Полочная акустика — Audio Physic SPARK

The Spark is a compact three-way loudspeaker from Audio Physic of Germany, returned to the range under a name the company used before. The earlier Spark was a slim 2 1/2-way bass reflex floorstander, 980 mm tall and 17 kg, with two mid/bass cones and a 25 mm tweeter. Audio Physic places it between a stand-mount and a floorstander, and it brings the PowerTrain technology first used in the larger Cardeas into a small cabinet. Buyers choose between high-gloss black, white or anthracite glass finishes and high-gloss ebony or rosewood real wood veneer.

Key specs that matter

The Spark uses three drivers. A 39 mm HHCT V tweeter covers the top, a 150 mm HHCM V SL unit handles the midrange, and a 180 mm woofer with Double Surround technology covers the bass. Audio Physic quotes a frequency range of 40 Hz to 40 kHz, a sensitivity of 88 dB and a nominal impedance of 4 ohm, with a recommended amplifier power of 30 to 180 W. The cabinet is 483 mm tall, 202 mm wide and 371 mm deep, while the space it needs is given as 202 x 430 mm. Each speaker weighs 18 kg.

Engineering and use context

In the PowerTrain approach the HHCM V SL midrange driver works entirely without a centering spider, so the voice coil passes its energy to the cone with less mechanical loss. Tweeter and midrange both use RECOTec diaphragms, made of a chaotically arranged carbon fibre scrim embedded in a high-purity polypropylene matrix, which Audio Physic describes as a blend of paper cone behaviour with the stiffness of aluminium. The drivers use a dual basket design that separates the suspension from the frame to limit vibration. Inside, the enclosure follows a multi-sandwich construction with a honeycomb core, and ceramic foam bracing absorbs energy radiated into the cabinet. A fully decoupled Vibration Control Terminal carries the speaker cable connection, and bi-wiring or bi-amping terminals are available as an option.

Pairing

As a fairly demanding load, the Spark wants an amplifier comfortable with low loads and able to supply current, ideally within the power window Audio Physic states. Given the moderate sensitivity, amplifiers toward the lower end of that range still reach normal listening levels. Owners who want to split bass and upper frequencies across two amplifier channels need to order the optional bi-amping terminal.

Alternatives

The Audio Physic Step is a more compact two-way stand-mount from the same catalogue with an 8 ohm rating.