2-Way Speakers

ALTO GENESIS SAT

Just because your sitting-room isn't large enough for big speakers, doesn't mean you have to do without high-quality sound. The VISATON subwoofer satellite system, ALTO GENESIS provides excellent listening pleasure in a very small space.

Separating the subwoofer into two cabinets - left and right channels - means that the assignment to the corresponding satellite speaker is hidden. On the other hand, the two subwoofers can also be placed together as mono subwoofers. The bandpass subwoofer cabinet contains the 13 cm long-stroke woofer W 130 S - 8 Ohm. The well-balanced driver, cabinet and frequency parameters enable the subwoofer to be separated off at 110 Hz with a slope rate of 30 dB/octave. That is a level seldom achieved even by active subwoofers. The satellite speakers are also steeply cut off towards the bottom end by means of an optimised crossover unit. This optimised coupling technique means the position of the subwoofer is in reality not determinable.

The small shelf-mounted satellite speakers produce the lively high frequencies and a balanced mid-range and provide the overall spatial qualities required. The tuning frequency cuts in at 110 Hz.

Art. No. 5971

ALTO I

The ALTO I is a 2-way shelf-mounted speaker with a cabinet volume of 13 litres. Apart from the 20 mm tweeter cone, the cabinet contains a 17 cm diameter mid-bass cone.

The sound qualities of the ALTO I are "warm" but with crisp, high-range reproduction.

This kit is ideally suited to replacing the more basic speakers often supplied as standard with low-priced hi-fi systems and thus improving the overall standard of the system.

Since the bass ports are at the front, the ALTO I can be hung on the wall or placed in bookshelves, facilitating good bass response even in rooms with difficult acoustics.

Art. No. 5966

ALTO II

This 2-way column speaker, ALTO II, designed as a 30 litre vented system, is another suggested application from the Alto series. The same driver arrangement has been selected as for the ALTO I but, here, the lower range octaves benefit from the enlarged cabinet volume and optimum bass frequency to produce powerful, responsive bass.

ALTO II is also well-suited to improving the sound of low-priced compact hi-fi systems.

The ALTO II can be positioned freely anywhere in the room, producing clearly defined spatial sound character.

Art. No. 5967

ALTO LINE MK II

The ALTO LINE MK II is a slim, 2-band column speaker with two 13 cm mid-bass units and one dome tweeter.
Due to its slim design and the correspondingly small footprint, this model is ideal as a free-standing speaker in smaller rooms.

The spatial separation is well handled by the speakers and can, as a result, produce clear sound characteristics even in "normal" living rooms.

The unusually broad range bass spectrum for a speaker of this size, that remains crisp even at higher output levels, is a point worthy of note.

As a result of its balanced, crisp sound characteristics, and the finely detailed, exuberant high-frequency output, the ALTO LINE MK II can be considered a fully-fledged member of the ALTO speaker family.

Art. No. 5970

ARIA

Characteristics and sound properties

The ARIA is a small-sized 2-band shelf-top speaker system that uses the TI 100 8 Ohm high-end mid-bass unit and the G 20 SC 8 Ohm dome tweeter. The unit is equally well suited to life as a satellite in a straightforward stereo system or for use in a multichannel set-up. It can be combined with larger speakers such as the VOX 200 where it takes over the centre or effect role or a full set of them can be used to cover all channels. The lower limiting frequency is at 75 Hz, i.e. deep-bass should be left to an active subwoofer and the satellites will need protecting with a high-pass section or, in multichannel systems, they should be run in small mode.

If the speakers are positioned right by the wall or in a shelving unit, the bass reflex tube will be partly damped or completely stifled, which can compensate for excessively boosted bass.

Art. No. 5945

ARIA 2

The ARIA 2 is a small-sized 2-band shelf-top speaker system that uses two TI 100 - 8 Ohm high-end mid-bass units and the G 20 SC - 8 Ohmdome tweeter. The unit is equally well suited to life as a satellite in a straightforward stereo system or for use in a multichannel set-up. It can be combined with larger speakers such as the VOX 200 where it takes over the centre or effect role or a full set of them can be used to cover all channels. The lower limiting frequency is at 75 Hz, i.e. deep-bass should be left to an active subwoofer and the satellites will need protecting with a high-pass section or, in multichannel systems, they should be run in small mode.

If the speakers are positioned right by the wall or in a shelving unit, the bass reflex tube will be partly damped or completely stifled, which can compensate for excessively boosted bass.

Art. No. 5946

ARIA 2 KE

This variant of the ARIA 2 has been fitted out with the KE 25 SC - 8 Ohmas an alternative and the crossover adapted accordingly.

A complete kit for this suggestion is available via www.vc-mailorderservice.de.

ARIA 2 LIGHT

The ARIA 2 LIGHT is a small-sized 2-band shelf-top speaker system that uses two W 100 S - 8 OHM mid-bass units and one G 20 SC - 8 OHMdome tweeter. In smaller rooms and if used as a shelf-mounted unit, the system has a considerable bass foundation which means that a separate subwoofer is not required. However, if coupled with a good powered subwoofer, the range of tonality of far larger hi-fi speakers is achieved.

The larger cabinet and the D'Appolito arrangement in the ARIA 2 LIGHTprovide a far greater maximum sound pressure in comparison with the smaller ARIA LIGHT.

Art. No. 5955

ARIA 2 MHT CENTER

The ARIA 2 MHT CENTER is equipped with the popular combination of drivers consisting of the TI 100 - 8 Ohm and the MHT 12 - 8 Ohm. As a result of this choice of drivers and the linear frequency response, it is ideally suited as a complementary centre speaker in conjunction with the VOX 253 MTI or TOPAS, for example, to produce a high-end home theatre system. As already seen in the ARIA 2, the magnetostat is positioned in the middle of the slim-line baffle and is flanked by the two titanium mid-bass units.

In contrast to centre speakers featuring a genuine D'Appolito arrangement, the ARIA 2 MHT CENTER is well suited to horizontal positioning e.g. above or below the television set, because it does not have anything like the same beaming effect. The sophisticated 2.5-band crossover circuitry is responsible for this feature. The crossover separates one of the two mid-bass units at 1800 Hz while the second is not separated until 4500 Hz is reached, to leave the higher frequencies to the magnetostat.
This deliberate individual treatment of the two TI 100 - 8 Ohm prevents noticeable directivity which, in a vertically placed D'Appolito arrangement, would be intentional but in a horizontally placed centre speaker must be avoided at all costs to ensure that all the seating positions in the home theatre are treated to the same volume levels.

Art. No. 5947

ARIA DIPOL 1

The ARIA DIPOL 1 is intended specifically as an effect speaker for the rear channels in multichannel systems. It unites two concepts: It can be used in both dipole and direct modes. By activating the two outer tweeters, something approaching the dipole effect is achieved, i.e. a diffused sound field. At the same time, the centre tweeter is deactivated. This solution cannot achieve the perfect diffused field of a full dipole set-up, which uses twin cones in the bass department as well, but it does represent a good, value-for-money compromise.
ARIA DIPOL 1 speakers can be combined wither with the other members of the ARIA family or with larger speakers such as the VOX 200.

ARIA KE

This variant of the ARIA has been fitted out with the KE 25 SC - 8 Ohm as an alternative and the crossover adapted accordingly.

A complete kit for this suggestion is available via www.vc-mailorderservice.de.

ARIA LIGHT

The ARIA LIGHT is a small-sized 2-band shelf-top speaker system that uses the W 100 S - 8 OHM mid-bass unit and the G 20 SC - 8 OHM dome tweeter. In smaller rooms and if used as a shelf-mounted unit, the system has a considerable bass foundation which means that a separate subwoofer is not required. However, if coupled with a good powered subwoofer, the range of tonality of far larger hi-fi speakers is achieved.

Art. No. 5954

ARIA MHT

The ARIA MHT is a variant of the popular smaller ARIA shelf-top speaker. Instead of being fitted with a fabric dome driver, the ARIA MHT has the excellent MHT 12 - 8 Ohm magnetostat. As a result, the crossover had to be tuned exactly to match the two drivers. Since magnetostats should not be separated at too low a frequency, the transfer frequency was set at 5000 Hz. This results in extremely clear high-frequency output even at high volumes. Getting the crossover to the right level to allow the TI 100 - 8 Ohm to operate up to 5000 Hz took some effort. This high-end mid-bass unit can produce unusually long cone excursion due to its long voice coil, which means it can generate a bass output level that is surprising considering the compact size. Thanks to the extremely rigid titanium diaphragm, the TI 100 - 8 Ohm stands out in the mid-range due to excellent overall presence and vocal clarity. In conjunction with the silky smooth treble range for which magnetostats are famous, this combination is a clear contender for the premium high-end loudspeaker league. Although the ARIA MHT produces powerful bass when used as a shelf speaker, it makes sense to add an active subwoofer if you need to emphasise the lowest frequencies.

Art. No. 5948

BIJOU

The BIJOU is a compact shelf-top speaker with high-end drivers. The AL 130 - 8 Ohm, which is responsible for the lower mid-range in the compact, 10-litre cabinet, together with the large bass reflex vent at the front generate powerful, deep bass reproduction. This is magnified still more if the speakers are positioned near a wall.

In the BIJOU speakers, the tweeter is the KE 25 SC - 8 Ohm ceramic dome driver which cuts in at 2000 Hz. Due to its low resonant frequency, this driver is ideal for full-range use.

Thanks to its high level-accuracy, this driver produces crystal-clear, distortion free treble whatever the volume level.

It is in part thanks to these high-quality drivers that the sophisticated crossover, which uses only very few components, produces a virtually linear frequency response from this classic 2-band combination. The result is a compact loudspeaker whose balanced and yet fully-developed overall sound quality is totally convincing.

Art. No. 5917

BIJOU 170

The BIJOU 170 is a compact shelf-top speaker with high-end drivers as the original BIJOU. The AL 170 - 8 Ohm woofer in the closed 10.5 l case provides for a kick and exact bass which works well and without booming by mounting on a wall. This was reached by a slightly rising frequency response to about 1000 Hz, so that the BIJOU 170 should be used preferentially as a wall or shelf-mounted speaker.

In this duet the high tone reproduction takes over the also well known ceramic tweeter KE 25 SC - 8 Ohm which is extremely rich in detail and exact in work.

The BIJOU 170 is available as single version and can be used therefore e.g. as a centre speaker, but, of course, also as a front and effect loudspeaker in home cinema systems, supported by an additional subwoofer.

Art. No. 5889

CLOU

The CLOU is a slim-line 2-band column speaker offering real value-for-money as a key feature, as shown in the choice of two WS 17 E - 8 Ohmfor the low-to-medium frequencies and the SC 10 N - 8 Ohm for the higher frequency range. To guarantee balanced overall sound quality using these less-expensive drivers, the two mid-bass units are physically separated from each other and each has its own enclosure. The lower WS 17 E - 8 Ohm is mounted in a 36-litre compartment. This produces a uniform increase in the frequency response from 60 Hz up to 600 Hz. The upper WS 17 E - 8 Ohm, on the other hand, is mounted in a smaller 16-litre compartment, which causes a slight increase in the range of frequencies between 60 Hz and 150 Hz. However, taken jointly, the two mid-bass units create a harmonious bass foundation which deliberately emphasises the frequencies between 60 Hz and 130 Hz. To ensure a seamless transition between the tweeter and the bass drivers, you need a properly balanced damping circuit to cut out any unwanted peaks and resonance.

The result of this unusual combination of drivers and cabinet is a column speaker that has to be seen and heard to be believed and one which produces a sound quality well above its moderate price range.

Art. No. 5961

COUPLET

The COUPLET is a d'Appolito configuration shelf speaker. in the low to mid-range two 13 cm drivers, model AL 130 - 8 Ohm, take over the work. These high-end speakers can really show what they're capable of in a 25 litre bass reflex cabinet. Their long stroke and low mechanical losses guarantee powerful, rich bass reproduction. This is due to a large extent to the BR 25.50 bass reflex tube, mounted on the back of the cabinet, with its flow-optimised shape.

In the high-frequency range above 3000 Hz, the 20 mm textile domed G 20 SC - 8 Ohm demonstrates its very linear frequency response and excellent omnidirectional sound distribution.

The specially designed crossover circuitry optimises the interaction between the mid-bass unit and the tweeter and effectively suppresses unwanted resonance from the aluminium diaphragms before it becomes noticeable. The frequency response in the mid-range is made more linear.

The result is a speaker that maintains its linear characteristics right across the frequency range. Due to the well balanced medium range, the fine details of music reproduction, in particular, comes across particularly clearly. The excellent omnidirectional sound distribution creates a particularly room-filling music reproduction and clear location of each individual instrument or voice. The lowest-range bass comes across equally powerfully. In short, the COUPLET is a speaker that is really good fun.

Art. No. 5912

COUPLET LIGHT

The COUPLET LIGHT is a compact D Appolito configuration shelf speaker. It can be used as a shelf-top speaker or mounted on free-standing supports. In contrast to the original COUPLET, this system uses two W 130 S - 8 OHM as woofers. The tweeter and the cabinet design with its flow-optimised BR 25.50 bass reflex tube have been taken over unchanged.

The result is a speaker that maintains its linear characteristics right across the frequency range. Due to the well balanced medium range, the fine details of music reproduction, in particular, comes across particularly clearly. The excellent omnidirectional sound distribution creates a particularly room-filling music reproduction and clear location of each individual instrument or voice. The lowest-range bass comes across equally powerfully. In short, the COUPLET LIGHT is a speaker that is really good fun.

Art. No. 5928

FONTANA

The 2-way FONTANA system is a 360° omnidirectional speaker with a highly attractive appearance and is particularly well suited as an effect speaker. The speakers are arranged so that they point upwards and reflect the sound output by means of two specially shaped cones. This results in a uniformly distributed frequency response, that matches your hearing expectations in the room.

The best sound quality is achieved if these omnidirectional speakers are positioned about 50 cm to 1 m from a wall. This produces spatial sound of such tangible quality that it is perceived at any position in the room. Virtual sound sources, such as instruments or voices perceived to be between the speakers, can be clearly located from any seating position in the room, which gives listeners a freedom of movement in the room they have never had before and this holds true even in acoustically difficult rooms. This results in extraordinary diffusion fields for the effects channels in Dolby® Surround and multi-channel systems.

The DT 94 - 8 Ohm tweeters, ideal for this type of system, working in conjunction with the mid-bass AL 170 - 8 Ohm and the carefully tuned crossover unit, ensure balanced, neutral sound reproduction. Low-range bass frequencies are boosted by the BR 15.34 tube, which is situated in the bottom of the bass chamber and guarantees clear, powerful bass reproduction.

The omnidirectional FONTANA, tested in an anechoic chamber, achieved a maximum volume of 98 dB. If positioned, as recommended, near a wall, however, the system produces + 6 dB or, in a corner of the room, + 9 dB, making this omnidirectional speaker ideally suited even for larger rooms. If required, two FONTANA's can be installed on each side to produce a full surround field. To do so, position one omnidirectional speaker to the side of the seating arrangement and a second one behind that. The same applies to the other side.

The FONTANA is ideal as a fullrange effects speaker system for high-quality surround sound systems for movies and music, but can just as well be used as the main loudspeaker for hi-fi stereo systems to give you excellent spatial listening pleasure for your favourite music.

Art. No. 5974

FONTANELLA SAT

The FONTANELLA subwoofer satellite system is both visually and accoustically a completely new experience. The drivers in the satellitesare arranged to project the sound upwards. Two specially shaped cones reflect the sound according to specific patterns to ensure that the sound is distributed horizontally and uniformly in all directions.

The mid-bass unit is the AL 130 M - 8 Ohm, and the tweeter range is covered by the DT 94 - 8 Ohm.

This diffused sound distribution means that the impressive spatial effect is virtually uniform all round the room. Virtual sound sources, for example the voices or instruments that appear between the speakers, can be clearly and precisely located. The depth of colour of the sound remains the same at any seating position in the whole room. Ideally, the satellitesshould be positioned 0.5 m to 1 m away from a wall and on a base or stand. The cones should then be at ear level or slightly below.

The passive subwoofer cabinet has been designed to match the satellitesand is fitted with the GF 200 - 2 x 4 Ohm double voice-coil woofer; resulting in powerful, highly dynamic bass reproduction from this high-end driver.

The FONTANELLA system provides a high level of listening pleasure as a hifi stereo system but is also extremely well suited to use as the rear effect channel in home-video systems. In such cases, the subwoofer is not required and the two satellites are used alone.

Art. No. 5937

GRAND ORGUE

The toughest challenge for a high-end loudspeaker is to reproduce the lowest frequencies of larger instruments, such as an organ or double bass, with appropriate fidelity. Only very few speakers are at all able to reproduce the lowest register of a church organ and even then only the very best are able to make it sound as if it was coming from an organ pipe. To do credit to a double bass in all its glory without sounding fluffy or over-inflated or, even worse, giving up altogether, is the reserve of very few, outstanding loudspeaker constructions. The "Les Orgues" speaker series, in this case the GRAND ORGUE species, represent exactly that capability. With eight WS 25 E - 8 Ohm woofers, optimised specifically as a free-air system, mounted in a folded, but open baffle, they are able to reproduce bass down to below 20 Hz in a most natural, unhurried and completely unexaggerated manner and with no sign of weakness. Since there is, in effect, no enclosure, the resonant frequency of the woofer is not increased, but in this case even decreased, which enables it to emanate clear, non-compressed extremely low frequencies. The precondition for this low-range bass imaging, which uses double-sided radiation, is, however, also to ensure the speakers are far enough away from the wall. One metre is sufficient, but for full power right to the bottom of the bass range, 2 - 3 metres is preferable.

But the effortless and unobtrusive deep bass is not all, by any means. The bass section, which radiates to both sides, is supplemented by a line array consisting of eight oval SL 713 - 4 Ohm full-range drivers. This moderately priced full-range loudspeaker is characterised by its extremely light paper diaphragm and the voice coil carrier made of kraft paper which, together, ensure absolutely natural sound right through to the highest frequencies.

A key characteristic of line arrays is that they generate a highly focused sound beam in the vertical plane. Outside that main path, a large proportion of the signal is cancelled out by interference. This prevents reflections from the floor and ceiling from even coming into existence, which would impair the precise tridimensional imaging of the music. However this beaming effect is a direct function of the wavelength of the sound radiated. The higher the frequency, and, as a result, the shorter the wavelength, the more extreme the beaming effect. A large array such as we have here in the GRAND ORGUE would normally lead to very extreme beaming in the high-frequency range, which would not reflect the reality of the sound being played. To achieve as uniform a beaming effect as possible across the entire frequency range, which is important to guarantee balanced sound quality in the listening room, we have arranged for a correcting circuit within the array. This circuit ensures that, as the frequency increases, additional output is directed towards the second and third full-range drivers from the top while the output to the other six drivers is gradually reduced. In effect, the array is shortened across the full range steplessly from eight loudspeakers to two. These two loudspeakers should be as close as possible to ear height. If ear height should actually be higher or lower than the midpoint between the second and third full-range drivers from the top, the system can easily be adapted to the situation by wiring up the array in such a way that e.g. the third and fourth drivers from the top are responsible for the higher frequencies. In this way, the cabinet can be tuned in small steps to suit the real situation.

Combining all these technical sophistications in a single cabinet results in an exceptional speaker system which is predestined for the "natural" reproduction of music, but not only for that. Whether it is a keenly picked guitar string, a crisp drum solo, an entire symphony orchestra including an uplifting, heart-warming string section and a powerful brass department, or the veritable queen of all instruments, the organ, it will all come across absolutely authentically, with dynamism and is guaranteed to give you goose pimples. In the same way, voices, male and female, are reproduced faithfully including every tiny detail. Each instrument and voice appear to be hovering in exactly the right place in space, the spatial quality is completely natural and everything is in the defined position.

Anyone on the lookout for loudspeakers for high-quality music, who does not intend to make compromises in terms of frequency response and who is keen on extremely accurate imaging of the stage or orchestra pit, should take a close look at the GRAND ORGUE. The only preconditions are a powerful amplifier and generous distances between the cabinets and the walls to enable the GRAND ORGUE to develop its capabilities.

HINT: The bass part of the GRAND ORGUE, on its own without the full-range drivers, connected directly up to an active source without a passive crossover, acts as an excellent subwoofer and can be used, either singly or as a pair, to support music-orientated high-end loudspeakers and full-range loudspeakers down to the lowest bass frequencies and give home theatres the bottom end that they deserve.

Art. No. 5892

LA BELLE CR

As the most compact member of the La Belle family, the La Belle CR is equipped with the same tweeter and mid-range drivers as its bigger sisters La Belle and La Belle Center, but does without the woofers found in those larger arrangements. As regards its appearance, the La Belle CR is obviously based on the La Belle. The objective of the development was to produce rear speaker that can also be used as a smaller centre speaker.

In order to achieve a reasonable lower limiting frequency for use with a surround system, the cabinet was designed to be just big enough to house the B 200 - 6 Ohm above 67 Hz while keeping the loudspeaker cabinet as compact as possible. Although this may appear to be a contradiction in terms, the parameters of the B 200 - 6 Ohm allow this idea to be put into practice, which enables the La Belle CR to be easily integrated in a surround system in conjunction with large main speakers and subwoofers. Even if used as a simple pair of stereo speakers, they will cut a good figure.

The low-frequency range is subjected to linearising and high-pass filtering by the serial capacitor. Nevertheless, we recommend including a high-pass filter on the surround amp (small mode), which will enable much improved bass management. Since it does not have to cope with the lower frequencies, the La Belle CR is well able to keep up with the larger family members at the top end of the volume scale.

At the same time, it has been possible to retain the inimitable soundquality and range of detail found throughout the La Belle family, which allows the harmonious surround effect to be achieved through all the speakers at the highest level. The challenge of reproducing the finest acoustic details provided by the source of the sound at the volume levels typically encountered in film environments is met with remarkable accuracy, which results in many an astonished listener in the auditorium. This speaker is quite simply able to amaze.

Art. No. 5882

MB 208/H

The MB 208/H is a compact, high-output speaker. It is equipped with two high-efficiency 20 cm fullrange BG 20 - 8 Ohm 's, working in parallel, and the HTH 8.7 - 8 Ohm tweeter. Apart from being ideal as a monitor speaker for vocals and instruments, in smallish to medium-sized rooms, it is also a good candidate for combining with a good subwoofer (e.g. MB 115/B ) for larger PA events.

As a result of the d Appolito arrangement, less sound is dissipated upwards and downwards. This directional advantage reduces the amount of ceiling and floor reflection in large halls, and will result in better voice transmission and less tendency to feedback. The sound quality of the MB 208/H is extremely high. The sound imbalance often experienced with musicians systems is missing here. In conjunction with the MB 115/B, there is no reason why hi-fi sound quality should not be achieved.

The compact design makes it ideal for transport.

Art. No. 5931

NANO SAT MK II

NANO, Visaton's magic baby, has been revamped. In this new version, the rear-mounted tweeter has been dispensed with and the crossover unit adapted accordingly. This has enabled improvements in the natural quality of voice reproduction. In addition, the NANO is now far less susceptible to changes in position, especially the distance between the speakers and the wall. It is now possible to integrate them without loss of quality in bookshelves.

If you combine the NANO SAT MK II with the NANO SUB PR, you get a speaker system that is totally living-room friendly consisting of tiny satellites and a compact subwoofer which, all-in-all, sounds like a far larger, uncompromising column speaker set-up.

Art. No. 5980

PETIT ORGUE

The toughest challenge for a high-end loudspeaker is to reproduce the lowest frequencies of larger instruments, such as an organ or double bass, with appropriate fidelity. Only very few speakers are at all able to reproduce the lowest register of a church organ and even then only the very best are able to make it sound as if it was coming from an organ pipe. To do credit to a double bass in all its glory without sounding fluffy or over-inflated or, even worse, giving up altogether, is the reserve of very few, outstanding loudspeaker constructions. The "Les Orgues" speaker series, in this case the "Petit Orgue" species, represent exactly that capability. With their WS 25 E - 8 Ohm woofers, optimised specifically as a free-air system, mounted in a folded, but open baffle, they are able to reproduce bass down to below 20 Hz in a most natural, unhurried and completely unexaggerated manner and with no sign of weakness. Since there is, in effect, no enclosure, the resonant frequency of the woofer is not increased, which enables it to emanate clear, non-compressed extremely low frequencies.

In contrast to conventional loudspeaker cabinets in which it is the sheer size that determines, to a large extent, their capability to produce very low frequencies, the "Petit Orgue" can indeed compete with its big brother, the "Grand Orgue", in terms of depth. The differences between them are limited, in the main, to the sensitivity and maximum volume level, while the lower limiting frequency is identical. You have to actually hear with your own ears how this unassuming little speaker pumps those deep-black sound waves around the listening room before you can believe it. It may be that the maximum volume level is restricted, but the very fact that it is able to produce lower bass frequencies than most of the larger column speakers is more than impressive.

The precondition for this low-range bass imaging, which uses double-sided radiation, is, however, to ensure the speakers are far enough away from the wall. One metre is sufficient, but for full power right to the bottom of the bass range, 2 - 3 metres is preferable. It is, therefore, not really feasible to use the "Petit Orgue" as a shelf-mounted solution, despite its modest size.

As in the big brother, oval SL 713 - 4 Ohm full-range drivers are responsible for the range above 300 Hz. This moderately priced full-range loudspeaker is characterised by its extremely light paper diaphragm and the voice coil carrier made of kraft paper which, together, ensure absolutely natural sound right through to the highest frequencies. Since only two of them are in use here, there is no need for separate controllers. It is a good idea, however, to use suitable stands to raise the "Petit Orgue" speakers to ear height because the two full-rangeloudspeakers radiate their output as a beam.

The tonality of these speakers is comparable to that of the "Grand Orgue": highly authentic, direct, dynamic. The bass is incredibly deep and yet retains unobtrusive clarity. With the "Petit Orgue", low-frequency instruments, powerful orchestral moments and voices come across absolutely authentically and with a large portion of live atmosphere. The image of the orchestral layout is clearly defined and focussed, even if, as a result of the construction principle, it cannot quite reproduce the exceptional precision of which the "Grand Orgue" with its 8-fold array is capable.

Be that as it may, the "Petit Orgue" is far more than just a baby brother. It is indeed a fully-fledged high-end loudspeaker system that is designed to appeal to listeners who may not need absolute top-of the range volume levels but who do require deep black crisp bass and extremely authentic instrument layout.

Hint: The bass part of the "Petit Orgue", on its own without the full-rangedrivers, connected direct up to an active source without a passive crossover, acts as an excellent subwoofer and can be used, either singly or as a pair, to support music-orientated high-end loudspeakers and full-range loudspeakers down to the lowest bass frequencies.

Art. No. 5891

PORTRAIT

Many lovers of music have one problem in common: they want to listen to good music at a high quality of reproduction but they do not have the room to place the loudspeakers they would like to buy or they cannot find the right speakers to blend in with their furnishings and taste. What they need is loudspeakers that do not look like loudspeakers.

And so we developed the PORTRAIT design, which can be hung on the wall and looks like a picture. The objective was to keep the cabinet as flat as possible. The PORTRAIT will be satisfied with only 40 mm in depth. If you take the time to make some more complex cut-outs, you can even reduce this to 34 mm.

This is made possible by the use of particularly slim 13 cm FR 12 - 8 Ohmloudspeakers as woofers. Combined with the SC 5 - 8 Ohm tweeter and the specially designed crossover, this produces a sophisticated satellite speaker unit. Due to the small cabinet, low bass cannot be produced by the PORTRAIT. As a result, the bass range below 100 Hz is best covered by a subwoofer (e.g. SUB-W 20.39 ).

This combination with a powerful subwoofer means that the PORTRAITset-up is a visually appealing and acoustically highly effective system which can, if required, be extended. If the wall space in front of and behind the listening position are free, additional PORTRAIT speakers can be hung to produce a multi-channel system for home theatre and music.

The point about the PORTRAIT is the option of fitting a fabric front to the cabinet which can vary, depending on the surroundings, e.g. single-coloured or brightly coloured silk. Of course, one can always put one's creative skills to work and make one's own silk covers adorned with favourite motifs. There are no limits to your imagination.

Art. No. 5951

SOLITUDE

The SOLITUDE set-up combines the direct, highly precise soundreproduction of the B 200 - 6 Ohm wide-range speaker with the dynamic bass of two GF 200 - 2 x 4 Ohm. The B 200 - 6 Ohm is fitted in a completely enclosed, heavily damped compartment. The two GF 200 - 2 x 4 Ohm woofers are mounted in a voluminous cabinet with a generously dimensioned bass reflex tube. Owing to the very low-frequency separation, SOLITUDE is, in effect, a wide-range speaker with a subwoofer.

First impressions: fantastic sound! A synthesis of the precision localisation, clarity and analytical precision of the SOLO 100 or SOLO 50(straight down the axis) and the level accuracy of the CONCORDE MK III. The bass is deep but not heavy, the medium range clearly evident, with no fuzzy fringes. We could not detect a break between the bass and the rest - the sound was more homogeneous and pure than we had ever heard from any other wide-range speakers.

The two sections have to be reverse connected. In so doing, it does not matter whether the bass is connected correctly or not as long as the SOLITUDE is playing on its own. In conjunction with other speakers (e.g. in a multichannel system) the bass must, of course be in sync.

STELLA LIGHT

To be clear from the start: these small sized STELLA LIGHT speakers pack a considerable punch. While the outer appearance of the speakers might be described as compact or even sweet, this definitely does not apply to the maximum sound pressure of which they are capable. The combination of universal full-range FRS 8 - 8 Ohm loudspeaker and W 170 S - 8 Ohm woofer stands out because of its unbelievable level accuracy.

The fact that the separating frequency is at a very low 200 Hz benefits the STELLA LIGHT's positioning accuracy and generates an image of the stage that easily earns the "live" label. The FRS 8 - 8 Ohm full-range loudspeaker is remarkably detailed in its output: even the higher frequencies are reproduced accurately and with clear focus. Complemented by the W 170 S - 8 Ohm woofer, this combination covers almost the full range of frequencies required.

Whether used as computer speakers to the left and right of the desk or as a stereo set for the sitting room or bedroom, thanks to the excellent value-for-money price, these speakers can be used universally in many different environments without making too large inroads into your wallet. The simple, effective and intriguingly designed series crossover rounds the system off to produce a low-priced, quality building kit.

After all the cables have been positioned in the cabinet, the cable opening in the divider will have to be sealed off with e.g. hot-melt glue.

Art. No. 5896

STUDIO 1

The naming of the Studio 1 was very easy due to the optics, which are reminiscent of typical studio monitors. This does not mean that the Studio 1 is solely a studio monitor. This speaker can also be used in larger home theater systems and, of course, as a pure stereo system, supported by a powered subwoofer if necessary.

By using the Waveguide WG 220x150, coupled with the excellent properties of the well known G 25 FFL - 8 Ohm tweeter, and the two AL 130 - 8 Ohm woofers, an interesting and extraordinary construction speaker kit came into being, which can be described as extremely rich in detail and lifelike in terms of precise focus and soundstage.

During the development of the STUDIO 1, some tricks had to be employed to achieve the above mentioned properties. The bassreflex port is installed at an angle of 45° upwards, which eliminates the well known problem of standing waves in the channel itself.

Additionally, the Waveguide WG 220x150 adds substantial improvements to the qualities of the G 25 FFL - 8 Ohm: On the one hand, the height of the waveguide brings the sound generation zone of the tweeter and the woofers into line, as on the other hand the exponentially expanding shape of the waveguide optimizes the radiation pattern and puts less strain on the tweeter in the lower frequency range. An optimized radiation pattern in this context means that the width of the acoustical beam of the tweeter is adapted to the beamwidth of the woofers in the region of the transition. Thereby, a homogeneous sound also arises in rooms with unequal reverberation times.

These important points allow for the excellent sound of the Studio 1, which can be described in summary by the word "directly".

Art. No. 5890

STUDIO 2

When development on the STUDIO 2 started, there were key questions posed: is it possible to improve on a 2-band shelf-top speaker and is a new version necessary in the first place? To be clear from the start: the answer to both questions is "yes".

The introduction of waveguide technology made it possible to optimise acoustic characteristics not only along the axis, but also to perfect the lateral radiation pattern. This enhancement has been implemented here.

The STUDIO 2 speaker brings together the two high-end AL 130 – 8 Ohm and G 25 FFL – 8 Ohm drivers in a harmonious marriage, in the same way as in the larger sister, the STUDIO 1. This combination of a 13-cm mid-bass unit and a 25-mm tweeter has already proved its worth in that speaker.

The tweeter is also supported by a waveguide in the STUDIO 2, the WG 148 R. This round version of the waveguide WG 220x150 has exactly the same acoustic characteristics and ensures optimised beaming between the G 25 FFL – 8 Ohm dome tweeter, which normally radiates its output quite noticeably and the AL 130 – 8 Ohm mid-bass unit, which tends to bundle its output more around the higher frequencies. In this way, the result is a completely homogeneous, seamless whole, characterised by uniform focus.

The drivers, all tuned to be as lossless as possible, ensure accurate, finely resolved sound quality, which rounds off the holistic character of the speaker.

As a result of these finely balanced acoustic characteristics, the STUDIO 2 is well suited to use as a monitor in sound studios, which is why it was given that name during the development stage. As is usual for loudspeakers of this genre, sound reproduction has been kept as neutral as possible so as not to taint the sound recording.

As well as these professional applications, the speaker can equally well be used for normal stereo or multi-channel systems. If used in connection with a home theatre system, we recommend configuring the loudspeakers as "small" in the receiver set-up. This will filter out the really deep frequencies, which will enable the STUDIO 2 to generate unbelievable sound pressure levels. Despite the compact dimensions, if these speakers are supported by a subwoofer, even much larger systems can be elbowed aside.

So the STUDIO 2 is not merely a small-format 2-band shelf-top speaker, it is a small, universally talented speaker with a sound quality you simply would not expect.

Art. No. 5881

TABULA

Tabula is a stereo loudspeaker cabinet designed to look like a shelf that is extremely versatile. It can be used as a bookshelf, TV stand, worktop or hifi rack and integrated invisibly into the room as a loudspeaker.

The main drivers are the miniature fullrange BF 32 - 8 Ohm speakers which, despite their modest size, sound remarkably grown-up and incorporate such technical details as aluminium diaphragms and neodymium magnets.

The bass department of the Tabula system is provided by the W 100 S - 8 Ohm, an excellent value-for-money bass driver that has been popular for decades for that very reason. In the correspondingly designed bass reflexcabinet, this driver generates excellent low-frequency bass that is remarkably firm despite the size of the speaker.

The combination of these three components, coupled with a sophisticated crossover and the design of the system details produces a powerful stereo sound system which can be invisibly integrated into the room. Supplemented with a miniature amp (such as the VISATON AMP 2.2) and a simple MP3 player, the Tabula becomes a full-scale Hifi system.

Art. No. 5887

TOPAS

TI 100 - 8 Ohm and MHT 12 - 8 Ohm are clearly two of the best drivers VISATON has to offer. The Hobby HiFi editors developed the TOPASmodel on the basis of these drivers by combining them in a delicate-looking, unusual speaker cabinet and demonstrating that they do, indeed, harmonise together beautifully. Compared with the original Hobby HiFi proposal, we have now slightly modified the crossover in order to achieve a warmer-sounding effect which guarantees long-term, relaxed enjoyment. By modifying the inner damping, it has also been possible to simplify the housing and suppress resonance even more effectively.

It is not only the spatial effects and the accuracy of the separation that are impressive, the frequency response is also unusually broad. The upper limiting frequency is at 40 kHz which is well outside the audible range. The lower 35 Hz limit is remarkably low for a 10 cm woofer. This is achieved by fine-tuning the cabinet in the borderline area between vented bass and transmission line. Obviously, the small-diameter TI 100 - 8 Ohmcan only reproduce such deep bass at a limited volume level. The physical limits are dictated by the surface area of the diaphragm and the length of stroke. The TOPAS is, as a result, not intended for reproducing powerful rock music or action-packed movies. But it is surprising how often visitors say to us, after hearing a demonstration of really large, powerful speakers, "That's all very well. But at home I can hardly turn them up to that sort of volume anyway." The TOPAS has been specially designed for people like that. Small and homely but with bass quality that will have your visitors' eyes roaming the room looking for a hidden subwoofer.

The TOPAS will take loads of 40 / 60 watts measured using standard measuring techniques. This does not mean, however, that the amplifier can not have a higher output level than this. It is possible to use an amp with a far higher output than this provided you take it easy with the volume settings and do not turn up the volume to a level that causes distortion in the sound quality. TOPAS speakers should be kept out of the reach of small children and overtly merry partygoers.

Art. No. 5924

TOPAS LIGHT

The LIGHT version of the TOPAS is, just like its larger sister, a speaker that is perfectly happy being run at low volumes. High volume levels are just as distasteful to the small 10 cm W 100 S - 8 Ohm mid-bass driver in this combination of cabinets as they are to the high-end TI 100 - 8 Ohm. This is a natural consequence of the small diaphragm area and limited excursion.

However, due to the large cabinet volume and the bass reflex/transmission line arrangement, this speaker produces a surprisingly rich bass sound that one would hardly expect to get from a 10-cm driver. This, in conjunction with the extremely reasonably priced SC 10 N - 8 Ohm tweeter and the few components making up the crossover, creates a small column speaker that must be generally affordable by anyone and will earn its fair share of astonished looks.

But how does this less expensive version compare in reality to the TOPAS? To be perfectly frank, the sound quality of the TOPAS is not quite matched. The LIGHT version is slightly lacking in detail and less precise compared with its big sister. The clarity of the TOPAS that was praised so highly by various specialist magazines cannot be equalled in a direct comparison. But if one bears in mind the price difference of around € 800, it is surprising how well the LIGHT version stands up for itself in terms of value-for-money.

This is our recommendation: this is the ideal speaker solution for people who prefer quieter sounds or for use in quieter listening areas, such as the bedroom etc. But anyone who is not averse to spending more and who needs to be able to squeeze more volume from the setup, will want to go for the more expensive TOPAS.

VIB 130 TL

There are plenty of transmission line fans among the speaker-building fraternity. HOBBY HiFi recently developed a super-slim speaker with a folded transmission line (TML). The VIB 130 TL cabinet suggestion is based on that idea and uses an AL 130 - 8 Ohm and a G 20 SC - 8 Ohm.

This speaker cabinet works on the basis of an organ pipe. At one end is the driver while the other end is open. Certain frequencies generate resonance which causes particularly powerful sound reproduction at the open end. The longer this tunnel, the lower the frequency.

In order to make use of this principle for low frequencies, a length of several metres would be necessary which is only possible by "folding" the transmission line tunnel twice within the cabinet to achieve convenient dimensions, as integrated in the VIB 130 TL. Apart from the intentional low frequency resonance, TML's also generate interference resonance at higher frequencies. It is only by damping the space very carefully that the desired results can be achieved.

Two internal Helmholtz resonators are in use directly behind the woofer as sound absorbers and, in conjunction with the extremely carefully positioned damping material, will ensure that the frequency response is kept beautifully smooth.

VIB 130 TL solves the problem of reproducing low-frequency bass in small rooms where the speakers have to be positioned close to walls. A distance of 10 cm is perfectly adequate.

Real deep bass is not to be confused with disco bass, which one tends to feel through the stomach rather than hear. Deep bass is soft, smooth yet powerful. However, in order to produce such power with small speakers, there has to be a trade-off with the sound pressure. As a result, the efficiency of the VIB 130 TL is relatively low but still well able to cope with normal conditions. This is counterbalanced to a large extent by the extensive frequency response. The cleanliness of the sound picture produced is remarkable with well-placed spatial locations, especially when positioned near a wall. The 20 mm G 20 SC - 8 Ohm tweeter guarantees crystal-clear, lively high-frequency reproduction and provides a smooth upper end to the range.

VIB 170 AL

The VIB 170 AL is a slim-line 2-band column speaker using an AL 170 - 8 Ohm woofer and a 25 mm, G 25 FFL - 8 Ohm textile dome tweeter. The 34 litre bass reflex cabinet produces a remarkably deep lower limiting frequency of only 25 Hz, but maintains its powerful, precise bass reproduction. The reason for this is the subwoofer AL 170 - 8 Ohm with its rear-vented spider and its long cone strokes. The flow-optimised bass reflex tube BR 25.50 is mounted at the rear of the cabinet to present the most ideal optical appearance, but can, if the cabinets are to be set close to a wall (closer than 10 cm), be moved to the front without any loss in quality.

The two 1 µF capacitors in conjunction with the 2.2 mH coil form a blocking circuit that effectively suppresses the resonance in the aluminium diaphragm generated typically by that material.

The VIB 170 AL is a compact speaker with well-balanced sound quality and clean-cut bass and impulse fidelity, providing excellent dynamic properties for a speaker of this size.

VIB 2000 GF

The VIB 2000 GF is the logical development of one of the most popular column cabinets in the field of D.I.Y. speakers - the VISATON VIB. The concept of the 2-way enclosure in a 45 litre vented cabinet has been retained, but the drivers used are different, and the crossover unit has been reappraised to suit. In the low- to mid-range we have the GF 200 - 2 x 4 Ohm, whose fibre glass cone can produce a big stroke and thus is good for powerful low-range bass even at higher volume levels. The parallel resonant circuit before the low pass unit compensates for the rise in the mid-range of the 200 mm cone drive and guarantees a linear and coloration-free frequency response until the tweeter takes over at around 2.5 KHz. The 18 dB high-pass section links in the 25 mm G 25 FFL - 8 Ohm textile dome unit.

The VIB 2000 GF produces remarkably vivid, precise bass output at the lowest frequencies, linear mid-range sound, spatially separated from the speakers themselves and a smooth, finely sketched high-frequency range.

Art. No. 5906