Full Immersion and Dynamics out of the Wall: Self-powered loudspeaker for home theaters

Meckenheim, Germany – 10th November 2020 – Model S1 is a high output and self-powered 2-way custom installation system for front/L-C-R and surround channels of small to medium-sized home theaters and professional multichannel monitoring in post rooms or broadcast facilities. The sculpted dispersion pattern and flush in-wall installation ensures consistent coverage throughout the room, providing an immersive listening experience at all listening positions.

“With Model S1, we have taken our first step into the home theater and installation market and set a new standard in this compact size in terms of controlled directivity, low distortion and high dynamic range,” commented Roland Schäfer, owner of GGNTKT.

“By uncompromisingly optimizing the coverage pattern, we have solved a major problem of every home theater – propagation losses at different distances and non-consistent coverage. In addition, we can deliver almost distortion-free short-term SPL of 120 dB, which was previously reserved for PA and sound reinforcement loudspeakers, without compromising accurate reproduction and detailed microdynamics.”

Key technologies of Model S1 are efficient methods that provide a sculpted dispersion pattern. In the high frequency range, a 6.9-inch (175 mm) long air-motion-transformer (AMT) driver operates as a vertical line source in a compression chamber, connected to a computer-optimized and CNC-milled waveguide. Its 8.5-inch² (55 cm²) – that’s seven times the dispersion area of conventional dome tweeters – delivers the lowest possible distortion and thus several hours of film and music enjoyment without the typical strain and fatigue. In the low frequency range, two 6-inch (155 mm) long-excursion midwoofer are mounted in a closed cabinet. Due to their tight vertical arrangement, directivity is extended towards lower frequencies while preventing acoustical interference. With peak level capabilities of up to 120 dB, both drivers setups provide uncompressed reproduction and thus meet the extended headroom requirements of multi-channel sound formats, such as Dolby Atmos, even at listening distances of over 16 feet (5 m). This was only possible with cutting edge self-powered and digital technology, since a very low and steep transition using linear-phase FIR filters was necessary for the required performance.

As a result, Model S1 provides a constant directivity pattern in the horizontal plane, as well as a very broad coverage pattern with 180°. This means that it is no longer necessary to point the loudspeakers towards the listener, since all frequencies are radiated with the same sound pressure in a semicircle around the loudspeaker. In the vertical plane, directivity is controlled and evenly rising to a high degree (75° to 10°) to reduce floor and ceiling reflections. This also results in a homogeneous coverage and thus high immersion at all listening positions.

For easy system integration all electronics of two speakers are assembled in a rackable 19-inch wide and 1U flat aluminum housing. Four efficient ClassD amplifier channels made by PASCAL with a total of 560 watts and a SHARC DSP board with look-ahead limiters drive a pair of loudspeakers and can be managed via USB. Audio signals can be feed analog balanced to suppress any interference or digital (AES).

The front baffle is CNC-milled from Valchromat (30% more stiffer than usual MDF) and finished with natural oils and waxes. A rigid metal cabinet made of steel and additional alubutyl-sandwich damping allows the only 3.8-inch (96 mm) shallow construction depth and stabilizes the in-wall installation. This mechanically solid system provides the foundation for highest sound pressures up to 120 dB without any rattling or vibration.

Model S1 is ideally suited for flush-mount custom installations in drywall, so-called baffle walls, as well as empty cavity in the wall. An aesthetic mounting frame for on-wall usage is also available as an optional accessory. Due to the easy and safe installation, the speakers can be integrated almost invisibly into high-quality home theaters, thus enabling architectural highlights without any break in style.

The self-powered loudspeaker system will be available in the first quarter of 2021. Preorders can be placed from early December on at favorable rates.

Further information: www.ggntkt.de

About GGNTKT

GGNTKT stands for “Gegentakt” (push-pull) and was founded in 2018 to develop selfpowered loudspeakers for immersive sound experiences. The strong orientation towards evidence-based methods and design, the latest scientific findings and the use of cuttingedge technologies characterizes every loudspeaker. Mixing studios, sophisticated home theaters and audiophile home users are among the Audio Start-Up’s clientele. GGNTKT customers also receive the wide range of design options offered by a manufactory for individual aesthetics and benefit from a long product life thanks to regular updates.