SongTower QWT features
SongTower transmission line cabinets are a sleek 8" wide,
11.25" deep and 44.5" tall (not counting plinths and spikes).
The design begins with the Hiquphon OW2 tweeter. One of the
finest 3/4" dome tweeters being made today, the OW2's smaller cone allows it to
produce a more detailed and accurate top end than a typical 1" dome tweeter. Of
course, it will not cross as low as a 1" dome. That is where the CA15's come
into play. These high-performance 5" drivers have a very extended and flat top
end, making them a perfect match for the OW2's. Of course, 5" midwoofers to not
typically play all that low.
That is where the SongTower's "Quarter Wave Tube"
transmission line cabinet comes into play. Paul Kittinger did a marvelous job
utilizing Martin King's mathcad formulas to develop the perfect TL cabinet for
the SongTowers. This cabinet design allows the woofers to play lower than they
would in a typical ported cabinet. The result is deeper bass than one would
expect out of a speaker with 5" drivers.
The combination of the drivers selected, the transmission
line cabinet and Dennis Murphy' crossover design come together in a formidable
speaker indeed. The SongTower's frequency response is 42Hz to 20,000Hz +/- 3db.
And the response is very flat - even off-axis! Check out the SongTower's
specifications.
 the sound
So, how do they sound?
- - The top end is lush and detailed - just what you'd
expect from the exceptional Hiquphon QWII
- - The driver dispersion and the slim cabinet combine to
offer superb imaging
- - The soundstage is deep and wide with instruments and
vocals precisely located.
- - Midrange is detailed and accurate. Voices are rendered
with realism
- - The TL cabinet results in very impressive bass
extension considering the design uses 5" midwoofers.
In short, we feel the SongTower QWT's represent a new
performance standard in a speaker system priced under $2000. Hearing them, we
think you'll agree.
placement
One additional feature should be noted. Transmission line
speakers couple with room modes differently than traditional ported speakers.
As a result, they can be placed closer to the rear wall without producing
"boomy" bass. So speaker placement is far less critical than with almost any
other speaker design. While all speakers benefit from ample room to the rear of
the speaker, the SongTower QWT's will work well with as little as 12" of room
to the rear - a significant benefit in some situations! |
