Our 1884 Models closely mirror the 854 range, but as the name implies, more than double the displacement (and therefore dynamic range) of those models by upgrading the triple-driver array of ten-inch drivers with dual 15-inch woofers.
Pricing is similar: so why offer both?
Model 854 was designed with an eye on non-ideal placement (relatively close to a rear wall) and to be accommodated in smaller rooms, or where are a smaller footprint is required. Model 1884 is different in several respects – pragmatically – it is more strongly recommended for placement in free space (at least 50cm from a rear wall), and it is a substantially larger cabinet.
A better question is: how can they be priced similarly, despite the Model 1884’s greater capability?
The 10-inch drivers used in Model 854 have less displacement, but a lower resonant frequency. Therefore, if you use enough of them (in a typical living room, three suffices), they reach 35Hz cleanly. The 15-inch drivers used in Model 1884 make different compromises: they are optimised for the 50-150Hz range but produce higher distortion below that frequency. The net result is that Model 1884 goes louder, and feels tangibly bigger, than Model 854 – matching its physical dimensions.
However, if you run test tones from 30-50Hz, or are sensitive to this range, Model 854 is a slightly more linear performer. Hence the choice.
For larger rooms, Model 1884 is typically recommended, and usually preferred in audition because of its effortlessly generous mid-bass. Model 1884.H in particular is a shedload of fun for little money. For smaller rooms – if you’re happy to trade some dynamic range for low frequency accuracy – Model 854 may be preferable. And if you want the best of both worlds, at a necessarily higher price point, try Model 2771 . . .
MODEL 1884.P
£4,299 / £4,599
Specification:
U-frame plywood construction with air-spaced planar drivers
Dual 15-inch ferrite bass drivers with paper cones
Dual planar midrange drivers
Dual planar tweeter
Three-way design with LR12 crossover at 300Hz and LR24 crossover at 1250Hz
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: 1100mm | D: 380mm
Weight: 30kg per speaker (net)
MODEL 1884.H
£3,499 / £3,799
Specification:
H-frame plywood construction (constrained layer damped)
Dual 15-inch ferrite bass drivers with paper cones
Single 8-inch ferrite midrange driver with paper cone
Single 1-inch compression driver mated to 80×60° constant directivity horn
Three-way design with LR12 crossover at 300Hz and LR24 crossover at 1250Hz
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: 1100mm | D: 380mm
Weight: 32kg per speaker (net)