High frequency audio, redefined

Apr 9, 2008 14:42 GMT  ·  By

It finally looks like the new and intriguing plasma technology is becoming closer to a useful reality than ever: the No. 8 loudspeakers from Lansche Audio are one of the first commercial, consumer-intended floorstanders to use this particular HF technology, much to the amazement and awe of the traditional audiophile.

[admark=1]The Lansche Audio No.8 is the first loudspeaker to sport the plasma tweeter made for popular sale; yet, despite this premiere, things are far from experimental as the audio engineers from Lansche seem to have studied the problem from almost every angle. The No.8 is no toy: you'll get a massive, tall floorstanding loudspeaker, loaded with no less than 9 drivers, for a thunderous soundstage and rock-solid sound.

There are four 12-inch woofers, a pair on each side of the luxurious wooden cabinet, in a side-firing position, running on PP-Nomex-Kevlar-Fiberglass cones and capable to drive sound as low as 20 Hz for a rich and quacking sonic response with your music and movie sountracks as well.

Placed in a front-firing position, the Lansche Audio No.8 midrange drivers sport 8" cones with coated composite diaphragms and have been grouped in two pairs, in a vertical, extended d'Appolito array, with the tweeter in the middle.

The HF driver is a bulky component and bears the name Corona. From the outside, the only thing that makes a difference from common tweeters is the bright plasma light in its middle... and of course, the exceptional sound characteristics.

The Corona tweeter is based on a new technology: instead of moving a metal or silk diaphragm with tremendous speed, it uses a plasma field with variable intensity, which displaces tiny amounts of air with significantly better performance.

The Corona plasma tweeter has gotten rid of traditional problems related to phase, timing, linearity, thanks to its innovative principle and even more, it outperforms anything, both human ear and high-class amplifiers, delivering extremely precise response and unbelievably accurate, refined detail. Being a completely active loudspeaker, the Lansche Audio No.8 can work marvelously even with the costly Class A amps for a truly impressive audio experience.

The Lansche Audio No.8 works in impedances ranging between 6 and 8 Ohms, providing a stunning 115dB SPL value and 99 dB sensitivity. It packs more than 1200 W RMS power and 120kg weight, while the needed power supply should be in excess of 1.1 kW. And saving the ultimate best for the last, the Corona tweeter can deliver up to 150 kHz!

No word on pricing.

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Photo Gallery (3 Images)

Corona, the plasma tweeter in Lansche Audio's No.8 loudspeakers
Lansche Audio No.8, with a plasma tweeter which can reach 150 kHzNo. 8, from Lansche Audio: 150,000 Hz from the Corona plasma tweeter
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