Shelf-Mounted 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

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 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

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

LA BELLE CENTER

The objective during the development of the La Belle center speaker was to convey the outstanding sound quality requirements achieved in the La Belle column speaker to a horizontal center speaker. A key aim of the project was for the center speaker to emulate its big sister’s abilities in every discipline and enable perfect integration in a high-quality surroundsystem at benchmark level. To achieve this high standard, the configuration and volume of the housing were retained and any changes to the crossover were kept to an absolute minimum.

One particular new feature that has been incorporated is a regulator allowing the bass level to be adjusted by very fine degrees over a broad level range. This takes account of the fact that centre speakers are often mounted close to a wall and this often leads to unpleasant over-emphasis of bass frequencies. To achieve even better freedom as regards the distance above the floor, the control is deigned to be infinitely variable. This enables this center speaker to be adapted for mounting at any desired point - whether free-standing or close to a wall or corner - without restriction.

The result is, in every respect, a complete success. Once correctly set up, the La Belle centre produces the same spatially separated, taught, dynamic and accurate results as we are already accustomed to from the La Belle column speaker. It is perfectly and harmoniously integrated in the system as a whole, enables a firm volume level and yet produces such an utterly clean-sounding surround system that the limits are defined only by the quality of the source and the ears of those listening. Both the quiet passages and louder sections are reproduced accurately and with attention to detail. No audible weaknesses are detectable and compression distortion is a term that is simply not used in connection with this speaker. The sum of these characteristics qualifies the La BelleCentre as a realistic alternative to the column speakers. This remarkable speaker, designed for everyday enjoyment but by no means mundane, is ideally suited as a powerful rear speaker. To ensure you make full use of the speaker’s capabilities (especially in the bass department), it is recommended that you do not use a high-pass filter in conjunction with your surround amplifier.

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

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

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

VOX 80

This the smallest member of the VOX family is an exactly scaled-down version of the larger models. The dimensions of the VOX 253 have been reduced by a factor of around 3. The driver concept, consisting of two mid-range loudspeakers and a side-mounted woofer, corresponds to the other VOX versions. The two 5 cm full-range FRWS 5 R - 8 Ohmspeakers fit perfectly in the baffle and cover mid-range. The smaller CP 13 - 4 Ohm tweeter ensures that the higher-frequency, although already well covered by the FRWS 5 R - 8 Ohm, is further strengthened. The woofer in this set is an F 8 SC - 8 Ohm full-range loudspeaker.

In order to be worthy of the honour of being included in the VOX family, the VOX 80 is fitted with a crossover which is just as conscientiously matched to the drivers as those in the larger models.

The results can be both seen and heard. The VOX 80 is an eye-catcher as well as an ear-catcher on any desk as a PC-based hifi, for example.

The VOX 80 has a power handling of 20/30 watts. In practice, in a PC environment, however, this output level is seldom, if ever, required. Set to an output of one watt, one VOX 80 will generate approx. 80 dB in a workplace, both speakers together create 86 dB. This is very loud. A miniature amplifier like the Visaton AMP 2.2 or AMP 2.2 LN will, therefore, be perfectly sufficient for most applications.

Art. No. 5940