The step up in displacement from the entry-level 434 brings a strong improvement in dynamic range and real-world frequency extension. For music reproduction Model 568 can be considered full-range at the kind of listening levels experienced in modestly-sized rooms. Larger rooms naturally benefit from larger speakers, but most 568 models have been designed with near-wall placement in mind – as far as that is desirable for an open-baffle speaker (which it isn’t).
Nonetheless, Model 568 sits within the same footprint as a modest bookshelf speaker on a dedicated stand – 30cm in width – and provides a much more convincing depiction of instruments on a soundstage than any boxed speaker of this size. Agile, natural bass typically extends to 35Hz in room.
Sharing the same bass foundation, three 568 models are offered . . .
The base variant is a true dipole, with effortless, silky, airy treble produced by a planar driver operating all the way down to 850Hz. We feel this combination best expresses the quick, unencumbered nature of open-baffle designs. It is offered with a price-engineered 3x 100W amplifier module, or a more adaptable and powerful Hypex amplifier trio. At under £2000 per pair, it represents the most affordable, genuine taste of high-resolution open-baffle active speakers we could bring to market. Please note that imaging is locked into a tighter listening window than the 434 models, or the other 568 variants.
Model 568.P fulfills the same design brief, but increases resolution and widens soundstaging with the upgrade of a high-end, low-mass midrange driver and dual dedicated planar tweeters, at a correspondingly higher price point, with the option to upgrade amplifier power for better bass control.
Model 568.H features a carefully matched compression driver and horn in combination with the ten-inch drivers common to (and defining) the 568 range. Though not quite as highly resolving as the planar versions, paired with a superb 8-inch midrange driver, it offes punchier dynamics and wider imaging better suited to higher SPLs and rock-heavy program material.
All models feature the same benefits of steep crossovers, integrated programmable DSP, room correction, streamlined digital-analog conversion and minimal cabling for maximum transparency.
MODEL 568
£1850
Specification:
U-frame plywood construction with air-spaced tweeters
Dual 10-inch ferrite bass drivers with paper cones
Single five-inch ferrite midrange with paper/kevlar cone
Single planar tweeter
Three-way design with LR12 crossover at 300Hz and LR24 crossover at 850Hz
Frequency response: 38Hz-20,000Hz ±3dB
3x 100W amplification per channel
Digital SPDIF and analog inputs
Dimensions: W: 300mm | H: 1100mm | D: 380mm
Weight: 17kg per speaker (net)
MODEL 568+
£2,399
As base model, but with upgraded Hypex amplification (2x 125W + 1x 100W per channel)
MODEL 568.P
£2,999 / £3,299
Specification:
U-frame plywood construction with air-spaced tweeters
Dual 10-inch ferrite bass drivers with paper cones
Single five-inch neodymium midrange with cast aluminium frame and ultralight paper cone
Dual planar tweeters
Three-way design with LR12 crossover at 300Hz and LR24 crossover at 1150Hz
Frequency response: 38Hz-20,000Hz ±3dB
2x 125W + 1x 100W amplification per channel as standard, upgradeable to 2x 250W + 1x 100W (+ £300 per pair)
Digital (SPDIF and AES/EBU) and analog (RCA and XLR) inputs
Dimensions: W: 300mm | H: 1300mm | D: 380mm
Weight: 18kg per speaker (net)
MODEL 568.H
£2,899 / £3,199
Specification:
U-frame plywood construction with air-spaced tweeters
Dual 10-inch ferrite bass drivers with paper cones
Single eight-inch ferrite midrange with cast aluminium frame and paper cone
1-inch ketone-polymer diaphragm compression driver mated to 80×60° constant directivity horn
Three-way design with LR12 crossover at 300Hz and LR24 crossover at 1800Hz
Frequency response: 38Hz-20,000Hz ±3dB
2x 125W + 1x 100W amplification per channel as standard, upgradeable to 2x 250W + 1x 100W (+ £300 per pair)
Digital (SPDIF and AES/EBU) and analog (RCA and XLR) inputs
Dimensions: W: 300mm | H: 1200mm | D: 380mm
Weight: 20kg per speaker (net)
OPTIONS
Integrated Streamer (TBA)
TBA.
Colourways
Model 568 speakers are finished in black as standard, but can be specified in any stock RAL colour at an additional cost of £75 per speaker. Bespoke finishes are available on request.
They are supplied without grilles because they sound better that way. However for practical and/or aesthetic reasons we make available a Grille Pack at £60 in black (allegedly) acoustically transparent fabric – or a different standard colour at a surcharge of £20.
Packing & Shipping
Shipping is available worldwide at competitive prices. Because rates change quickly, please contact us before placing your order to obtain a quote.
Within the UK, palletised shipping and packaging is currently £120 per pair, inclusive of packaging (see below). Rather a lot of the retail cost of a speaker is dedicated to designing, making and delivering bulky packaging that is frequently lost or discarded. To avoid such waste, Model 568 speakers are not sold with inclusive packaging beyond a one-piece dust cover and waterproof outer. Collection from Cheltenham is available, but where this is not possible, or if packaging is required for resale, it can be ordered as a separate item at a cost of £35 per speaker.
Preferentially, at a cost of £250*, your Model 568 speakers can be hand-delivered and tuned to your listening room – saving the cost and uncertainty of courier delivery, as well as the cost of packaging and the DSP licence. It also includes a ‘Room Doctor’ service, with the provision of graphical data on the acoustic properties of your listening space to help diagnose and treat relevant issues.
* Within a 100-mile radius of Cheltenham. Additional distance at 50p per mile.