Напольная акустика — Bryston Model A2

The Bryston Model A2 belongs to the Canadian company's Model A loudspeaker series, a passive three-way floorstander range shown at CEDIA 2013 and scheduled to ship in Q4 2013. The range consisted of the Mini A bookshelf model and three towers - the A1, A2 and A3. At launch the A2 was listed at USD 2,395 per pair in the US and Canada, placing it between the A3 at USD 1,995 and the A1 at USD 3,250. Later Australian pricing was AUD 4,299.

Key specs that matter

The driver complement uses two high output, low distortion 6.5 inch bass units, 5.25 inch midrange drivers with a proprietary aluminium cone and a pair of 1 inch titanium dome tweeters. Bryston describes the midrange and bass drivers as anodized aluminium units and names the layout a linear array. The crossover hands over at 160 Hz and 2.3 kHz. Anechoic response is 31 Hz to 20 kHz within plus or minus 3 dB, sensitivity is 87 dB and nominal impedance is 4 ohm. Bryston quotes a dynamic range of up to 114 dB at 1 m under anechoic conditions. Recommended amplifier power is 100 to 400 W per speaker. The cabinet stands 1003 mm tall, is 235 mm wide and 432 mm deep, plus feet, and each speaker weighs about 28 kg.

Engineering and use context

According to Bryston, the Model A series follows the same design principles as its earlier Model T speakers, with the stated goal of minimising distortion and compression in both music and home theatre playback. Where the Model T line uses 8 inch woofers, all Model A speakers were given smaller woofers, which allowed a more compact cabinet that fits more easily into living spaces. Bryston positioned the A2 as sharing most of the traits of the larger A1 in a smaller form. The speaker is wired through dual 5-way binding posts. Bryston lists walnut, black ash and Boston cherry as the standard finishes and makes others on request, while vinyl versions in Boston cherry, black ash and natural cherry were also sold, with real wood at extra cost, and a durable vinyl covering was offered as a lower cost special order. Optional outrigger bases can be fitted for extra stability. Bryston backs the speaker with a 20-year guarantee.

Pairing

Given its low nominal impedance, the A2 pairs well with high-current transistor amps. Bryston announced matching centre channel, surround and powered subwoofer models to accompany the series for multichannel systems.

Alternatives

The Bryston Model A1 sits above the A2 as the bigger floorstander of the Model A family.