Напольная акустика — Verity Audio Lohengrin IIS

Verity Audio of Canada names its Lohengrin IIS floor-standing model The Grail Knight. This four-way bass-reflex column is built from two independent enclosures, with the upper drivers in one cabinet and a large rear-loaded woofer in the lower one.

Key specs that matter

A 2-inch (50 mm) aluminium ribbon, produced by Verity itself, covers the top octaves. A 6-inch (150 mm) doped polypropylene midrange uses a 2-inch SD-1 underhung motor, and a 9-inch (229 mm) lower-mid of the same cone material has a 3-inch SD-1 motor. Bass comes from a 15-inch (380 mm) doped polypropylene woofer driven by a 4-inch SD-1 underhung motor. Frequency response is 15 Hz to 60,000 Hz within 3 dB, and sensitivity is 95 dB at 2.83 V and 1 m. Nominal impedance is 8 ohm with a minimum of 4 ohm, and Verity recommends a minimum of 5 W of amplification. Each speaker measures 159 cm in height, 48.5 cm in width and 59.6 cm in depth.

Engineering and use context

A pair weighs 255 kg. The two cabinets are separated by a 32 mm cushioned aluminium platform combined with special elastomers, so vibration from the woofer box is not passed straight into the upper module. The lower enclosure couples to the floor through Verity's MASIS, the Mechanical and Airborne Sound Isolation System, which rests on adjustable feet. The woofer fires into a bass-reflex chamber vented to the rear. Connections use gold-plated terminals, and 200 mm high-purity copper jumpers come in the box for single-wire use. Buyers choose white or black lacquer in a high-gloss finish, and wood-grain colours can be ordered as an option. At its CES 2013 showing the IIS carried a price of USD 100,000 per pair. Compared with the Lohengrin II it gained a completely redesigned crossover and the short platforms under each speaker, while keeping the same drivers, so earlier versions can be upgraded.

Pairing

The very low minimum power and high sensitivity put single-ended triode and other low-powered valve amplifiers within reach, while an impedance that never dips below its stated minimum also suits solid-state designs. Positioning two tall columns of this size calls for a sturdy floor, careful planning of the delivery route and at least two helpers for installation.

Alternatives

Verity also offers the Florestan, a smaller three-way tower using an 11-inch woofer and a ribbon tweeter in a 130.4 cm tall two-cabinet body.