NEAR Unveils New MCL 3 Series
New England Audio Resource (NEAR), famous for its unique metal alloy speaker technology, has announced a dramatic new range of Multi Channel loudspeakers - the MCL 3 Series. Designed for critical music and home theatre applications where cost is a consideration, NEARís new MCLís offer outstanding performance and exceptional value. The ""3"" Series derives its name from being the third generation of highly acclaimed NEAR models. Featuring proprietary Metal-alloy and Titanium drive units, the six new models (MCL-30M3, 20MV3, 15M3, 10M3, 10MBD3 and ILOOMPS) are designed, says the company, to excel in either home theatre or music systems. NEAR founder and Chief Designer Bill Kieltyka explained: ""we believe that an accurate and articulate loudspeaker for music, makes an equally great sounding home theatre speaker. The same holds true for multichannel audio applications - whether it is five channel digital surround or traditional two channel stereo."" Accordingly, the new MCL 3 Series models are offered in ""singles,"" providing maximum flexibility to the retailer and consumer alike. The floor standing 30M3 has a suggested retail price of $599 each, the shielded left/center/right 20MV3 ($449), 15M3 ($349), 10M3 ($249), the surround sound 10MBD3 ($399) and 200MPS ($799) a subwoofer with l0-inch metal driver. All are offered in a brushed satin ebony finish and come with NEARís extraordinary l0 year warranty. The MCL 3 Series will be marketed through NEARís authorized dealer network of specialty audio/video retailers and custom design/installation companies. To ensure that the new NEAR MCLís are as seductive to the eye as they are to the ear, Kieltyka commissioned noted designer Allen Boothroyd of Cambridge Product Design in England. Boothroyd, perhaps the most famous designer in audio, is known for his stunning work with high-end brands such as Meridian, a company he co-founded in 1977. For the new MCL 3 Series, Boothroyd created a fresh look for NEAR- while preserving the company's heritage for clean design. Among the many style improvements are re-apportioned cabinet dimensions, a narrow front baffle for improved imaging, ultra low diffraction grilles, enhanced drive surrounds, a new satin cabinet finish and a striking metal badge design. All NEAR 3 Series MDT drive units are hand-built in Maine using metal alloy for the low frequency and Titanium for the high frequency drivers. The low frequency drivers are now offered in clear coat anodize (versus black) to promote the high performance and advanced technology of their all metal design. In addition, all NEAR drive units feature their patented Voice Coil Guidance System that eliminates the need for a conventional ""spider."" According to Jim Sullivan, NEARís National Sales Manager: ""our proprietary spiderless design technology simply produces a cleaner, more detailed sound that has been recognized by audiophiles and critics around the world. In addition, all our new MCL 3 Series models come with gold plated bi-wire terminals standard."" Sullivan went on to add: ""without question, this is the strongest line NEAR has ever brought to market."" NEAR exhibited their new MCL 3 Series, along with their new Custom Application Loudspeakers (CAL) and All Environment Loudspeakers (AEL) at CES 99 in Las Vegas. The MCL 3 Series will be available for delivery in late January 1999.