AL 200 - 8 Ohm

The first thing one notices about the CASABLANCA IV cabinet is its striking design. This cabinet shape, however, has more than just eye-catching qualities, its acoustic qualities have to be heard to be believed.

The speaker consists of a large lower chamber and a top-mounted upper chamber and the two are interconnected through an opening that has been exactly calculated. This is, in fact, a twin-chamber bass reflexcabinet. As a result of the twin-chamber arrangement, it is possible, in comparison with a conventional bass reflex cabinet, to extend the range downwards by a considerable amount. The Helmholtz resonance of the upper chamber is around 90 Hz, that of the lower chamber around 33 Hz.

The woofer in the CASABLANCA IV is the AL 200 - 8 OHM, which is so popular among connoisseurs of high-end technology. Thanks to its long-stroke woofer, the AL 200 - 8 OHM helps the CASABLANCA IV achieve unbelievably low-range bass levels and, at the same time, producing remarkable maximum volume levels for a speaker of this size. Another "first" in this model is the two tried-and-tested DSM 50 FFL - 8 OHM and DSM 25 FFL - 8 OHM titanium dome units, that guarantee transparent, rounded sound qualities across the entire mid- and high-range.

Results: The result is an unusual speaker both as regards its design and its construction principles with excellent low-range bass reproduction coupled with tremendous signal fidelity.

As the name CLASSIC 200 suggests, this speaker design uses the classic 3-band arrangement: one woofer, one mid-range cone and one dome tweeter, all arranged one above the other close together in the front baffle. The AL 200 - 8 Ohm, TI 100 - 8 Ohm and KE 25 SC - 8 Ohm used here are the best drivers in their respective categories available from the VISATON catalogue. For an upright cabinet, this is relatively small, enabling space-saving use in almost any sitting room.

The sensitivity of the CLASSIC 200 is excellent for a speaker of this size. This is made possible by the "slim-line" bass tuning. In comparison with the VOX 200, which has almost the same driver arrangement, the lower limiting frequency has been set slightly higher. This will appeal in particular to those who appreciate more "crisp" bass reproduction. The difference is that, in the CLASSIC 200, the low-frequency room resonance which is almost always present in any room, is not excited to the same degree and this reduces the reverberation.

The other drivers are also without doubt excellent and contribute to a holistic overall sound consisting of precise mid-range and clear as crystal, unobtrusive, smooth-as-silk treble frequencies.

The CONCORDE MK III 3-way system may not be able to fly, but in terms of sound, it really soars. The mere shape and the drivers used give an idea of its qualities. The tailored baffle in the medium to high-frequency range produces optimised omnidirectional sound distribution one of the reasons why the sound distribution throughout the room is so smooth. Arranging all the drivers according to the D'Appolito principle, reduces interference from floor and ceiling reflection. Two AL 200 - 8 Ohmaluminium bass drivers join forces to produce profound and yet precise bass reproduction thanks to the extra-large, flow-optimised bass reflextube. The two AL 130 - 8 Ohm mid-range speakers guarantee crisp mid-range sounds as a result of their stiff cones, long stroke and impedancecontrol ring.

At the top end of the frequency range we have used the innovative KE 25 SC - 8 Ohm ceramic tweeter, which has been incorporated using a sophisticated crossover arrangement to optimise timing. This sophisticated design of tweeter can be wired up to blend in from a very low level and, as with all the other drivers, produces extremely distortion-free sound even at high volume settings. Any defects in the source signal are laid wide open. Even at louder settings, listening to music remains a real pleasure. This is always a good sign that the baffle is working correctly and that nothing is being smuggled in that should not be there.

In the MK III version, the cut-off frequency between the low- and mid-range has been shifted from 500 Hz to 300 Hz. The filter of the tweeter has been changed to 18 dB/oct additionally. That causes a more evenly sound radiation at different angels. This is especially noticeable in less damped rooms.

The completely neutral tonality and the remarkable dynamic characteristics of this stand-up CONCORDE MK III cabinet make it an all-round talent for discerning listeners of all types of music.

The VOX 253 is well-known as a speaker system with unusual credentials. Although relatively slim, some people may wish for a less noticeable speaker cabinet. Building a smaller cabinet and maintaining the same characteristics is a tall order. The precondition is that if the dimensions are reduced, the main features should be retained. This means locating the woofer in the side wall, d Appolito arrangement for the two cone drivers with metal diaphragms and dome tweeters in the middle. The excellent AL 200 - 8 Ohm serves as a bass speaker and the tweeter is the G 20 SC - 8 Ohm , already very successfully used in the COUPLETmodel. It was, then, necessary to develop a completely new 10 cm high-end cone driver with a metal diaphragm. Although the development time was relatively long, the wait was worth it - this is a really first-class low- to mid-range unit with a cone made of pure titanium, equally as good as the AL 130 - 8 Ohm. The cabinet dimensions have been proportionally reduced from the large-scale VOX model to produce an almost dainty compact column speaker: the VOX 200.

The take-over frequency levels of 200 Hz and 3000 Hz have been retained. A crucial feature is that the large-sized bass reflex tunnel is also present. In this manner, we have managed to create a compact baby sister for the VOX 253 that is worthy of the family name. As one would expect, the VOX 200 cannot keep up with the 253 when it comes to really tough bass activity, where the 253 would master it with ease. In normal sized rooms this is hardly necessary or required. In any case, the bass capabilities of this smaller sister are far beyond what you would expect from a model of this size.

In the mid- to high-frequency range, smaller speakers are preferable anyway. This is also the case with the VOX 200. The sound breaks away clearly from the baffle and generates a stable volume level and uniform sound throughout the room with no colouration.

Once again, the G 20 SC - 8 Ohm proves its value as a producer of wonderfully clear, lively high-frequency reproduction without the slightest hint of aggression.

If you find large speaker cabinets too much of a good thing, you really ought to have a listen to the VOX 200!