Home Theater Speakers
A new line of speakers from Pioneer introduces the ISO-Drive speaker that reduces interaction between the speaker driver and the enclosure using a floating baffle to restrict vibrations. The tweeter and woofer are moved close together to refine and improve directionality and enhance imaging. The only difference between the three models (S-DF1-K for $199 a pair, S-DF2-K for $259 a pair and S-DF3K for $349 a pair) is the size of the woofer, the largest being eight inches. The surround speakers (S-DS1-H for $169 a pair) are designed to solve the diffuse-vs.-direct radiating surround speakers dilemma. The speaker can be oriented on its wall bracket to deliver either diffuse or radiated sound, depending on preference and source material. A matching center channel, the D-DC1K ($189), and the 150-watt S-DW1-K 10-inch subwoofer ($399) round out this aesthetically and sonically matched set of loudspeakers.
THEIL joins the home theater revolution with new bookshelf, in-wall and surface mount speakers. The SCS3 and MCS1 are magnetically shielded speakers that can perform equally well as a stereo pair, surround or center. The MCS1 is a three-way system, while the SCS3 is two-way. The PowerPlane™ is a high-performance two-way in-wall speaker, with a coax-mounted driver that ensures good sound dispersion regardless of placement. The PowerPoint™ surface mount speaker can be attached to walls and ceilings or placed in cabinets. The coaxal-mounted driver and wedge-shaped enclosure provide greater control over sound coverage, making it possible to create the sound environment of choice.
Sunfire gets small with the True Subwoofer Junior, using a seven-inch driver in a diminutive nine-inch cube (weighing a mere 28 pounds) that still tosses you out of your seat, incorporating the same patented 1,200 watt Tracking Down Converter™ amplifier used in all the other True Subwoofers. It is now shipping for $895. For the aesthetically conscious, the 11-inch True Subwoofer now comes in an architectural style with only one front firing driver (no passive radiator) in either a black ($1,295) or white ($1,349) enclosure. Next summer, Sunfire will be ready to ship the Cinema Ribbons that get down to 80Hz and can be used for all full-range positions in a home theater setting. They will be sold in sets of five in either black ($3,495) or white ($3,695).
Polk Audio makes setting up a home theater in a basic living room pretty simple with the all-in-one RMDS-1. Retailing for $2,700, the system includes four satellite speakers, a horizontally-oriented center channel, a 10-inch powered sub, a Dolby Digital preamp processor with tuner and a 550-watt multi-channel amplifier. The processor even has multi-room, multi-source functionality. At this price, no one should go without a home theater set-up.
When it comes to versatility and selection, Canadian newcomer Audio Specialiste can mix and match a variety of speaker sizes within their Virtuel and Dimensions series of loudspeakers. No matter what size your room or pocketbook, a system can be custom fitted for your specific needs. Ranging in price from $259 a pair for small bookshelf speakers on up to $929 a pair for high-performance floor standing models. A variety of center channel speakers and subwoofers are offered.
