Characteristics and sound properties

The ALTO III c has been designed as a 3-way column speaker with an inside volume of no less than 55 litres. The twin bass arrangement using two W 170 S 8 Ohm drivers in parallel guarantees very powerful low-ranging bass reproduction, that comes across crisply and impressively even with hard-hitting beat.

From around 450 Hz upwards, the 10 cm mid-range cone W 100 S 4 Ohm takes over, mounted in its 3 litre enclosure. Single instruments and solo voices are reproduced throughout the mid-range in a most tangible, crisp fashion, where the precise definition of virtual sound sources and their associated range layering, so typical for good mid-range cones, comes across well.

Above about 3500 Hz, the sound character is rounded off neatly by the crisp 19 mm tweeter DT 94 8 Ohm. The exuberance demonstrated by the ALTO III c promises to put listeners in a good mood and keep them there for several hours of musical pleasure.

Characteristics and sound properties

The ATLANTIS has been consistently designed for optimum sound-pressure rating while retaining a moderately sized cabinet and an elegant appearance. In the bass range, two AL 170 8 OHM are mounted in parallel but in separate housings, where each has about 25 l of air space to itself. These speakers have a lower limiting frequency of 28 Hz meaning that they generate good, solid deep bass. Where you position the speakers is more or less a matter of choice, but they should not be right against the wall (a minimum of 10 cm is needed) as otherwise the effect of the bass reflex tubes will suffer.

Compared with the 'normal' AL 130 8 OHM, the AL 130 M 8 OHM is equipped with a shorter voice coil. This improves efficiency and makes it the ideal choice in this combination.

Used as a tweeter, the KE 25 SC 8 Ohm is activated from 2500 Hz. The distortion factor of this ceramic dome driver is really low at these frequencies, so that even high volume levels come across completely free of distortion.

Characteristics and sound properties

The first thing one notices about the CASABLANCA III cabinet is its striking design. This cabinet shape, however, has more than just eye-catching qualities, its acoustic qualities have to be heard to be believed.
The speaker consists of a large lower chamber and a top-mounted upper chamber and the two are interconnected through an opening that has been exactly calculated. This is, in fact, a twin-chamber vented cabinet. As a result of the twin-chamber arrangement, it is possible, in comparison with a conventional vented cabinet, to extend the range downwards by a considerable amount. The Helmholtz resonance of the upper chamber is around 90 Hz, that of the lower chamber around 33 Hz.
The fibre glass high-end GF 200 2 x 4 Ohm woofer has been used in the CASABLANCA III and helps achieve unbelievably low-range bass levels and, at the same time, producing remarkable maximum volume levels for a speaker of this size. The two tried-and-tested "softening" textile dome units G 50 FFL 8 Ohm and G 25 FFL 8 Ohm guarantee transparent, rounded sound qualities across the entire mid- and high-range. The convex cones also blend in well with the overall design of the CASABLANCA III model. The result is an unusual speaker both as regards its design and its construction principles with excellent low-range bass reproduction coupled with tremendous signal fidelity.
Not available as a complete kit.

Characteristics and sound properties

The first thing one notices about the CASABLANCA IV cabinet is its striking design. This cabinet shape, however, has more than just eye-catching qualities, its acoustic qualities have to be heard to be believed.

The speaker consists of a large lower chamber and a top-mounted upper chamber and the two are interconnected through an opening that has been exactly calculated. This is, in fact, a twin-chamber bass reflex cabinet. As a result of the twin-chamber arrangement, it is possible, in comparison with a conventional bass reflex cabinet, to extend the range downwards by a considerable amount. The Helmholtz resonance of the upper chamber is around 90 Hz, that of the lower chamber around 33 Hz.

The woofer in the CASABLANCA IV is the AL 200 8 OHM, which is so popular among connoisseurs of high-end technology. Thanks to its long-stroke woofer, the AL 200 8 OHM helps the CASABLANCA IV achieve unbelievably low-range bass levels and, at the same time, producing remarkable maximum volume levels for a speaker of this size. Another "first" in this model is the two tried-and-tested DSM 50 FFL 8 OHM and DSM 25 FFL 8 OHM titanium dome units, that guarantee transparent, rounded sound qualities across the entire mid- and high-range.

Results: The result is an unusual speaker both as regards its design and its construction principles with excellent low-range bass reproduction coupled with tremendous signal fidelity.

Characteristics and sound properties

As the name CLASSIC 200 suggests, this speaker design uses the classic 3-band arrangement: one woofer, one mid-range cone and one dome tweeter, all arranged one above the other close together in the front baffle. The AL 200 8 Ohm, TI 100 8 Ohm and KE 25 SC 8 Ohm used here are the best drivers in their respective categories available from the VISATON catalogue. For an upright cabinet, this is relatively small, enabling space-saving use in almost any sitting room.

The sensitivity of the CLASSIC 200 is excellent for a speaker of this size. This is made possible by the "slim-line" bass tuning. In comparison with the VOX 200, which has almost the same driver arrangement, the lower limiting frequency has been set slightly higher. This will appeal in particular to those who appreciate more "crisp" bass reproduction. The difference is that, in the CLASSIC 200, the low-frequency room resonance which is almost always present in any room, is not excited to the same degree and this reduces the reverberation.

The other drivers are also without doubt excellent and contribute to a holistic overall sound consisting of precise mid-range and clear as crystal, unobtrusive, smooth-as-silk treble frequencies.

Characteristics and sound properties

Visaton's CLASSIC 200 GF offers an interesting way to enter the world of high-end music pleasure. The high-quality components have been selected with an eye on optimising value-for-money but without losing sight (or rather, sound) of the key quality requirements.

Supported by the front bass reflex vent, the GF 200 2 x 4 Ohm generates low-frequency sound in a classic 3-band combination. Thanks to the extremely rigid fibre-glass diaphragm and long cone-displacement properties, level accuracy is perfectly maintained even when cone excursion is considerable.

In the mid-range, the TI 100 8 Ohm, one of the best Visaton drivers available, takes control. This very light, rigid titanium driver has become a reference point in terms of distortion free, well-detailed music reproduction.

Above 2200 Hz, the G 20 SC 8 Ohm fabric dome driver cuts in and does not stop until well above the frequencies considered to be audible (30 kHz).

The overall result is a very high-quality, perfectly balanced speaker whose moderate size makes it an excellent candidate for enjoying high-end music in the sitting-room.

Characteristics and sound properties

The CONCORDE MK III 3-way system may not be able to fly, but in terms of sound, it really soars. The mere shape and the drivers used give an idea of its qualities. The tailored baffle in the medium to high-frequency range produces optimised omnidirectional sound distribution one of the reasons why the sound distribution throughout the room is so smooth. Arranging all the drivers according to the D'Appolito principle, reduces interference from floor and ceiling reflection. Two AL 200 8 Ohm aluminium bass drivers join forces to produce profound and yet precise bass reproduction thanks to the extra-large, flow-optimised bass reflex tube. The two AL 130 8 Ohm mid-range speakers guarantee crisp mid-range sounds as a result of their stiff cones, long stroke and impedance control ring.

At the top end of the frequency range we have used the innovative KE 25 SC 8 Ohm ceramic tweeter, which has been incorporated using a sophisticated crossover arrangement to optimise timing. This sophisticated design of tweeter can be wired up to blend in from a very low level and, as with all the other drivers, produces extremely distortion-free sound even at high volume settings. Any defects in the source signal are laid wide open. Even at louder settings, listening to music remains a real pleasure. This is always a good sign that the baffle is working correctly and that nothing is being smuggled in that should not be there.

In the MK III version, the cut-off frequency between the low- and mid-range has been shifted from 500 Hz to 300 Hz. The filter of the tweeter has been changed to 18 dB/oct additionally. That causes a more evenly sound radiation at different angels. This is especially noticeable in less damped rooms.

The completely neutral tonality and the remarkable dynamic characteristics of this stand-up CONCORDE MK III cabinet make it an all-round talent for discerning listeners of all types of music.

Characteristics and sound properties

With its CONGA Visaton has produced a "big brother" to accompany the classic 3-band combinations such as the CLASSIC 200 or CLASSIC 200 GF. With a cabinet volume of 85 litres and the 25-cm subwoofer drivers mounted on the front, this column speaker is an impressive eye-catcher.

The external appearance is underlined by the solid bass foundations provided by the TIW 250 XS 8 OHM. This high-end woofer masters the art of powerful, responsive surges of bass just as efficiently as more restrained and subtle bass accompaniment.

The AL 130 M 8 OHM, the specially modified version of the popular AL 130 8 OHM designed to produce higher sensitivity in the mid-range, continues the virtually linear frequency response seamlessly at a high level.

The KE 25 SC 8 OHM tweeter, which cuts in at 3500 Hz, has no difficulty at all producing brilliant, crystal clear treble, even at high volume levels, which is why this ceramic dome driver is so ideally suited to rounding off the upper end of this powerful 3-band combination.

Well aware that the following statement may polarise opinions: the CONGA speakers are real men's speakers.

Characteristics and sound properties

The CT CENTER 81 is a compact, enclosed 3-way system with well-balanced sound quality and complete magnetic shielding, as required for example if positioned close to a TV or PC. Inside the cabinet, we use magnetically shielded speakers, types F 8 SC 8 Ohm (8 cm full-range) and SC 5 8 Ohm (10 mm tweeter) and the complete speaker then meets the shielding requirements of the THX® regulations (3-Gaussian curve). The asymmetric design of the front baffle and of the crossover unit provide good omnidirectional sound distribution both vertically and horizontally. It is possible to install the speakers in the upright position, as is usual for multimedia systems, or lying down on top of a TV, as is usual with surround systems.

In terms of sound quality, the CT CENTER 81 produces clear-cut sound, well removed from the speakers, but with remarkably well-formed bass reproduction for a system of this size.

Characteristics and sound properties

This designer speaker cabinet is a challenge for any experienced craftsman who is looking for a speaker that stands out from the crowd. The excellent design means that the shape is not just a designer's whim but a technically thought-out reality. The front baffle has been kept as narrow as possible all the way along. This projects the sound away from the speakers into the room, in such a way that the instruments and voices are perfectly positioned and - provided the speakers are positioned away from the walls - the listener is treated to excellent spatial sound. The curved shape of the side panels has a stiffening effect and reduces resonance dramatically. In this way, the conventional reinforcements are not required.
In the bass department, we have the GF 200 2 x 4 Ohm with its high level accuracy, which can really make the most of its long-stroke voice coil and fibre-glass reinforced cone. The bass driver is positioned very close to the floor of the cabinet, and requires a low cross-over frequency up to the mid-range. In order to maintain the excellent level accuracy here, a speaker with a large cone surface area has been chosen. In this combination, the AL 170 8 Ohm demonstrates its remarkable mid-range characteristics that guarantee exceptional transparency and clarity of sound. The tried-and-tested G 25 FFL 8 Ohm textile dome unit adds depth and vitality to the high-range.
Not available as a complete kit.

Characteristics and sound properties

The EXPERIENCE V 20 is a 96 litre vented cabinet and features a baffle arrangement based on the D'Appolito principle arranged symmetrically around the tweeter. In order to suppress any unwanted interference by the front baffle on the radiation pattern, the entire mid- to high-range unit is not positioned in the middle of the cabinet, but towards the inner side.

The woofers in the EXPERIENCE V 20 are two W 200 S 8 Ohms 's in parallel up to around 450 Hz. From here, the mid-bass unit takes over. The W 130 S 8 Ohms 's, also connected in parallel, cover the mid-range frequencies up to around 3000 Hz and hand over to the G 25 FFL 8 Ohm textile dome unit at the high-range.

The crossover unit is designed for bi-wiring.

The very first impression you get of this V 20 speaker system will demonstrate the unrestricted exuberance the speakers are capable of. At the lower octave levels, the two 20 cm woofers produce crisp bass sounds with a dynamic punch that is unusual for speakers of this size. The mid-range produces absolutely linear, undistorted sound and the overall effect is of tangible sounds, spatially separated from the speakers themselves. The crystal clear, airy high-range reproduction from the 25 mm textile dome unit puts the final touch to the upper frequency end.

Characteristics and sound properties

It is well-known that there are two types of loudspeakers: hi-fi speakers that produce the most accurate, unaltered sound possible, and disco or musician's speakers, where the top volume level is of the utmost importance. These volume levels are normally only possible with horns but these often cause coloration of the sound. The MONITOR 890 MK III was designed specifically to combine the best of both worlds. In the mid-range, we use a driver & horn unit which is so dynamic and produces such undistorted music, that many a horn-disparager has had to admit that this is simply unbelievably "different". Two excellent quality woofers, TIW 300 8 Ohm, mounted in the 180 litre vented cabinet, generate a bass sound pressure that is physically tangible, as you have experienced with concert speakers. Combined with the first-rate TL 16 H 8 Ohm high-range horn, we have created a loudspeaker system that breaks down the previously unbridgeable barrier between the hi-fi and the professional speaker.

The output levels of the mid-range driver and tweeter can be adjusted to the requirements of the locale using output controls. We recommend, initially at least, the following level settings: tweeter: -4 dB; mid-range: -4 dB. These can, of course, be adapted to suit the specific acoustics in the room and personal preferences.

Thanks to the added impedance linearising unit in the crossover unit, the Monitor 890 MK III is now even better suited to use with critical amplifiers (e.g. tube amplifiers).

Characteristics and sound properties

The STARLET is a 3-way speaker which is extremely good value for money. The individual drivers used here have all proved their worth in numerous well-known constructions.

At the bottom end of the frequency range, there is the W 200 S 8 Ohm from the EXPERIENCE V 20, mounted in a 58 litre vented cabinet. The mid- to high-range is covered by the W 100 S 8 Ohm and DT 94 8 Ohm from the ALTO series of speakers.

The impression given by the STARLET is of a solid low-frequency foundation with powerful, crisp bass. The mid-range has a pleasant, unobtrusive sound, and at the higher frequency ranges the STARLET produces sparkling, clear-cut treble. In a nutshell, the STARLET is an extremely reasonably priced column speaker with a well-rounded tonal character and good power handling capabilities.

Characteristics and sound properties

The VOX 253 is well-known as a speaker system with unusual credentials. Although relatively slim, some people may wish for a less noticeable speaker cabinet. Building a smaller cabinet and maintaining the same characteristics is a tall order. The precondition is that if the dimensions are reduced, the main features should be retained. This means locating the woofer in the side wall, d Appolito arrangement for the two cone drivers with metal diaphragms and dome tweeters in the middle. The excellent AL 200 8 Ohm serves as a bass speaker and the tweeter is the G 20 SC 8 Ohm , already very successfully used in the COUPLET model. It was, then, necessary to develop a completely new 10 cm high-end cone driver with a metal diaphragm. Although the development time was relatively long, the wait was worth it - this is a really first-class low- to mid-range unit with a cone made of pure titanium, equally as good as the AL 130 8 Ohm. The cabinet dimensions have been proportionally reduced from the large-scale VOX model to produce an almost dainty compact column speaker: the VOX 200.

The take-over frequency levels of 200 Hz and 3000 Hz have been retained. A crucial feature is that the large-sized bass reflex tunnel is also present. In this manner, we have managed to create a compact baby sister for the VOX 253 that is worthy of the family name. As one would expect, the VOX 200 cannot keep up with the 253 when it comes to really tough bass activity, where the 253 would master it with ease. In normal sized rooms this is hardly necessary or required. In any case, the bass capabilities of this smaller sister are far beyond what you would expect from a model of this size.

In the mid- to high-frequency range, smaller speakers are preferable anyway. This is also the case with the VOX 200. The sound breaks away clearly from the baffle and generates a stable volume level and uniform sound throughout the room with no colouration.

Once again, the G 20 SC 8 Ohm proves its value as a producer of wonderfully clear, lively high-frequency reproduction without the slightest hint of aggression.

If you find large speaker cabinets too much of a good thing, you really ought to have a listen to the VOX 200!

Characteristics and sound properties

Soon after its launch, the VOX 200 became one of the most popular and successful high-end kits. Several excellent tests in numerous specialist magazines have demonstrated that this system is at a quality level normally expected of far more expensive candidates. We were asked whether it was possible to fit these cabinets with much cheaper loudspeakers and still get good results.

At the lower frequency end, we replaced the AL 200 8 OHM with the W 200 S 8 OHM and also took out the TI 100 8 OHM mid-range loudspeaker, replacing it with two W 100 S 8 OHM. We left the G 20 SC 8 OHM dome tweeter unchanged. Initial tests showed that only a slight adjustment to the crossover were required. In terms of sound quality, the modified VOX put up an excellent showing in comparisons with the original.

Characteristics and sound properties

The VOX 253 is an upright speaker with its subwoofer TIW 250 XS 8 Ohm let into the side-wall. This design enables the front panel to be kept very narrow making it that much easier to position. One of the most outstanding features of the TIW 250 XS 8 Ohm is its unbelievable ability to reproduce the lowest range bass in surprisingly small cabinets. In the listening area, the bass pressure becomes tangible rather than audible, the sort of effect you would normally only expect from much larger speakers. As a result of the side-opening position of the TIW 250 XS 8 Ohm, the separating frequency between the subwoofer and the mid-range drivers has to be very low. This has been achieved by means of an especially intelligent frequency cross-over design.

In order not to restrict the dynamics at higher bass levels, a bass reflex tube with an exceptionally large cross-section and corresponding length has been designed. In this way, flow-related losses are kept to a minimum. The vent is at the bottom in the rear wall so as not to interfere with the attractive appearance of the front face.

The only difference between VOX 253 and VOX 252 is the new woofer TIW 250 XS 8 Ohm. A change of the crossover was not necessary.

This version of the VOX contains the high-end ceramic dome tweeter KE 25 SC 8 Ohm. An 18 dB high-pass filter produces an optimum phase relationship between tweeter an midrange. This creates an improvement of the clear location of each individual voice or instrument.

Characteristics and sound properties

Due to the deep starting frequency of the MHT 12 8 OHM it is possible to make use of this magnetostat in the VOX 253. Of course, the crossover has to be changed from that used in the original version with its KE 25 SC 8 OHM. Fortunately, the AL 130 8 OHM 's only have to be separated slightly higher which means we are still a long way from the baffle resonance levels. Here, too, the transfer frequency is 3000 Hz. As can be seen from the dotted frequency curves for the individual drivers, the AL 130 8 OHM drop off at 2000 Hz and the MHT 12 8 OHM at 4500 Hz and meet again at 3000 Hz and -6 dB. The magnetostat need not by any means produce its full output at 3000 Hz, as some people often believe. This would not make sense in terms of achieving the lowest possible distortion factor.

Since the front panel of the MHT 12 8 OHM is slightly larger, the AL 130 8 OHM 's have to be spaced a little further apart (10 mm).

As regards their sound quality, both versions (original VOX 253 with KE 25 SC and VOX 253 MHT) are at the same high level. The version preferred by each particular customer will depend on personal taste, the type of music you listen to and how you listen.

Characteristics and sound properties

The VOX 253 MTI is the current highlight in the VOX series. The uncompromising approach, involving fitting the TI 100 8 Ohm as the low- to mid-range unit and the MHT 12 8 Ohm as the tweeter, worked highly successfully in the TOPAS. Following the basic design concept of the VOX series, this system is fitted with two TI 100 8 Ohm 's as low- to mid-range units and the TIW 250 XS 8 Ohm as the woofer.

One particularly convenient innovation is used for the first time in the VOX 253 MTI: it is now possible to tune the bass output level on the crossover unit. Depending on the acoustic properties of the room and personal preference, the bass output might be too strong, if the speakers are placed close to a wall, for example. The adjustment unit is mounted on the crossover unit directly parallel to the woofer and enables to listener to adjust the output level between 70 Hz and 150 Hz. The lower-frequency bass is not affected. Increasing the resistance affects the bass output: 10 ohms for a minimal reduction in bass and 3.3 ohms for maximum reduction. If the adjuster is left open (i.e. resistance is infinite), bass output reduction is deactivated.

Characteristics and sound properties

The VOX 301 extends the high-end VOX series upwards. While the mid-to-high-range is the same as in the VOX 253, the TIW 300 8 Ohm has been chosen as the woofer for this model. As a result, while the excellent characteristics experienced in the mid-to-high range remain the same, the level accuracy and dynamics in the bass department have been increased and the lower limiting frequency reduced to a remarkable 23 Hz. The VOX 301 can, therefore, be seen as the VOX variant for high-volume aficionados who like to hear concerts at close to the original sound levels in large rooms.

Characteristics and sound properties

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 Ohm speakers 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.