What is Acoustic Suspension?
Acoustic Suspension is a speaker design technique that utilizes a sealed enclosure to control the movement of the speaker cone. This design is aimed at improving the accuracy and clarity of sound reproduction by minimizing distortion and enhancing bass response. Acoustic Suspension speakers are known for their tight, controlled bass and overall balanced sound.
How does Acoustic Suspension work?
In an Acoustic Suspension speaker, the speaker cone is mounted in a sealed enclosure, which creates a controlled environment for the movement of the cone. When the speaker cone moves, it compresses and decompresses the air inside the enclosure, creating a spring-like effect that helps to dampen unwanted vibrations and resonances. This results in tighter, more accurate bass response and reduced distortion.
What are the benefits of Acoustic Suspension?
One of the main benefits of Acoustic Suspension speakers is their ability to produce tight, controlled bass with minimal distortion. This design also allows for a more accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making them ideal for critical listening applications such as studio monitoring or home theater systems. Additionally, Acoustic Suspension speakers tend to be more compact and efficient compared to other speaker designs, making them a popular choice for smaller spaces.
What are the drawbacks of Acoustic Suspension?
While Acoustic Suspension speakers offer many benefits, they also have some drawbacks. One of the main drawbacks is their limited bass extension compared to other speaker designs such as ported or passive radiator speakers. This can result in a slightly less impactful low-end response, especially in larger rooms. Additionally, Acoustic Suspension speakers may require more power to drive compared to other designs, which can be a consideration for some users.
How does Acoustic Suspension compare to other speaker designs?
Acoustic Suspension speakers are often compared to ported and passive radiator designs, which use a vent or additional driver to enhance bass response. While ported and passive radiator speakers can offer deeper bass extension, they may sacrifice some accuracy and control in the process. Acoustic Suspension speakers, on the other hand, prioritize accuracy and tightness in bass reproduction, making them a preferred choice for audiophiles and professionals who value precision in sound reproduction.
What are some examples of speakers that use Acoustic Suspension?
Some well-known examples of speakers that use Acoustic Suspension include the legendary Acoustic Research AR-3a, which is considered a classic in the world of audio engineering. Other notable examples include the KEF LS50 and the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2, both of which are highly regarded for their accurate sound reproduction and tight bass response. These speakers showcase the benefits of Acoustic Suspension design and continue to be popular choices among audio enthusiasts and professionals alike.