The new Model C. Compact standmount gems, with large speaker sound.
Ten years after the launch of our first Hi-Fi loudspeaker, we have introduced our first standmount - with a very specific objective.
Of course, all the MonoPulse sound-staging and realism, but we also wanted a relaxing "large speaker" sound.
We'd found that whereas Model A listeners seemed to luxuriate in the sound, many standmounts made them uncomfortable, even at lower sound-energy levels.
It is about energy spectrum. Large loudspeakers produce energy across a wider spectrum, and smaller units often relatively more in mid-band. Mid band is easier to produce and our ears are more sensitive to it, but it is not always relaxing.
The Model C is a small Hi-Fi loudspeaker, with that more relaxing, luxuriating, big speaker sound.
Each pair is also custom-made to the perfectionist impulse-accurate principles of all MonoPulse speakers.
They are shown above right in Slate cloth with Metallic Gunmetal steel tops. This pair have the optional rubber feet, but the standard is full M8 spikes, which can be in steel or nylon.
Dimensions. 46cm high x 18cm wide x 22.5cm deep, and 7Kg each.
Power handling. 250 watts maximum and 150 watts continuous power.
Frequency response. From 32Hz to 22kHz.
Impedance. 8 ohms nominal, 7.5 ohms minimum.
Sensitivity. 86dB. Outside mid band, small units are inherently less sensitive, and the high drive-impedance also reduces the measured figure. But these speakers are efficient, which, combined with the drive-impedance makes them ideal for valve amplifiers, and less influenced by differences between solid-state amplifiers.
We recommend valve amplifiers have a minimum of around 18 watts, and solid state amplifiers 35 watts into 8 ohms.
Shown left is the bi-wire terminal panel and the rear port.
Drive units. In this compact package is a 135mm, Kevlar-coned, four-layer voice coil, MF/LF unit giving solid bass to 32Hz.
The HF drive units are ferrofluid-cooled, 28mm, silk-domed, with neodymium magnets, and rated at 500 watts for 10ms, with a top-end response at 22kHz.
Below right shows the high-gloss steel top and sound-deadening foam on the top rear.
Crossovers. The drive units are coupled with patented asymmetric crossovers, using only film capacitors and air-cored coils.
The HF circuit is fourth-order, with 24dB per octave attenuation from 4kHz. This gives superb protection of the HF units.
The LF crossover is first order.
Mounting. The Model C is supplied with fully adjustable spikes.
Perfect acoustic focus is achieved on stands or shelves 50cm or 60cm height.
They can also be mounted without the spikes, using Blu Tack or similar, or supplied with rubber feet.
For further details on stands and other usage details, scroll down or click here
First customer reactions.
The first delivery of the Model C was to Peter Kendall, who had advance ordered, without auditioning. This is his unsolicited reaction: His e-mail address can be provided.
"Hi Allan
First impressions: eye opening! Phenomenally detailed sound (Handel). I could identify exactly which sections were playing and where they were sitting. I look forward to replaying my entire CD collection and to better listening to FM concerts.
Listening to my collection of choral music with these speakers makes me realise how much I've been missing for years; the detail and presence is the closest approach to a live performance. It's the best investment in hi-fi I've yet made.
The first Norwegian delivery was to Ole Iacob Norman, who in his review says:
"In short: it should not really be possible to get such small speakers to reproduce this full, rich sound.
It is a very natural sound in these MonoPulse's. Holography is excellent, channel separation and stereo imaging is where it should be.
But best of all is that the sound is so pleasant. It is not tiring as I have experienced with other speakers.
I do not think you get better bookshelf/stand mount speakers in this price range.
He posted a full review on a Norwegian internet forum. To see a PDF in English click on PDF. It is large and may take time.
To read the original in Norwegian, and many other such reviews on other MonoPulse models look at www.avforum.no
The Model C is at http://avforum.no/forum/hvilket-utstyr-har-avforums-medlemmer/113890-her-ditt-liv-la-casa-supertramp-monopulse-heaven-5.html#post1712775
Other reviews and comments are on http://www.hifisentralen.no/forum/index.php?topic=22789.0
Surround-sound variants.
The Model C also comes in surround-sound enclosures for both wall and centre mounting. These have 250 watt max power handling and all the acoustic performance and features of the Model C. They are acoustically optimised for their different mounting positions.
We have just supplied a seven speaker cinema system to a Mr D T of Northumberland, via our dealer Audio Elevation. His reaction was, "The clarity of sound is astounding. The transformation of our home cinema system has been seismic. Real depth and detail to both music and film soundtrack."
Below, two wall mounts on top of a centre unit.
The Model CW, the wall speaker, is 10cm shorter than the Model C, being 37cm high, 18cm wide, and 21cm deep.
They still retain the 250 watt maximum power handling.
These are base-ported, and normally mounted with the rear bracket.
If requested, they can also be fitted with adjustable spikes, for shelf or stand mounting.
The Model CM, the centre unit, is based on a Model C on its side, and is 19cm high and 22.5cm deep and 44cm wide.
They retain the rear porting of the Model C.
Normally supplied with small rubber feet for BluTack mounting, they can also be supplied with adjustable spikes.
Our dealers will negotiate on price for any surround-sound sets.
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The Model C - use and specification details.
Design Objective.
All MonoPulse loudspeakers have the primary objective of realism and precise imaging. This is achieved by their unrivalled synchronism of the all-important impulses and musical leading edges in sounds.
The Model C is also a top quality hi-fi loudspeaker in all other respects, featuring a Kevlar-coned MF/LF unit with a bass response down to 32Hz, and an advanced HF unit with a response up to 22kHz.
Description.
To achieve this realism, MonoPulse use a unique technique, precisely offsetting drive-units, then acoustically combining them with a patented asymmetric crossover, using only film capacitors and air-spaced coils.
The HF circuit is fourth-order, with 24dB per octave attenuation from 4kHz. This gives superb protection of the 28mm, ferrofluid cooled, silk-domed, neodymium magnet, aluminium-wound, HF unit.
The LF crossover is first order. The bass response of the 135mm, Kevlar-coned, LF unit is extended with a reflex tuning point at 45Hz, giving an in-room response down to 32Hz.
Positioning for Bass.
With the units on 50cm stands, the centres of the LF units are 85cm from the floor. So try to avoid having the speakers 85cm from side walls, and/or the front of them 85cm from the rear wall. If possible, make these distances one greater and one less than 85cm.
Close to a rear wall is OK, if they are about 1.5 metres or over from side walls - or vice versa. Always leave 5cm clearance from a rear wall to allow the port to breath.
But remember, most loudspeakers are not able to be sited ideally for bass, so this is a guide to doing the best.
Position and Imaging.
A normal placement is with the units about 2.5 metres apart at a listening distance of about 3 metres. The MonoPulse impulse accuracy can also give excellent central imaging with the units further apart or closer in than normal.
This ability can be useful if there are positioning problems, particularly in small rooms. 3 metres apart at a distance to the centre point of just 2 metres, taking the units into peripheral view, can give a dramatically wide sound-stage, while the MonoPulse precision maintains accurate central imaging.
Adjustment for HF Response.
It is a by-product of impulse accuracy that MonoPulse speakers are more directional and ‘sweet spot’ in character. This has an advantage in that the upper-register subjective response can be adjusted, by either pointing the units directly to the listening position for maximum treble, or parallel to reduce it.
Mounting and Adjustment for Listening Height.
The Model C can be mounted in three ways. With spikes, steel or Nylon. Without the spikes, on its base plate, using Blu Tack or similar. Or on rubber feet if specified, also using Blu Tack. Alternative nylon spikes with more rounded ends can also be supplied. These are more suitable if the units are being placed on existing furniture. Spikes should only be locked hand-tight.
The Model C is optimised for 50 or 60cm stands or shelves. The focus of time-domain synchronism is straight ahead at the height of the top of the badge.
50cm stands aim at 90cm listening height, perfect for a low sofa or chair.
For a more upright position 60cm stands are suitable, or alternatively, if 50mm stands are preferred, adjustment can be made by tilting the units slightly backwards. A 5mm front/rear spike length difference, raises the focus by 10cm at 3 metres distance.
This way very exact acoustic focus can be maintained – but outside this they will perform as normal hi-fi loudspeakers.
The Model CW is supplied as standard with a wall mounting bracket and can be optimised for mounting at 1m or 2m on request. Spike mounting can be requested.
The Model CM is supplied as standard rubber feet to be fixed with BluTack or similar and is optimised for mounting at 50cm. Spike mounting can be requested.
Cables and Connections.
The terminal panel will take 4mm plugs, 7mm spades, or 5mm bare wire. If using plugs, for quick temporary connection, remove the coloured bungs, but for permanent placement use the holes in the posts and lock the plugs down with the screwed caps.
The HF terminals are the upper ones, the LF the lower, and the units can thus be bi-wired or bi-amped.
The interconnection cables needed, will depend on the system and the layout - please consult your dealer.
Running in.
We recommend that the speakers are run in for at least 50 hours at the intended listening volume, with occasional spells at a higher volume.
Warranty and Repairs.
MonoPulse loudspeakers are covered by a one year warranty.
In the unlikely event of overheating damage to an HF unit which is protected by a fourth-order filter, access is by removal of the rear terminal panel.
The LF unit can easily be replaced by a competent repairer. For spare HF units and other repairs, contact your dealer.
Other specifications.
Nominal impedance is 8 ohms, minimum 8 ohms.
Power handling, 250 watts maximum, 125 watts continuous.
Sensitivity 86dB.
C - Height 49cm. Width 18cm. Depth 22.5cm. Weight 7Kg per unit.
CW - Height 37cm. Width 18cm. Depth 21cm. Weight 6Kg per unit.
CM - Height 18cm. Width 44cm. Depth 20cm. Weight 6Kg per unit.