Canton has introduced the Movie CD-1, a 5.1-channel speaker system that delivers all the dynamics and excitement of home theater in small and attractive satellite speakers that reflect the company’s historic commitment to both sound and design.

The package consists of four identical aluminum microspeakers, a matched horizontal center-channel, and a small but powerful subwoofer.

The Movie CD-1 home theater system is currently shipping, available at a suggested retail price of $1099 (US).

Canton says that unlike many subwoofer-satellite mini-systems, the Movie CD-1 models are far more than just smaller speakers. Canton engineering and design advances in driver, circuitry, and cabinet design give the CD-1 satellites a frequency response of 80 Hz to 25 kHz from a speaker that measures just over 5-inches tall, and under 4-inches deep and wide.

Among the advances that allow this feat are a new, proprietary 3-inch aluminum woofer, high-integrity aluminum housing, a 3.6 kHz crossover network, and a sophisticated passive filter circuit which blocks unwanted low-frequency signals that can generate harmonic distortions.

The CD-1 Center-channel incorporates the same technologies and drivers as the satellites, but features a two-woofer, single-tweeter horizontal arrangement that provides outstanding midrange performance, so important for the reproduction of dialogue in movies. The tapered housing allows for easy ’tilting’ of the speaker, and the horizontal driver array improves linearity across the soundstage. The CD-1 center-channel features the same aluminum housing and perforated metal grille as the satellites.

The CD-1 Subwoofer uses Canton’s exclusive SC technology to deliver excellent deep bass response and very low distortion. The active SC electronic filter is integrated into the 100-Watt onboard amplifier circuit, and computer-designed to adjust the response curve to compensate for the acoustic characteristics of the housing and driver. This both blocks unwanted infrasonic signals, which can cause distortion from excessive driver excursion, and improves the speaker’s output response curve across the frequency range. The result is a frequency response that pushes all the way down to 38 Hz and provides tight and linear bass up to 140 Hz.

The sub’s adjustable crossover frequency, level control, and switchable phase adjustment can all be used to tailor the installation of the subwoofer and satellites in nearly any room, and with any source material.

The Canton Movie CD-1 Satellites and Center-channel are finished in striking aluminum, and the CD-1 Subwoofer is finished in a matching silver Matte. The CD-1 includes mounting brackets for all the satellite speakers. The LS-90 speaker stands shown in the photo are optional.

Canton Elektronik Web Site

PSB Speakers showed off their newest loudspeaker series at CES last month, demonstrating 3 new models in the Platinum Series, alongside the original 4 designs that were launched late last year.

The new Phase II group, shown for the first time at CES 2003, consists of the T6 Tower ($4,700 US per pair), the C2 Center Channel ($1,200 US), and the SubSonic10 subwoofer ($$2,000 US). The new models will begin shipping sometime in the first quarter of 2003.

The original Platinum Series speakers, already available in stores, include the T8 Tower ($6,500 US per pair), the M2 Mini Monitor ($1,700 US per pair), the C4 Center Channel ($2,000 US), and the S2 Bipolar Surround ($2,300 US per pair).

PSB says that every speaker in the Platinum Series will meet and exceed the expectations of high-end speaker buyers who want both maximum musical realism and maximum home-theater impact.

“The PSB Platinum Series is our answer to the many listeners who have wondered how much further we could go beyond the celebrated qualities of our Stratus models,” comments PSB founder and chief designer Paul Barton.

“We looked long and hard at that, and identified ways to make meaningful, really audible advances in performance, yet still maintain the value that has always characterized our speakers. I think there will be quite a stir about these speakers.”

The company points to its sophisticated design and measurement techniques as reasons for the Platinum’s superior performance. They have been designed from the ground up using the most advanced design tools, such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), laser vibrometry and computer optimization.

More importantly, the drivers, crossovers and the final products were designed and developed by Mr. Barton through objective measurements and critical listening tests at the world-renowned facilities of Canada’s National Research Council.

The flagship tower speaker, the Platinum T8, uses seven new drivers: three 8-inch woofers, two 4-1/2-inch midrange drivers (all with woven fiberglass cones and rubber surrounds), plus two 1-inch aluminum-dome, low-resonance tweeters. One tweeter faces forward and the other (which can be enabled or disabled by use of a jumper) fires to the rear. The midrange drivers and the front tweeter are placed in a D’Appolito array that focuses their wide and smooth range to provide exceptionally open, lucid, and dynamic sound over an unusually large horizontal and vertical “sweet spot” with superb clarity, so that groups of listeners can enjoy maximum definition of movie dialog, effects and music.

The three woofers employ 40-ounce magnet structures for exceptional bass control and power handling. The midrange drivers use a 20-ounce magnet structure, while that of each tweeter is 16 ounces. The 10-1/2 W x 46-1/2 H x 16 D-inch enclosure is available in black ash or cherry, with a distinctive die-cast aluminum base, top, and side extrusions that, as in the other systems in the new series, help provide structural rigidity for reduced cabinet resonance. The system’s striking appearance is “form-follows-function.”

The new, smaller T6 tower is a three-way bass reflex design also using the D’Appolito Array configuration consisting of a 1″ aluminum-dome tweeter flanked by two 3 1/2″ midrange drivers. Three 6 1/2″ woofers complete the driver complement.

“The transparency and dynamics of these speakers is going to get audiophiles talking,” Mr. Barton says, “as will the pristine midrange and low-frequency impact. And the appearance and build quality are going to turn some heads as well.”

The Platinum C4 center channel speaker employs the D’Appolito-array, with two 3-1/2-inch midrange drivers flanking the same 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeter used in the T8 and T6. Two 6-1/2-inch drivers flank the three-driver D’Appolito array.

The new C2 center channel is considerably smaller, employing a two-way bass reflex design with a 1″ aluminum dome tweeter flanked by two 6 1/2″ woofers.

The midranges and woofers on both center channel designs utilize woven fiberglass cones and rubber surrounds. They are meticulously “timber-matched” to preserve the tonality and dimensionality so critical to convincing surround sound performance.

Also new in the Phase II group is the SubSonic10 Powered Subwoofer. It consists of two 12″ high power, long-throw woofers in a bass reflex design powered by an internal BASH, Class H amplifier. This subwoofer yields 500 watts RMS of remarkable power with 1500 watts dynamic peak power – a powerhouse for even the most sophisticated home theater systems.

Proprietary “smart bass” circuitry prevents amplifier overload even under the most extreme drive conditions. The SubSonic 10 high-impact, accurate ultra-deep bass is rated at an earth moving 22 Hz and below.

For the many listeners who value the imaging and spatiality of mini-monitors, as well as the way they slip into a modest-sized listening-viewing environment, another Platinum entry, the M2, combines a new 6-1/2-inch woven-fiberglass-cone, rubber-surround woofer with the series’ new 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeter. The enclosure measures 9-1/4 x 15-1/2 x 12 inches.

Completing the Platinum line-up, the bipolar Platinum S2 surrounds place two sets of the same drivers used in the M2 mini-monitor (6-1/2-inch woven-fiberglass-cone woofer, 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeter) at a 90-degree angle to each other. This provides a combination of sonic diffusion and excellent localization of effects and instruments – for the best of both worlds in surround sound. The enclosure measures 15 x 15-1/2 x 9/24 inches.

All Platinum Series loudspeakers are available in real wood veneer, with distinctive die-cast aluminum ends and extrusions, contributing to the overall visual appeal of the speaker, in addition to lowering cabinet resonances. The aluminum clad front panels are both a structural feature and striking visual presentation for listeners who prefer to listen with the grille removed. These speakers are provided with dual, 5-way gold-plated, solid metal binding posts plus adjustable spikes and levelers, and are magnetically shielded, for use in proximity to video monitors. All woofer midrange drivers utilize woven fiberglass cones. The finishes and cabinet construction are consistent throughout the line for easy mixing and matching of various models.

“These are exciting products,” says Mr. Barton. “We think they are going to redefine a lot of people’s expectations of high-end performance.”

PSB Speakers Web Site

More News from CES 2003

The new flagship of Rotel‘s line-up of home theater electronics, the RSP-1098 surround audio A/V preamp/processor, sports a stylish look and outward simplicity that hides a powerful feature set and rigorous engineering that lies behind the front panel.

The RSP-1098 is a multizone/multisource controller with 8 analog inputs, 8 assignable digital inputs, 5 analog A-V inputs, 4 HD component video monitor inputs, plus 7.1 channel analog audio in. It provides a full array of surround audio capabilities, with decoders for Dolby Digital, Dolby EX, Dolby Pro-logic II, dts, dtsES, dts ES Discrete, dts Neo 6 and HDCD audio formats.

Rotel's flagship RSP-1098 home theater A/V processor will be available in March 2003, suggested retail price of $2,999 (US).

The new processor features a full-color LCD display integrated into its front panel for system-control and on-screen menu navigation. The display can also be used for monitoring a video source, or even a remote entryway or security camera.

“The RSP-1098 is Rotel’s most sophisticated product to date,” says Mike Bartlett, Rotel of America’s vice president and general manager. “So we worked harder than ever to ‘keep it simple’ on the outside. But beyond the elegant look and unique ergonomic achievements, the 1098 is pure Rotel, with the fully-integrated performance and full-system excellence our ‘Balanced Design’ concept delivers.”

The RSP-1098 faceplate is elegant and simple, showing only the inset full-color LCD screen flanked by two knobs and key pushbutton controls. Inside, the circuitry is characaterized by Rotel’s obsessively “over-engineered” approach.

The power supply features Rotel-manufactured dual-toroidal power transformers. It provides generous current reserves thanks to a bank of specially-made low-ESR capacitors with pure, rock-steady voltage and current supplies, segregated for each circuit family. The power supply provides the underpinnings Rotel considers critical to superb sonics.

The audio and video circuitry of the RSP-1098 is also rigorously engineered, with function-oriented individual circuit boards carefully spaced and isolated to eliminate signal contamination.

Crystal Semiconductor 24-bit/192 kHz digital-to-analog converters on all channels, and the latest-generation, ultra-high-speed Cirrus Logic 32-bit DSP engine combine to deliver the complete range of current-day surround modes. Support is included for Dolby Digital EX and Pro Logic II, DTS ES-Matrix/Discrete, and DTS Neo:6 processing. There’s also Rotel’s proprietary, 7.1-channel Extra Surround mode, able to conjure up advanced multichannel sound from virtually any source.

The RSP-1098 is fully software-upgradeable, providing for the possibility of additional audio processing features in the future.

8-channel analog outputs and uniquely flexible, individual-channel crossover setup control make the RSP-1098 adaptable to virtually any home-theater system layout. 8 assignable digital inputs and five analog A-V inputs handle any combination of source components.

The new preamp/processor features four selectable, wideband component-video inputs (enough to accommodate the most elaborate setup). It maintains studio-quality video bandwidth on all video signal paths and switches, ensuring that image quality will match its exceptional audio capabilities.

Rotel’s independent multi-source/multi-zone design lets the RSP-1098 serve up audio and video to a remote room even while the home-theater room is in full, multichannel swing. Independent main and remote-zone IR inputs, a fully-functional RS-232 computer-style interface, discrete on/off command structure, and four individually assignable 12-volt triggers provide enough control interconnectivity to make the Rotel preamp/processor a highly competent full-system media controller as well.

Rotel has put a lot of effort into the RR-1050 remote control handset supplied with the RSP-1098. This powerfully ergonomic controller, with its backlit LCD screen for instant user-feedback in any room lighting, replaces up to 10 different remotes with a single simple, smoothly integrated commander. Extensive macro capability and a sliding cover to conceal programming-only buttons keep the sleek handset simple and unintimidating for all users.

The RSP-1098 is available in two finishes: matte black, or a 2-tone matte-silver and black.

Rotel Web Site

Final Sound, the Dutch manufacturer of electrostatic speakers for home theater, custom installation and professional audio applications, has announced several new models for 2003, as well as new pricing for existing models.

The new models expand Final Sound’s range for the entry level consumer, as well as the high-end audio professional.

The affordable end of the spectrum is addressed by the Model 90 ($999 US per pair), a 20-inch wall-mountable in Final’s Home Theater Series. At the other end of the price range is the Model 700 ($4,999 US per pair), a 73-inch floor-standing model in the Reference Series for audio professionals and high-end consumers.

Final Sound demonstrated the new speakers at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company says they represent the first true flat-panel line of high-definition electrostatic speakers designed for mounting on walls or ceilings, with flat-screen TVs and home theater systems.

“Using our patented technology, we are able to completely separate the speaker from its bulky drivers and electronics,” explains Maarten Smits, co-founder of Final Sound and inventor of the new flat speaker technology. “This achieves a flat, lightweight, virtually transparent speaker design that can be mounted easily beside even the thinnest LCD or plasma display, or suspended from the ceiling.”

Final also demonstrated its new Model S12 Subwoofer featuring a 12-inch aluminum cone woofer and a frequency range from 28 to 50 Hz, fixed and 28 to 300 Hz, variable; and the Model 700 Center, specially designed for use as a center channel in combination with Reference Model 700 only. See specifications below.

The new models will be available in stores in April, 2003.

New Line Includes First Home Theater Electrostat Priced Below $1,000

Final also announced new pricing for 2003. The complete Final Sound line-up now includes five different models ranging from 20 inches to 80 inches in height. Pricing ranges from $999 (US, per pair) for the Model 90, which the company says is the first home theater electrostatic speaker priced below $1,000, to nearly $20,000.

In the Home Theater Series, Final offers the 28-inch Model 100 ($1,499 US per pair); and the 48-inch Model 200 ($1,999 US per pair), in addition to the new 20-inch Model 90. The Series is designed for use with today’s flat-screen TVs and LCD displays. All three Home Theater Series models can be mounted on a wall or hung from the ceiling.

There are now two models in the Reference Series, designed for professionals and the most discriminating audio consumers. In addition to the new 73-inch Model 700, there is an 80-inch Model 1400 ($19,999 US per pair). Both Reference designs come with floor stands, while the Model 700 can also be wall mounted.

All models are finished in a silver satin anodized frame.

Final’s complete modular range also includes two center speaker models, 10-inch and 12-inch subwoofers, and a variety of mounting systems and stands.

Ultra-Thin Speaker Panels are Completely Separate from Bulky Drivers

The most striking feature of the new Final speaker line is the complete separation of the audio driver and electronics from the speaker panel itself. This unique modular approach frees the speakers from the heavy bass drivers that have dominated loudspeaker design for nearly 50 years. The result is a line of speakers that are so thin and light that they can be easily mounted anywhere, creating a true surround sound environment.

“Weight has been such a major part of speaker design for so long, that most people think a speaker has to be the size of a file cabinet to produce theater-quality sound,” says Mr. Smits. “That’s absolutely no longer true.”

“By redesigning the way sound is generated by the diaphragm, we’ve eliminated the bass driver that could weigh 100 grams or more, and replaced it with a far more efficient design weighing barely one-half gram. That’s a factor of 200 times less weight, and the result is a much more open and lifelike sound.”

Recently, Final was awarded a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its “modularly expandable electrostatic speaker system.” The unique modular design marks the first major breakthrough in electrostatic speaker technology in a generation and is the basis of Final’s new line of ultra-thin speakers for the home theater.

Sealed Audio Circuit Virtually Eliminates All Distortion

In addition to the unique modular design, the Final speaker line includes a number of other technical innovations.

Audio signal is distributed evenly across the entire film diaphragm, and the whole speaker surface produces sound, delivering sound that is almost entirely distortion-free.

With no drivers and electronics to house, the flat electrostat design needs no cabinetry, and can be set into a simple aluminum frame similar to a lightweight picture frame. The completed assembly weighs just under 6 pounds for the 20-inch model and 12 pounds at the 48-inch size.

“These speakers are perfect blend of art and science,” said Smits. “We’ve redesigned the way sound is generated by the diaphragm and replaced the heavy bass driver with a more efficient design that weighs less than a few sheets of paper. The result is a much more open and lifelike sound and an elegantly slim design that truly blends with any home theater décor.”

Model 700 Specifications

• Frequency Response: 45 Hz – 25 kHz +/- 3dB(A)
• Sensitivity: 86 dB (2.83 volts at 1 m)
• Impedence: 4 ohms, minimum of 3 ohms at 20 kHz
• Amplifier Minimum Power: 60 watts rms
• Amplifier Recommended Power: 90 – 150 watts rms
• Voltage: 12 volts AC, 50-60 Hz
• Dimensions: 73.2 x 11.3 x 2 in (186 x 28.8 x 5 cm)
• Weight: 20.9 lbs. (9.5 kg)
• Options: Floor-Stand (FS) or Wall-Mount (WM)
• Wall Bracket: Uni-pivot design with pan, pivot, and tilt
• Finish: Satin-silver anodized frame

Model 700 Center Specifications

• Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 25 kHz +/- 3dB(A)
• Sensitivity: 86 dB (2.83 volts at 1 m)
• Impedence: 4 ohms, minimum of 3 ohms at 20 kHz
• Amplifier Minimum Power: 60 watts rms
• Amplifier Recommended Power: 90 – 150 watts rms
• Voltage: 12 volts AC, 50-60 Hz
• Dimensions: 36.6 x 10.6 x 2 in (93 x 27 x 5 cm)
• Weight: 12 lbs. (5.4 kg)
• Options: Floor-Stand (FS) or Wall-Mount (WM)
• Use with models: 700
• Wall Bracket: Uni-pivot design with pan, pivot, and tilt
• Finish: Satin-silver anodized frame

Model 90 Specifications

• Frequency Response: 150 Hz – 25 kHz +/- 3dB(A)
• Sensitivity: 86 dB (2.83 volts at 1 m)
• Impedence: 4 ohms, minimum of 3 ohms at 20 kHz
• Amplifier Minimum Power: 60 watts rms
• Amplifier Recommended Power: 90 – 150 watts rms
• Voltage: 12 volts AC, 50-60 Hz
• Dimensions: 20 x 7.9 x 1.6 in (50 x 20 x 4 cm)
• Weight: 6 lbs. (2.7 kg)
• Options: Wall-Mount (WM)
• Wall Bracket: Uni-pivot design with pan, pivot, and tilt
• Finish: Satin-silver anodized frame

Model S12 Subwoofer Specifications

• Frequency Range: 28 – 300 kHz
• Frequency Range Fixed: 28 – 50 Hz
• Frequency Range Variable: 50 – 300 Hz
• Amplifier: 200 watts – 4 ohm / True balanced – Linkwitz Riley 24 dB octave
• Dimensions: 23.6 x 11.8 x 15 in (60x 30 x 38 cm)
• Weight: 44.1 lbs. (20 kg)
• Driver units: 10-in active aluminum cone woofer / 10-in passive aluminum cone pass live radiator
• Voltage: 12 volts AC, 50-60 Hz
• Finish: Satin-black

Final Sound Web Site

NXT, the British audio and speech technology company, today announced that the Mission fs1, the ultra-slim home cinema speaker system, has won an International CES Innovations, Design and Engineering Award 2003.

Featuring NXT’s SurfaceSound® technology, the fs1’s home theatre speaker system offers a high-technology, high-style alternative to traditional box-type speaker systems, delivering outstanding sound quality, and fitting easily into any room.

In addition to obvious space-saving advantages, NXT speakers have a number of audio advantages over traditional speaker systems. NXT panels radiate sound more evenly across their frequency range than traditional speakers, thus creating a much wider listening angle or “universal sweet spot.” Additionally, whereas conventional speakers create powerful beams of sound which bounce around the inside of a room combining and colliding to create hot and cold spots, NXT loudspeakers interact much more sympathetically with reflective surfaces and boundaries within a listening area. Finally, NXT speakers also suffer less volume drop off with distance than conventional speakers so listeners close to the speakers aren’t deafened nor those some distance away left straining to hear.

David Marchant, sales director at Mission, said: “Until now, if listeners wanted to experience cinema-like sound in a smaller lounge or bedroom, basically their only option was to clutter up their space with boxy loudspeakers.

“By using NXT flat-panel loudspeaker technology we have been able to solve this problem and come up with the home theatre solution many people have been waiting for.”

The Innovations Awards judge the latest products from consumer technology manufacturers and developers. The Awards, which are judged by a pre-eminent panel of 30 independent industry designers, engineers and journalists, honour the most innovative products in 20 different categories including: Audio, Digital Imaging, Wireless Communications and Satellite Systems.

Mission Web Site

NXT Web Site

More CES 2003 News