Monitor Audio's Shadow Range Of On-Wall Speakers

Playing With Shadows - At just 40mm deep, Monitor Audio's Shadow range of on-wall speakers is the perfect match for flat TVs. Monitor Audio's innovative ultra-thin Shadow range of speakers is designed to reconcile the desire for super-discreet installation around the home with the need for dynamic full-frequency sound.

The four Shadow models are conceived to work in pairs for music, or for home theatre, when any number can be combined in acoustically matched surround systems. At just 40mm in depth, they will complement the slender profile of flat TV displays to achieve an astonishing unity of wafer-thin design and life-like sound -complete with the natural dynamism and wideband response you'd expect from larger, more obtrusive speakers.

Four models:
The diminutive S25 rear channel speaker, the LCR-type S50, the longer S60 (for 50"+ displays), and the dedicated Shadow Centre, utilise new low-profile drivers, which offer higher power handling and a wider frequency response than similarly sized conventional designs. A flat, long-throw 4" RDT® bass/mid driver and a specially vented 25mm (1") C-CAM® tweeter have allowed the competing demands for slender construction and high quality sound to be satisfied with remarkably little compromise.

In addition, the three larger Shadow models feature passive 4" Auxiliary Bass Radiators (ABRs), made of aluminium and tuned to provide improved upper bass definition. Each matt black Shadow speaker is constructed from a single piece of aluminium - precision machined to provide rigidity and naturally low resonance - and is easy-to-install in solid or stud wall using two direct-to-wall flush fixings. The speakers feature 'invisible' cable entry and connection, and removable magnetic grilles and end trims, which conceal fixings and terminals. Generating a performance akin to conventional speaker boxes from vanishingly slender cabinets, Monitor Audio's new Shadow range brilliantly cools the friction between the desire for discreet style and the need for explosive wideband dynamics from Blu-ray and other HD audio sources.

Approx prices inc VAT: S25 £500pr; S50 £800pr; S60 £900pr; Shadow Centre £450ea - Availability: May 2012

Detail: the Shadow range
The ultra-compact S25 is designed for front or rear channel duties in a compact home theatre system. It features a single 4" RDT (Rigid Diaphragm Technology) bass/mid-range driver and 25mm C-CAM dome tweeter in a sealed enclosure. The S25 is supplied with its own metal desk-top stand as an alternative to wall mounting.

The S50 is designed to coordinate with displays up to 50" and features dual 4" RDT drivers and a 25mm C-CAM tweeter in a D'Appolito array, augmented on either side by dual ABRs. The S60 uses a similar driver complement to the S50 but in a taller cabinet, ideal for displays above 50". Its dual D'Appolito driver arrangement, high power handling and good sensitivity generates high SPL and low distortion, but the S60's additional cabinet volume and custom-tuned ABRs provide superior low frequency performance.

The Shadow Centre is identical to the S60 in performance but is aesthetically optimised for dedicated centre speaker operation in high performance home theatre systems of matching S50 and S60 speakers. It is supplied with a shelf/rack mounting option.

Detail: the new drivers custom-designed for Shadow's ultra-slim enclosure the exceptionally low-profile RDT mid-bass driver uses a specially reinforced flat diaphragm, comprising an ultra-light but ultra-rigid sandwich of CAM material bonded to a Rohacell core. Coupled to a large edge-wound voice coil, it is held in a high power Neodymium magnetic field via an ingenious concertina-style suspension, providing an exceptionally responsive, uniformly controlled and extended cone excursion. Each RDT driver is bolted to the back of its cabinet on a single mounting rod but 'floats' within an airtight neoprene seal at the front, which decouples the driver from the baffle. The result is greater audio accuracy over a wider bandwidth from a driver compact enough to operate within a cabinet depth of just 40mm (1.5").

Joining the mid-bass driver is an optimised low-resonance version of Monitor Audio's world-famous 25mm (1") C-CAM gold dome tweeter, designed to work from a lower crossover point in limited space. In order to provide adequate loading and acoustic damping in these challenging conditions, this unique tweeter vents around the outside of its FEA-tuned Neodymium magnet system into a rear loading chamber. Its wider bandwidth ensures a seamless handover with the 4" RDT driver at one end of its range, and crystal clear high frequency definition at the other.

Shadow range features:
Ultra slim depth: 40mm (1½") to complement the slimmest TV screens.
Designed and tuned to provide optimum sound quality when flush wall mounted.
Aluminium extruded cabinet construction: once piece alloy extrusion provides slim profile, maximises internal cabinet volume and provides high rigidity to prevent resonance.

Specially developed 25mm C-CAM® tweeter design featuring unique venting and rear loading chamber: low resonance design provides clean, pure sound at lower frequency crossover point.

4" Low profile bass-midrange drivers featuring flat RDT® sandwich diaphragm constructed from C CAM® and Rohacell materials.

Special 'concertina' driver suspension arrangement provides high excursion from a low profile assembly.

Unique floating driver mounting: drivers are bolted to the rear cabinet and de-couple from the baffle on a neoprene airtight seal.

4" Low profile ABR drivers (S50/S60/Centre) provide punchy bass, without the noise or turbulence exhibited by ported designs.

Perfect flat to wall fixings: no additional bracket depth providing quick and easy installation.

Invisible cable entry and connection provides easy installation and connection.

Removable magnetic grille assembly designed to provide low sonic intrusion.

Matt black finish provides discreet aesthetics prices will allow many more music lovers the opportunity to experience the extraordinary.

Monitor Audio Shadow speaker range

Approx. retail price (inc VAT): S25 £500pr; S50 £800pr; S60 £900pr; Centre £450ea - Availability: May 2012

Images: flickr.com/photos/keithhaddock/sets

What is C-CAM? Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium is an innovative material originally developed by the aerospace industry for use as blades in jet engines. It exhibits ideal qualities for use as a driver dome, avoiding the 'break-up' or bending modes of more conventional materials. Increased efficiency and clarity and reduced distortion are the result. Monitor Audio is a wholly British owned and managed loudspeaker designer and manufacturer. Since 1972 it has been at the forefront of loudspeaker design and technology, perfecting the implementation of metal drivers. It is renowned for exemplary speaker cabinet construction and finish.

For More Information On The Complete Range Of Monitor Audio Loudspeakers Please Contact:

Monitor Audio Ltd, 24 Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7XL
T: +44 (0) 1268 740580 E: info@monitoraudio.co.uk

www.monitoraudio.co.uk

Otone Audio's new speaker systems bring modern sound experience to a totally new level

Otone Audio has developed a revolutionary new range of lifestyle inspired speaker systems that are set to take the current market by storm.

Otone Audio is a savvy new company based in the UK that brings together years of experience in the audio industry. The company works alongside a team of top designers on the continent and has collaborated with leading industry manufacturers to create its exciting new range of speaker systems which are excellent performers on sound, quality and price.

Otone Audio's development team has set this new level of performance by extensively researching the UK music market and refining its systems accordingly. This means their speaker systems better complement the more bass-centric sounds of dance, hip-hop and rock found in the home market. They also offer a whole new sound experience for gamers taking on the latest challenges, whether that's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 or Battlefield 3. Ultimately Otone Audio systems are unique - producing a sound that is totally tailored to UK culture.

Gareth Thomas from Otone Audio explains: "By tightened up the bass drivers, which in turn reduces their response time, the drivers in our systems can move [in and out] faster and respond in sync with the [faster] beat of the music.

"In speakers where the bass drivers are looser they cannot move as quickly and become out of sync - this is what causes distortion. We have also boosted the midrange performance to enhance the vocal clarity.

"Otone is growing quickly and we are now ready to really start shouting about our amazing range of speakers. We believe Otone provides better audio clarity and quality than any other directly competing sound system on the market at the moment, achieving this with equal or better sound at a lower price point than our rivals. Thanks to elegant styling and contemporary design, the speakers look as good as they sound too.

"We want people to see how different our products are; from the sound quality and edgy design to the clever functionality. With the full range of Otone speakers at our disposal, plus new product development on the horizon, 2012 is set to be the year that Otone makes its mark."

For more information about Otone Audio visit www.otoneaudio.co.uk.

Otone Audio have a stand at the Gadget Show this year and will be exhibiting the full range - 10-15 April 2012, NEC, Birmingham. Come and test the systems out for yourself over a beer!

Monitor Audio bring Exceptional Value and Unbeatable Sound as Sales Soar

Every now and again a product is released which offers such tremendous value for money and performance that it becomes the benchmark by which all other manufacturers are judged.

The latest speakers from Monitor Audio are one such product, with the Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 one of the best loudspeaker products to reach the market in recent years. Whilst the quality of sound is first rate and matches that of many high end speakers, what sets these speakers aside from the competition is the price, with the Monitor Audio BX2 speakers available for under £300, and even as low as £225 a pair at Cheshire based Doug Brady HiFi.

“The Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 5.1 makes for a breathtaking audio visual experience as part of a home cinema system, and reproduces sound with exceptional realism. They are a real budget blockbuster” says a proud Stephen Oakes, Product Manager at Doug Brady HiFi.

The Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 packs in the technology, and features numerous tweaks to the winning design to further improve performance. The updates include a 65mm C-CAM® bass mid range driver and HiVe®II port technology to increase the transit of air from the cabinet for a more dynamic bass. The Monitor Audio BX 2 also uses a new 25mm (1") C-CAM® tweeter, which provides an extended frequency response up to 30KHz.

In contrast to previous Monitor Audio models, the mid base driver is bolted to the back of the cabinet leaving the front uncluttered for a crisp and clean look, best appreciated without the magnetic grille. However the aesthetics of the design are secondary to the improvement in performance which the new design offers, as the absence of extra screws helps to reduce vibrations to produce an ultra crisp and clear sound across the full range of frequencies.

The Monitor Audio BX2 series has improved crossover, and is capable of providing an excellent stereo image even in a room of limited space. The loudspeakers function perfectly well up against a wall or on a bookshelf, although for the full effect it pays to give the speakers a little room to breathe and mount them on high quality stands. It is the flexibility that the speakers offer which is part of the appeal, making them suitable for most home audio setups, even when space is limited.

For anyone working to a tight budget, there is little comparison for under £300, something which has not been lost on Doug Brady HiFi customers, with sales of the Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 soaring both online and at their flagship Cheshire store.

“We believe the Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 is the best buy under £300, but we like to put our money where our mouth is, and offer our customers the chance to find out for themselves in our Hi-Fi demonstration rooms. We are sure that after hearing the quality of the sound few will argue that the Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 price is nothing short of exceptional for the quality provided.” says Oakes

DoubBrady HiFi has increased stocks of its Black, Walnut, Rosemah and Natural Oak vinyl wood-finish speakers to cope with current demand, with the speakers now available direct from its website with free UK delivery.

For further information on Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 speakers visit: www.dougbradyhifi.com/s-379-monitor-audio-bx2.aspx

Doug Brady Hi-Fi 50 years of quality sounds

The inclusion of KEF Speakers in Doug Brady Hi-Fi’s exquisite demonstration suites sees the brand register strong sales early this quarter, helped by impressive discounts on speaker trade ins and home cinema speaker packages

Since 1960 Doug Brady HiFi has been catering to the exacting demands of the North West’s serious audiophiles. The company has experienced the rises and demises of vinyl, and has helped usher in the digital revolution supplying cutting edge Hi-Fi equipment from its Cheshire store, and now increasingly over the internet to a much broader client base.

The Hi-Fi retailer has enjoyed over 50 years in the industry and has experienced over 50 years of KEF innovation, and is currently promoting the latest KEF speakers at its flagship Cheshire store. KEF Speakers have long been a bench mark by which others are judged, with the company producing an eclectic range of innovative and highly accomplished speakers. KEF speakers are renowned for their breathtaking clarity, which can pick up each and every detail of a classical concert and making for an unbeatably realistic cinematic or gaming experience.

Speaker packages are becoming increasingly popular, especially for customers who just want to have the cinematic sound, without having to invest too much thought into tweeters, sats and subs. “With our KEF KHT 2005.3 Home Cinema System it’s all done for you, and you have all the speakers you need for an exceptional home cinema experience. The quality of sound really is is extraordinary for the price” says Stephen Oakes, Product Manager at Doug Brady Hi-Fi.

The KEF KHT 2005.3 is an impressive speaker package and is sure to enhance the visual aesthetics of any home entertainment system. It’s sleek, stylish and considering the size, has an impressive presence in any room. KEF‘s unique Uni-Q® arrays are hidden away in distinctive aluminium closures, and their quality of sound is nothing short of breathtaking. They are capable of human vocal reproduction with such detail it can make the hair stand on end. The package consists of a centre speaker, Kube-2 subwoofer and 4-satellite speakers to give an exquisite performance anywhere in a room.

To make the upgrade easier on the pocket, Doug Brady has introduced a 20% discount for anyone trading in their old speakers for the latest KEF T Series, and has discounted FEF KHT speakers significantly. The current £100 discount has proved to be too tempting for many Doug Brady Hi-Fi customers, with sales of the KEF speakers soaring.

With the exquisite sound of KEF speakers, DVDs and Blu-Rays are turned into a full cinema experience in any home. With Doug Brady Hi-Fi customers having the chance to experience the difference KEF speakers can make first hand, it is no surprise that sales of the speakers are on the increase.

The full range of Kef speakers, including the KEF KHT 2005.3 and KEF KHT 3005SE packages can be viewed at: http://www.dougbradyhifi.com/s-72-kef.aspx