Parasound Introduces C 70 One-/Two-Channel Ceiling Speaker

30-Jun-03

Parasound has introduced the model C 70 two-channel ceiling speaker, responding to numerous requests from custom installers for a two-channel version of the C 65 6-1/2-inch coaxial ceiling speaker. Installers often specify two-channel ceiling speakers to make their jobs easier when installing speakers in zones where both left and right channels must be routed to only one speaker. ""Our goal,"" said Parasound President Richard Schram, ""was to make a two-channel speaker which would sound identical to our C 65. However, this was easier said than done! We soon learned that the typical dual-tweeter, dual-voice-coil-woofer configuration had inherent flaws. With two tweeters, the mid and high frequencies from one tweeter reinforce and cancel the mid and high frequencies from the other tweeter, causing very jagged and fatiguing frequency response peaks and dips. Tonal quality varies immensely as you move around the room.""The basic problem with a two-channel woofer voice coil,"" continued Schram, ""is that it weighs more than a conventional voice coil. This weight reduces the woofer's sensitivity, while its frequency response and tonal balance vary drastically, depending on if one or two channels are connected. Also, its impedance is halved when its two voice coils are connected in parallel for a single channel.""To make a C 70 two-channel speaker sound like a C 65, Parasound uses an actual C 65 driver and crossover. Schram's innovation was to connect the two input terminals directly to a special precision audio transformer with two 8-ohm primary windings and a single 8-ohm secondary winding, which in-turn connects to a single C 65 crossover. Signals from the left and right amplifier channels are safely blended to mono in this unique transformer.This has several claimed advantages. First, its load is always a gentle and consistent 8 ohms for both one- and two-channel configurations. In other two-channel speakers when the channels are connected in parallel, the resulting 4-ohm impedance leads to increased amplifier distortion, reduced dynamic headroom, increased operating temperature, and a shorter operating life. Second, the C 70 level stays the same whether one or both channels are connected. The output levels of other brands of two-channel speakers will be relatively lower with one channel connected, or higher with both channels connected. Finally, the C 70 has the same frequency response and ""point source"" dispersion characteristics as the C 65. With other two-channel speakers, response can be ragged and radiating patterns are full of ""hot spots"" and ""nulls.""The C 70 is ideal for open spaces or for mounting near side walls. The 1-inch Ferrofluid-cooled soft-dome tweeter can be aimed up to 15 degrees off-axis for smoother in-room response and precise focus. The 6.5-inch polypropylene/Mica woofer features an advanced Santoprene surround material that improve frequency response linearity, and prevents the deterioration that occurs in conventional foam surrounds over time.The Parasound C 70 two-channel ceiling speaker is currently available at a suggested retail price of $325 per pair.For more information about Parasound Products, visit www.parasound.com.

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