Focal Chorus 806V speakers

For Focal, Chorus symbolizes one of the most stimulating challenges for the loudspeaker and refined product manufacturer that we are: to allow the greatest number of consumers to access our technological innovations. For the first two generations Chorus (2000) and Chorus S (2003), the objective was to conserve a hi-end sound and maintain sophisticated Focal technologies by adapting our industrial machine to the highest standards. While outsourcing had become a key economic strategy for the majority of manufacturers, we chose on the contrary to heavily invest in our manufacturing process in order to achieve an exceptional sound quality while at the same time remaining competitive. It is the only possible way in this path of permanent innovation: development and manufacturing of loudspeakers ”Made in France”, design by cabinet-makers, mastery of quality, total autonomy in the design and development of our products. This strategy has been key to the success of the preceding Chorus lines.

This third generation known as Chorus 800 V will go even further in this strategy. Technological innovation does not only solely touch strategic components of the speaker, but the actual whole of the design. Thanks to the use of advanced and exclusive materials, elaborate manufacturing techniques of the cabinets, the Chorus 800 V line of today shines with a unique, hi-end esthetic. Chorus V isn’t only a performing product line, ideal for entering the Focal universe, but objects that will inhabit living spaces, with an innovative esthetic, quality of manufacture and a finish worthy of a higher segment. This is indeed a new esthetic dimension, a new era for the ”Spirit of Sound”.

 

Neutral and balanced, the Chorus 806 V seduces by the richness of its upper midrange and the speed of its bass. An entirely refined speaker, ideal to play in rooms under 20 m2 without any limits. And easily larger spaces if it is combined with SW 800 V.

 

Specifications

Type:  2-way bass-reflex bookshelf speaker

Drivers:

Low Frequency:  165 mm (6-1/2") Polyglass mid-bass

High Frequency:  25 mm (1") TNV AL/Mg Inverted dome tweeter

Frequency Response:  55 Hz - 28 kHz (±3 dB)

Low Frequency Point:  77 Hz (-6 dB)

Sensitivity:  90 dB (2.83 V/1 m)

Nominal Impedance:  8 Ω 

Minimum Impedance:  3,6 Ω 

Crossover Frequency:  3,000 Hz

Recommended Amplifier Power:  25 - 120 W

Dimensions (HxWxD):  390 x222 x 293 mm (15-3/8" x 8-3/4" x 11-9/16")

Net Weight:  8,2 kg  (18 lbs)

 

Focal Chorus 705V speakers

Since the year 2000, the different generations of the Chorus line have benefited from this approach, as we produced speakers that cost less and performed better. To achieve this goal, we invested massively in a superior method to speaker manufacturing, where intelligent machining and precise handwork were absolutely necessary.

It was the only possible way in this drive for quality and competitiveness: development and manufacturing of French-made loudspeakers, design of the cabinets, quality control, a total autonomy in the development and design of our own products. This method allows us to innovate, to entirely and independently turn ideas into reality, to place patents internationally, and have the means to anticipate trends. And finally, to progress.

The third generation, Chorus 700 V, goes even further. A direct descendant of the Chorus 800 V line of which it heavily borrows technical elements (except Power flow) yet with a more Amati traditional finish, Chorus 700 V invites you in to the Focal universe. The build quality and high-end finishing work are entirely unknown in this price-range.

 

Chorus 705 V is the ideal loudspeaker for installation in rooms of modest dimensions (approximately 15 m²). With a responsive and lively bass, it represents the foundations of a great system, especially when paired with the SW 700 V subwoofer.

 

Specifications

Type:  2-way bass-reflex bookshelf speaker, wall mounting.

Drivers:

Low Frequency:  140 mm (5") Polyglass midbass

High Frequency:  25 mm (1") TNV AL./Mg Inverted dome tweeter

Frequency Response:  65 Hz - 28 kHz (±3 dB)

Low Frequency Point:  57 Hz (-6 dB)

Sensitivity:  89 dB (2.83 V/1 m)

Nominal Impedance:  8 Ω 

Minimum Impedance:  3 Ω 

Crossover Frequency:  3,000 Hz

Recommended Amplifier Power:  25 - 100 W

Dimensions (HxWxD):  315 x192 x 248 mm (12-3/8" x 7-9/16" x 9-3/4")

Net Weight:  5,7 kg  (12,5 lbs)

Castle Harlech speakers

Rather than sacrifice the superb stereo imaging that result from a narrow cabinet, Castle has employed two small polypropylene coned mid/bass drive units in the Harlech -  on the top and one on the front face - instead of a larger mid/bass drive unit.

Each driver works with its own Quarter Wave pipe tuned to different frequencies but which join in a common vent at the speaker's base. The two drive units give exceptional bass extension and superior control but also radiate midrange energy into the room in a way that produces a large, spacious sound with very low distortion.

 

Quarter Wave

Competing speaker systems set themselves apart by the techniques with which bass extension is achieved. For the largest models in its range of floor-standing speakers Castle has adopted Quarter Wave loading. This technique can be traced back to the work of the legendary Paul Voigt inn the 1930s and has more in common with vibrating columns of air in organ pipes and folded horns that with alternative methods of bass extension like reflex or transmission line loading.

Designer Roger Loughton's execution of Quarter Wave techniques for Castle uses the latest measurement and optimisation techniques. The open, natural quality of attuned pipe has been retained in a tapered version that, with the drive unit at an optimum position along the pipe, reduces unwanted excitation at the fundamental frequency of the pipe and associated harmonics by natural acoustic filtering. Tapering the pipe also allows it to be folded inside the cabinet that not only brings it down to domestic size but enables the internal structure considerably to add to the rigidity of the enclosure.

The superiority of the Quarter Wave technique, correctly executed, over orthodox reflex loading with a cabinet of the same or bigger size is higher bass efficiency, maintained down to a lower frequency. Quarter Wave systems have the natural power and character of true, deep bass.

 

Specifications

Frequency Response:  40 Hz - 22,000 Hz

Nominal Impedance:  8 Ω

Sensitivity:  88 dB for 1 W at 1 m

Amplifier Requirements:  25 - 150 watts

System Type:  Quarter Wave

Bass Unit:  Twin 130 mm in a cast chassis with injection moulded cone

Treble Unit:  25 mm metal dome

Dimensions (W x H x D):  200 x 940 x 320 mm

Weight:  48 kg (packed)

 

Castle Howard S2 speakers

The Howard S2 is the largest member of the Castle Quarter Wave family. The narrow fronted cabinet coupled with a 25 mm metal dome tweeter guarantees stable stereo imagery with excellent presentation of depth and separation

The two 165 mm plasticised paper pulp drivers were developed especially for the Howard. They have massive high energy magnets, stiffer than usual suspensions and are built into substantial die-cast chassis.

These drive units excite the tapered and folded Quarter ave pipe inside the rigid cabinet. Exceptionally clean, extended bass with low distortion, high energy mid and sweet treble are the hallmarks of the Howard S2.

 

Our largest Quarter Wave system loudspeaker, the Castle Howard S2, is tuned to roll of below 35 Hz, making the system larger than the Harlech, and requiring an extra bass driver to load its longer horn and increased internal volume. Thanks to the high efficiency inherent in Quarter Wave systems, the increased cabinet volume also produces increased sound volume which remain slow in distortion and high in accuracy, the two key parameters for true high fidelity sound. Higher register are delicately handled by our proven 25 mm metal dome treble unit. As beautiful to look at as it is to listen to, the new Castle Howard S2 is engineered for a lifetime's enjoyment.

 

The room filling spaciousness in the Howard S2's sound is aided by careful positioning of the bass/mid drivers on both the front and top surfaces of the cabinet, so you can enjoy more of the music, in more locations within the room.

 

Specifications

Frequency Response:  35 Hz - 22,000 Hz

Nominal Impedance:  8 Ω

Sensitivity:  88 dB for 1 W at 1 m

Amplifier Requirements:  25 - 130 watts

System Type:  Quarter Wave

Bass Unit:  Twin 165 mm in a cast chassis with doped paper cone

Treble Unit:  25 mm metal dome

Dimensions (W x H x D):  230 x 1030 x 360 mm

Weight:  52 kg (packed)

 

Apogee Acoustics Centaur Minor loudspeakers

The Centaur Minor was Apogee's first and smallest ribbon hybrid when it was released in 1991. Also the cheapest yet Apogee at £1150 in the UK, and a similar price in $'s in the US.

At 100 cm tall, 35 cm wide and 22 cm deep, its footprint is no bigger than a stand mounted mini-monitor speaker.

The 26" (6 element) etched ribbon tweeter is the same version which is used in the later model of the Stage. The 6.5" dynamic cone woofer is in a long rectangular enclosure set towards the outside of the speaker so the dipole ribbon fires into 'free air'. It is positioned at a height which is the mid-point of the ribbon tweeter, it can just be seen behind the (hard to remove) grill.

 

Specifications

Bass :  6.5" Dynamic cone

Midrange :  26" Aluminium/Kapton ribbon (etched 6 segment)

Max. Sound Level:  107 dB

Sensitivity (at 3 m):  85 dB

Frequency Response:  40 Hz - 20,000 Hz  (-3dB)

Recommended Amplifier Power:  50 W (8 Ω  load)

Crossover Frequency:  800 Hz

Nominal Impedance:  6 Ω  (4 Ω  minimum)

Dimensions)H x W x D): 1000 x 350 x 220 mm

Weight:  52 lbs each

Finishes Available:  Silver grey

 

Apogee Acoustics Centaur Major loudspeakers

The Centaur range was the first hybrid speakers range from Apogee, the Centaur Major being biggest model.

Using a 10" dynamic woofer and a 40" ribbon tweeter the Major stands 163cm tall, 46cm wide and a total depth of 30cm.

The enclosure for the woofer is approximately 107cm high, 28cm wide and deep. The tweeter ribbons are on the inside edge of each speaker and like all Apogee's work as a dipole.

The speakers are nearly as room dominating as the Duetta Signatures, with only the width being significantly smaller, and require nearly as much free space around them.

Although they will work with smaller amps, they justify being fed by a high quality, high current amp.

 

Specifications

Bass :  10" Dynamic cone

Midrange :  40" Aluminium/Kapton ribbon (etched 5 segment)

Max. Sound Level:  110 dB

Sensitivity (at 3 m):  83 dB

Frequency Response:  30 Hz - 20,000 Hz  (-3dB)

Recommended Amplifier Power:  100 W (8 Ω  load)

Crossover Frequency:  450 Hz

Nominal Impedance:  6 Ω  (3,5 Ω  minimum)

Dimensions)H x W x D): 1630 x 460 x 300 mm

Weight:  100 lbs each

Finishes Available:  Rosewood, walnut, oak and mahogany or silver grey

 

Cybernet SRC-80 receiver

SRC-80 Integrated Stereo Receiver - The Slimline Series SL-80

Amplifier Section Features:

Direct coupled OCL circuitry

Wide, dynamic range phono equalizer amplifier

Loudness compensation

High and low filters

Moving magnet and moving coil cartridge capability

Detented tone controls

41 detent volume control

Two tape monitors with 2-way dubbing

Instant audio mute switch

 

Tuner Section Features

Quartz controlled frequency synthesized tuning

Fluorescent digital display

14 programmable preset station selection and indicators

Automatic scanning

Sensitive dual gate MOS FET in FM front end

Highly selective IF section with 3 dual element ceramic filters

PLL multiplex decoder

LED signal strength and auto stereo indication

Last channel memory circuit

 

Specifications

Amplifier Section

Power Output:  50 W + 50 W (20 - 20,000 Hz) at 8 Ω

Total Harmonic Distortion (rated power at 20-20,000 Hz):  0,08% at 8 Ω

SMPTE Intermodulation Distortion:  0,08%

Frequency Response:  20 - 20,000 Hz ±0,5 dB

Power Bandwidth:  7 - 35,000 Hz _3 dB

Input Sensitivity/Impedance

Phono MM :  2,5 mV/47 k Ω

Phono MC :  100 µV/47 K Ω

Others :  150 mV/47 k Ω

Huma and Noise Ratio

Phono MM :  73 dB

Phono MC :  62 dB

Others :  93 dB

Maximum Input Voltage

Phono MM :  150 mV

Phono MC :  6 mV

Damping Factor:  40 (8 Ω , 1 kHz)

Tone Controls

Bass :  ±10 dB at 100 Hz

Treble :  ±10 dB at 10 kHz

Loudness Compensation +7 dB (at 100 Hz) +3,5 dB (at 10 kHz)

Filters

High :  10 kHz (6 dB/oct)

Low :  40 Hz (6 dB/oct)

Audio Mute:  -20 dB

Tape Recording Output :  130 mV (at rated input sensitivity)

FM Section

Tuning Range:  87,5 to 108 MHz

Usable Sensitivity: 

Mono :  10,9 dBf

Stereo :  20 dBf

50 dB Quieting Sensitivity

Mono :  18 dBf, 4,4 µV (IHF)

Stereo :  40 dBf, 54,7 µV (IHF)

Total Harmonic Distortion

Mono :  0,15%

Stereo :  0,3%

Alternate Channel Selectivity:  60 dB (±400 kHz)

Capture Ratio:  2 dB

Selectivity )±400 Hz):  60 dB

Stereo Separation(at 1 kHz):  45 dB

Audio Frequency Response:  30 Hz - 15 kHz (±0,5 dB)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 

Mono :  70 dB (A-weighted)

Stereo :  65 dB (19/38 kHz filtered)

Spurious and IF Rejection:  70 dB

Image Rejection:  45 dB

Subcarrier Ratio:  65 dB

Tuning Frequency Space:  50 kHz

Antenna:  75 /300 Ω

AM Section

Tuning Range:  531 to 1,602 kHz

Sensitivity (loop Antenna):  350 µV/m (S/N=20 dB)

Image Rejection:  45 dB (600 kHz)

Alternate Channel Selectivity:  45 dB (20 kHz)

Distortion: 0,5%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  45 dB

Antenna:  Built-in adjustable ferrite bar, and provision for ext. Antenna

Power Requirements:  120 V, 220 V, AC 50/60 Hz

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 106 x 390 mm (16-15/16" x 4-3/16" x 15-3/8")

Weight:  12,3 kg

 

Cybernet SDC-80 cassette deck

SDC-80 Dual Cassette Deck - The Slimline Series SL-80

 

 

Features:

Two independent stereo cassette deck, one for recording and playback, one for playback mode only

Integrated dubbing from Deck A to Deck B

Dual deck play mode for extended playback

Metal tape capability

Dolby Noise Reduction circuitry on both decks

4-position bias and equalization tape type selector for each deck

Fluorescent level indicators

LED indicators for record, play and pause modes

3-position monitor selection

Separate digital indicators

Individual illuminated direct cassette loading compartments

Feather touch tape mode controls

 

Specifications

Tape A (Playback only)

Frequency Response

At 70 µSec :  31,5 Hz /+6 dB, 14 kHz/+3,5 dB

At 120 µSec :  31,5 Hz /+3 dB, 14 kHz/+4,5 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  56 dB  (A-weighted)

Total Harmonic Distortion:  1,2%

Tape B (record/Playbac)

Frequency Response (-25 dB Record)

Metal Tape :  30 Hz - 17,000 Hz ±3 dB

Special/FeCr Tape :  30 - 16,000 Hz ±3 dB

Normal tape :  30 - 14,000 Hz ±3 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CCIR weight, Dolby On):  up to 64 dB

Input Sensitivity

MIC (10 k Ω ) :  0,3 mV

Line (50 k Ω )  :  60 mV

DIN (20 k Ω  :  6 mV

T.H.D. (1 kHz 0VU level):  1,7%

Wow and Flutter:  0,06%

Channel Separation:  35 dB

AC Bias Frequency:  100 kHz

Headphone Output:  30 mV

Power Requirements:  120 V, 220 V  AC 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  15W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 106 x 390 mm (16-15/16" x 4-3/16" x 15-3/8")

Weight:  9,5 kg

 

Sony APM-22ES loudspeakers

Acoustically Rounded Enclosure

2-way bookshelf loudspeakers with Bass-reflex enclosure

APM (Accurate Pistonic Motion) - drivers for lower distortion and excellent sound,

ABR (Accurate Bass Radiator) - provided rich and deep bass

honeycomb Construction - resists the split vibrations of conventional paper cones.

Flat Design - eliminates "cavity effect" caused by cone shaped drivers.

 

 

Specifications

Speaker System:  2-way system

Enclosure Type:  Bass-reflex type

Speaker Units: APM type

Woofer:  290 cm² (45 in²)

Tweeter :  9 cm² (1,4 in²)

Power Handling Capacity: 

Nominal :  80 W [DIN 45500]

Maximum :  160 W [DIN 45500]

Nominal Impedance:  6 Ω

Sensitivity:  88 dB (1 W/ 1m)

Frequency Range:  40 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Crossover Frequency: 2,000 Hz

Enclosure Volume:  34 liters

Finish:  Grained vinyl of walnut, ebony or black vinyl

Dimensions (W x H x D):  290 x 515 x 320 mm (11-1/2" x 20-3/8" x 12-3/8") including front grille

Weight (per speaker): 

AEK, UK model : 10,5 kg (23 lb 3 oz)

E model :  14,0 kg (31 lb 14 oz)

 

Sony APM-707 loudspeakers

2-way bookshelf loudspeakers with APM design

Accurate Pistonic Motion (APM) - drivers for lower distortion and excellent sound, first used in $8,000 Sony monitor speakers

Accurate Bass Radiator (ABR) - provided rich and deep bass

Aluminium honeycomb construction - resists the split vibrations of conventional paper cones.

Flat design - eliminates "cavity effect" caused by cone shaped drivers.

High efficiency for wide dynamic range digital program material

"Digital Ready" design - with high power handling ability and excellent dynamic range.

Compact size with full, rich bass

 

Key Selling Feature: APM Drivers

The wide dynamic range, flat frequency response, and low distortion of digital sound sources have forced audio designers to rethink the basic principles of cone shaped speaker construction. The APM-707 is a product of that reexamination. Sony 's APM speakers compensate for the coloration created by the "cavity effect" - which is caused by the cone shape design of traditional speakers. The "cavity effect" is created by a mid-air collision of sound immediately above the opposing surfaces of the speaker cone. APM drivers are flat - so the "cavity effect" is automatically eliminated. Most traditional cone shaped drivers are also made of paper which is not rigid enough to handle the peaks created by highly dynamic program material. Sony conquers this problem by using an aluminum honeycomb material, which is powered at exactly the right points to eliminate distortion. All these factors create a speaker which is ideal for digital audio - but which will improve the sound of any source.

 

Key Demonstration

Anyone in the market for an excellent speaker is a good prospect for the APM-707 - but customers who have purchased a Compact Disc player or a beta Hi-FI Betamax are already particularly well qualified. Start your demonstration with a brief audition. Demo the APM-707 with Sony Compact Disc Player and wide dynamic range digital material which your customer knows well. When musical peaks arrive, make sure to point out that the speakers are designed to reproduce just these type of passages. Emphasize the clarity of the sound. Then, take off the grille cover. Point out the APM drivers and the resilient honeycomb construction to your customer. Conclude your demonstration by continuing the audition with another piece of digital program material. As your customer

 listens, point out the deep, rich bass produced by the Accurate Bass Radiator; the wide dynamic range, and the low distortion

 

Specifications

Enclosure Type:  Accurate Bass Radiator APM 2-way

Driver Size and Type:

APM Tweeter

APM Woofer

Nominal Impedance:  6 Ω

Frequency Range:  40 Hz to 20,000 Hz

Sensitivity:  90 dB SPL (1 Watt/ 1 meter)

Power handling Capacity:  160 Watts (Music)

Dimensions (W x H x D):  230 x 645 x 265 mm (13" x 25,5" x 10,5")

Weight:  12,5 kg (27 lbs, 8 oz)