SKOKIE,
IL, July 16, 2001 --- MacPherson, Inc. announces the release of the
Monolith Version 2 loudspeaker. The Monolith Version 2 builds on the
strengths of the original Monolith, adding significant improvement to
its audio performance. Long considered one of the best-sounding
loudspeakers on the market, the Monolith Version 2 raises the
"sonic bar" with flatter response, better phase coherence, and
increased detail. While the sound may have changed, the unique
flat-profile design of the enclosure remains the same.
Significant
improvements were made to both the mid-frequency (MF) and high-frequency
(HF) sections of the loudspeaker. A new MF driver was selected, of which
two are used in each Monolith Version 2. The new driver features a
composite cone and an integrated phase plug. A new crossover network was
designed to optimize MF performance. The new MF drivers and crossover
work together to provide superior MF reproduction, especially in the
critical voice frequency range. An added benefit of the new design is
that MF drivers are connected in a series arrangement, raising to 8 ohms
the impedance presented to an MF/HF amplifier channel.
A custom-designed
damping insert has been added to the HF compression driver. This reduces
the standing waves that can be created by the driver’s rear mechanical
system. A completely redesigned HF crossover more effectively shapes and
controls the response of the compression driver. The result is improved
HF reproduction without changing the successful HF character of the
original Monolith.
The improvements to
the MF and HF sections work together to provide with a flatter response
with less phase interaction. Listeners will experience improved clarity
with greater inter-sonic details. Field trials of the Monolith Version 2
have found that, in general, less equalization and response correction
was necessary. Matching the performance of the loudspeaker system with
the environment was faster and simpler. With both the LF and HF/MF
sections now having an impedance of nominally 8 ohms, improved amplifier
utilization was also appreciated.
In addition to the
new Monolith Version 2 loudspeakers, upgrade kits for original-design
Monoliths are also available. These allow original-design Monoliths to
be converted to Monolith Version 2, with all the aforementioned
improvements. The upgrades can be performed by users in the field or, if
desired, at the factory. The upgrade program is consistent with
MacPherson’s philosophy of offering product upgrade paths whenever
possible. This protects the assets of MacPherson customers, allowing
them to incorporate the latest design improvements into their
loudspeaker inventory.
