Напольная акустика — Von Schweikert Audio ULTRA.five

The ULTRA.five is a flagship floorstanding loudspeaker from Von Schweikert Audio, formerly known as the Ultra 55, built as the third model in the brand's ULTRA reference series. Von Schweikert Audio positions this model as a more compact alternative to the larger ULTRA 9 and ULTRA 11, bringing the same technology in a footprint that integrates into a wider variety of listening spaces.

Key specs that matter

Rated response is 20Hz to 40kHz. Sensitivity is 89dB into a demanding 4 ohm load. The three-way reflex-loaded design uses a 1-inch beryllium-dome tweeter, a 6-inch ceramic-dome midrange, and two 8-inch ceramic/honeycomb sandwich cone woofers, with crossover frequencies at 200Hz and 2kHz. At 42 x 13 x 24 inches and 190 lbs per speaker, the cabinet is finished in Fausto Reyes' hand-applied multi-coat automotive-inspired paint process - Reyes previously led Fender Guitar's pro custom finish division, painting instruments for musicians including Prince and Aerosmith - built by second-generation American cabinet makers with nearly five decades of California craft heritage. An optional Foundation Hybrid Bass System, using powered woofers with proprietary Foundation Amplifiers, allows fully analog bass-level customisation and speaker placement flexibility without digital signal processing, avoiding the time and phase distortions purists associate with DSP-based room correction. A rear-firing ribbon tweeter and Ambience Retrieval System create an expansive sound bubble for a concert-hall-like listening experience.

Sound and use context

Expect breathtaking clarity and depth with the impressive soundstage, dynamic range and tonal precision Von Schweikert Audio is renowned for - despite its reduced scale relative to the larger ULTRA models, this speaker maintains the same core sonic character, letting audiophiles facing spatial constraints access the ULTRA series' signature performance without compromise.

Pairing

The optional Foundation Hybrid Bass System's bi-amp technique allows genuine flexibility in speaker placement and bass driver adjustment for superb depth regardless of room, and the demanding 4 ohm impedance calls for an amplifier with real current delivery.

Alternatives

Von Schweikert Audio's ULTRA 9 and ULTRA 11 sit above this model with even greater scale and driver count, worth the further investment if this ULTRA.five's already substantial performance still leaves ambitions unmet given adequate room to accommodate the larger flagships.