Acoustic Research Ships new Hi-RESô Line Of Loudspeakers
ARís New Top-of-the-Line Speaker Series Features High Value, High-End Performance
Acoustic Research (AR) is now shipping its new line of home loudspeakers, the Hi-RES series. Including 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 subwoofer; and the AR2C and AR4C center channel speakers. Designed for demanding home theatre and two-channel application, 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, RHAís 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.íí Plasma-Transferred, Diamond-Hardened Titanium Tweeter The Hi-RES Series includes a unique plasma-transferred, diamond-hardened, 1"" titanium dome tweeter that incorporates a diamond structure over the surface of its diaphragm, leading to 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 MagAlloyô midrange drivers on a narrow baffle, and wide, balance soundstage is produced, resulting in uniform tonal balance at every listening point. MagAlloyô Driver Technology The 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 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/Sunfireô Amplifier Technology The high-efficiency amplifiers in select Hi-RES models use Sunfiresís 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 percent 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 wooferís voice-coil. A dynamic thermal overload or ""roll-back"" circuit protects the wooferís voice from overheating during prolonged use, delivering clean, high-performance bass that is rich and warm, but never ""boomy."" Three-Way Tower Loudspeakers The 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 ñ AR1, AR3, AR5, AR7, AR9, and AR11 ñ feature side-firing subwoofers to maintain a slim profile and narrow footprint that enhances any room dÈcor. Each Hi-RES tower speaker is designed to provide pinpoint imaging for music only application. 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 AR1í s exceptional sonics is an Energy Contour Baffle ñ made of proprietary varying-density foam ñ that controls the tweeterís 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 theatre enjoyment. Paramount to the AR1ís 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, ARís engineers increase cone stiffness for a longer life-span. Combined with a powerful 110 oz. Magnet structure, aluminum voice coil support and large 3"", dual-layer, long-throw copper voice coil, the woofer offers exceptional power handling capability with extremely low distortion and high sensitivity. The AR1, like all Hi-RES three-way tower speakers, features 3/4-inch medium density fiberboard enclosure 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 Speaker The direct-radiating AR15 and AR17 two-way bookshelf modes combine ARís MagAlloy midrange driver design with a monocoque concave 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, ARís distinctive plasma-transferred, diamond-hardened.1"" titanium dome tweeter supplies crisp, high frequency sonics. Center Channel Models Acoustic 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-inch 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 AR2C reside in a unique, acoustically inert, molded enclosure with a swivel mounting system that guarantees accurate dialogue placement, even for viewers who sit of 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 Subwoofers Delivering powerful bottom-end performance that supports, rather than dominates the action, the new 300-watt ARS300 and 500-watt ARS500 subwoofer system 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 utilizes Tracking-Down-Converter amplifier technology for maximum efficiency- even after hours of concentrated use. Also, ARís 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 subwooferís performance to any system configuration. All Hi-RES models are currently available.