Filed under: News, Speakers
Krix Harmonix
Krix heralds the release of their new 3 way floorstander, the Harmonix.
The Harmonix will relace the Symphonix which were created in 2002 and rapidly commanded a cult following, especially for those people who enjoy listening to music in the traditional stereo setup. Therefore replacing this product was going to require something special.
The Harmonix are just a fraction larger than the Symphonix they replace, with dimensions of 1060mm high x 220mm wide x 355mm deep, providing a total internal volume of 38 litres.
Controlling the standing waves inside any loudspeaker enclosure is crucial for lean, defined and tonally correct mid-bass that can make or break the reproduction of acoustic music, particularly with stringed instruments. The Harmonix cabinetry builds on the legacy left by the Symphonix, with internal bracing being dramatically improved. Two large braces criss-cross the low to mid section of the cabinet, providing side-to-side and front-to-back bracing, with a third angled brace making up the midrange enclosure at the top of the box. This wedge shaped cavity creates a sealed 6 litre enclosure for the midrange driver and tweeter, effectively isolating them from the remaining drivers in the enclosure.
The choice of transducers draws on many of the benefits the larger Neuphonix loudspeakers have delivered to listeners. The Harmonix use the same midrange driver as in the Neuphonix, which has very low harmonic distortion as a result of the large magnet, copper shorting ring, and high sensitivity (due to the short voice coil). Combined with a flat mid-band frequency response (1-3 kHz where the ear is most sensitive) this midrange driver delivers lucid and detailed vocals while remaining unfatiguing. It is worth noting that this midrange is not a mid-woofer masquerading as a midrange driver which can be the case in many loudspeakers.
The large 28mm soft dome tweeter brings the Harmonix into the family of other Krix products recently released using this same tweeter (Equinox, Apex, Phoenix) providing better all round consistency and acoustic matching for home theatre applications.
Needless to say, this tweeter has been chosen because it presents smooth top end performance with an absence of gritty stored energy problems. Placing the tweeter below the midrange driver minimises diffraction related interaction with the edges of the cabinet, and also bring the loudspeaker’s output close to ear level when seated.
The two 6½ inch polypropylene cone bass drivers boast a nominal 1½ inch voice coil, flux stabilization ring and strong cast aluminium basket. The Harmonix use an extended bass shelf alignment which is well known for producing deep, tight, clean bass.
The larger a speaker becomes, the more focus is placed on how it will be located in the listening room. In order to make the new Harmonix “room friendly” a decision was made to offer the product in a front ported format. Additionally the use of a 75mm double flared vent system alleviates vortice shedding or chuffing that could otherwise mar the listening experience at medium to high volume levels.
Krix will begin shipping the Harmonix in November 2008 and they will be available in Vinyl finishes: Black Woodgrain / Atlantic Jarrah / American Cherry - $2300.00 per pair or Real Timber Veneer finishes: Black Ash / Atlantic Jarrah / American Cherry - $2500.00 per pair.
