SpeakerCraft Makes Significant Improvements In Popular MT Series In-Wall Speakers

Four New Models With Upgraded Components And Materials To Ensure Even Better Performance

14-Feb-01

SpeakerCraft, the worldís largest manufacturer of architectural speakers and other custom installation products, announced they have upgraded the highly successful and award-winning MT Series at the 2001 International Consumer Electronics Show. Considered an industry standard, this is the first major change in six years for the MT Series. All four new models, the MT ONE, MT TWO, MT THREE and MT FOUR are completely redesigned, including new and better components that significantly improve the sonic characteristics of the speakers for a more pleasant and enjoyable listening experience. On every new MT speaker, the pivoting (up to 30 degrees) tweeter is located on the bottom of the rectangular baffle. It is common for installers to turn speakers upside down to get the high frequencies closer to the listening area - however, conventional in-wall speakers are not properly voiced for this application. The entire MT Series was engineered to eliminate the lobing effects that occur when the tweeter is inverted. All models are outfitted with a new filleted Butyl rubber surround on the woofers, and include the patented I-Beam mounting system.Like the previous generation of the MT series, these new models benefit from the same Mirror Image Technology that offsets the tweeter for improved imaging. Positioning the tweeter off-axis in relation to the woofer assures minimal driver interference and diffraction. The speakers are sold in matched pairs, with the tweeter at the right edge of one speaker baffle and the left edge of the other. The MT ONE consist of a 1-inch silk dome tweeter and a new 6.5-inch polypropylene woofer that has greater excursion, resulting in a more efficient speaker with superior bass. A larger voice coil allows the MT ONE to handle up to 100 watts. The MT TWO consists of the same 1-inch silk dome tweeter, and the 6.5-inch woofer is made of a glass fiber composite. The stiffer and lighter cone material results in a more pleasing and accurate midrange. The woofer uses a bullet centerpiece instead of a traditional dust cap to improve frequency response. Three pushbuttons are located next to the tweeter to change its frequency response between flat, +3dB and -3dB. The external pushbuttons make it possible for installers to make the proper adjustments after installation, unlike some competitors models that provide a simple toggle switch on the back of the speaker, requiring the installer to guess the best position prior to installation. Power handling for the MT TWO is rated at 120 watts.The MT THREE represents a significant improvement over the last MT generation, with a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter and a 6.5-inch aluminum woofer. The ultra-light cone material used on both drivers ensures a smooth and precise frequency response. Like the MT TWO, the woofer is outfitted with a bullet centerpiece. An extra set of pushbuttons is added to this model to adjust the frequency response for the woofer as well as the tweeter. Power handling for the MT THREE is rated at 125 watts.The MT FOUR uses the stiffest possible cone material of anodized magnesium/aluminum for both the 1-inch dome tweeter and 6.5-inch woofer. Like the MT THREE, both the woofer and tweeterís frequency response can be adjusted after installation. Using the largest voice coil in the series, the MT FOUR is capable of handling in excess of 150 watts, ensuring no sound coloration. Additionally, the inclusion of five-way binding posts allows installers to use high grade cables, with banana plug and spade lug terminations. All MT speakers come with the new InstaLLockô connector. During pre-wire, installers insert cables into the InstaLLock, which automatically terminates the cable. During trim out, the installer just plugs the InstaLLock connector directly into the speakerís crossover, making installation a tool-less operation. Push terminals are also available on the crossover.A new mounting system, ""Clamp-Tech"" [patent pending] is another SpeakerCraft exclusive that eliminates the need for tools during speaker installation. The Clamp-Tech operates by squeezing the clamping mechanism that is attached to the baffle. As the installer adjusts the baffle on the wall, the clamping mechanism is slowly released, using a ratcheting system that ensures a solid and level fit. The baffle clamps to the wall with 60 pounds of force. The installer then inserts the speakers directly into the baffle without the need for any screws. The ""Clamp-Tech"" is an optional mounting kit for MT speakers. Install time is reduced to only two minutes, saving an average of six minutes per speaker.""This is a huge advantage for installers,"" says Jeremy Burkhardt, Vice President of SpeakerCraft. ""Since no tools are required and the labor rate is cut by more than half, it allows installers to complete a job much quicker, so they can move on to the next job."" All MT in-wall speakers are 100 percent weather resistant and offer a lifetime warranty. All MT models will ship in the second quarter of 2001.Model, Suggested Retail PriceMT ONE, $299 MT TWO, $399MT THREE, $499MT FOUR, $699For more information about SpeakerCraft, visit www.speakercraft.com.

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