Leviton Introduces ëSpec-Gradeí Sound With High-End Features And Entry-Level Prices; New Line Delivers ëDesigner Sound Without The Designer Price Tagí

8-Sep-04

Leviton will unveil a new product line that will extend the companyís reach beyond basic home networking, into home entertainment: Spec-Grade Sound from the Leviton Integrated Networks Division at CEDIA EXPO 2004. Notes Bob Becker, General Manager of Leviton Integrated Networks Division, ìResidential structured cabling is now a standard feature in well over 30-percent of the new homes built today. But distributed audio and home theater have yet to reach even 10-percent penetration. To bridge that gap, Leviton has created Spec-Grade Sound. To make Spec-Grade the ëgo-toí brand for builders and contractors, Leviton did its homework. First, Leviton asked contractors to give us their ëwish listí of features and prices. Next, Leviton went to the leading OEM speaker supplier (the one that actually manufactures a lot of the ëdesignerí brands on the market) for the latest in high-end features and technologies, but at price points that work for the contractor, builder and homeowner. Finally, to effectively compete in the audio arena Leviton put together an internal product and marketing team whose collective resume boasts relevant work experience with brands including JBL, Carver, Harman/Kardon, Velodyne, and others. Spec-Grade Sound is the result.î Spec-Grade Sound is available through a nationwide network of Leviton Integrated Networks distributors and contractors that currently handle Leviton Structured Media systems. Explains Mark Cerasuolo, Director of Home Entertainment, ìFor residential contractors looking to get into distributed audio systems, Spec-Grade Sound is their exceptionally craft-friendly tool. For established audio contractors and system integrators already familiar with the high-end installation brands, Spec-Grade Sound is everything they expect, but without the high-end price, and their point-of-entry into the value-oriented production builder market.î Levitonís product offering hosts an array of innovative audio features and technologies, including:--System Matching Module with AutoSurge speaker protection-the entire system is impedance-matched at the central wiring point to afford a ìno math installationî on the part of the contractor when installed to the Leviton standard. As a leader in electrical surge protection, Leviton has adapted the principle for audio applications to provide maximum ìoverdriveî protection and built it into each speaker.--Speakers with high-end features and cost-economy -- The ideal woofer cone is both light and rigid. Spec-Grade Sound uses a hybrid of Kevlar (strong enough for battlefield armor) and organic fiber. Aerospace-grade nylon tweeters made of aeronylon result in a perfect balance of shape and strength to reproduce critical high frequencies.--Transformer-Free volume controls-based on Levitonís renowned Chopin digital volume control, the Decora Strauss Transformer-Free volume control delivers both high power handling and ruler-flat frequency response.--Complete system technology and installation training-as the company setting the standard for residential systems training (with over 14,000 certified contractors), Leviton Integrated Networks has developed a comprehensive audio system design and installation curriculum designed to provide general contractors with system-integrator level skills. Spec-Grade Sound Systems enable audio system installers to save valuable installation time by eliminating the need for matching speakers, zones and volume controls to a system amplifier when installing multi-room residential audio systems. Spec-Grade Sound offers a convenient, cost-economical alternative to complicated impedance-matched controls that can require individual calculation and setting, along with expensive impedance-matching components that add cost and complexity to the audio component ìstack.î The integrated System Matching Module with AutoSurge Technology ensures that all impedance-matching is performed at the central wiring point where speaker and amplifier output wiring converge (either in the structured cabling enclosure or at a designated wall plate location). This design saves valuable installation time by eliminating the need for mathematical calculations to be performed by contractors during the installation process. The design also saves space because the impedance-matching component is built into either the structured cabling enclosure or the wall. Spec-Grade Soundís System Matching Module with AutoSurge Technology builds on Levitonís expertise in the field of power quality. Operating in the background and remaining completely inaudible, the AutoSurge circuit activates to protect the speakers from potentially damaging power peaks, and automatically resets after the proper voltage is restored. As an additional system safeguard, Levitonís Spec-Grade Sound speakers incorporate an additional layer of AutoSurge protection. With AutoSurge protection technology, contractors, builders and end-users are spared the headache of having to deal with a ìdeadî speaker.Spec-Grade Sound Speakers combine the latest features and technologies with pricing that makes high-end audio performance available to the residential construction market. When combined with Spec-Grade Sound control and distribution components, the new line of indoor and outdoor speakers delivers unmatched audio quality in price-sensitive production home applications. Indoor wall and ceiling-mounted and Spec-Grade Sound speakers feature high-output Kevlar-composite woofers to more accurately reproduce dynamic, tight bass and incisive midrange frequencies. Aerospace-grade nylon tweeters combine low mass and high tensile strength for crystal-clear treble response and accurate tracking of the most challenging musical details. The outdoor model incorporates weather-resistant materials such as silicate-fiber cones with butyl-rubber surrounds, a polypropylene enclosure, gold-plated connections and stainless-steel mounting hardware for extreme durability.To achieve accurate stereo imaging, a precise phase/time waveguide properly aligns the high-frequency output of Spec Grade Soundsí in-wall speakers without misaligning the tweeters, a problem common in many adjustable in-wall speakers. The speakerís precision dividing network is made of high-spec components to ensure audio signal integrity. The baffle-frame assembly incorporates higher-density plastics and a series of adjustable ìdoglegsî to more rigidly clamp the speaker to the wall or ceiling material. The speakers are available as a 6.5-inch Two-Way Ceiling model (SGC65), a 6.5-inch Two-Way In-Wall model (SGI65), an 8-inch Two-Way In-Wall model (SGI80), and an Outdoor/Utility Two-Way model (SGO99).A volume control stands between the speaker and amplifier in a distributed audio system circuit and has the potential to influence a systemís sound quality and power handling capability. The new Decora Strauss transformer-free volume controls when combined with the companyís line of Spec-Grade Sound speakers and audio components, make the Spec Grade system an audio distribution solution that delivers impeccable sound quality when used with todayís high-current amplifiers and wide-bandwidth digital sound sources. Conventional volume controls use audio transformers or ìautoformersî to change volume levels, which are often responsible for the muffled sound listeners associate with built-in speakers. The Decora Strauss Control uses Cermetile resistors, which present the amplifier with a purely resistive load at all volume levels. This results in ruler-flat response across the entire audible frequency range and pure, uncompromised sound without any filtering of bass and treble. This design gives the Strauss Control the superior power handling ability to accommodate the full peak output power of any consumer-grade amplifier on the market. Constructed of the same high-tech compound used in aerospace heat-resistant tiles, the Decora Strauss slide control offers a precision 12-position switch including full OFF. The detachable cable connector is compatible with all standard speaker wire sizes (14-18 gauge). Decora designer styling adds an elegant touch to any interior dÈcor. The new Decora Strauss volume control features a frequency response from 20Hz -20kHz +/-1dB and peak power handling of 200 watts continuous /100W RMS and is compatible with speakers from 2-16 Ohms. The standard color is white and an optional color change kit is also available. For more information please visit www.leviton.com/lin.

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