Напольная акустика — German Physiks Emperor MK II

The Emperor Mk II is an active three-way omnidirectional loudspeaker in the Luxury Series from German Physiks, a German maker whose products are built by hand in small batches. It is based on the company's Gaudi Mk II and uses the Gaudi's moveable DDD driver array, combined with a large four-cabinet bass system. Each of its three sections is driven by a dedicated external power amplifier, and the company includes its own DSP-X digital crossover in the package.

Key specs that matter

Frequency response is 18 Hz to 24,000 Hz, with sensitivity of 88.8 dB for 1 W at 1 m and a nominal impedance of 4 ohm. Power handling is 1,050 W nominal and 1,550 W short term, and maximum output level is 117 dB. Crossover frequencies are 180 Hz and 70 Hz. The minimum amplifier power per section is 200 W into 4 ohm for the DDD drivers, 200 W into 4 ohm for the woofers and 250 W into 4 ohm for the sub-woofers, so three power amplifiers are needed per channel. Each speaker measures 1,010 mm wide, 1,960 mm high and 810 mm deep excluding the motor and DDD array, and weighs about 425 kg. The recommended room size is 40 to 200 m2, and the warranty runs 5 years.

Engineering and use context

The German Physiks DDD unit is an omnidirectional unit with a carbon fibre cone, producing 360 degree radiation and covering everything above the upper crossover point. The array is mounted on a telescopic motorised beam driven by a linear actuator and can be moved back and forth with a wired remote control. The DDD enclosures are small aluminium cylinders with MDF end caps, packed with damping material. Below that point, four independent bass cabinets are mounted two on each side of the main support beam and held by an interlocking collar instead of screws. Two cabinets each house a 12-inch driver covering the lowest band, and the other two each carry two 6-inch metal cone drivers handling the range between both crossovers. Their vertical surfaces are non-parallel, internally braced, lined with Hawaphon damping and a 1 cm layer of high-density felt, and veneered inside to resist warping. Up to 15 ball-type casters can be fitted in the base plate. After assembly every Emperor is measured, run in for a minimum of 12 hours and then checked again.

Pairing

The DSP-X crossover is factory configured and offers front panel level controls for its three outputs. Standard finishes are polyester in high-polish black or white plus polished veneers - carbon fibre with macassar, walnut cluster and pappel cluster - all applied by hand in Germany.

Alternatives

The German Physiks Gaudi Mk II is the omnidirectional floorstanding design on which the Emperor Mk II is based.