Floor Loudspeaker Reviews

Specifications
Description: Three-way, sealed-box, dynamic loudspeaker tuned to 29Hz. Drive-units: 1" aluminum-dome tweeter, 4.5" polypropylene-cone midrange driver, 10" polypropylene-cone woofer. Crossover: 24dB/octave. Frequency response: 33Hz-26kHz (-3dB). In-room bandwidth: 23Hz-26kHz. Linearity: ±0.75dB. Sensitivity: 86.5dB (2.83V/1m). Nominal impedance: 4 ohms.

Dimensions: 40" H by 11" W by 14" D. Weight: 96 lbs.

Finishes: sapele, light oak, black.

Serial numbers of units reviewed: R30YB281033A/B.

Price: $2195/pair. Approximate number of dealers: 27. Warranty: 5 years.

Manufacturer: Hales Design Group, Inc., 16812 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647. Tel: (714) 841-6884. Fax: (714) 841-2427.

Associated Equipment
For most of my listening, the source was digital: PS Audio Lambda II transport, Audio Alchemy DTI•Pro32 anti-jitter/resolution enhancement device, Sonic Frontiers SFD-2 Mk.II digital processor, Illuminati D-60/Orchid digital links. Analog source was a fully loaded Linn LP12, with Ittok and AudioQuest AQ-7000nsx. Preamplifiers: Balanced Audio Technology VK-5i, Convergent Audio Technology SL-1 Signature Mk.II, and Jeff Rowland Design Group Synergy. The amplifier used most was the Sonic Frontiers Power 2, with some use of a Jeff Rowland Design Group Model 2/BPS-2, a pair of Bryston 7B-STs, and, very late in the auditioning process, a Carver Lightstar 2.0. Interconnects, power cables, and speaker cables were all TARA Labs Decade.

Accessories included a Chang CLS-9600 ISO power-line conditioner, Shakti Stones placed on the SFD-2 Mk.II and DTI•Pro32, Shakti On-Lines on the interconnects, Original Cable Jackets on the power cables, and a Bright Star Little Rock atop the CD transport. My 14' by 16' by 7.5' listening room has strategically placed RoomTunes and Tube Traps, with additional sound-absorbing material (foam plus a wool rug) on the wall behind the listening seat. The floor is heavily carpeted, and a nine-year-old Cairn terrier occasionally rolls around on the carpet directly in front of the speakers, providing additional control of floor reflections.—Robert Deutsch