Acoustic Research Ships New Hi-RESô Line Of Loudspeakers

3-Oct-99

Acoustic Research (ARÆ) is now shipping its new line of home loudspeakers, the Hi-RES series. Included in the line are six three-way tower speakers with side-firing subwoofers, AR1, AR3, AR5, AR7, AR9 and AR11; the AR15 and AR17 two-way bookshelf speakers; the ARS300 and ARS500 powered subwoofers; and the AR2C and AR4C center channel speakers. Designed for demanding home theatre and two-channel applications, the Hi-RES Series features the attention to sonic accuracy and overall musicality that has made Acoustic Research a favorite of audiophiles for 45 years.""AR incorporated technological breakthroughs such as the MagAlloyô) midrange drivers and diamond-hardened titanium dome tweeters into the new Hi-RES line, creating a noticeable upgrade over our successful HO product,"" said Ed Brown, RHA's Vice President of Sales and Marketing. ""Additional benefits such as Bob Carver/Sunfireô amplifiers in select models help make this one of the most sonically accurate and performance-oriented lines in its class.""Plasma-Transferred, Diamond-Hardened Titanium TweeterThe Hi-RES Series includes a unique plasma-transferred, diamond-hardened, 1-inch titanium dome tweeter that incorporates a diamond structure over the surface of its diaphragm, leading to a linear response out to 23kHz. A titanium tweeter, utilized for lightness and strength, is made exponentially stronger by the plasma-transfer process, enhancing rigidity and expanding frequency response. By positioning the 1-inch titanium tweeter between two 5.25-inch MagAlloy midrange drivers on a narrow baffle, a wide, balanced soundstage is produced, resulting in uniform tonal balance at every listening point.MagAlloy Driver TechnologyThe MagAlloy midrange driver utilizes a dual-design configuration that achieves greater accuracy through a 1-inch diameter copper voice coil with an aluminum voice coil former and a rigid cast aluminum frame. The 5.25-inch driver includes a monocoque concave cone constructed of anodized aluminum/magnesium metal alloy for optimum cone dampening. The rigidity of the metal alloy cone body combined with its monocoque concave shape enhances strength, minimizing cone breakup. In addition, the strength of the cone eliminates the need for a dust dome, reducing dust dome-to-cone decoupling for accurate and colorless midrange.Bob Carver/Sunfire Amplifier TechnologyThe high-efficiency amplifiers in select Hi-RES models use Sunfire's unique Tracking-Down-Converter (TDC) to supply continuously variable power supply voltage controlled by the input signal to the amplifier. This allows 85 percent power conversion efficiency (versus 15-25% in conventional amps) for high dynamic headroom and low operating temperature. An integrated Intelligent Parameter Control (IPC) circuit monitors woofer performance in real time, sending information to the amplifier to correct over-excursion of the woofer's voice-coil. A dynamic thermal overload or ""roll-back"" circuit protects the woofer's voice coil from overheating during prolonged use, delivering clean, high-performance bass that is rich and warm, but never ""boomy.""Three-Way Tower LoudspeakersThe heart of the Hi-RES line is a selection of sleek tower speakers that caters to both 2-channel and home theatre enthusiasts.All six tower models - AR1, AR3, AR5, AR7, AR9 and AR11 - feature side-firing subwoofers to maintain a slim profile and narrow footprint that enhances any room decor.Each Hi-RES tower speaker is designed to provide pinpoint imaging for music-only applications. Additionally, the AR1, AR3 and AR5 feature the Bob Carver/Sunfire amplifier for maximum efficiency.The top-of-the-line AR1 incorporates two 5.25-inch MagAlloy mid-frequency drivers arranged vertically in a Dual Focused Array configuration with minimal spacing above and below the 1-inch plasma-transferred, diamond-hardened titanium dome tweeter. Mid- and high-frequency signals are directed toward the listener, not the floor or ceiling, resulting in seamless, precise soundstage that is uniform at nearly every listening position.This Dual Focused Array configuration provides a second benefit by connecting the two midrange drivers in tandem so that each driver carries an equal share of the load. As a result, the sound is entirely neutral and free of coloration.Adding to the efficacy of the AR1's exceptional sonics is an Energy Contour Baffle - made of proprietary varying-density foam - that controls the tweeter's radiation pattern and acoustic loading properties to match the output of the midrange and high frequency drivers in the crossover region. This eliminates image smearing and distortion all the way out to 23 kHz, resulting in exceptionally natural and accurate midrange/high frequency reproduction for music and home theater enjoyment.Paramount to the AR1's impressive performance is a 15-inch high-excursion woofer that is specially treated with a resonance-deadening coating that enhances overall durability and performance. And by inverting the dust dome on the cone, AR's engineers increased cone stiffness for a longer lifespan. Combined with a powerful 110 oz. magnet structure, aluminum voice coil support and large 3-inch, dual-layer, long-throw copper voice coil, the woofer offers exceptional power handling capabilities with extremely low distortion and high sensitivity.The AR1, like all Hi-RES three-way tower speakers, features 3/4"" medium density fiberboard enclosures with black or cherry wood grain finish, acoustically transparent cloth-covered ABS plastic grilles and 5-way, gold-plated binding posts for maximum conductivity.2-Way Bookshelf SpeakersThe direct-radiating AR15 and AR17 two-way bookshelf models combine AR's MagAlloy midrange driver design with a monocoque concave cone for extended linear frequency response. The AR15 (6.5-inch woofer) and AR17 (5.25-inch woofer), deliver the precise imaging usually associated with floor-standing, 3-way models. In addition, AR's distinctive plasma-transferred, diamond-hardened, 1-inch titanium dome tweeter supplies crisp, high frequency sonics.Center Channel ModelsAcoustic Research offers two Hi-RES center channel options, each with its own unique design and benefits. The 3-way AR2C features a down-firing 6.5"" woofer for the dynamic authority and realism that are critical to accurate dialogue reproduction. For tighter spaces, AR recommends the compact, 2-way AR4C with dual 5.25-inch woofers. The drive units comprising the AR4C reside in a unique, acoustically inert, molded enclosure with a swivel mounting system that guarantees accurate dialogue placement, even for viewers who sit off axis.Like all Hi-RES models, the AR2C and AR4C utilize a 1-inch plasma-transferred, diamond-hardened, titanium dome tweeter and MagAlloy midrange/low frequency drivers. No matter which Hi-RES center channel is employed, users will enjoy an impeccably seamless soundstage thanks to the use of sonically matched midrange and upper drivers that are identical to those found in all Hi-RES models.ARS300 and ARS500 Powered SubwoofersDelivering powerful bottom-end performance that supports, rather than dominates the action, the new 300-watt ARS300 and 500-watt ARS500 subwoofer systems will satisfy listeners who crave deep, realistic bass output.Both the ARS300 and ARS500 are slot-loaded, trajectory port-coupled, active-power subwoofers with Bob Carver/Sunfire amplifiers that utilize Tracking-Down-Converter amplifier technology for maximum efficiency - even after hours of concentrated use. Also, AR's distinguished Intelligent Parameter Control System monitors and adjusts woofer temperature to ensure impeccable performance, year after year.The new Hi-RES subwoofers also feature an industry first: an A/V contour switch with volume control, located on the front panel, that allows the user to tailor the subwoofer's performance to any system configuration.All Hi-RES models are currently available. Specifications and suggested retail prices are attached.About ARAR (Acoustic Research) is a subsidiary of Recoton Corporation, a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of consumer electronic accessories, loudspeakers and car audio products. Recoton's more than 4,000 products feature highly functional accessories for audio, video, car audio, camcorder, multi-media/computer, home office, cellular, and standard telephone, music and video game products, and 900 MHz wireless technology headphones and speakers. They are sold under the AAMPÆ, Ambico(Æ, AmpersandÆ, AR/Acoustic ResearchÆ, DiscwasherÆ, InterActÆ, ParsecÆ, PeripheralÆ, Performanceô, RecotonÆ, RembrandtÆ, Rossô, SoleControlÆ, SounbdQuestÆ, StingerÆ, and STDô brand names. The Recoton Audio Group produces and markets audio components, high fidelity loudspeakers, home theater speakers, and car audio speakers and components which are now sold under the AdventÆ, AR/Acoustic Research, HECOô, JensenÆ, MacAudioô, MagnatÆ, NHTÆ (Now Hear This), and Phase LinearÆ, and Recoton brand names.

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