GRADIENT R-5 - THE NEW REVOLUTION
Gradient Revolution series has been a unique combination of advantages of a big panel loudspeaker and a mini monitor. Turnable and open dipole bass section with coaxial upper unit differs dramatically from ordinary loudspeaker designs. With these unique principles Revolution was designed to be extremely room independent. The first version of the Gradient Revolution was introduced in 1993. The new passive Gradient R-5 is a continuation of the success story.
DIPOLE BASS
The bass part of Gradient Revolution loudspeaker consists of two 12" long throw woofers. They are assembled on an open baffle giving the low frequencies a "figure eight" or dipole radiation pattern similar to most panel loudspeakers. These two woofers operate up to 200Hz.
An ordinary box speaker radiates in all directions at low frequencies. This has the unfortunate effect of generating standing waves in all dimensions. In the typical listening room, standing waves distort the sound at frequencies below 200Hz. Gradient Revolution does not excite standing waves between the floor and the ceiling, it can only generate them in the direction of the radiation pattern.
The woofer section of the Revolution can be rotated and directed to minimize undesirable standing waves in the listening area. This ability to "tune" out standing waves in the bass is unique. The result is a smooth articulate bass response which has correct musical pitch and dynamics.
When compared to the conventional closed box or bass reflex systems you will get the same sound pressure level at only one third of acoustic energy. Thus the room colouring effects are much less annoying and your neighbour will hear less of your bass lines.
ONE POINT SOURCE
The new Gradient Revolution is utilizing our latest coaxial technology. A 176mm pre-coated reed paper cone handles frequencies up to 2.5kHz. High frequencies from 2.5kHz to over 20kHz are reproduced by a 25mm Al/Mg-dome tweeter placed at the apex of the midrange cone. Such a point source is generally accepted as an ideal sound source for its excellent phase and amplitude response. The end result is an extremely accurate, stable and three dimensional soundstage.
SPHERICAL ACOUSTIC RESISTANCE ENCLOSURE
To minimize reflections from the speaker cabinet, the coaxial element is mounted in a spherical enclosure. The sphere is an ideal form with no structural interfaces and discontinuities. Symmetric spherical housing leaks “anti sound” from the opening behind the sphere, cancelling backward radiation and early reflections from the surfaces behind the loudspeaker. Thus from 200Hz up, the speaker radiates sound mainly in the forward direction. The rear radiation is effectively damped by having a power ratio of 100 to 1. Special attention has also been taken that the radiation patterns are consistent at all frequencies. In a nutshell: the room influence to the sound remains very small giving the new Revolution a very similar sound characteristic in many different rooms.
FLAT ENERGY RESPONSE
The frequency response of the Revolution at the listening position is extremely flat; but this alone is not sufficient for Gradient. Every speaker radiates at least some sound in all directions. If the energy response of a loudspeaker has peaks and dips, the reverberant sound field will be uneven, coloring the music. Frequency response measured in all directions must be linear - as with the Revolution - in order to ensure linear energy response.
MANY POSSIBILITIES FOR ROOM POSITIONING
Gradient Revolution can be positioned in the room like a panel speaker. In this case one or two meters from the rear wall is beneficial. Unlike panel speakers, the bass section of the Revolution can be several ways allowing for unique control over unwanted standing waves. If a panel speaker is positioned near the rear wall the bass output will be attenuated strongly and the midrange will be colored by early reflections.
Gradient Revolution overcomes both of these problems. When positioned against the wall the bass section will be faced toward the adjacent wall. The bass can be attenuated by increasing the distance from the rear wall and fine tuned by rotating the speaker a few degrees. Due to the radiation pattern at middle and high frequencies, unwanted early reflections are not created. The music will remain smooth and open with correct timbre as with conventional panel speaker positioning.
SPEAKER CONNECTORS
You can choose speakers with either traditional binding posts or a high-quality Neutrik speakON connector.
We manufacture speaker cables with different lengths. Speaker cable lengths can be selected by the customer when making the order. Bi-amping is possible when 4-pole cable and speakON connector are selected. The speaker connector is located at the bottom of the speaker, from where the speaker cable can be routed freely in the desired direction or even directly to the floor structures if one want the cable to be out of sight.
MANY USEFUL FEATURES
The new Gradient Revolution is stylish whether the woofers are directed to the side or front. The easy-to-connect speaker connector is located on the bottom of the speaker, from where the speaker cable can be routed freely in the desired direction or even directly to the floor structures if one want the cable to be out of sight. The new Gradient Revolution is designed and manufactured in Finland. Needless to say that special attention has been paid to the quality and finish of all materials.
Product Details
