Lowther 8-inch drivers for a variety of tuning possibilities. On-site driver replacement makes it possible for users to easily fine-tune their system to match different electronic components and room acoustics.
“Most speakers are designed for a specific driver, forcing audiophiles to swap the entire speaker in order to match their systems and sound preferences,” says Zivkovic. “The Ingenium Silver changes that, allowing users to swap drivers that will match their system, room acoustics, and their hearing.”
Unique architecture and geometry enables Ingenium to produce the most natural sound possible. Every sound source radiates sound waves from a single “point” – whether it’s a violin, a trumpet, or a human voice. Teresonic speakers follow this design rule with one-way design, using full-range, high-efficiency Lowther drivers – translating the model of a theoretically perfect singular acoustic source to create a startling sonic performance. Avoiding use of crossovers in Teresonic speakers results in natural sound, with a wealth of detail, exceptional dynamic range and a sense of musical “aliveness” not found elsewhere.
Sculpted like the finest musical instruments and individually handcrafted, Ingenium Silver speakers retail for $11,980 per pair with a DX3 driver, and $14,480 with DX4. Customers get a 30-day Total Satisfaction Guarantee and a full three-year warranty. Specifications include 101.5dB (1W/1kHz/1m) for DX3 and 103dB for DX4 driver, bandwidth of 30Hz-22kHz ± 3dB, and power handling of 2 - 100 Watts into 8 Ohms nominal impedance.
“With the Ingenium Silver, you experience all the textures and harmonics of live music. They let you hear how the decay of instruments and acoustical environments sound,” says Jack Roberts of Dagogo.com. “The music blooms and feels much more like real music. The whole listening experience becomes about the sounds and feelings of the music in a way that transcends an electronic listening experience.”
Audiophile quality sound with in-wall invisibility. What once seemed like a contradiction is a reality with the introduction of the high-performance Jamo IW 827 LCR custom speaker, thanks to the use of award-winning Concert Series C 800 components.
Utilizing the key engineering principles that have made the Concert Series speakers a popular choice for movie and music enthusiasts, the IW 827 LCR is a versatile design that can be used as left, right and center channel speakers in an advanced home theater/audio system.
Core Concert Series technologies, such as Decoupled Tweeter Technology (DTT), WaveGuide, Hard Conical Cones (HCC), Active Impedance Correction (AIC) and solid aluminum center plugs are all found in these high-performance models. Created for audio purists, their quality and attention to detail reflects Jamo’s highly focused approach to custom products.
The IW 827 LCR is a 2.5-way design with a 1-inch DTT silk dome tweeter located between the 7-inch woofer and a 7-inch midrange/woofer—both featuring high-end fiberglass/honeycomb composite drivers. This design, coupled with a unique crossover, achieves excellent vertical sound dispersion without the midrange cancellation that can happen in a traditional two-way speaker’s woofer/tweeter/woofer layout.
The driver configuration gives it a slightly downward optimal listening angle; in other words, it can be installed next to a flat panel TV or alone, relatively high on a wall, and still deliver optimal audio to those seated in the room.
According to director of product planning Rune Karsbaek, the IW 827 LCR is consistent with Jamo’s overall philosophy, despite being an in-wall product. “While we’re widely known for the beautiful Danish design of our cabinets, our unique, open Danish sound is just as important. These speakers reproduce music and soundtracks with all the vibrancy of our Concert Series, but also provide a discreet, built-in solution for any living space.”
For installations that require a sealed back box, the speaker has an available two-part enclosure. The halves are identical and are lined with damping material. By using separate boxes for the upper woofer and lower woofer/midrange, the possibility of mid- and low-frequency interference is greatly reduced.
The IW 827 LCR is scheduled for release next month. It is priced at $799 (U.S. MSRP) each; the optional two-part back box is $199 (U.S. MSRP).
About exclusive Jamo technologies:
# Decoupled Tweeter Technology (DTT): A mounting system that prevents unwanted cabinet and wall vibrations that can cloud or color sound.
# Hard Conical Cones (HCC): This technology allows for extremely low distortion throughout the range, as well as creates a very open and detailed mid-range for optimum voice reproduction.
# WaveGuide: This technology, which involves the shape of the tweeter’s faceplate, helps control the sound pattern for a more open and dynamic experience, as well as makes it easier to position the speakers in a room.
# Active Impedance Correction: AIC results in reduced distortion in electrodynamic speakers, reducing roughness for clearer midrange, particularly in vocals.
A smaller, more affordable version of the Jamo R 909, the new R 907 tower speaker is also designed for the true audiophile—but designed to work brilliantly where space is at a premium. Like the R 909, the R 907 features dipolar engineering, which means that sound is distributed from both the front and the back of the speaker. The reflected audio from the rear adds ambience and gives the impression of a much larger room—in other words, a more lifelike, live performance sound.
Dipolar loudspeakers have existed for many years; most of them have been electrostatic designs. However, electrostatic technology has one significant drawback: bass frequency reproduction is compromised. They simply aren’t able to produce the characteristic physical bass “thwack” you feel in your midriff. The Jamo Reference R 907 audio tower uses electrodynamic speakers instead of electrostatics—and the results are amazing. The exceptionally firm, deep bass and concert-like high end dynamics put you in the middle of the soundstage.
By using 12-inch woofers rather than the 15-inch drivers found in the R 909, Jamo engineers were able to make the R 907 approximately 20 percent shorter and 15 percent slimmer than the larger model—and even more ideal for smaller living spaces.
Available in striking high-gloss red or black finishes, the R 907 is sure to attract attention as much for its unique look as for its incredibly detailed sound reproduction. The open design allows you to see the quality components that make the Jamo R 907 so remarkable: the two woofers, the Hard Conical Cone midrange driver and the premium tweeter. From deep, precise bass to startlingly concert-like vocals, we’ve spared no expense to deliver sound in its purest form—and the evidence is clear at a glance.
The Jamo development team was given a mission: to “translate” the design and the acoustic characteristics of the R 909 into a new, less space-demanding speaker system. Like its bigger brother, the R 907’s sound quality is very open and dynamic, with extremely low distortion throughout the entire range. It features a highly-detailed midrange with optimal voice reproduction, and a firm, powerful bass, unmatched by mass-produced dipolar speakers.
The Reference Series offers pure works of art that demonstrate superior power handling and audio quality. With their refined sound, both the R 909 and R 907 are, without a doubt, designed exclusively for those discriminating listeners who prefer high end speakers that deliver perfect two-channel sound.
The all-new, uniquely versatile design of the JBL Control NOW loudspeakers enables them to be placed virtually anywhere — including areas where other speakers cannot be installed. The drivers are mounted behind a curved quarter-round front section, and the rear of the enclosure has three angled sections that enable the speakers to be corner-mounted between a ceiling and wall or between two walls. They can also be placed either horizontally or vertically on a shelf. The JBL Control NOW has a black finish, and the JBL Control NOW AW is available in a white finish.
Multiple JBL Control NOW speakers can be joined to create half-round, three-quarter-round, or fully round configurations, and they can be hung from a ceiling using an optional pole-mount bracket and standard ceiling-fan hardware. In addition, the speakers can be mounted with third-party stands, using included adapters.
When used in two-, three- or four-speaker arrays, the JBL Control NOW and JBL Control NOW AW can be configured for either single-channel or single-point stereo use, for maximum flexibility in a wide variety of home, multiroom, architectural and background-music applications, including in media rooms, kitchens, decks or patios — or wherever natural, accurate sound with a wide coverage area is desired.
JBL Control NOW and JBL Control NOW AW loudspeakers are designed from the ground up to deliver outstanding sound quality in the most challenging installation applications.
Corner-mounting, and some multiunit speaker configurations, can have an adverse effect on frequency response across the listening area. To ensure accurate audio performance even in less-than-optimal acoustic situations, the loudspeakers feature a tweeter mounted in a patented JBL Bi-Radial® horn, and have a newly developed profile that has been optimized to minimize diffraction effects from room surfaces to deliver exceptionally smooth, wide frequency response. The speakers have constant-directivity dispersion when wall-mounted, and omnidirectional characteristics when corner-mounted or grouped in a four-speaker circular array.
The tweeter incorporates a 3/4-inch titanium-laminate diaphragm and a ferrofluid-cooled voice coil that is driven by a high-Gauss neodymium-boron-iron magnet, for high-power-handling capability, and outstanding resolution and transient response.
The tweeter is complemented by two 4-inch woofers that incorporate dual neodymium-boron-iron magnets, which completely surround the voice coil. The design of the woofer’s motor structure and suspension was optimized using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a computer-analysis technique that is used to model complex systems such as loudspeaker drivers by breaking their intricate multipart elements down into smaller pieces, predicting the behavior of these elements, and then combining the behavior of all the elements to arrive at an accurate analysis of the entire system. The use of FEA enabled JBL engineers to design a unique woofer that delivers increased output capability with minimal distortion, even at high volume levels, and provides additional sonic benefits.
To further refine their performance, the JBL Control NOW and JBL Control NOW AW feature enclosures and baffles made from a thermoplastic-composite material that contains both glass and mineral fill, which provides high rigidity and damping. The enclosure’s mechanical design utilizes thick walls, cast-aluminum internal bracing and other refinements to minimize internal resonances and acoustical loss.
The JBL Control NOW loudspeakers are currently available at a suggested retail price of $249 each. The Control NOW AW will be available in late June 2008 at a suggested retail price of $279 each.
With the introduction of its THX® Ultra2 in-ceiling speakers this month, Klipsch adds an all-new premium category to its custom installation business. The latest KL-7502-THX LCR and KS-7502-THX surround models are not only meticulously mapped to THX standards, they also put a fresh spin on the company’s horn-loaded design principles.
According to Mark Casavant, vice president of product development for Klipsch architectural, in-ceiling speakers make up 70 percent of the loudspeaker market, and while Klipsch has been a major player in this segment for years, these new discreet THX® Ultra2 speakers establish a precedence for the company. In fact, the KS-7502-THX is the market’s first THX Ultra2-certified in-ceiling surround speaker.
“Both premium priced products, the KL-7502-THX and KS-7502-THX are now our top-of-the-line in-ceiling speakers, bringing superior sound performances to larger sized rooms,” said Casavant. “While conventional in-ceiling speakers rarely “fool” listeners into believing the sound is coming directly at them, our THX Ultra2 models break the mold by providing articulate detail, powerful impact and excellent localization.”
The KL-7502-THX makes a great left, center or right main channel speaker, as well as a back-channel surround. It employs dual 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofers that operate in an enclosed tuned-port chamber. These exclusive rigid woofer cones offer superb damping characteristics that will not flex or resonate at frequencies within the drivers’ operating ranges, resulting in consistent bass response regardless of the installation or ceiling air space. A 1-inch titanium tweeter in a patented 60-90-110-degree horn that features Variable Coverage Technology, or VCT, allows the speaker to create precise imaging and localized sound fields. The woofers are mated to the tweeter via precision-voiced, high-definition crossover networks, producing a flat in-room frequency response, as well as the company’s signature high efficiency, low distortion sound.
The KS-7502-THX utilizes the same low-frequency driver design and crossover networks as the LCR. The real difference lies in the top end. Dual 1-inch titanium horn-loaded tweeters lie in a patented vertically stacked Wide Dispersion Surround Technology array producing a smooth, seamless broad distribution of sound, as well as enveloping surround performances and precise localization of individual effects.
Adding to their first-class sound, the KL-7502-THX and KS-7502-THX also have a premium look and feel with their grilles off, featuring a deluxe MDF baffle with aluminum fascia. But when covered, the speakers’ paintable grilles allow them to blend in perfectly with any home décor. All-new sure-grip mounting dogs offer even pressure against drywall for long-term installation reliability.
Furthermore, these models come with a lot of options. Timbre matched to all Klipsch THX Ultra2-certified products, installers can create a variety of THX Ultra2 stereo and home theater configurations.
Available for purchase through the residential contracting market, the KL-7502-THX and
KS-7502-THX carry a U.S. MSRP of $1,000 each.
Designed for today’s outdoor home theater lifestyles, NXG Rock Speakers offer maximum sound quality and state of the art audio clarity. Offered in granite and sandstone, these speakers blend in with today’s outdoor environment while proving resistant to long-term exposure to extreme weather conditions. The 6 ½” to 10” sizes offer various choices for different outdoor settings. One of the popular models available through DBL Distributing, is the 10” weather-resistant residential subwoofer rock speaker (DBL SKU’s NX-PRO1000G & NX-PRO1000S). This innovative speaker features 150 watts of maximum power handling and a dual voice coil, 10” fiberglass cone woofer in a rubber surround with a silicone sealed, glass reinforced, “cast iron” resin with frequency response from 35Hz to 150Hz. The aggressive price point offers innovative technology and a pristine design bundled in a much lower cost to the custom install community.
NXG Technology’s Pro Series Rock Speakers are available to custom-installation professionals, independent retailers and home theater designers, through an exclusive US distribution agreement with DBL Distributing LLC by calling 800.433.6766 or ordering online at http://www.dbldistributing.com.
“DBL is very excited to be the exclusive distributor of NXG’s new Pro Series Rock Speakers,” stated Tim Coakley, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for DBL Distributing. “The superior design coupled with extreme value provides an excellent product choice for our custom installation customer segment. NXG has consistently yielded excellent results for DBL and the profitable results for custom installation community.”
When the Klipsch® industrial design team set out to create the flagship Palladium™ P-39F floorstanding loudspeaker, their goal was to have it resemble a premium piece of handcrafted furniture. And, by looking at its striking boat-tail silhouette and exotic zebra-striped finish, it’s quite obvious they hit the mark. But, less apparent is the team’s environmentally friendly approach.
According to Paul Jacobs, president and COO of Klipsch Group, Inc., often, when building luxury goods, manufacturers will use a zebrawood veneer because their affluent target market is awed by its dramatic color banding of light and dark stripes. However, it’s a resource that is considered threatened in its native habitat, meaning it’s vulnerable to extinction in the near future. “With the P-39F, we too are trying to reach upper-echelon customers using a distinct, zebra-striped veneer, but we’ve found a way to lessen the impact it has on our mother Earth,” he said.
The Palladium P-39F features what the company calls a “Linia” veneer, which is available in three different finish stains: natural, merlot and espresso. According to Glen Fuller, Klipsch director of design, Linia is a very close match to zebrawood. It is a hand-selected zebra-grain veneer produced from real wood; tree sources include the Ayous, Obeche and Italian Poplar. These trees are part of a government-sanctioned controlled harvest, so they are a renewable wood resource. “By using the Linia zebra-grain veneer, we’re proving that the essence of nature can still be enjoyed without harming the environment,” noted Fuller.
There are several other advantages that Linia has over zebrawood. Five times as much zebrawood needs to be used to find an acceptable product finish, resulting in an incredible amount of waste material. Worse yet, it is wasting a natural resource that is not easily renewable. The non-threatened Linia is a more eco-friendly choice, in that its repeatable pattern/grain is consistent and offers graphic uniformity, leaving hardly any waste material behind. Fuller also mentioned that Linia’s stain and color consistency from model-to-model is good for manufacturing and matching models from run-to-run and year-to-year.
“Because we want to be an environmentally responsible company, while still setting the highest production standards, we decided to go with a zebra-grain Linia version rather than a zebrawood veneer on the P-39F,” said Jacobs.
Palladium P-39F speakers will begin shipping to select U.S. specialty retailers this summer. More information on this luxury product can be found at http://www.klipsch.com/palladium.
If you’re looking for a small but nice sounding speaker for your iPod that will fit perfectly into a kids room, kitchen, or even a bathroom, this is your ticket folks. And now its even easier to get since Best Buy has signed on for selling these little devices. So see why the Ladybug won “Best of Show” title from Mac experts iLounge and an Innovations Award from CES and maybe buy a couple of the cute little bugs for your home this weekend.