Infinity 7 Kappa loudspeakers

 

A New Generation Of High Accuracy Technology

The Kappa woofer has a highly innovative cone that is injection molded from a mixture of graphite fiber and polypropylene. The advantages of these two materials - graphite for its stiffness and polypropylene for its inertness - compliment each other. During the high pressure injection molding process, graphite fibres are forced into the polypropylene in a radial pattern. This composite structure exhibits extreme stiffness and pistonic operation up to nearly 1 kHz, low mass, fast acceleration and very high self damping. The result is taut, precise bass reproduction at all volume levels, with sufficient bandwidth to permit very smooth transitions to midrange drivers. We use the same composite cone (and the rigid cast frame of the heavier 12" Kappa woofer) in our no-compromise Infinity Reference Standard, Series V and we believe that it is the most accurate cone made - at any price.

Our revolutionary Polygraph k superwoofer handles the critical mid-bass and lower midrange frequencies. The spectrum of 80 Hz to 800 Hz where half of all musical energy appears and where most speakers are at their weakest. This new 5" dome-shaped driver operates throughout this range and delivers a seamless, coherent performance. Allowing voices and instrumental textures to emerge with an airiness and clarity that is musically convincing.

Diaphragm construction on the Polygraph k is more akin to that of a grand prix car than a loudspeaker. It is a composite structure, made from unusually thin polypropylene supported by an extremely stiff lattice of graphite fiber. These two materials provide an unprecedented combination of stiffness, low mass and damping. The Polygraph's transient response and resistance to breakup rivals that of the most expensive planar drivers. Its power handling and dynamic range surpass them.

The equally important upper midrange frequencies are covered by another new dome design. Our 3" Polydome k uses an edgewound voice coil for high electrical efficiency and a new formulation of soft polypropylene for a combination of excellent self damping and speed. Our research paid off in a driver of exceptionally low coloration. This dome mates beautifully with the potent Polygraph k and, because of its size, can go low enough to meet the 10" and 12" kappa woofers in our more affordable 3-way systems.

The higher frequencies still belong to our famous EMIT electromagnetic induction planar tweeters. Now, however, there are two of them, and both feature evolutionary improvements first used in our IRS, Series V.

 

Compared to its predecessor, the Kappa EMIT has a kapton diaphragm of approximately half the mass, a lighter, thinner aluminum trace (analogous to the voice coil on conventional cones and domes) and new ultra-linear, ultrahigh gauss rare neodymium magnets. High frequency response has been extended to 44 kHz, and though you won't hear fundamentals up there, you'll find that kind of bandwidth makes a difference in reproducing transients and instrumental attacks. In our more expensive 8 k and 9 k loudspeakers two of these EMIT k's are used - one in front and one in the rear - for true dipolar dispersion and superior imaging.

 

Reference Standard 7 Kappa

The 7-Kappa is a stylish 12" three-way floor standing loudspeaker system. It's cast frame woofer utilizes our graphite fiber reinforced polypropylene cone coupled directly to the superb Plydome k, a 3" soft polypropylene dome. And improved EMIT k tweeter uses the same light diaphragm and neodymium magnets as our other Kappa speakers. These drivers are housed in a handsome cabinet which, with its rounded front and rear vertical edges, looks right at home with the finest furnishings. This combination of larger woofer and greater cabinet volume provides deeper, more powerful bass than the 6 k, along with greater power handling and dynamic range. The enclosures modest footprint contributes to ease of placement - even in confined living quarters.

 

Specifications

Frequency Response:  37 Hz - 45,000 Hz +3 dB

Crossover Frequencies:  800 Hz, 4500 Hz

Power Rating:  40 - 200 watts RMS

Sensitivity:  88 dB at 1 watt/1 meter

Nominal Impedance:  4 to 6 Ω

Drivers

1 x EMIT k tweeter

1 x 3" Edgewound Voice coil Polydome k midrange

1 x 12" Graphite/Polypropylene woofer

Dimensions (H x W x D):  37" x 17" x 12"

Weight:  31,4 kg (shipping)