High Definition Imaging from JBL
JBL is making some noise about its new HDI series of speakers, a five-strong collection with performance founded on JBL’s patented ‘High-Definition Imaging’ waveguide technology coupled with a patented 25mm 2410H-2 high-frequency compression driver. It’s aiming for that “you-are-there presence that makes music and movies come alive,” says JBL’s marketing coordinator Torsten Sporn. Benefiting from research undertaken for JBL Professional’s D2 transducer range, the 2410H-2 compression driver is a lightweight polymer annular diaphragm, its low diaphragm mass promising improved high-frequency extension, while the V-shaped geometry of the annular diaphragm reduces break-up modes and reduces distortion.
The Series is led by the flagship 2½-way HDI-3800 floorstanding loudspeaker at $9999/pair (pictured right), adding triple eight-inch (200mm) Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers below the compression driver in a bass reflex cabinet with dual rear-firing, computer-optimised flared ports. The HDI Series woofers are designed to deliver very high output with low distortion, using a 38mm long-throw voice coil in conjunction with a symmetrical field motor design, flux stabilisation ring and copper shorting ring.
The Advanced Aluminum Matrix cones themselves provide a lightweight, rigid diaphragm and eliminate break-up modes to deliver proper pistonic motion throughout their operating band.
All the HDI Series offer modern-styled curved cabinets featuring a subtle radius on all side panels that blends into a larger radius to soften the corners, plus a gloss black plinth integrated into the base. Flush-mount woofer trim rings, a lack of visible fasteners, and the magnetically-attached black cloth grilles keep the designs clean and contemporary, with a choice of automotive-grade painted high gloss black, or furniture-grade satin walnut or gray oak (below) wood
veneers. The 19mm MDF enclosures use substantial internal window-pane bracing to form a rigid platform for the transducers, while premium crossover components render crystalline sound, and dual sets of gold-plated binding posts offer secure connections and the option of biwiring or biamping.
The rest of the range comprises the $7999 HDI-3600 floorstanders with triple 6.5-inch woofers, the $3599 HDI-1600 bookshelf loudspeaker with compression driver and one 6.5-inch woofer and, completing the requirements of a home cinema system, the $3499 HDI-4500 centre-channel with its four 5.25-inch woofers, and the $5999 1000W HDI-1200P subwoofer. The HDI subwoofer features a high-density 12-inch Poly-Plas cone with a three-inch voice coil.
The whole series is designed and engineered at JBL in Northridge, California, and Australian distributor Convoy International is promising exclusive introductory offers on the new range. More info: www.convoy.com.au
Australia’s hi-fi showgoers and followers of the high-end will know Kyron, whose unique speaker systems have carved the company’s position at the highest levels of audio performance, using box-less dipole designs which deliver literally showstopping realism.
First came the statement Gaia system, currently priced at $289,000, and then the Kronos ($161,000 with its optional subwoofer). And finally the flagship $349,000 Phoenix system, with seven different elements and twice the processing power of Kronos.
Now the company is producing all these models in a new and mighty cool livery — the only catch being that you’ll have to buy a $1.3m car first, the world’s most track-focused hypercar, indeed: Australia’s own Brabham Automotive BT62. Only 70 of these cars, with their tubular spaceframe steel chassis and naturally aspirated 5.4-litre V8 engines, will be produced, all built here in Australia by a team led by British-born Australian racing driver David Brabham, son of Sir Jack, the only man to win a Formula 1 world championship driving a car of his own construction, threetime F1 world champion, and founder of the Brabham team that won 35 F1 races.
In the newly-announced partnership between the two Adelaide-based companies, Brabham customers can order Kyron systems in liveries matching their BT62 — and this is part of a Kyron bespoke production program that will also see Kyron developing audio systems for future Brabham road-based vehicles.
Kyron in-car entertainment
“Brabham is pushing the envelope in car design, driven to develop the world’s best hypercar,” says Lee Gray, who heads up Kyron alongside Leon Suter. “The partnership makes sense as we share the same passion for extreme performance in our respective fields. Most prestige motor manufacturers have aligned with high-end audio companies, and currently we are designing the audio for the street-legal version of the BT-62. In the near future we’ll start work on an audio system for their planned road car. We will use the same rotary touch-screen interface in both the car and the home system, so a seamless transition between the two. There will also be aesthetic enhancements such as carbon-fibre detailing, gold pinstriping, leathers, and of course sporting the Brabham and Kyron badges.”
Beyond the music, the Kyron team has also had input into the cars themselves.
“We’re there to advise them on all their acoustic needs,” says Gray. “Leon recently assisted in the modelling of an exhaust system for the BT62 to ensure it met SPL requirements for the track. This is a new adventure for us into a slightly different field, but as we have tackled everything from room acoustics and active dipole design to defence simulators, we are up for the challenge!”
More info: www.kyronaudio.com