Floorstanding loudspeakers — Westlake Reference HR-1

The Reference HR-1 is a four-way main monitor in the Reference series of Westlake Audio, the Thousand Oaks, California maker whose Reference line also lists the three-way TM-3 and the larger SM-1. Westlake calls the HR-1 a classic of that series and describes it as a high-resolution, high-power system for audiophiles as well as for monitoring, specified for broad bandwidth, low distortion and wide dispersion. The system can be configured for a given application with optional speaker cable sets, woofers upgraded for higher performance and custom pedestals that allow free-standing use.

Key specs that matter

A pair of 15-inch woofers covers the bass. The midrange is split between a 10-inch cone and a 2-inch driver loaded by a horn, and a 1-inch tweeter covers the highest band. Westlake lists crossover frequencies of 1 kHz and 4.5 kHz. The rated response reaches from 34 Hz to 20 kHz within a 3 dB window either side, and sensitivity is 99 dB with 2.83 V applied at 1 m. The load is 4 ohm nominal and 2 ohm at its lowest. IEC power handling is 300 W short-term and 900 W long-term. The cabinet is 76.2 cm tall, 111.7 cm wide and 50.8 cm deep and weighs about 188 kg. It is supplied in walnut with a one-year warranty.

Engineering and use context

Using two separate midrange devices, one cone and one horn-loaded unit, is what makes the HR-1 a four-way system rather than a three-way like the TM-3, which uses only the 2-inch horn driver between woofer and tweeter. The enclosure is much wider than it is tall, so in standard form it lies on its side as a wide main monitor meant for soffit or wall mounting, and the optional pedestals are what turn it into a free-standing loudspeaker. Wiring goes to a heavy-duty barrier strip. The upgraded woofer option lets an owner change the bass section without replacing the whole system.

Pairing

Such a low impedance minimum requires an amplifier that can remain stable and supply ample current into a very low load, and Westlake says it prefers its speakers to be bi-amped with the passive crossover retained. With its high sensitivity the HR-1 needs only moderate power for high levels, and the power ratings allow large professional amplifiers to be used without exceeding what the drivers can take. The company points out that short bursts two to three times above the continuous figure are tolerated, provided the amplifier is not pushed into clipping.

Alternatives

The Westlake Reference SM-1 is the bigger model in the same series, using two 18-inch woofers and rated down to 20 Hz with 101 dB sensitivity.