Speaker Supplement 2020

TURN TO P.6 FOR THE AWE INSIGHT

SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT

A N E S S E N T I A L I N STA L L P U B L I C AT I O N

DEMAND SERIES

2020

CEILING SPEAKERS MADE EASY. A fully integrated all-in-one ceiling speaker solution with amplifier built in.

Simply connect power from the lighting circuit, pair any Wi-Fi or Bluetooth device and stream your music.

Discover more at:

LITHEAUDIO.COM SEE US ON STAND 106 MODEL: LBT2 & LWF1/IP

TURN TO P.6 FOR THE AWE INSIGHT

SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT

A N E S S E N T I A L I N STA L L P U B L I C AT I O N

2020

DEMAND SERIES

GETTING IN TOUCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP AD MANAGER

Claire Talty, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com

PUBLISHER

David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO MANAGER

Ben Bristow, ben@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS

susan@allthingsmedialtd.com

BUSINESS SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR carol@allthingsmedialtd.com

Essential Install magazine, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173 www.essentialinstall.com

SOCIALS /INSTALL_MAG /ESSENTIALINSTALL Whilst we make every effort that everything printed in Essential Install magazine is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.

CONTENTS 2 THE ULTIMATE CHAMELEON? Amina Technologies keeps ahead of the competition by providing products that can adapt to a myriad of different applications and use case scenarios.

5 ARTCOUSTIC: THE MAGIC OF CINEMA Introducing the power and the precision of the Artcoustic Performance A6.

6 DEMAND MORE The Definitive Technology Demand Series speakers, exclusive to the custom install market through AWE, deliver room-filling sound, extended bass, and precise imaging.

9 AWARD-WINNING LOUDSPEAKER FROM MERIDIAN AUDIO Meridian Audio presents all the info installers need on its latest and award-winning speakers.

10 HOW WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR SOUND TO LOOK? With a wide, high performance range personalised to your customer’s needs, James Loudspeaker is writing the next chapter in audio luxury, says Habitech’s Jonathan Pengilley.

12 THE LOWDOWN ON DYNAUDIO’S NEW CI SUB The Danish specialists’ new insurface subwoofer made its European debut at ISE 2020.

14 TOTEM AND REDLINE GO DUTCH Fresh from a successful ISE 2020 promoting the benefits of Totem’s unique approach to speaker design, the Redline team is thrilled with the response to what this special brand has to offer.

17 INVISION Speaker matters from this goahead distributor.

19 PMC LAUNCHES FOUR CI SPEAKERS PMC unveiled four models in its custom installation series at ISE 2020.

20 DALI LAUNCHES ALL NEW IN-WALL SPEAKER RANGE The all new DALI PHANTOM M Series has been created for movie and music lovers looking for astonishing sound from a discreet, in-wall speaker.

AMINA TECHNOLOGIES

THE ULTIMATE CHAMELEON? The changing landscape of our homes and in turn, the loudspeaker industry has made way for an array of new technologies where clients ask more than ever from their products.

For more than 20 years, Amina technologies has been at the forefront of Distributed Mode Loudspeaker (DML) technology, carving a path away from the world of the ‘conventional speaker’ to lead a category that many are now trying to imitate.

Amina invisible speakers replicate the soundboard of a musical instrument to create a truly immersive sound quality whilst ensuring a clutter free and flexible environment. Overall product behaviour is fully controlled to get an audio quality that is unmatched.

One of the ways Amina achieves its unique discipline with clarity, precision and flexibility is its commitment to R&D, a strong and innovative team, and their forward thinking and passionate founder, Richard Newlove.

Focused product development utilises the very latest Multi-Physics software simulation programmes, to look in ultimate detail inside electromagnetic structures, at acoustic-mechanical effects within composite panel material, and then how the two combine together.

Every component contributes to the sum total of each speaker. The team are continually raising the bar to higher performance standards, establishing several new patents in recent years as part of protecting valuable innovation and creativity with the company.

Amina have a very clear vision of what an invisible speaker should be.

From the outset they looked at ways to create a device that would be able to fill a room with a blanket of sound rather than spots of sound, with minimal

02 SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT 2020

degradation to quality of the original sound source. To do that Amina think like an instrument builder. Why is it that a violin can cover a room corner to corner, very evenly and without room reflections destroying the original timbre of the instrument, and multiple guitars or pianos can sum together without interfering with each other?

That is because these instruments are based on the principles of sympathetic resonance, creating amplitude through the sum of ten’s to thousands of tiny pockets of sympathetic vibrations from a soundboard. The sound source is spread out over a larger space, a “spread source”, and enters the room as multiple individual sound sources, spreading out in all directions to fill the room making it non-directional.

Separating themselves from the competition, Amina provides a product with infinite possibilities. The product itself isn’t blended into the wall, it becomes the wall, rendering it a true ‘speakerless’ solution. It changes with décor, never falling out of style. It becomes mirrors, a marble media wall, a beautiful piece of furniture, a conference room ceiling tile or indeed an elegant room by day and a highly capable cinema by night. A product capable of being used for the lifetime of a building and not just a few years, giving it great environmental credentials.

The meticulous team at Amina find solutions to the myriad of requests that designers often desire, which in turn have created a global solution in a world where consumers need more. The ultimate chameleon.

Amina Technologies uk.aminasound.com

Bring spectacular home Be immersed in the action. Movie, sport and gaming like you’ve never experienced before.

Discover true 4K HDR quality with our latest Home Cinema projectors & BRAVIA televisions.

VPL-VW870ES

KD-98ZG9

BE AU T IFU L SOUND

artcoustic.com

ARTCOUSTIC

THE MAGIC OF CINEMA Introducing the power and the precision of the Artcoustic Performance A6.

Sound is an incredibly powerful storyteller, especially in cinema.

From the spine-chilling nuances which give you an involuntary shudder, to the deep rumble of bass which vibrates straight through you. This clear, dynamic, multi-dimensional sound is what fully connects us to the action, transforming ‘watching a movie’ into a truly immersive and magical experience, just the way the director intended.

The Performance A6 is the latest addition to the Artcoustic collection and is a true game changer - especially for larger cinema rooms where seating is positioned across multiple rows and more than one level.

To achieve the high sensitivity needed for a fully immersive cinema experience, Artcoustic uses its line array technology to create a focused ‘beam’, projecting the sound directly at the listener.

The smaller size of the cabinet and adjustable angles allow each individual module to be laser aligned to different locations in the audience, ensuring you get the same incredible, dynamic and detailed sound regardless of where you are sitting. As Artcoustic says: There shouldn’t be any ‘cheap seats’ in your cinema.

Artcoustic is a rare hybrid of Hi-Fi and Professional Audio technology, delivering award-winning speakers with dynamic, open and accurate sound.

A typical Hi-Fi speaker is designed using single tweeters together with mid and low frequency drive units, which work well within smaller spaces and at lower volumes, but lack the output needed for the high dynamics of

today’s movie soundtracks.

Artcoustic´s unique array of technology uses tweeters and mid frequency drive units like Hi-Fi, but they position them in multiples, enabling their speakers to achieve incredibly high sound pressure levels without the need for a compression horn.

This allows Artcoustic to produce systems for any room size, from the smallest snug to the largest auditorium. The Artcoustic loudspeakers are capable of incredible dynamic range, extremely low distortion and stunning accuracy.

All housed within a slimline, lightweight cabinet, that’s easy to install and fits discreetly behind any cinema screen.

SOUND TO SUIT YOUR SPACE

The Artcoustic speaker range is uniquely designed to be scalable. The modular design of the speakers will enable you to increase and decrease sound output by tiny increments, to create a precise configuration for your space.

Every design element have been meticulously calculated to deliver a consistently extraordinary experience, in every dedicated cinema, studio, cinema room or commercial space.

Artcoustic´s specialist partners will ensure that systems are designed specifically for the rooms they will be installed in, always delivering reference level performance to industry recognised standards.

The brand guarantees that all of their clients enjoy exactly the same dynamic range, clarity, depth and excitement possible, from a correctly designed cinema.

Designing and specifying for a cinema

is extremely challenging and technical, as every design decision impacts the next.

Where the seats are positioned, screen size, image brightness, loudspeaker positioning and dynamic range are just some of the key elements to consider, all of which will hugely affect the overall experience.

Artcoustic partners meticulously manage every aspect of your cinema, creating the pitch perfect configuration to suit your space, all of which meet Dolby Atmos standards. Combining unparalleled industry knowledge, technical expertise and a genuine passion for sound, creating extraordinary cinema experiences, where the world quite literally revolves around you. A well designed cinema system means you stop just watching movies, and start experiencing them.

ARTCOUSTIC SPEAKERS

• Dynamic, open and accurate sound for an immersive experience • Discreet, sleek and ultra-thin form • A unique mix between Professional Audio & Hi-Fi • Modular design options to suit all spaces • End-to-end fit out with their design and installation team • Handcrafted, high-end Danish loudspeaker design • Plug and play installation behind any acoustically transparent projection screen • Industry leader in SPL per watt

Artcoustic www.artcoustic.com

SPEAKERS SUPPLEMENT 2020 05

AWE EUROPE

DEMAND MORE The Definitive Technology Demand Series speakers, which are available exclusively to the custom install market through AWE, deliver room-filling sound, extended bass, and precise imaging from a modern, minimalistic design.

Here, AWE takes a look at the full product range.

Featuring unique technology advancements in the tweeter and midrange/woofer sections, the speakers outperform other products in its priceclass with extended performance in a smaller form-factor.

“Definitive Technology introduced the Demand Series in 2017 with three bookshelf speakers, which were warmly received in the market for their graceful design and highly accurate reproduction. Since then, we’ve been busy designing two new tower speakers and a centre channel built on the principles of the original Demand Series bookshelf speakers,” says Michael Greco, Category Director Loudspeakers at Sound United. “We maintained the same level of craftsmanship and material quality in designing and developing the line. Listeners will see familiar technologies, including the 20/20 Wave Alignment Lens, BDSS and Linear Response Waveguide.”

06 SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT 2020

TOWER SPEAKERS

The Definitive Technology Demand Tower speakers — D15 and D17 — deliver full-range, room-filling sound and precise imaging from a modern, minimalistic design. The Demand D15 and Demand D17 towers have been described as beautifully designed using advanced materials.

The speakers also boast a patented mineralpolymer BDSS midrange/woofer for superior and punchy mid-range detail. The D15 and D17 tower speakers feature dual 5.25” and 6.5” carbon fibre bass drivers alongside dual 8” and 10” side-firing passive radiators. The dual integrated side-firing passive radiators in the tower speakers produce extended low-frequency reproduction from a smaller enclosure design. A larger spider has been added to these models to increase linearity for deep, tight, and clean bass response.

All three additions to the Demand Series line come in both Piano Black and White colourways to match any listening environment.

• Dual integrated side-firing passive radiators • 1in aluminium dome tweeter with 20/20 Wave Alignment Lens • Laterally offset tweeter assembly • BDSS™ (Balanced Double Surround System) midrange/woofer • Linear Response Waveguide • Carbon-fibre woofer

AWE EUROPE

BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS

The Definitive Technology Demand Bookshelf speakers — D7, D9, and D11 — feature technology advancements to both the aluminium dome tweeter and the mid-range/woofer sections to deliver an unrivalled sweet spot, smoother highfrequency reproduction, and three-dimensional imaging for the most technically advanced, premium bookshelf listening experience.

Key Features • 1in aluminium dome tweeter with 20/20 Wave Alignment Lens • Laterally offset tweeter assembly • BDSS midrange/woofer • Linear Response Waveguide • Integrated passive bass radiator in D9 and D11 • Extruded aluminium front baffle • Acoustically transparent magnetic grille

Key Features • Dual 5.25in BDSS mid-range drivers • 1in aluminium dome tweeter with 20/20 Wave Alignment Lens • Linear Response Waveguide • 5-layer painted high-gloss black cabinet The full range features an annealed 1in aluminium dome tweeter, which is laterally offset and coupled with a 20/20 Wave Alignment Lens. This allows for more precise imaging by eliminating undesirable symmetric diffraction from the corners of the front baffle, resulting in a refined and balanced listening experience.

Definitive Technology says the patented Balanced Double Surround System (BDSS) midrange/woofer has been created to promote greater excursion and deliver superior midrange detail and punchier bass in comparison to

competing drivers of a similar size.

In addition, a Linear Response Waveguide extends both on-and off-axis frequency response, while improving dispersion for more natural midrange timbre and precise imaging.

With artisan-quality details, each cabinet is meticulously sanded, painted with five layers of premium gloss paint and buffed to a near-mirror (Level 6) finish. Each monitor’s acoustically transparent magnetic black grilles provide natural, un-coloured sound and can be removed for when the speakers are meant to be shown off.

The Demand Series boasts a clean, modern look with a substantial bead-blasted aluminium baffle that is designed to exude timelessness and blend into any décor.

AWE www.awe-europe.com

CENTRE SPEAKER

The sleek D5C high-performance centre channel speaker perfectly complements the Demand Series tower and bookshelf speakers to create a truly immersive, room-filling home cinema experience. The two-way centre leverages dual 5.25in mid-range drivers and 1in annealed aluminium dome tweeter with the same Wave Alignment Lens and Linear Response Waveguide to ensure incredibly accurate and full-sounding audio. The centre channel is the perfect addition to the line for home theatre aficionados.

SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT 2020 07

MERIDIAN HAS ALWAYS THOUGHT ABOUT HOW YOU EXPERIENCE SOUND

WE ARE THE PIONEERS OF HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO meridian-audio.com

MERIDIAN AUDIO

AWARD-WINNING LOUDSPEAKER FROM MERIDIAN AUDIO Meridian Audio presents all the info integrators need on its latest and award-winning highquality speakers.

Meridian continues its pioneering legacy with a range of innovative speaker solutions, pushing the boundaries of how people connect with sound.

Its latest development in the world of audio is its DSP750 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker, which was awarded a ‘Residential Systems Best of Show Award’ and a ‘CE Pro Top New Technology (TNT) Award’ at ISE 2020.

Specifically designed and engineered for the most demanding architectural installations and dedicated home theatres alike, the Meridian DSP750 is the highest performing architectural loudspeaker yet. It demonstrates complete audio immersion, providing exquisite power and bass for the ultimate listening experience. The DSP750 combines power and fidelity to give dealers a discreet, outstanding loudspeaker solution that packs one heck of a punch.

KEY FEATURES OF THE DSP750

• Three new, high-performance drive-units • CLASS-M DSP engine providing thermal and dynamic bass protection for detailed and accurate sound • ‘Double-baffle’ aluminium enclosure design to minimise unwanted resonances and colouration • Separate mid-range driver enclosures to eliminate interaction with the bass drivers • Five drive-units powered by a bridged pair of Dynamic HiRes amplifiers; each

pair capable of delivering over 100W into 8 Ohms • Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) to heighten sound quality across the frequency range, resulting in added clarity • Dynamic bass protection to provide maximum excursion without distortion • Centre Elevation technology to create an immersive sound experience that appears to come from the centre of the screen • Meridian’s unique enhancement technologies including FIFO buffering, DSP upsampling, apodising filters, and MHR (Meridian High Resolution) for the best possible audio outcome from all digital sources.

Designed for a natural and lifelike sound with high fidelity and perfect tonal balance, the DSP750 delivers a maximum output of 120dB and bass extension down to 30Hz. Its built-in custom tweeter with a beryllium dome and diffraction expansion technology ensures a wide sound dispersion for incredibly lifelike sound, capable of playing over 40kHz. The DSP750 has superb off-axis performance with two 100mm mid-range drivers, enabling it to produce a uniform and lifelike stereo image over a wide listening area.

In addition, the sealed aluminium cabinet design ensures that a reliable and repeatable performance is achieved with an ultra-shallow 100mm mounting depth for easy installation and precise positioning. The rough-in box and frame can be adjusted for various wall materials and depths, whilst the magnetic grille can be painted to blend seamlessly into any interior.

“To experience the DSP750 was really exciting,” added Richard Widenbar of Finita.

“It was great to see how that fits within the Meridian range and how we could recommend it to our customers as a stereo solution, within a media room or as part of a home cinema.”

The DSP750 sits alongside three other loudspeakers in the Meridian Architectural range — the DSP640.2 and DSP520.2 in-wall digital active loudspeakers and the DSP320.2

in-ceiling/in-wall digital loudspeaker.

What makes these unique is their ability to consistently perform at a level of quality that far exceeds those usually associated with architectural speakers.

Meridian architectural loudspeakers offer the following key advantages: • A powerful DSP and multiple amplifiers that are integrated into the loudspeaker, keeping your equipment rack cool and much smaller than passive systems • EBA – perfect bass time-alignment for fast, tight, deep and accurate bass • Bass protection – the drive units are protected and monitored by the DSP engine • Extended bass response across the range with long throw woofers and super-accurate amplifier control • Wide sound stage with incredible dynamics, perfect for movies or music • All models in the range install in the same 100mm/4” mounting depth The reliability and versatility of the range allow for a simple installation and maintenance free solution, giving integrators the confidence and trust in the loudspeaker’s performance.

Integrating Meridian’s growing range of architectural loudspeakers into a home cinema or media room is made simple with its complimentary Design and Specification Service. This service provides bespoke AV system designs, giving integrators more time to concentrate on other aspects of their projects.

Each Design and Specification Service pack features precise room layout and speaker positioning diagrams, detailed wiring diagrams, and comprehensive product information. This service gives clients the confidence that they will receive the perfect system for their requirements.

To experience these loudspeakers, contact info@meridian.co.uk. For more information visit www.meridian-audio.com/products/ loudspeakers/architectural.

SPEAKERS SUPPLEMENT 2020 09

James’ 33AL speakers hydro-dipped to blend with books.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR SOUND TO LOOK? With a wide, high performance range personalised exactly to your customer’s needs, James Loudspeaker is writing the next chapter in custom audio luxury, says Habitech’s Jonathan Pengilley.

On a mission to ‘personalise’ the installation of audio for an elite clientele, James Loudspeaker has overtaken rivals to become the ultimate US custom brand. In only two decades it’s built a business trading on exclusivity - the most desirable commodity in luxury retail - without ever having to sell itself too hard.

This is because James Loudspeaker is the most accomplished supplier to a niche in a market where nothing is ‘standard’. As conspicuous monuments to success, the Chiron on the drive and the Ferretti in the

10 SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT 2020

marina are deliberately and immaculately customised to represent the very antithesis of mass production. James supplies audio solutions that are similarly personalised, and therefore highly valued. It’s a tautology, but the products behind its Unique Selling Proposition are, in themselves, unique! We’re excited to be working with a brand that hasn’t so much carved out its niche as built it from the ground up in every possible shape, colour and finish.

STAR TURNAROUND

Beneath the peerless quality, creativity and the confidence to complete any custom job however extravagant, James’ big secret is its ability to practice the ‘art of bespoke’ more efficiently and cost-effectively than any potential rival. It’s a challenge that requires a totally different mentality to the one devoted to volume production. For instance, celebrated and successful though it is, Sonance wouldn’t

consider any production run under 500 units to be viable. James loudspeaker on the other hand is proud - yes proud - of the fact that it produces only two wholly bespoke speaker designs every day. Each project is logged by James for future reference and by leveraging this database it’s developed unrivalled expertise in meeting each custom project quickly and completely.

So evolved are the production processes that the custom-sizing of a sound-bar for instance is considered as routine rather than truly custom. But when James’ engineers (that’s most of the workforce) are able to transform the brand’s stock-in-trade aircraft-grade aluminium enclosures into the bespoke article, cost effectively, usually within two weeks, you know you’ve hit custom gold. No mass producer is able to achieve this.

It’s not about engineering acumen or acoustic intuition - all specialised speaker brands have these in abundance - it’s really the

HABITECH

time on the turf that makes James’ proposition so unique. From the moment it decided to evolve from ‘A N other’ mass producer to the doyen of impeccably tailored audio solutions, the company has single-mindedly acquired the means to deliver the quick turnaround of custom originals all under one roof, making it the go-to supplier of everything bespoke in the world’s most sophisticated CI marketplace.

James’ impeccable custom integration has won it a commanding presence in the luxury yacht market

ORIGINAL DESIGN PROJECT-BY-PROJECT

The possibilities for your business are endless.

James’ ‘never say no’ philosophy means you can have any design you like; each speaker calibrated according to need. Choose from as many as ten ‘small aperture’ in-ceiling/wall systems, developing full-range performance from single, near-invisible 75mm or 100mm apertures; or from the PowerPipe line of hidden subs. If the stock models fit the application, fab: you’ll get fantastic sound from fewer speakers and much less effort. But if the system has to share the space with air-conditioning hardware or some other inconvenient bulkhead, no problem, James will build around it and deliver the same pristine acoustics and build quality from the same volume, custom-shaped to slot straight in. Then again, if your client wants to make a statement with a free-standing original that looks like a phone box or a Dalek, that’s okay too. Send the specs and James will ensure they jump off the screen in every detail faster than even the most exalted audio brands could manage.

Same goes for the thirty-four sound-bars and the fifty-one outdoor speaker options in the James line-up, supplied from stock or customtailored for the project. There are marinegrade models protected by a heavy powder coat against the harshest sea-going conditions (James has a commanding position in the luxury yacht market), as well as all-weather under-eave speakers, sat-sub systems, and innovative custom planter sub boxes available in any design or finish. Everything is possible. All your client has to do is decide how they want the sound to look. It can stand out, or blend flawlessly with the space.

top. If your client wants the speakers in the library to be camouflaged perfectly with the volumes on the wall, or outdoor speakers to match the stonework of the host structure exactly, tell them you know the company who can.

James’ 63Cube speaker customised to match its environment flawlessly

Whatever you want: all-weather speakers disappear into step risers

FULL FIDELITY CHAMELEON

The most flawless integration of all is available through James’ use of a technique called ‘hydrodipping’. It allows for a digital image to be applied to the exterior of any product. The image is converted to a film, which adheres to a powder coat base layer and is sealed by a clear coat on

James’ small aperture in-ceiling audio systems are hidden behind perfectly disguised grilles

THINK CUSTOM, THINK JAMES LOUDSPEAKER

James has installed a ‘hydro-dipping’ facility at its new plant at Minden, Nevada, which also features expanded assembly lines and specialised finishing stations doubling manufacturing capabilities, reducing turnaround times and keeping costs ultracompetitive. Everything is in-house to ensure the QoS is consistent with the standards of a luxury brand, and the uber-expectations of its exclusive customer niche.

Now under the auspices of Sonance, James Loudspeaker shares a core belief that, as Sonance CEO, Ari Supran puts it, “technology should disappear into architecture”. In what must be the most convincing disappearing act since Harry Houdini, James performs this magic exclusively, flawlessly and more successfully than any other CI brand. The evidence is compelling if you look hard enough.

Habitech www.habitech.co.uk

SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT 2020 11

DYNAUDIO

THE LOWDOWN ON DYNAUDIO’S NEW CI SUB The Danish specialists’ new in-surface subwoofer made its European debut at ISE 2020.

Sub RCC is a compact and flexible in-wall subwoofer. Using Reactance Cancelling Configuration (RCC) technology, shared by the Dynaudio pro studio subwoofers, it uses dual opposing drivers which work in opposition to each other to cancel out vibration. This is combined with a sturdy aluminium enclosure to ensure that vibrations are so minimal reinforcing the drywall becomes unnecessary, and there isn’t any colouration of the sound from the mounting surface resonating.

Designed to mount either into standard 2x4 stud-bays before construction or into the drywall using the supplied adapter kit, Dynaudio keep things simple when it comes to specifying the right mounting option for the job (surfacemount or between studs), by including brackets for both situations in the box, so no more having

to second-guess if the project scope might change. Two low profile magnetic grilles are also supplied for different installations (retro-fit and pre-fit) – and they can be painted too, for a seamless finish.

Out of the box the sub RCC comes with the retro fit option attached, which allows it to be mounted in the drywall using traditional doglegs, a 360mm x 360mm magnetic grille is provided for this option. The retrofit kit can be easily removed to swap over to the pre-construction kit, which allows the sub to be mounted in walls, ceilings, floors or even furniture using four adjustable corner brackets.

Its compact size and behind surface depth of just 89mm mean its location is extremely flexible. The whole assembly is housed in a compact cabinet meaning that no large mdf backboxes are required. The final finish with this method is a very discreet “letterbox” shaped grille, which measures just 100mm x 360mm.

NOT JUST EASE OF INSTALL, STRONG PERFORMANCE TOO

As well as the simple and flexible installation methods, performance is incredible for such a compact design giving deep, punchy and detailed bass.

To ensure the highest possible performance of the sub RCC, Dynaudio have partnered with AudioControl and will supply the sub with the new RS500 subwoofer amplifier. Dynaudio’s acoustic engineers have tuned the sub RCC in house using AudioControl’s sophisticated DSP engine, creating the perfect DSP preset to maximise output while protecting the drive units. This preset will be easily accessible through the amplifier’s web GUI and take just a few minutes to set up.

The RS500 is capable of 500W into 8 or 4 ohms. It comes in a sleek 1U chassis and can drive twin sub RCCs in parallel for systems with multiple subs. Like many AudioControl products, RS Series sub amplifiers accommodate the needs of integrators with IP and IR control as well as loop outputs with an optional high-pass filter along with a balanced and unbalanced input. These features, coupled with the limitless adjustability of AudioControl’s multi-award-winning DSP engine provides graphic and parametric EQs, crossover, delay and phase controls for precise calibration and tuning, making the RS series amplifiers a definitive choice to power any subwoofer in entertainment systems that demand the very best.

You can find out more about Dynaudio’s full product range at www.dynaudio.com.

Dynaudio is distributed in the UK by CAVD. contact info@cavd.co.uk or call 01628 563344.

Dynaudio www.dynaudio.com

12 SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT 2020

A new foundation for custom audio Cutting-edge Reactance Cancelling Configuration technology delivers clear, deep, undistorted bass that dives all the way down to 16Hz. It’s the ideal bedrock for music and movies.

• Installs in walls, ceilings and even floors • Mounts on the wall surface or into a standard 2x4 stud-bay before or after construction • Reactance Cancellation Configuration (RCC) derived from our professional studio subwoofers eliminates vibration • Adaptive bass limitation guarantees zero overload

High-end low end NEW

Explore the Sub RCC at dynaudio.com/custom-install

in-surface subwoofer

Custom Sub RCC

REDLINE DISTRIBUTION

TOTEM AND REDLINE GO DUTCH Fresh from a successful ISE 2020 promoting the benefits of Totem’s unique approach to speaker design, the Redline team is thrilled with the response to what this special brand has to offer.

One of the product lines taking centre stage was Totem’s recently launched Solution Bars, part of the brand’s Tribe series. The products have been created to offer an aesthetic and precise partner for today’s large screen TVs for viewing and game play, as well as offering strong audioonly performance. Off-board amplification of these passive designs means that the products can deliver higher audio performance than with built-in amplification, offering the large soundstage and accurate phase coherency that Totem is known for. An average efficiency of 90dB and a 6ohm load make the Solutions Bars easy to drive for a wide choice of systems.

The range has two models; the Tribe Duo Solution Bar, a two-channel design in a sealed cabinet, while the Tribe Trio Solution Bar is a three-channel LCR in a ported enclosure. On demo at ISE was the Tribe Duo Solution Bar, which packs a real punch via the long-throw 4in woofers, which both models feature. Both models can work with TVs of 65in and larger and offer a low-profile design and flush mount

non-resonant wall bracket. Should installers need to place either product on furniture or a mantle, adhesive backed sound isolation feet are provided. Both speakers have closely grouped inputs and wire channel management for a clean, simple connection and are available in white and black satin finishes.

A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

Speaking at the show, Totem founder, Vince Bruzzese, commented, “These products really punch above their weight, they are very versatile and the reaction so far has been really positive.

Their real-world in-room performance is even better, never fatiguing with very wide dispersion.

We don’t beam like other speakers; the centre is full and completely present. The Trio delivers an even fuller sound than the Duo, they are both real speakers, not a solution to fit a given use case scenario. Yes, they are soundbars, but they are high-quality speakers before anything else.”

Vince added, “Immersive sound technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X are great, and we can definitely help installers deliver those types of projects, but it is also worth considering sometimes that less really is more. Consider a high-quality soundbar or 2.1 system; where appropriate, choose less speakers, but better

ones for the budget and often you deliver a better result for the customer. We did a demo at the CEDIA show and people said, ‘hey what a great Atmos Demo!’ It was 2.1, just shows you what really good quality speakers can deliver.”

The show was also a great chance to get dealers in-front of the Totem Custom Install family which offers Kin architectural in-ceiling speakers, Kin in-wall/in-ceiling speakers, Kin surface mount speakers, Kin in-room subwoofers, Tribe in-wall subs, Tribe in-wall speakers, Tribe on-wall speakers and Tribe on-wall subs. A really rich choice to cover every eventuality.

Vince explained, “Our install range takes the same principles we apply to the rest of our products and offers this approach to the world of immersive audio and multi-room systems.

The way we make our products is ideal for this market – we have been making wide dispersion products from very compact enclosures for decades, we are experts at it.”

One product highlighted at ISE was the Kin IC Slim. Vince explained, “This product is an evolution from the Kin IC which is a no holds barred in-ceiling speaker with loads of dynamics but really smooth sound, which can cope very well with larger rooms.

“The newer IC Slim is a similar product and benefits from our specially created ceramic tweeter. The voicing is really nice on these, just play some cool music on them and you will hear the quality and so will your customers. Yes, it’s true that some of our speakers might be a little more than others in terms of price point, but this is because we invest heavily in quality. You will hear that when listening to our speakers, it’s clear we have worked long and hard to get them right. We work two to three years on every design ensuring it meets with our own approval before it ever comes to market.”

Vince also revealed at the show that on the way are a new wireless sub and a powered Kin Play Soundbar priced at around 1K – it’s that good, you won’t need a sub promise Totem!

Redline Distribution www.red-line.co.uk

14 SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT 2020

DETAILS MATTER

Visit www.originacoustics.com to learn more

T: 01359 270280 W: www.invisionuk.com E: sales@invisionuk.com

INVISION UK

SOUNDS GREAT! Steve Totterdell, product manager at Invision UK, explains why The Origin Acoustics Bollard is the solution for sensational sound outdoors in time for summer.

With summer around the corner and at the height of spring, this is the time homeowners start to think about revolutionising their outdoor space.

And according to BillyOh.com*, greenfingered Brits spend on average 5,675 hours in their garden pruning and maintaining it.

That’s the equivalent of more than three years of their working life.

So, for somewhere that people spend a big chunk of their time, especially in summer, demand has increased for sophisticated technology that fits the needs of the user.

This includes better acoustics for entertaining and relaxing in this much-loved area.

A study by CE Pro in 2019 stated 63% of integrators were expecting their outdoor business to grow**.

This signifies great news for integrators as homeowners look to update their outdoor area through smart home technology.

A great example of high-quality acoustic technology comes in the form of the Landscape Bollard Loudspeaker from Origin Acoustics.

The Origin Acoustics Bollard is a single unit that houses both a subwoofer and a mid/high frequency satellite in the same enclosure.

Completely unique in concept and design, the Bollard tackles the challenge of producing bass response from individual outdoor speakers in a very attractive aesthetic.

Designed for long-lasting outdoor installation, it offers a high performance 360° acoustics lens which spreads sound evenly across the outdoor space, and through effective positioning, coverage can be maximised for the user.

Using a 70v transformer with 30W, 50W and an 8 ohm tap, means the speaker is the perfect choice regardless of the size of the speaker or the quantity needed.

The Origin DSP3-100 and DSP3-700 amplifiers use the DSP settings to ensure top quality performance across the system.

There is also an option to choose models with a dispersion of 180° to prevent sound spilling over into the neighbour’s garden or

into areas where sound is not wanted.

For the design savvy homeowner requiring a bit of luxury, the speaker offers a choice to fit in with their aesthetics.

Available in brushed aluminium, bronze or ash black finishes and in a round or square shell, the speaker can suit the garden’s design needs. Not to mention, the small subwoofer base can be buried, allowing for the larger enclosure to be hidden from sight, leaving only the pillar visible.

The Bollard is available exclusively from Invision UK. For more information, or for assistance with an outdoor system design, contact Steve on Steve.Totterdell@invisionuk.com.

Invision UK www.invisionuk.com

*http://gardencentrebuyer.co.uk/2-uncategorised/532-how-muchtime-do-brits-spend-in-the-garden ** The 2019 CE Pro Outdoor Technology Study (USA)

SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT 2020 17

Ultra-discreet loudspeakers for any location British loudspeaker designer, Monitor Audio, has a range of Custom Install speakers for every situation. Their ultra-discreet In-ceiling and In-wall speakers deliver a stunning audio performance whilst protecting the room’s décor. For more extreme environments, such as outdoor terraces or pool rooms, they offer a choice of speaker ranges, all of which deliver Monitor Audio’s award-winning sound.

monitoraudio.com/install

MA CI Essential Install Mar20 Ad.indd 1

21/02/2020 11:07

PMC SPEAKERS

PMC LAUNCHES FOUR CI SPEAKERS PMC has unveiled four models in its custom installation series at ISE 2020. The ci30, ci45, ci65 and ci90 complete the offering in this series of slimline, high-performance onwall and in-wall custom installation loudspeakers, following the launch of the ci140 and ci140sub at CEDIA 2019.

The ci30, the smallest in range, is designed for discreet applications and may be installed in-ceiling, in or on-wall. While it may be compact, the ci30 reportedly out-performs speakers twice its size, thanks to the proprietary ATL technology, making it ideal for surround channels, including immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and stereo in smaller rooms.

Using a larger cabinet provides the ci45 with all the speed and power of the ci30, but provides it with a greater image depth, bass extension and dynamism. By adding a second, long throw, 130mm bass driver, the ci65 creates greater slam and presence, with increased headroom and extension. This model is suitable for use in medium

to large sized theatres for all channels in a multi-speaker system.

With standard wall construction in mind, the ci90 slim is encased in a long slim cabinet, 280mm (11in) wide, which fits neatly between studwork to provide more flexibility as a retrofit option.

All four are designed with a shallow depth for wall mounting and may also be used in-wall, due to an optional mounting sleeve which fits around the cabinets to conceal the in-wall mounting system, creating an elegant on-wall model. The use of one product for both in-wall and onwall reduces the number of models that need to be stocked and gives the installer greater mounting flexibility.

PMC has also included the Qikfire spring loaded mounting system, which, with a simple twist of a screwdriver, mounts the loudspeaker securely and quickly and permits post installation micro adjustment.

www.pmc-speakers.com

NEW

PMC www.pmc-speakers.com

EI LIVE STAND 136 SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT 2020 19

DALI AUDIO UK LTD

DALI LAUNCHES ALL NEW IN-WALL SPEAKER RANGE The all new DALI PHANTOM M Series has been created for movie and music lovers looking for astonishing sound from a discreet, in-wall speaker solution.

Built on experience from the award-winning PHANTOM S, the new M series is the next step in DALI’s strategy to design high-quality, easy to install CI products.

The series offers two versatile models; the PHANTOM M-250 (SRP £699 per piece) and PHANTOM M-375 (SRP £899 per piece). Although different in technologies, both models offer spacious and impressive performance from a very slim cabinet. With integrated sealed back-boxes made with low-loss glass-reinforced ABS, each model delivers the best possible sound along with quick and easy installation.

PHANTOM M-250 includes DALI’s patented SMC technology, and comes with two 5¼” woofers, a 28mm ultra-light soft dome tweeter and two bass ports. All of the

20 SPEAKER SUPPLEMENT 2020

drivers are positioned in a symmetrical design, making it well suited for use as both an LCR speaker for home cinema setups, or simply as a pair for stereo use.

The PHANTOM M-375 integrates one larger 7” woofer which employs the full core of SMC technology, a hybrid tweeter module and two passive radiators. The passive radiators support the woofer to deliver tight and impressive bass weight, whilst the hybrid tweeter system adds articulate and well balanced treble.

With cabinet dimensions measuring 250 x 775 mm, and only 100 mm in depth, the PHANTOM M series produces a performance which belies its size. The slim dimensions along with its paintable grille, also allow the M series to blend in well with any home environment.

The PHANTOM M series proves that a slim in-wall speaker can deliver the authentic DALI sound without visually dominating the room.

Dali Audio UK Ltd www.dali-speakers.com

ALL NEW

PHANTOM M Series

created for movie and music lovers looking for astonishing sound from a discreet, in-wall speaker solution.

W W W. DA L I -S P E A K E R S . CO M