New tweeter and long-throw woofer improve performance and boost sound pressure levels
Speaker maker Artcoustic has introduced its X2 range of loudspeakers, each employing a pair of newly-designed X2 rippled dome tweeters, which deliver an extended frequency response of up to 40kHz at 96dB (1w +/-2dB) and extremely high sound pressure levels.
The development of the tweeter has enabled Artcoustic to upgrade its entire range, with a new 10" X2 long-throw woofer, also employed in some of the larger models, including two subwoofers. All models come with Artcoustic’s “Screen Change” system, which enables consumers to choose from a wide range of colours, images and fabrics for the front grille of the speaker, to co-ordinate with their décor.
Top of the range is the DFF 180-43 X2, which incorporates four 10" X2 long-throw woofers, taking the bass response down to an incredible 15Hz. Given the growing number of DVDs being released with sub-20Hz audio content, this is a significant development. With the two X2 rippled dome tweeters, this makes the DFF 180-43’s frequency range an incredible 15Hz – 40kHz. The speakers, each pair of which comes with two 300W PA-300 amplifiers, can be wall-mounted, or converted for use as floorstanders with the addition of a removable base unit.
The versatile DF75-55 full-range speaker has also been given the X2 treatment. The DF75-55 X2 employs twin 10" X2 woofers, which take low frequency response down to 35Hz, and twin X2 rippled dome tweeters. To achieve the smoothest and most harmonious blend between the woofers and tweeters, the tweeter extends down low into the frequency band, with the woofers cutting off at 1500Hz. The result is a remarkably consistent and articulate performance, across the frequency spectrum.
There are also X2 versions of the DF 100-75 and the DFF 120-43. Both of these models sport the same drive units as the DF75-55 X2, but in a larger cabinet design. The DF 100-75 is wall-mounted, the DFF 120-43 can be used as a floorstander, or hung on the wall.
The versatile DF 65-50 X2 features twin X2 rippled dome tweeters and twin 5.5" long-throw mid-woofers that enable the speaker to turn in a great low frequency performance, making this model ideal for hi-fi and multi room installations, even without an additional subwoofer.
Artcoustic’s smaller monitor speakers have been given an X2 makeover too. The compact Diablo Mini X2 features two X2 rippled dome tweeters, extending the frequency response up to 40kHz at 96dB (1w +/-2dB) and enabling the speaker to deliver extremely high sound pressure levels, even from relatively low-powered amplifiers. The Mini features a 4" woofer, but can also be used in conjunction with an Artcoustic subwoofer for even better low-frequency performance.
The Mini is ideally suited to home cinema use in a small-to-medium sized room, or for near-field studio monitoring applications. It will also do a great job in commercial environments, such as bars, restaurants and corporate presentation facilities.
The Diablo Monitor X2 also incorporates two X2 tweeters, and also has a 5.5" long-throw mid-woofer, which extends low frequency response down to 45Hz. This makes the Diablo suitable for use in multi-room applications, without the need for an additional subwoofer.
The X2 tweeter also features in the DF-Multi X2. This is the latest version of the three-in-one n(left, centre, right) speaker concept pioneered by Artcoustic. The Multi incorporates three X2 tweeters and four 4" woofers, and can, if desired, be bridged into one centre channel speaker.
Finally, Artcoustic’s unique wall-hanging subwoofers, the DFS75-55 X2 and DFS100-75 X2, benefit from the introduction of 10" X2 long-throw woofers, and the X2 bass system, to precisely control airflow and pressure inside the cabinet, enabling the speakers to achieve high power handling, coupled with extremely low distortion.
The DFS75-55 X2 employs twin 10" X2 long-throw woofers, and comes with a PA-300 300W amplifier. The DFS100-75 X2 employs four 10" long-throw woofers, and the X2 bass system to reproduce low frequency signals sumptuously down to 25Hz. The DFS100-75 X2 is suitable for use in large listening spaces, high-end home cinema and hi-fi rooms, and high-performance commercial theatres.
For details of availability, please visit the Artcoustic website at: www.artcoustic.com.
About Artcoustic
Artcoustic was founded in Denmark in 1998 by Kim Donvig and Patricia Ljungberg. Their goal was to combine aesthetics and sound quality, without compromising either. Going back to the roots of traditional Danish loudspeaker design, Artcoustic has transformed the conventional loudspeaker with a modern look. The company’s wall-hanging speakers – including wall-hanging subwoofers – boast a slimline profile, together with interchangeable screens to enable customers to integrate the speakers with their décor. Screen options include the Match System, including eight different screen colours; the Designer Textile range of exquisite fabrics crated by leading textile houses; and photographs from the Getty Image Library. Customers can also supply their own photographs or artwork for Artcoustic to incorporate into a screen.
At the same time, sound quality has not been compromised. The remarkable dynamic range and efficiency of Artcoustic speakers, both far higher than conventional hi-fi designs, make them an ideal solution for high-end domestic and commercial installations.
For more information, see: www.artcoustic.com