New XRT 2.1K

[SCAudiophile]

Having heard the XRT2Ks last week max'd out to their fullest extent at Ivan's and being very impressed (far more than when I heard them a few years ago for the 1st time elsewhere) I did just look at the XRT2.1K specs and images. I have to say the accent work/frame on the front driver array appeals to me even more than the more sedate way that driver array is accented on the 2Ks; the new 2.1K have a more pronounced audio jewelry look and feel IMHO.

More interesting than that is the reduction in the number of drivers, the change in woofer size & materials change, the crossover point changes for the entire crossover, the use of low and high mid-range drivers (also different sizes of each and composition);

Low Frequency Mid 6.5": Nanocarbon Fiber/Nomex Honeycomb Long Throw
Upper Frequency Mid 2": Aluminum–Magnesium Dome

and all the other changes is intriguing and now a must-hear speaker (to me).

It looks like (particularly in the bass and mids) it will be an even faster and more accurate speaker across the whole range; I'd bet the change to 2 different size mids to each cover a part of the range best will be a big difference...materials changes also rank high on the list of notables and I think will result in an even more listenable speaker than the 2K already is.

Another interesting fact is a major change in the frequency range spec. and while neither the 2K or 2.1K qualifiers the measurement (e.g. +/- 3db, etc..),
the big change on the low-end and the overall efficiency going up a notch got my attention;

XRT2K: 16 Hz - 45 kHz, 89db efficient
XRT2.1: 12 Hz - 45 kHz, 90db efficient

That 12 Hz is a whopper of a spec. assuming a moderate roll-off...couple that with smaller, faster, and more modern woofer motor structures and material and I think this will be a real attention grabbing speaker !!!

Not crazy about the price increase though...

[djwhog]

Ivan I will pay the %38 diff for your 2s Vs the 2.1s

Yeah I don't see that happening....

[JMAC]

`
I imagine something, perhaps similar, will be done to the XRT1k. They will want to have something at that, relative, price point.

Sure glad that I got the 1k's when I did. "Only" $35k at the time. Being $45k at the end doesn't hurt the value of mine, though. Not that I'm likely to ever part with them, in part because it would take a lot of saving to be able to spend that much again. The other part is that they're super, imho. Also, living room is ~900sq ft with opening to another ~200, both with high ceilings, peaking at center. Listening to music there, in the mid 80dB range, I rarely see anywhere near 45 watts and thats for peaks. 450 is available (actually, a steady 900 W before Power Guard LED's come on - I tested that and posted it somewhere on AA some time ago)


`

[htradtk]

Absolutely stunning to look at! The Rolls Royce of a speaker! Now for a reality check, for the average person, you would need a room at least 20 feet by 40 feet deep and 10-12 foot ceilings in order for them to sound there best. Plus acoustic treatments, cables, amps and so. Just saying, Henry

[JMAC]

^ ^ ^ This

Rereading my post, I wasn't sure that I was making that point. The volume of everything involved is, nominally, 24'x36'x (15.5' at peak, but roof not symetrical, with clerestory windows )= 9665cu.ft. (virtually equal to 20x40x12 above) but 1700cu.ft. of that is including a hallway that is about 1/2 open to the room. The hallway is only 8ft. wide, but does not run to the living room, but runs along one entire side of it, seperating the old living room from the new, if that makes sense. Not sure how much that volume of the hallway counts, but as I said: "I rarely see anywhere near 45 watts and that's for peaks."

[leonardas]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Mac is very proud of these; current conversation rates put the retail in the $175K price range.

Audio Classics is quoting $135K for the XRT2.1K

Leonard

[leonardas]

Originally Posted by leonardas

Audio Classics is quoting $135K for the XRT2.1K

Leonard

I was told they come from Italy (Sonus Faber??).

Leonard

[GaryProtein]

Originally Posted by leonardas

I was told they come from Italy (Sonus Faber??).

Leonard

Sonus Faber is a part of WORLD OF McINTOSH, so it could be.

After all, Clearaudio makes the Mc turntables.

IVAN, is there any truth to this?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by GaryProtein

Sonus Faber is a part of WORLD OF McINTOSH, so it could be.

After all, Clearaudio makes the Mc turntables.

IVAN, is there any truth to this?

No, that isn’t what I have heard.

[audible1]

XRT2K: 16 Hz - 45 kHz, 89db efficient
XRT2.1: 12 Hz - 45 kHz, 90db efficient

That 12 Hz is a whopper of a spec.

I am highly dubious about 12Hz for an 8" driver. That would certainly not be a "flat" response (-3dB). In any case, 6 x 8" woofers move a LOT less air than 6 x 12".