Acoustic Research Ships New Top-Of-The-Line Hi-RESô Line Of Loudspeakers

Acoustic Research (AR) is now shipping its new line of home loudspeakers, the Hi-RES series, which replaces the High Output line as ARís top-of-the-line speakers. 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 S300 and S500 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 Mike Park, ARís Vice President of Engineering. ""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 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 its 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 51/4-inch MagAlloy midrange drivers on a narrow baffle, a wide, balanced soundstage is produced, resulting in a 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 1/4-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 its strength, minimizing cone breakup. In addition, the strength of the cone eliminates the need for a dust-dome, thereby reducing dust-dome to cone de-coupling, resulting in accurate and colorless midrange. Bob Carver/Sunfire Amplifier TechnologyThe high-efficiency amplifier incorporated in select HI-RES models utilizes Sunfireís unique Tracking-Down-Converter, supplying continuously variable power supply voltage controlled by the input signal to the amplifier, allowing it to approach 85 percent power conversion efficiency for high dynamic headroom and low operating temperature. An integrated Intelligent Parameter Control (IPC) system monitors the woofer's 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 wooferís voice coil from overheating during prolonged use, delivering, according to the company, 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 both to two-channel and home theatre enthusiasts. All six-tower models - AR1, AR3, AR5, AR7, AR9 and AR11 - feature a side firing subwoofer 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 that are 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 sound that the company says is uniform at virtually every listening position. This Dual Focused Array Configuration provides a second benefit, says AR, by connecting the two-midrange drivers in tandem, so that each driver carries an equal share of the load. Subsequently, the sound is entirely neutral and free of coloration Adding to the efficacy of the AR1ís sonics is an Energy Contour Baffle constructed of varying density foam, that reinforces distribution of high frequency signals. Says AR, the overall driver configuration provides smooth, natural mid- and high frequency output for maximum music and home theatre enjoyment. Paramount to the AR1 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 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, longthrow copper voice coil, the woofer used in the AR1 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-inch medium density fiberboard enclosures with a black or cherry wood grain finish, acoustically transparent cloth covered ABS plastic grilles and five-way gold plated binding posts for maximum conductivity. Two-Way Bookshelf Speakers The direct-radiating AR15 and AR17 two-way bookshelf models combine ARís MagAlloy low frequency driver design with a monocoque concave cone for extended linear frequency response. The AR15, with its 6 1/2-inch woofer, and the AR17, featuring a 5 1/4-inch woofer, deliver the precise imaging usually associated with floor-standing three-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 three-way AR2C features a down firing 6 1/2-inch woofer. For tighter spaces, AR recommends the compact, two-way AR4C, with its dual 5 1/4-inch woofers. The drive units comprising the AR4C reside in a unique; acoustically inert molded enclosure with a swivel mounting system that provides accurate dialogue placement, even for audience members who sit off axis. Like all Hi-RES models, the AR2C and AR4C utilize a 1-inch plasma-transferred diamond-hardened titanium tweeter and MagAlloy midrange/low frequency drivers. No matter which Hi-RES center channel is employed, AR says that 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. S300 and S500 Powered Subwoofers Delivering powerful bottom-end performance that supports, rather than dominates the action, the new 300 Watt S300 and 500 Watt S500 subwoofer systems are designed to satisfy listeners who crave deep, realistic bass output Both the S300 and S500 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 several hours of concentrated use. Also, ARís distinguished Intelligent Parameter Control System monitors and adjusts the woofer temperature to, according to the company, ensure impeccable performance, year after year. The new Hi-RES subwoofers feature an industry first: an A/V control switch with volume control, located on the front panel, allows the user to tailor the subwoofer's performance to any system configuration All Hi-RES models are currently available. Suggested retail prices are as follows:AR1 $2800/prAR3 $2500/prAR5 $1800/prAR7 $1600/prAR9 $1300/prAR11 $900/prAR15 $1000/prAR17 $760/prAR2C $600/pcAR4C $370/pcS500 $999/pcS300 $799/pcFor more information, contact AR, 535 Getty Court, Benicia, CA 94510 www.recoton.com or Cary Christie at 707 748 5940, or Adam Sohmner, Sumner Rider G Associates 212 661 5300 Ajsohmev@AOL.com.