Hifi Pig

The Diamond Active Series from Wharfedale delivers wireless connectivity with a difference. Whilst not the first stereo speakers to offer integrated amplification and Bluetooth connectivity with compatible devices including smartphones, tablets and computers, their ‘True Wireless’ technology ensures greater flexibility than many similar designs says the company’s recent press release.

The Diamond Active Series comprises two models: the Diamond A1, a classic ‘bookshelf’-size speaker (31.5cm high), and the Diamond A2, a larger floorstanding design (91.2cm high). Both models come in pairs, in the manner of traditional stereo hifi speakers, and include a 50W amplifier in each speaker to deliver a combined ‘system power’ of 100W.

Many ostensibly similar stereo-paired Bluetooth speakers incorporate the amp circuitry and Bluetooth receiver in one speaker, with a cable connecting this powered speaker to a second, passive speaker. This means that while you can connect your playback device to the speakers wirelessly, the cable between them limits the speakers’ placement. Wharfedale’s Diamond Active Series speakers work differently. They include a wireless hub, to which the playback device is paired via Bluetooth (with support for aptX codec). The H1 hub then conveys the left and right audio signals to the appropriate speaker via uncompressed wireless transmission, allowing greater freedom in terms of positioning. As well as removing the need for the speakers to be connected together via a cable – that’s why they’re calling it ‘True Wireless’

To enable interference-free wireless transmission, the H1 hub avoids the often-crowded 2.4GHz frequency band, focusing on 5.8GHz instead. The intelligent wireless module has the ability to switch automatically between frequencies when required, thus avoiding any local interference wherever the speakers are sited. Each speaker may be placed up to 20m from the hub; the only other siting requirement is that both speakers, with their dedicated amplifiers, need to be plugged into the mains.

Digital inputs are supplied in both optical and coaxial flavours, while two RCA-phono inputs cater for analogue sources. Touch-sensitive controls on the hub’s top surface allow adjustment of volume and input switching, while a remote control is also included.

Additional controls on the speakers’ rear include bass adjustment (+/- 6dB), allowing the user to tailor low frequencies to suit the speakers’ position in the room. Each speaker can be selected as either ‘left’ or ‘right’ in a stereo configuration; a mono mode is also available if the speakers’ positioning is not suited to stereo. This mode can even be used to create a simple two-room setup – useful, for example, if the user is entertaining friends and wishes to place one speaker in the living room and one in the kitchen.

Both Diamond Active models sport proprietary bass/mid drivers with woven Kevlar cones – one 130mm unit in the A1 and two 165mm units in the A2 – as featured in the Diamond 200 Series. The cones incorporate semi- elliptical ‘break-up’ areas, which smooth the response throughout the audible range, while rear-firing reflex ports augment the bass. The 25mm fabric dome tweeter is also derived from the Diamond 200 Series

Wharfedale’s Diamond Active speakers are available from October, with RRPs of £599.95 per pair for the Diamond A1 and £999.95 per pair for the Diamond A2 (including the H1 wireless hub).

Following the launch of MartinLogan’s frankly awesome Neolith flagship, the Kansas-based speaker specialist adds four new models to its hybrid range, combining the company’s famous XStat electrostatic panels with dual bass drivers and, in the case of three models, sophisticated room-correction technology. Absolute Sounds, the UK distributor, got in touch with us to tell us all about the new models.

ElectroMotion ESL X

The new ElectroMotion ESL X features a larger electrostatic transducer and dual woofers, with increased power-handling capabilities and is the flagship of the ElectroMotion series.

The ElectroMotion ESL X features a new larger XStat™ electrostatic transducer, with a radiating area over 50in2 larger than the EM-ESL model. Twin 8-inch high-excursion woofers are housed in a non-resonant asymmetrical bass reflex (ported) chamber, in a surprisingly compact enclosure. Woofers have custom engineered high-rigidity paper cones, with extended-throw driver assemblies. Component elements within the EM-ESL X replicate the design and performance of components used on many of MartinLogan’s more expensive loudspeakers, such as custom-wound transformers, air-core coils, large steel laminate inductors, polyester and low DF electrolytic capacitors. Custom 5-way bi-wire binding posts allow for secure wire connections. System Frequency Response is 41–22,000 Hz ±3db. Recommended amplifier power is 20–400 watts per channel.

The specially developed ElectroMotion XStat MicroPerf electrostatic panel is housed in an aluminum and composite AirFrame™, similar to those found on MartinLogan speakers costing much more.

With a sensitivity rated at 91dB into 6 Ohms, the EM-ESL X will perform with AV receivers as well as high-end amplifiers.

With the addition of the EM-ESL X, the ElectroMotion Series now consists of two floorstanding speakers (EM-ESL X & EM-ESL), a Centre Channel Speaker (EM-C2) and a Surround Speaker model (EM-FX2).

EM-ESL X is available now, with a UK RRP of £4,498 per pair in a satin black finish. A premium high-gloss black finish is also available, with an RRP of £5,298 per pair.

Expression™ ESL 13A and Impression™ ESL 11A.

The company will expand the Masterpiece Series with the launch of two New Electrostatic Loudspeakers: Expression™ ESL 13A (pictured) and Impression™ ESL 11A.

Both new models feature Curvilinear Line Source (CLS™) XStat™ vacuum-bonded electrostatic transducers with advanced microperf stator technology and redesigned ultra-rigid AirFrame™ Blade construction; plus, dual low-distortion aluminum cone woofers powered by dual Class-D amplifiers and controlled by a 24-Bit Vojtko™ DSP Engine with ARC™ (Anthem Room Correction).

MartinLogan has reinvented the woofer system in the new Masterpiece Series. Using two independently enclosed woofers in the compact chamber, exclusive PoweredForce Forward™ bass alignment controls the interaction between the rear-firing woofer and the wall behind that woofer. This phase- shifting technology minimizes the effect the front wall has on bass information that might bounce back into the listening room.

The launch of the new Renaissance ESL 15A has brought Anthem Room Correction (ARC) technology to an electrostatic loudspeaker for the first time. With the introduction of Expression ESL 13A and Impression ESL 11A, this technology will be available in three electrostatic loudspeakers from this autumn. ARC measures sound output from the speaker’s powered woofers and compares the resulting in-room response it to an optimal response curve, accounting for spatial anomalies. The advanced algorithms of ARC effectively remove the anomalies, leaving only the ideal standard: transparent, natural-sounding bass.The advanced algorithms of ARC then utilize the speaker’s 24-bit DSP to adjust your speaker’s low-frequency output to account for the unique sonic characteristics of your room. ARC calibration is optional and can be easily defeated using a switch on the speaker.

Expression ESL 13A features dual 300-watt class D amplifiers. Impression ESL 11A features dual 275-watt Class D amplifiers.

Expression ESL 13A features a dipolar 13×44-inch electrostatic transducer, resulting in a radiating area of 572 square inches per side. Impression ESL 11A features a dipolar 11×44-inch electrostatic transducer with a radiating area of 484 square inches per side.

The Expression ESL 13A and Impression ESL 11A are available from mid-September, priced from £14,998 and £9,998 per pair respectively. Both models are available in a choice of eleven finishes (four standard and seven premium).

Renaissance ESL 15A

Renaissance ESL 15A features 15-inch wide Curvilinear Line Source (CLS™) XStat™ vacuum-bonded electrostatic transducers, with advanced MicroPerf™ stator technology, and redesigned ultra-rigid AirFrame™ construction; plus, othe company’s laser-engineered low-distortion aluminum cone woofers in a compact enclosure, powered by new dual 500-watt Class-D amplifiers, and controlled by a 24-Bit Vojtko™ DSP Engine and ARC™ (Anthem Room Correction) – available in eleven finishes.

Features of the Renaissance ESL 15A include:

• Two 12-inch Laser-Engineered Low Distortion Aluminum Cone Woofers in a sealed enclosure
• 15” Wide Curvilinear Line Source (CLS) Electrostatic Panel
• Redesigned Ultra-Rigid AirFrame Technology
• PoweredForce Forward™ Bass Technology
• Anthem Room Correction (ARC)
• Dual 500-Watt Class-D Amplification with 24-Bit Vojtko™ Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine
• Precision-Built Advanced-Topology Vojtko Crossovers
• Premium WBT Binding Posts

The MartinLogan Renaissance ESL 15A is available now in a choice of eleven finishes (four standard and seven premium) priced from £24,998 per pair.

PIEGA, the loudspeaker manufacturer from Switzerland is set to launch in the UK in September. The move involves the set-up of Piega Loudspeakers (UK) Ltd and enlisting a number of specialist audio retailers to demonstrate the range.

The Swiss company is most famed for its Linear Drive Ribbon (LDR), coaxial ribbon and Air Motion Transformer tweeters, as well as its use of seamless aluminium housings in some of its high end designs. The company was the first loudspeaker brand to produce a commercially available aluminium housed speaker back in 1989.

The design of both of Piega’s core ribbon HF systems is based on its development of an extremely thin, partially embossed foil diaphragm that gave rise to the company name, Piega – an Italian word meaning partially pleated or corrugated. Piega has refined this ribbon driver technology over nearly three decades, as well as perfecting the painstaking methods and elaborate tooling required to build them in its factory near Zurich.

The first series of Piega loudspeakers to hit UK shores will be the Classic line. Built using timber and fibreboard construction, the three premium models in the range feature smoothly curved, C-shaped cabinets to reduce colouration and Piega’s coaxial ribbon tweeter. Three more affordable Classic models in the line combine traditional flat-sided cabinet construction with Piega’s Air Motion Transformer tweeter, the AMT-1. Finish options include black, white or Makassar piano lacquer, with Napalette trim on premium models.

Classic series prices range from £900 per pair for the stand-mount Classic 3.0 to £12,000 per pair for the Classic 80.2 in premium Makassar piano lacquer finish. Review samples will be available from September.

ECLIPSE, the loudspeaker division within Fujitsu Ten, has joined forces with leading British A/V retailer Richer Sounds to introduce their TD-M1 (Read the Hifi Pig review here) to the portfolio.

ECLIPSE’s partnership with Richer Sounds enables more music lovers to enjoy Eclipse loudspeakers and the company’s proprietary Time Domain (TD) technology. Richer Sounds, winner of Which? Magazine’s Best Retailer 2015 award, is offering the TD-M1 online, via its telesales centre, and to order from any one of its nationwide retailers.

Commenting on the new partnership, Paul Burnip, ECLIPSE’s Sales Manager said: “I’m delighted to be partnering with Richer Sounds who are making it even easier for consumers to experience the benefits of the ECLIPSE approach. The critically acclaimed TD-M1 is capable of transforming desktop audio systems everywhere and I’m thrilled that music lovers across the UK can now access one of the best-loved models from the ECLIPSE range through Richer Sounds’ website, telesales centre and store network.”