Напольная акустика — VAF Research Signature i93 MKV

The Signature i93 MKV is a tower speaker made by VAF Research of Adelaide, Australia, and represents the fifth generation of the i93 design in the company's Signature Series. The i93 was originally developed in 1997. Alongside the towers, the current Signature Series lineup has five bookshelf models, from the i49 through the i90 and i90 SE to the i91 MKIII and i91 MKIII SE. VAF builds each pair by hand to order, with an approximate build time of 12 weeks, and lists the model from AUD 24,999. The maker covers it with a 10-year warranty and offers a 30-day home trial.

Key specs that matter

VAF quotes frequency response of 21 Hz to 19 kHz within 2 dB either way, and a wider frequency range of 17 Hz to 22 kHz. Each cabinet stands 1510 mm tall, 310 mm wide and 570 mm deep.

Engineering and use context

The i93 MKV works as a three-way design with five SEAS drivers set out in a time-aligned vertical array, so that the output of woofers, midrange units and tweeter reaches the listener at the same time. Two 220 mm woofers and two 130 mm midrange units, all with magnesium alloy cones, are placed above and below a single 25 mm tweeter, whose double chamber dome is also made of magnesium alloy and whose voice coil is wound from pure silver wire. The enclosure is built from first-grade MDF up to 50 mm thick, with fully mitred joints and substantial internal cross-bracing, and the front baffle is made as a single piece. Inside, VAF uses its HyperSoft acoustic damping material, and absorbent felt pads around the tweeter and midrange drivers are there to stop sound waves reflecting off the front of the cabinet. The timber cabinets are built locally by hand by a cabinet maker with more than 50 years of experience. Standard finishes are crown-cut, book-matched timber veneers in Australian Jarrah, Cherry, American Walnut, Black Oak and American Oak. Black or coloured lacquer is available in satin or piano gloss, and VAF also takes orders for custom finishes.

Pairing

VAF rates the nominal impedance at 6 ohm and recommends amplifiers with output of up to 500 W, without naming a particular amplifier or electronics brand for the i93 MKV. Both figures are the ones to compare against the output and load ratings of any stereo or power amplifier considered for it.

Alternatives

The VAF Signature i66 MKV is the other tower in the current VAF Signature range, priced from AUD 19,999.