Characteristics and sound properties

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.

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 ALTO LINE 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 can be considered a fully-fledged member of the ALTO speaker family.

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 5th generation of VISATON's classic ATLAS COMPACT is positioned in the mid- and high-ranges and compares with the systems mentioned at the beginning of the series. Once again, we have the DSM 25 FFL 8 Ohm and DSM 50 FFL 8 Ohm dome loudspeakers. The low- to mid-range is covered by the AL 170 8 Ohm. What is new in this version is the TIW 300 8 Ohm as the woofer.

The crossover, too, has been thoroughly reviewed. The separating frequency between the woofer and low- to mid-range unit has been set at 220 Hz. Thanks to this relatively low separating frequency, the bass is particularly powerful between 50 and 100 Hz. This is accompanied, however, by a reduction in impedance in this range of frequencies. There is compensation for the increased impedance in the woofer (KN 27 mH, 330 µF) which prevents this low impedance curve, but this also reduces the bass output level at 80 Hz by around 3 dB (red line below 100 Hz). This can be a great advantage in rooms where the bass output level is boosted excessively by resonance. Where the output level is more important and a reduction in nominal impedance at 80 Hz to 4 ohms is acceptable, the impedance compensation is simply deactivated to produce the higher frequency graph. In this way, the ATLAS COMPACT MK V offers a tangible advantage in that the bass output level can be trimmed to suit the listening room.

The broad chamfers in the upper part of the baffle give the cabinet a slimmer appearance while, at the same time, avoiding the build-up of corner reflection in the sensitive mid- and high-ranges.

The ATLAS COMPACT MK V is a very dynamic speaker with powerful bass reproduction but without getting woolly in the bass department. Additional features are absolutely neutral voice reproduction and crystal-clear high-frequency sounds without sharp edges.

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 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 Ohm for 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.

Eigenschaften und Klang

Die 3-Wege-Box CONCORDE MK III kann zwar nicht fliegen, stößt aber klanglich in höchste Regionen vor. Dies wird bereits an der Gehäuseform und den verwendeten Chassis deutlich. Eine taillierte Schallwand im Mittel- und Hochtonbereich führt zu einem optimierten Rundstrahlverhalten - ein Grund für perfekte räumliche Abbildungsfähigkeit. Durch die Anordnung aller Chassis nach dem D'Appolito-Prinzip werden störende Boden- und Deckenreflexionen vermindert. Zwei Aluminium-Bass-Chassis AL 200 8 Ohm sorgen gemeinsam mit einem extrem großen, strömungsverlustarmen Reflextunnel für die tiefe und stets präzise Basswiedergabe. Die beiden Mitteltöner AL 130 8 Ohm sind dank ihrer hochfesten Aluminium-Membran, großen Wickelhöhe und Impedanzkontrollring Garanten für hohe Pegelfestigkeit und verfärbungsfreie Mitten.

Im Hochtonbereich kommt der Keramikhochtöner KE 25 SC 8 Ohm zum Einsatz. Dieser aufwändig konstruierte Hochtöner kann schon bei sehr tiefen Frequenzen eingesetzt werden und spielt gemeinsam mit allen anderen Chassis selbst bei hohen Pegeln extrem verzerrungsarm. Fehler der Signalquelle werden gnadenlos entlarvt. Selbst bei hoher Lautstärke macht es Spaß, auch längere Zeit Musik zu hören. Dies ist immer ein Zeichen, dass der Schallwandler fehlerfrei seine Arbeit verrichtet und der Musik nichts "hinzugemogelt" wird.

Bei der Version MK III wurde durch eine Änderung der Weiche die Übernahmefrequenz zwischen Tief- und Mitteltöner von 500 Hz auf 300 Hz verschoben. Außerdem wurde die Ankopplung des Hochtöners auf 18 dB/Okt. geändert. Es ergibt sich dadurch eine gleichmäßigere Schallenergieabstrahlung unter verschiedenen Winkeln. Das macht sich besonders in wenig bedämpften Hörräumen positiv bemerkbar.

Das absolut neutrale Klangbild sowie die herausragende Dynamik dieses Standlautsprechers lassen die CONCORDE MK III zu einem Allround-Talent für höchste Ansprüche werden, das sich für alle Musikrichtungen empfiehlt.

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

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 NoBox BB unites a number of preferences in a single concept: it achieves the directness of a full-range loudspeaker, in particular in the voice range, and also manages to produce powerful, stable bass without having to fill the room with hardware.

The B 200 6 Ohm is used in the NoBox BB together with a 38 cm BGS 40 8 Ohm woofer in an open baffle as a dipole. The electric separation between the two drivers is low enough (250 Hz), which enables the full-range speaker to make full use of its capabilities and the BGS 40 8 Ohm is effectively the supporting woofer. The BGS 40 8 Ohm is a musician's driver with high sensitivity and can, as a result, easily be adapted to the B 200 6 Ohm without giving anything away in terms of mean sound pressure.

Despite the baffle being open, which theoretically causes an acoustic short circuit in the bass range, the system produces a dynamic low bass output down to 32 Hz (-10 dB). One reason for this is that the baffle is cut off from the floor and so no acoustic short circuit can take place in this direction. In addition, the side panels of the cabinet, which are mainly for stability, increase the acoustic distance travelled.

Characteristics and sound properties

When the QUADRO was developed, the primary objective was to produce a loudspeaker with a very high sensitivity rating because the trend in recent times has been a retrograde one towards high-end tube amplifiers. However, these are often restricted to very low outputs of only a few watts. There are plenty of loudspeaker constructions which promise extremely high volume levels with only one watt but, on closer examination, are seen to produce that level only at medium and high frequencies. Extending the high sensitivity level to include low frequencies is indeed a challenge. To achieve that aim, it is crucial to include a very large diaphragm area which, in turn, requires a large sized cabinet if one wants decent bass volumes.

The generously sized enclosed QUADRO cabinet provides sufficient space for four of the excellent B 200 6 OHM full-range loudspeakers to ensure that, even at the lower end of the bass frequency range, there is plenty of cone excursion. The drivers are closely bunched one above the other, which provides for an excellent radiation pattern: a broad angle in the horizontal plane and a relatively tightly bundled beam to top and bottom. To prevent the bundling effect becoming too strong in the vertical, all the drivers are powered in parallel in the bass frequencies and, as the frequency increases, the B 200 8 OHM 's are phased out one after another so that, at very high frequencies, only the second driver from the bottom is working. The slightly tilted front baffle means that this full-range loudspeaker is then aimed directly at ear height, assuming one is seated at least 3 metres from the speakers.

Anyone with experience of the sound properties produced by the SOLO or SOLITUDE speakers will have a fairly clear idea of the clarity of sound produced by the QUADRO. These qualities are, however, boosted by the fact that the air in the room is set in motion by a large diaphragm area but that force is hardly aimed at the floor or ceiling at all. A noticeable feature of the QUADRO are its clarity and analytical qualities, while, at the same time, not becoming obtrusive. The QUADRO may not be able to match the extremely deep bass output levels of the SOLITUDE, for example, but that is in fact a positive feature in rooms that are not so large because the reverberating room resonance frequencies are not stimulated at all. However, the physically tangible kick-bass effect, a feature expected from musicians' speakers, can indeed be produced if the amplifier is powerful enough. In addition, the QUADRO shows its strengths in the faithful reproduction of voices and recordings of large orchestras. It is fair to say, then that this is a good, all-round high-end loudspeaker.

Characteristics and sound properties

The SOLITUDE set-up combines the direct, highly precise sound reproduction 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.

Characteristics and sound properties

The B 200 6 Ohm was fitted in a narrow column speaker with a net volume of around 100 litres. Due to the high Q-factor, one would normally have a relatively strong increase in reverberation response at around 60 Hz in a normal enclosed chamber or bass reflex cabinet. To prevent this, and indeed to take full advantage of the bass reflex principle, we thought up this little arrangement which, to our knowledge, has not been done before.

The chamber is split into two equal parts by a separator. On the rear wall, we built a vertical tunnel as a Helmholtz resonator which was tuned exactly to the frequency of the increase. This tunnel was then loosely filled with a packing of wool. In its undamped state, this resonator absorbs just the amount of the increase and even causes a slight dip in this range. You can vary the amount of packing used to achieve the required frequency response. In this way, we managed to ensure that the bass reflex did not produce overpowering bass despite the bass reflex tuning.

In keeping with the frequency response so typical of wide-range speakers with increasing medium- and top-range frequencies, this speaker, too, has an unacceptably high-pitched sound. So we applied a passive correction circuit (five simple components) to smooth off the frequency response in a very simple but effective manner for a full-range loudspeaker. Depending on the acoustics in the room and personal preference, the 15 ohm series resistance can be changed. Reducing it to 10 ohms will result in an increase in the high-frequency range, while increasing it to 22 ohms will dampen the treble more effectively.

Characteristics and sound properties

The SOLO 50 applies the SOLO 100 concept to a more compact cabinet. This makes the units suitable for smaller rooms where the larger version would be too physically overpowering or the bass too powerful.

With a net volume of 50 litres, it is essential to have an internal resonance absorber as with the SOLO 100 owing to the Q-factor of the B 200 6 Ohm. This can also be used to fine-tune the bass reflex. The lower limiting frequency is not as low as with the SOLO 100 but is certainly sufficient for small to medium-sized rooms. The absorber must be carefully damped again.

The correcting circuitry is designed by analogy to the SOLO 100. If you replace the 15 ohm resistance with a 22 ohm, the increase in high-frequency frequency response will be eliminated and the result as measured in the measuring room was a well-balanced spectrum. Listening tests showed, however, that, as a result of the beaming effect of this wide-range speaker, a slight increase is beneficial in most listening environments.

Characteristics and sound properties

It is a physical characteristic of all wide-range high-sensitivity loudspeakers, and that includes the high-end B 200 6 OHM speaker, that they reproduce higher frequencies louder than the lower ones. To compensate for this, we have designed speaker cabinets for the corners of the room. Corners tend to boost the bass but not the higher frequencies. This allows us to use a very simple correcting circuit (consisting of a coil and a resistance) and we still get a very pleasing, natural overall sound.

With relatively little effort, it is possible to produce efficient, high-end speaker cabinets with excellent sound properties which also fit in optically. If you want to, you can even make them blend in completely or almost disappear by wallpapering them the same as the walls or painting them the same. The shape can even be adapted to take full advantage of the height of the room, for example. What matters is that the inside volume is kept the same.

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

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

TI 100 and MHT 12 are clearly two of the best drivers VISATON has to offer. The Hobby HiFi editors developed the TOPAS model 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 can 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.

Characteristics and sound properties

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.

Characteristics and sound properties

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.

Characteristics and sound properties

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.

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.