Medium Size Rooms
We define medium size rooms as more than 40 square meters, but less than 90 square meters (ideally more than 60 sqm) and fairly rectangular in shape. Irregularities will make placement a bit more complex but needs more analysis at design and more attention in the speaker placement. The speaker placement is on a wall with minimum 5 meters width. The listening position should be at about 2x the distance between the speakers. The distance away from the walls depends on the solution proposed.
There are many combinations one can follow. In this case we propose solutions where the analogue is the reference source. In our test systems, as digital sources, we mostly use multiple mainstream blu ray DVD players (e.g. Pioneer Elite series) and media servers with excellent results, driving either the preamplifier directly or through a DAC.
All components outlined below are high grade, hand built, top quality components built in Denmark, Germany, Japan, Spain and Switzerland and are matched to form undisputable reference audio systems.
The Components
Analogue Source: Bergmann Audio Sindre
The main source is Bergmann Audio Sindre, air suspended turntable and air driven parallel tone arm. The proposed cartridge is Lyra* Titan or Transfiguration* Orpheus. It offers natural reproduction with utmost detail and musicality.
Phono: FM Acoustics, Resolution Series FM 122 Phono Linearizer
FM Acoustics, Resolution Series FM 122 Phono Linearizer, with interchangeable resistance modules and RIAA specifications or fully adjustable ultra high-accuracy RIAA de-emphasis to match the production characteristics for each record label. This function is very critical for any one that has a respectable record collection, especially with recordings prior to formalization of the RIAA standards.
For those with a significant record collection (5,000 records or more), we recommend the investment in the FM Acoustics, Resolution Series FM 222 Phono Linearizer. The original FM 222 revolutionized the reproduction of vinyl records to a standard never imagined - and this in the days when a huge worldwide marketing campaign hailed CD as "perfect music forever"...
With the singular features and circuits of the FM 222 it is possible to realize the wealth of detail and information lay hidden in record grooves. It is phenomenal what realism and incredible music reproduction can be extracted from the vinyl. The FM 222 is T H E revelation. Musicians, producers, engineers, libraries and collectors in many parts of the world have realized that with the FM 222 a total re-vitalization of record reproduction was finally possible. A short demonstration convinced even the most skeptical engineers and listeners. The rest is history: the FM 222 - manufactured continuously since 1992 - has become a tremendous success.
Preamplifier: FM Acoustics, Resolution Series, FM 255 MK II
FM Acoustics, Resolution Series, FM 255MK II. Provides an ideal combination of symmetrical and unsymmetrical signal handling with an unbeatable price/performance ratio the FM 255 has rapidly become the most successful FM Acoustics preamplifier/line stage. Designed and crafted the FM ACOUSTICS way it never required a single modification or correction since its inauguration 11 years ago! Recently, some parts have become available that in combination with results from extensive research allow the first amelioration.
The FM 255MK II provides two true balanced inputs and three unbalanced inputs, proprietary enhanced Class A circuitry and identical balanced input paths. It is distinguished by its tremendous headroom and reserves in input signal handling capability, unparalleled freedom from noise and interference as well as the ability of the outputs to drive any load and long cables with perfect reproduction and stability.
The Resolution Series ® 255 MK-II is THE ultimate precision line stage for use with true-balanced, pseudo-balanced and unbalanced sources
Amplifier: FM Acoustics, FM411 MK II
FM Acoustics, FM411 MK II. Engineered so meticulously that it never required a single modification or correction for over 12 years in production. It is FM ACOUSTICS most successful power amplifier with excellent price/performance ratio. Availability of new generation of parts allowed the proposed FM 411 MK II that we expect will go uncontested for many years to come. The amplifier provides tremendous headroom and reserves , superb rejection of noise, hum or interference thanks to perfectly balanced inputs, no signal compression, limiting nor any other negative influence on the audio signal is possible.
The FM411 outputs drive any speaker load perfectly, from very low impedance to high capacitance transducers and provide tremendous output current capability as peak output current is not limited.
Finally, each unit is handcrafted and calibrated in Switzerland to absolute performance standards.
Alternatively, for larger rooms and higher budget, we propose the FM711 MK II. The original FM 711 was exclusively made for Japanese music aficionados. In 2008, the exclusivity commitment has been completed and because the FM 711 is such an outstanding amplifier it was decided by FM ACOUSTICS to continue crafting this marvel and make it available to the rest of the world. Incorporated are all characteristics that made FM ACOUSTICS amplifiers world renown, such as proprietary selection procedures for high-precision component matching, use of semiconductors that have to pass 5 different selection procedures, unmatched discrete, individually fine tuned Resolution Series analog circuitry, etc. The output stages have 50% higher capability than the famous FM 611X (which it replaces) and provide unmatched linearity at highest power and at ultra-high current delivery requirements
Loudspeaker: German Physiks The Carbon or PQS 202
There are two proposals for loudspeakers and it is dependent on the speaker placement to the rear wall. The Borderland/The Carbon family require more freedom from the surrounding walls, while the PQS 202 can play fairly close to the rear wall.
German Physiks, The Carbon MK IV
The Carbon was originally introduced in 1997 and like the Borderland, is another long running German Physiks success story. The Carbon Mk IV uses a carbon fibre cone DDD driver with an updated crossover, a new carbon fibre reinforced cabinet and achieves a level of resolution and dynamics unrivalled in a system of this size. This together with its hallmark musicality and three dimensional stereo imaging should ensure that the Carbon Mk IV will continue to set the standard in its class. The Carbon Mk IV uses a single 12 inch woofer of the same type used in our prestige Loreley model. This is coupled with a Helmholtz resonator and produces clean and well controlled bass down to 28Hz from a relatively compact cabinet. As with all German-Physiks loudspeakers the key feature of The Carbon is the use of the unique DDD driver. The DDD driver’s very low moving mass enables it to operate linearly over an extremely wide frequency range. The Carbon Mk IV’s DDD driver covers the range from 190Hz all the way up to 24,000Hz. In a conventional design, this range would be covered by two or even three different types of drivers and most importantly there would be a cross over point in the mid range, the area where our hearing is most sensitive. The DDD driver’s wide operating range allows this vital region to be kept free from the level and phase anomalies that multiple drivers and a more complex crossover would create. This enables the Carbon Mk IV, like all German Physiks loudspeakers, to produce very accurate and realistic stereo images.
Another key advantage of the DDD driver is that it is omni directional, so these excellent stereo images can be enjoyed from a wide range of listening positions, unlike conventional designs which have much smaller “sweet spots” due to the tendency of their drivers to beam the sound.
The DDD driver’s omni directionality also makes the Carbon Mk IV less sensitive to room position than conventional designs. In addition, toe-in adjustment becomes unnecessary and this combined with the loudspeaker’s small foot print, make it relatively easy to set up in the listening room.
The DDD driver’s very low moving mass provides the extra benefit of exceptional impulse and phase response characteristics that allows it to reproduce both the attack of the music and low level detail very accurately. This is essential in order to faithfully reproduce the delicate nuances and timbral characteristics of a performance and make it sound like music, rather than just good hi-fi. The driver’s excellent impulse response also ensures that the stereo image remains focused and stable, even when the loudspeaker is reproducing complex passages at high levels.
German Physiks, The PQS MK II
The PQS 202 Mk II is a 3 way design , with the DDD driver, a midrange/woofer and the addition of a sub-woofer. It is designed for use in high end 2 channel systems and also as the front loudspeakers in high quality home theatre systems. The PQS 202 Mk II sub-woofer uses the same high quality 12 inch driver as our prestige Loreley model to produce deep, clean and fast bass down to 35Hz while is easy to position even against the wall. This minimizes its intrusion into the room and makes it ideal for smaller listening rooms as well as home theatres. As with all German-Physiks loudspeakers the key feature of the PQS 202 is the use of the unique DDD driver. Its very low moving mass enables it to operate linearly over an extremely wide frequency range. The titanium DDD driver used on the standard PQS 202 Mk II covers the entire range from 300Hz to 21,500Hz. In a conventional design, this range would be covered by two or even three different types of driver and most importantly there would be a cross over point in the mid range, the area where our hearing is most sensitive. The DDD driver’s wide operating range allows this vital region to be kept free from the level and phase anomalies that multiple drivers and a necessarily more complex cross over would create. This enables the PQS 202 Mk II, like all German Physiks loudspeakers, to produce very accurate and realistic stereo images.
Modern movie soundtracks are very detailed. In many cases not only will there be a large orchestra that on its own covers a very wide frequency and dynamic range, but there will be complex sound effects sections with a large number of elements, as well as multiple voice tracks. The DDD driver’s low moving mass gives it exceptional speed and low distortion enabling it to clearly resolve all the elements in even the most complex soundtrack and thereby greatly enhance the total viewing experience.
<*> Lyra and Transfiguration are our preferred cartridges. However, we have no affiliation with either manufacturer and the models used in our systems have been purchased in the open market.