Model 854 is the speaker we feel best expresses the open-baffle ideal most pragmatically: modestly sized and modestly priced. Its 330x370mm footprint is comparable to that of a speaker such as the Wharfedale Linton, which stands over a metre tall when stand-mounted.
It is also a three-way design. Three is the minimum number of drivers required to produce a speaker without significant compromise. Model 854 also features three channels of Hypex amplification per speaker, with active LR24 crossovers at 300Hz and 1200Hz, integrated programmable DSP, room correction, streamlined digital-analog conversion and minimal cabling for maximal transparency.
The ‘live’ nature of open-baffle speakers best suits ultra low-mass dipole drivers. Above all others, planar and ribbon drivers come closest to vanishing sonically. The more of the frequency range covered by planars, the further we move from the unnatural boxiness and resonance of cabinet speakers into the realm of highly regarded electro- and magnetostatics. However, even the best of those designs aren’t entirely convincing below 150Hz in terms of low frequency palpability: rather like headphones, they just don’t move enough air. But above 150Hz they are so mercurial that the transition to a boxed woofer is less of a speed bump and more of a car crash. Open-baffle woofers (chapeau to Gradient of Finland) have always been the least-worst compromise to extend the coherence and character of lightweight HF drivers.
Model 854 achieves a reference level of clarity by deploying four planar drivers covering 300Hz to 20Khz transitioning to high performance woofers. We improve on this formula with Aeolus models higher up the price scale but, especially in smaller rooms, Model 854 delivers performance that for many will be an end-game solution, for a system price under £4,000.
MODEL 854
£3,999 / £4,299
Specification:
U-frame plywood construction with air-spaced planar drivers
Triple 10-inch ferrite bass drivers with paper cones
Dual planar midrange drivers
Dual planar tweeters
Three-way design with LR12 crossover at 300Hz and LR24 crossover at 1250Hz
Frequency response: 35Hz-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: 330mm | H: 1400mm | D: 380mm
Weight: 26kg per speaker (net)