Phantom Series From Acoustic Research (AR) Offer Thin, Wall-Hanging Cabinets, High-End Performance

Acoustic Research used Hi-Fi ë99, the Home Theater & Specialty Audio Show held in May in Chicago, to demonstrate how it is possible to achieve audiophile-grade sonics with ultra-thin wall-hanging speakers. Adapting the woofer design of the acclaimed Illusionô drivers, AR's new line of Phantom speakers feature neodymium carbon fiber shallow mount woofers, MagAlloyô midrange drivers and plasma-hardened, titanium tweeters. The series includes a three-way speaker, the Phantom 8.3; two two-way models, the Phantom 6.2 and Phantom 5.2; and the Phantom 252C center channel. All Phantom Series models are voice matched for discrete multichannel applications. ""Most of the new, thin cabinet on-wall speakers reach as low as 150Hz,"" said Cary Christie, President of Christie Design, Recoton's audio design group. ""But the Phantom Series delivers rich bottom-end, reaching as low as 45Hz, and the overall sonics are on a par with the best conventional floor-standing speakers available. The sleek aluminum enclosure that is used throughout the line enhances any decor, delivering powerful sonic reproduction from an unobtrusive source. Illusionô Driver TechnologyThe Phantom Series woofers adapt Illusion driver technology that consists of a front-mounted neodymium magnet, a woven carbon fiber cone and an aluminum edge-wound voice coil configuration. The reverse-mount magnet structure geometry reduces mounting depth and weight while increasing overall efficiency and x-max. An open gap magnet assembly provides optimum cooling for power handling, while a die-cast aluminum basket eliminates magnetic field distortion. MagAlloy Driver TechnologyThe MagAlloy midrange driver utilizes a 2-inch dome configuration that achieves greater accuracy and smoother bandwidth through its ultra-light diaphragm, uniform drive geometry and elastomer surround. This unique driver is constructed of anodized aluminum/magnesium metal alloy for ultra-fast transient response. The rigidity of the metal alloy cone body combined with its monocoque convex shape enhances its strength, minimizing breakup. In addition, the strength of the cone allows it to be edge-driven, resulting in, says the company, accurate and colorless midrange. Plasma Hardened, Titanium Tweeter All AR Phantom models include a plasma-hardened 1-inch titanium tweeter for a linear response out to 20kHz. A titanium tweeter is utilized for its low mass and strength, and the plasma transfer hardening process adds rigidity, thereby extending frequency response. In addition, Phantom speakers feature positional contour circuitry that regulates the speaker's frequency response according to on-wall or stand placement. At the top of the line is the Phantom 8.3, an on-wall, three-way speaker, employing a 1-inch plasma-hardened, titanium tweeter, with an 8-inch long throw woofer and a 2-inch MagAlloy midrange driver. Frequency response is rated at 45Hz-20kHz. Sensitivity is measured at 90d8 and total power handling is 250 Watts. The Phantom 6.2 is a two-way speaker that utilizes a 1-inch plasma-hardened, titanium tweeter and a 6.5-inch long throw woofer. The 6.2 delivers a frequency response of 60Hz-20kHz, sensitivity rating of 89dB, and total power handling is 150 Watts. The Phantom 5.2, designed for use as a rear channel speaker in a multichannel audio/video system, is a two-way bookshelf speaker, featuring a 5.25-inch long throw woofer and a 1-inch plasma-hardened, titanium tweeter. Frequency response 80Hz-20kHz and sensitivity is rated at 89dB. Power handling is measured at 125 Watts. The Phantom 252C is the center channel speaker designed to match the voicing of the entire Phantom line. Utilizing two 5 1/4-inch Illusion Carbon Series low frequency drivers and a plasma-hardened, titanium tweeter, the 252C's frequency range is 70Hz-20kHz and sensitivity is rated at 90dB. Total power handling is 150 Watts. All Phantom Series speakers can be mounted on the optional custom-designed MS1 stands, featuring aluminum extrusion with aluminum die-cast base, making them a perfect match to Phantom speaker cabinetry. A wire harness dress, sand fill option and spiked ""feet"" are included for easy speaker placement. The MS1 stand is available at a suggested retail price of $300/pair. To further enhance the versatility of the entire line, the systems are designed to utilize optional in-wall bracketry. All Phantom Series models will ship in June 1999 Suggested retail price:Phantom Model 8.3 - $1250/prPhantom Model 6.2 - $750/prPhantom Model 5.2 - $500/prPhantom Model 252C - $450/eaPhantom Model MS1 - 300/prFor more information, contact AR, 535 Getty Court, Benicia, CA 94510 owww.recoton.com or Cary Christie at 707 748 5940, or Adam Sohmner, Sumner Rider G Associates 212 661 5300 Ajsohmev@AOL.com.