FM Acoustics | Quad ESL-63 | JBL S5500 Project K2 | B & W Matrix 800 | JBL DD 55000 Project Everest | Westlake Audio Tower SM-1 | Sonus faber Loudspeaker Systems Spec

QUAD ESL 63

The QUAD ESL 63 is a full range electrostatic loudspeaker doublet. It consists of a very light electrically polarized diaphragm suspended between two sets of concentric annular electrodes. Signal is fed to the electrodes via sequential delay lines and the motion of the diaphragm produces a sound pressure pattern which is an exact replica of that from an ideal source placed some 30 centimeters behind the plane of the diaphragm.

QUAD ESL 63 with stand~ full range electrostatic loudspeaker. Frequency Response: 36Hz~20KHz +-3dB. System Sensitivity: 86dB SPL/1 Watt/1 Meter (1.5µbars per volt referred to 1 meter, i.e. 86dB/2.83Vrms). Recommended minimum amplifier power: 50 watts/channel, maximum 100. Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal. A.C. Supply: 240/200V 120/100V 50-60Hz 5VA. Dimensions: 92.5 cm height X 66 cm width X 27 cm depth (including 15 cm base). Weight: 18.7 kilograms. List Price: US$ 6,000. per pair.

Source: QUAD Electroacoustics Ltd., Huntingdon, Cambs., England PE18 7DB.

James B. Lansing / B & W

JBL S5500 Project K2 ~ 2-way speaker. Drive units: Two 10-in woofers, and 2-in horn-loaded compression midrange/tweeter. Frequency Response: 35Hz ~ 18KHz -6dB, 48Hz ~ 16 KHz + - 2dB. System Sensitivity: 95dB SPL/1 Watt/1 Meter. Impedance: 4 Ohms. Weight: 68 kilograms each. JBL's K-2 loudspeaker system was selected by Japan's Stereo Sound as Product of the Year (1991). B & W Matrix 800 ~ 3-way vented speaker. Drive units: Two 12-in woofers, two 5-in cone midranges, one 1 1/4-in gold-dome tweeter. Features modular cabinet with matrix construction. Frequency Response: 23 Hz ~ 20 kHz = - 2 dB; Crossover frequencies: 380, 800 and 3 kHz; Recommended minimum amplifier power: 150 watts/channel, 800 watts/channel maximum; System Sensitivity: 93 dB SPL/1 Watt/1 Meter; impedance: 4 Ohms; Dimensions: 76" x 20" x 24"; weight: 242 lb. pair. List Price: US$ 15,000./pair

Earlier model JBL DD 55000 Project Everest ~ 3-Way vented Speaker. Drive units: 15-in woofer, 1 3/4-in horn-loaded compression midrange, and 1 3/4-in compression tweeter. Max. recommended amplifier power: 250 watts per channel; Nominal impedance: 8 ohms; Crossover frequencies: 850 and 7500 Hz; System sensitivity: 100 dB SPL/2.83V(1 Watt)/1 Meter; Dimensions: 55 1/8" x 36" x 20"; Net weight: 145 kg (320 lb) each. 1989 Price: US$ 10,000. pair. The Everest DD 55000 system was selected by Japan's Stereo Sound as Product of the Year (1985).

Further information: JBL Home Page and JBL Professional Home Page.

Sources: Audio Magazine (U.S.) | Audiotechnique Magazine (Hong Kong) | JBL International, 8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, California 91329, U.S.A.

Westlake Audio Tower SM-1

Westlake Audio Tower SM-1 ~ 5-way dual port speaker. Two 18-in woofers, 12-in cone midbass, 2-in horn-loaded compression midrange, 1-in horn-loaded compression tweeter, and 1/2-in compression super tweeter. Features quadamp configuration with SM-1X active crossover; Recommended amp. power: Min. 200 watts per channel, max. 400 watts per channel; Nominal impedance: 4 ohms; Frequency response: 20 ~ 20 kHz +-3 dB; Crossover frequencies: 200, 800, 3.2 k and 10kHz.; System sensitivity: 101 dB SPL, 1 W/1 m; Dimensions: 75" x 40" x 30" ; weight: 975 lb. each; Price: US$ 89,000. pair with X-over.

Sonus faber

Sonus faber Electa Amator ~ 2-way ported speaker. 7-in woofer and 1 1/4-in dome tweeter. Anechoic frequency response 42 ~ 30 kHz.+- 2.5 dB; Sensitivity: 89 dB SPL, 1 Watt/ 1 Meter; Recommended amplifier power: minimum 50 Watts/channel; Crossover frequency: 2.2 kHz.; Nominal impedance: 6 ohms; Dimensions: 14" x 8" x 10"; Weight: 35 lb.; List price: US$ 5,000. Pair)

Sonus faber Minima Amator ~ 2-way ported speaker. Drive units: 140-mm (5 1/2-in) mid woofer PP cone treated and 28-mm (1-in) tweeter silk dome ferrofluid. Anechoic frequency response: 55 ~ 25 kHz.+- 3 dB; Sensitivity: 88 dB/1W/1M; Recommended amplifier power: min. 30 W, max. 200 W; Crossover frequency: 2.5 kHz. 6 dB/octave acoustical; Nominal impedance: 4 ohms; Dimensions: 340 mm x 200mm x300mm (11" x 8" x 9"); Weight: 21 lb; List price: US$ 2,500. Pair 

Guarneri Homage (US$ 9,000./pair) | Extrema (US$ 9,890./pair) | Electa (US$ 2,950./pair) | Minima (US$ 1,800./pair) | Minuetto "G" (US$ 1,600./pair) | Concertino (US$ 995./pair)

Minima Amator is the embodiment of the virtues which have earned Sonus faber its world-wide reputation. Lifelike imaging and a sense of grand scale combine in an effortless presentation.

Minima Amator blends the wealth of experience gained from previous designs by combining the speed and delicacy of the Minima with the power of the Electa Amator.

Many of the design details listed below are unique to Sonus faber:

1.5" thick solid hardwood cabinets comprising twenty individual wood elements per cabinet. Each element is quartersawn, finger grooved and lovingly fitted by master craftsmen.

Front baffle finished in furniture grade leather that provides an ideal mechanical seal and also acts to dampen extraneous vibration.

Two sets of gold-plated binding posts on the rear allow for parallel or bi-wiring.

6-dB per octave crossovers using the highest quality components, selected on the basis of their ability to relay the nuance of the performance.

Exclusive speaker drivers designed for linearity, frequency extension and power handling ability.

Sources: Sonus faber Lab. s.a.s., 36057 Arcugnano (VI) Italy. | Audio Magazine (U.S.)

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Created on April 9,1997, Last update: May 23, 2007

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