CES 2000 Front Page | Ultimate Home Theater | Loudspeakers | TVs & Rear Projectors | 2-Channel Electronics | Affordable AV | Internet Audio & MP3 | DVD, PTV & DSS | Recordable CDs & DVDs | Accessories & Miscellaneous
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HOME THEATER SPEAKERS Home theater speaker systems abound, coming in various sizes and configurations, not to mention a huge range of prices. Finding differentiation among this sea of wooden enclosures and black mesh grilles takes a lot of looking, even for an insider like myself. Several manufacturers have been thinking outside the box, so to speak, in order to come up with some exciting and singular ideas to make purchasing a home theater speaker system an easier and more fulfilling experience for the consumer. Audio Products International (API), manufacturer and distributor of the highly acclaimed Mirage, Energy and Sound Dynamics loudspeakers, now offers a new brand labeled Athena Technologies. The Athena’s features: A new and unique approach to speaker design that integrates a passive bookshelf speaker with an active subwoofer; the two pieces are mechanically and electrically connected, using interlocking rails on the bottom of the passive speakers and the top of the powered subwoofer(s). A subtracting filter is initiated to ensure the proper crossover when passive and active units are coupled Nickel-plated connecting rails automatically transmits the audio signal to and from each unit, forestalling the need for jumper cables. This eliminates any phase errors due to improper connections. The entire line consists of seven models: three passive bookshelf models (S1, S2, S3), three matching powered subwoofers (P1, P2, P3) and a passive center speaker (C1). Virtually all units can be "mixed and matched," making it possible to continually upgrade. Ultimately, each speaker can be coupled with its own subwoofer. Price points will range from $250 for a pair of S1 two-way, five-inch models up to $4100 for a full-blown home theater system consisting of four S3 /P3 integrated speaker systems and a C1/P1 integrated powered center channel system. Miller & Kreisel demonstrated a new self-powered loudspeaker, the S-150P, which is based on their professional series model, the 2510P. They feature: active biamplification with two internal amplifiers, which deliver 180 watts total continuous power; benefits of biamplification generally result in great clarity and detail eliminating passive crossover prevents losses caused by cable runs from an amp to the speaker speakers consist of 1) 1-inch dome tweeter and 2) 5.25 mid/bass drivers using the exclusive Active Phase-Focused crossover, the S-150P exhibits a flat frequency response, which has been optimized for multi-channel applications balanced outputs for integration with high-end processors that accommodate balanced lines cost: $1,699 per pair PSB Speakers displayed the new Image series speaker line. The entire line is full range- and timbre-matched, making it possible for a consumer to start with something simple like the bookshelf models, then convert them to surround speakers when tower speakers are purchased later on. Two dedicated center- channel speakers and a subwoofer are part of the line. The top-of-the-line 7PT-tower speaker incorporates a powered subwoofer with side firing drivers. A unique design element of this series is the use of two basic structural baffle moldings throughout the line, one with a tweeter, woofer and port, the other with only a woofer and port. The molded baffles lock into the cabinets and support floating grilles. Two different center-channel speakers are available to match both baffle types. It doesn't matter which speaker is used in the front L/R, as there is a center-channel speaker that will always provide the proper tonal balance. Moreover, the larger baffle in the center speaker is turned so that the tweeter is in the middle of the three drivers, rather than being on top as they are in the towers/bookshelves. Top-of-the-line tower speakers use both baffle types plus an extra baffle with an additional woofer and port. prices range from $269 per pair up to $1,349 per pair Meridian delivers the smallest Digital Active Loudspeaker in its line-up for a sophisticated loudspeaker in a small package. DSP33 functions as a main speaker pair or as full-range, perfectly matched speakers in a complete home theater. DSP33/C is a slightly modified DSP33 that makes the speaker better suited for center-channel placement atop a TV/projector, with a special plinth that aims the speaker slightly downward. 24-bit/96kHz Audio DACs and a Motorola 56000 100 MIPS DSP processor for superior resolution on all current digital sources proprietary memory buffer and anti-jitter circuitry with Digital Domain linear-phase crossovers each speaker has dual 5-inch carbon-fiber woofers and a one-inch dome tweeter RS-232 port for software upgrades $4,500 per pair for the DSP33 and $2,465 for the DSP33/C Performance and style are more critical than ever before. Building yet another wooden box that emits sound is not enough. The speaker enclosures and the related stands must also qualify as furniture. Infinity delivers the new Intermezzo line that excels in both fashion and function in its contoured cast-aluminum enclosures with a choice of side panels. The series includes the 4.1t, a floor-standing tower with a sculptured appearance that houses a one-inch tweeter, a four-inch midrange, a 6.5-inch mid-bass driver and a 850-watt powered subwoofer. The smaller bookshelf 2.6 speakers employ a single one-inch tweeter and a powered 250-watt woofer to ensure deep, powerful bass from the small-sized speaker. The center channel 3.5c supplies the same one-inch tweeter as is found in the entire line, plus a 250-watt amplifier with the dual 5.25-inch woofers. The 1.2-inch subwoofer employs a 850-watt amp to drive the 12-inch driver for ultra subsonics below 24Hz. utilizes patented Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphram driver technology that produces driver diaphragms of very low mass and rigidity for improved transient response and resolution, with reduced distortion or cone breakup Intermezzo system is enhanced with a proprietary feature called Room Adaptive Optimization System (R.A.B.O.S.), overcoming the under-100Hz resonance common to most listening rooms with the use of a built-in parametric equalizer for adjusting level, bandwidth and EQ frequency. This bass management system guarantees proper total balance in any room for either multi-channel or stereo applications. Bookshelf 2.6 speakers provide a placement switch that optimizes performance, depending on placement near a wall or on stands. It also has a switchable 80Hz high-pass filter that rolls off the bass response when it is used with the 1.2a subwoofer for a seamless crossover. The low-frequency response of the center channel 3.5c can be optimized for the size of the TV on which it is placed. Available in February, the side panels come in natural maple, cherry or black anigre. Intermezzo 4.1 (floor-standing) are set to sell for $2,500 per pair, the 2.6 bookshelfs are $2,000 per pair, the 3.5c center channel is $1,200 and the 1.2s subwoofer is $1,800. Acoustic Research (now a division of Recoton) created an entire new line of on-wall speakers called Phantom. When placed on a wall with a Plasma display, it looks very 21st century. The Phantom 8.3 is a three-way speaker and the 6.2 is a two-way speaker. Both can be used for main L/R. The 5.2 is a smaller two-way speaker, best suited for surround and the 252C is the dedicated center channel. Lightweight aluminum enclosures were chosen for the entire line, due to the metal’s inert properties. The off-center tweeter minimizes standing waves. Special titanium dome is designed for fast transient response and virtually no resonance. Mirror image mid/bass drivers ensure a balanced soundstage. Gold-plated terminals are available for bi-wiring or bi-amplification. All speakers can use the built-in wall mount bracket or get matching aluminum floor stands. The stands hide wires and come with spikes and plastic covers. The adjustment switch compensates the speaker’s characteristics for either type of placement. Pricing and availability were undisclosed. B & W also added an on-wall loudspeaker to the popular and stylish Nautilus family. The 4.5-inch-deep SCM1 combines the same components found in the Nautilus 805 with a vented enclosure that can be mounted directly on the wall. Use as main speakers in a simple two-channel speaker system, or use five units in a complete on-wall home theater, or just use as surround speakers when employing a higher level of Nautilus speakers for the front channels. The 800 series tweeter sits atop the cabinet (like all Nautilus speakers), while the mid/bass drivers are conventionally placed inside the cabinet, which comes in Black Ash, Natural Cherrywood and Red Cherrywood finishes. Solid aluminum bracket swivels horizontally up to 45 degrees for accurate placement in any setting. This is designed for use with plasma displays or projectors, so it is not magnetically shielded. These retail for $1,100 per pair, available February 2000. A good reference loudspeaker doesn’t have to require a second mortgage on the house. However, the better ones are going to put a pinch on the old wallet. With the NHT VT-3, it won’t hurt too bad, as this system can reproduce music soundtracks at the necessary dynamic levels for great impact, yet deliver musical material with the subtlety and clarity you’d demand from a two-channel system. The VT-3 system consists of two VT-3 towers with dual 10-inch side-firing subwoofers, the VC-3 center channel and two VR-3 surround speakers. System also includes the VT-3 controller, which comes with a remote to adjust master subwoofer volume, bass contour level and switch between the music and video mode. The main drive unit on all speakers is the same, utilizing two 6.5-inch woofers, a single 5.25-inch midrange and a one-inch aluminum dome tweeter. All speakers are magnetically shielded. VT-3 subwoofers are driven by a 500-watt mono amp employing Sunfire’s tracking down converter. There are two playback modes for optimum performance on all sources. In music mode, the frequency response of the VT-3’s subwoofers is flat, while the video mode delivers a slight boost relative to the system’s volume. Bass boost is continually variable between 0dB and 7.5dB, with the bass contour control. 35Hz high-pass filter allows the system to play at higher volumes without distortion. Available in March, the system will retail for $9,000.

There will always be a market for extreme speaker systems. While some are so out of whack with reality they make no sense beyond their novelty, there are a few notable gems out there. The two reference systems below demonstrated their worthiness in exceptional presentations during CES 2000. As with a yacht or an estate in Beverly Hills, most of us will only sit back and admire them from afar, but they are both worth mentioning for their extraordinary design and performance capabilities. Meridian, well known and respected for their Direct Active Loudspeakers that consist of amplification, preamp and crossover within the speaker chassis, extends performance to a new level with the reference DSP 8000 speakers. Considering all the negative attributes exhibitors must deal with at a trade show of this magnitude, I generally find it unfair to make any critical judgments, but these speakers demonstrated a transparency and resolution even in the worst of circumstances that had me on the edge of my seat. Each speaker has a dual 100MHz DSP processor and four 24-bit/96kHz DACs, along with an exclusive Meridian circuit that ensures low jitter for exceptional resolution. Eight drive units are in two independent enclosures. The top portion contains tweeter and mid-range; the bottom portion is the bass enclosure with a total of six drivers, three in front and three on the side (facing inward). There are five low-feedback amplifiers in each speaker. dynamic Range up to 115dB RS-232 connection port for software upgrades and diagnostic checkups beautiful cosmetics, hand-rubbed black lacquer finish on a metal/wood composite cabinet $45,000 a pair Dynaudio showcased the Evidence reference speakers within a 5.1 A/V home theater environment. Of course, a single pair would be the ultimate two-channel speaker system. Getting good sound in either a hotel room or one of these prefab exhibit rooms with fiberboard partitions is beyond a challenge - it’s a near impossibility. So it would be all too easy to give many of these speakers the old thumbs down. Generally, you can get a good enough feel for the overall tonal characteristic to give you some indication whether the gear is worthy of reviewing at some later point. Well, the Dynaudio demonstration did better than that, they made me forget I was at CES in some dark little cubicle and transported me to a movie theater. Unlike some of the other companies, Dynaudio took as much care with the picture as with the sound, which was so smooth and natural I knew that, in the proper environment, these behemoths could virtually disappear. Each complete speaker is shipped in three separate pieces, which are coupled together via special precision plates; each section is then connected by jumper cables. The two outer modules (top and bottom) contain two six-inch drivers. The middle section houses mid-range drivers on either side of two tweeters. Flip the speaker horizontal to make it a center channel for an incredibly wide image. You’d just better have the screen to match. 125db at 25Hz eliminates the need for additional subs, providing low bass with exceptional resolution at all speaker positions. Still, Dynaudio was experimenting with special tower subwoofers (one on each side of the sound field for release at an undisclosed time). Cost of entry, $85,000 a pair. Why so pricey? They are hand-made to order by little elves in the Dynaudio factory. So not only are you out a bundle, but you’ll have the privilege of waiting for your personal set of speakers. Okay, now that you have some kind of home theater speaker system, how do you ensure that its performance is best suited to your listening environment? A new company, Perpetual Technologies, introduced the innovative P-1A, a powerful DSP-based engine that corrects the inherent limitations of speakers and the acoustic limitations of individual rooms to yield higher definition and maximum audio fidelity. The P-1A is essentially three sensational products in one. Out of the box, it’s a full-band speaker correction system, effectively upgrading entire CD collections to 24-bit/96kHz resolution with a unique digital-to-digital conversion process. Easy-to-install software upgrades the P-1A to a full-band, speaker-specific, DSP-based correction system for astonishing improvements in depth, realism and transparency. The Room Upgrade Kit, with calibrated microphone and proprietary software, enables the P-1A to precisely correct the anomalies in any listening environment for a perfect speaker-to-room interface. Suggested prices: $950 for the P-1A, $399 for the software upgrade and $699 for the Room Upgrade Kit. Loudspeakers PAGE 1 Loudspeakers PAGE 2

CES 2000 Front Page | Ultimate Home Theater | Loudspeakers | TVs & Rear Projectors | 2-Channel Electronics | Affordable AV | Internet Audio & MP3 | DVD, PTV & DSS | Recordable CDs & DVDs | Accessories & Miscellaneous

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