Etude Tri-Linear Array – Compact Floorstanding Speakers with BMR Driver Arrays

CML Music presented its new Etude Tri-Linear Array (ETLA) loudspeaker system at the North West Audio Show 2026. The project was developed by Dr Christopher Mark Liauw and is a compact floorstanding model designed for use with low-powered amplifiers.

The Etude Tri-Linear Array was created as a high-sensitivity loudspeaker for home audio systems where a combination of large-scale sound, strong dynamics and relatively modest dimensions is required. The speaker cabinet is 760 mm high and 400 mm wide, while the angled front baffle helps align the acoustic axis with the listener’s seated position. The design is also intended for placement close to a rear wall in order to make use of natural low-frequency reinforcement from the room boundary.

At the heart of the ETLA is an unusual configuration with three vertical linear arrays. Each array consists of four 85 mm BMR drivers, while the central section is supplemented by a compression tweeter developed on the basis of solutions used in the Etude High Sensitivity Bipole loudspeaker. This configuration is intended to provide wide and even sound dispersion, high sensitivity and a stable tonal balance beyond a single narrowly defined listening position.

According to CML Music, the new loudspeaker system can operate confidently even with amplifiers rated at only a few watts, including single-ended tube designs. The stated sensitivity is around 99 dB/W/m, measured at 600 Hz. Nominal impedance is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance drops to 5 ohms, and the maximum recommended amplifier power is specified at 240 W.

Particular attention in the ETLA has been paid to the ability to adjust the sound character. The two outer BMR driver arrays can be configured with different roll-off options, allowing the depth of the dip in the presence region to be changed, horizontal dispersion to be adjusted and the overall presentation of the loudspeaker to be tailored to the room and listener preferences. The level of the compression tweeter can also be adjusted: this is done by replacing resistors via rear access to the cabinet, with no soldering required.

Etude Tri-Linear Array cabinet is made from 18 mm CNC-machined MDF panels. Its internal structure is reinforced with bracing intended to reduce unwanted resonances. At the same time, the manufacturer has avoided the use of fibrous or foam damping materials inside the cabinet. The crossover uses components from Jantzen, Clarity Cap, Bourns, Customcoilsnstuff and Vishay. The standard finish is a satin crackle paint, while piano lacquer and natural veneer options will be available at extra cost. Etude Tr

The stated in-room frequency response of the Etude Tri-Linear Array is 32 Hz to 20 kHz within ±6 dB. Each speaker weighs around 25 kg, and the cabinet dimensions are 760 × 400 × 386 mm. Sales of the ETLA loudspeakers will be handled directly by CML Music. The standard version with satin finish and M8 furniture feet with polypropylene tips is priced at £3,000 per pair, while optional grilles will cost around £200 per pair.