In a move designed to deliver higher bass output and more bass extensions Sonance has redesigned their in wall speaker system with the introduction of two new models.
Described as almost invisible, the new speakers feature a micro-flange, low-profile design that the Company claims doesn’t conflict with a room’s interior design. The flange is only 0.2-inches-wide. The grille protrudes from a wall less than many grilles on the market to appear less obtrusive, the company said.
The subs, which ship this month into the USA, are the 10-inch 250-watt SUB10-250 and 12-inch 500-watt SUB12-500. They are sold in Australia by Amber Technology.
The 10-inch sub extends response down to 30Hz, and when used with its matching amp, produces 108dB SPLs at 1 meter. The SUB12-500 extends to 25Hz and produces 114dB at 1 meter with matching amp. Their enclosures fit in standard 2×4 stud bays and come with a blank pre-construction plate is included for easy installation.
To deliver the rated output from a low-profile driver, Sonance turned in part to a 4-inch-diameter voice coil, which is capable of handling continuously high levels of power, said chief engineer Todd Ryan. The large voice coil also let Sonance place dual spiders inside the voice coil to reduce depth and maximize the linear movement of each sub’s laminated carbon fiber honeycomb woofer cone, he added.
The inside spiders also overcame another drawback of shallow woofers, he said. “In most shallow woofers, due to the short distance from the surround to the spider, the cones have a tendency to rock. This rocking requires the use of a larger gap in the motor to reduce the output of the driver,” he explained.
The outboard amps incorporate speaker-level high-pass filters designed specifically to complement the sonic characteristics of the drivers.
The subs’ enclosures are made from of ½-inch and 1-inch MDF to isolate bass sounds and use extruded-aluminum bracing to minimize airflow obstructions. Mass damping of the enclosures’ front and back walls, combined with fiberglass internal damping, dissipate standing waves, and a floating enclosure design minimizes vibration transfer to adjoining rooms.
