Floorstanding loudspeakers — Blumenhofer Acoustics Genuin FS 2 MK 2

The Genuin FS 2 MK 2 is the mid-size one of three floorstanders in the Genuin series from Blumenhofer Acoustics, placed between the larger Genuin FS 1 MK 3 and the compact Genuin FS 3 MK 2. The company describes the Genuin line as its original combination of a bass reflex box with a true compression driver horn for the mid and high frequencies. The MK 2 update centres on a new 12 inch woofer that uses the same technologies as the 16 inch unit of the FS 1 MK 3, and Blumenhofer says the cabinet keeps the dimensions and look of the earlier Genuin FS 2, a model the company now files under its legacy range.

Key specs that matter

The FS 2 MK 2 uses a two-way layout. Its 300 mm paper-cone woofer driven by an AlNiCo magnet hands over at 1,150 Hz to a compression driver with a 1.4 inch horn throat and a 75 mm titanium membrane. The quoted frequency range runs from 36 Hz to 20 kHz within plus or minus 2 dB, with efficiency given as 94 dB. Nominal impedance is 8 ohm, and maximum power input is 150 W RMS. Each speaker measures 1112 x 332 x 455 mm (height, width, depth), weighs 45 kg and ships alone in its own carton with a packed weight of 55 kg.

Engineering and use context

Blumenhofer builds the enclosure from 18 mm birch plywood in what it calls a harmonic construction, with structural bracing inside. The bass section is a harmonic bass reflex cabinet whose port fires toward the floor rather than through the front or rear panel. Unlike the Tempesta models, the Genuin speakers have no separate chamber for the crossover. The filter includes a switchable impedance linearisation for the crossover frequency, the region where woofer and horn overlap. The design also provides for time alignment of the drivers to the listening spot. Terminals are gold-plated tellurium copper, and the cabinet stands on adjustable spikes. Blumenhofer grants a five-year warranty and offers true wood veneers made in its own workshop, noting that grain and colour vary from one set to the next.

Pairing

Given its high efficiency, the FS 2 MK 2 needs relatively few watts, and Blumenhofer calls the model tube friendly, so valve amplifiers are an option alongside transistor designs. The terminal panel is doubled for bi-wiring or bi-amping, which lets owners feed the woofer and the horn from separate amplifier channels.

Alternatives

The Blumenhofer Genuin FS 1 MK 3 is the larger floorstander of the series, with a 380 mm air-dried paper woofer, 96 dB efficiency and a 60 kg cabinet.