Exploring its own concept of Extended Transmission Line or XTL, Michael Levy perfected a geometry that it claims, allows it to "tune" cabinets and the bass response like musical instruments. And that approach, which was already an essential part of the Alyssa compact home speaker, certainly fits a floorstanding design such as the new Adam.
With a price tag of $17,000 in piano black, $18,000 in rosewood or beech wood finishes, the Adam is a speaker that needs to conquer any listener that is willing to consider the investment. Alta Audio says the new model "achieves imaging that is natural and sonically accurate in size, placement, and timbre, with the feel of a live performance, thanks in part to upgraded components that create a naturally wide soundstage and accurate reproduction of the original recording."
"To my mind, speakers are music reproduction imaging instruments, meaning they should go so far as presenting an accurate representation of the recording without coloration or sonic anomalies," says Michael Levy. "The Adam is the latest example of how we’re able to achieve that goal with a model that is notable for impeccable sound and stunning good looks."
While the "good looks" are a subjective description of the design, available in Black and Rosewood finishes, the Adam features the best of Alta Audio’s proprietary audio technologies, using a 5.75" neodymium magnet ribbon tweeter that is responsible for the natural and detailed high-frequency response. Likewise, the 6" wideband midrange is said to provide "exceptionally low distortion and ultra-fast transient response, while its aluminum pole increases dispersion."
Rounding out the driver complement is an 8.75" woofer whose tuning parameters are coupled to the unique cabinet design for its infrasonic (floor-moving) bass and for refined cohesion between the Adam’s XTL (Extended Line Transmission) and its pure aluminum ribbon tweeter. The three-way design is tuned to generate a natural – and neutral – listening experience.
The distinctive cabinet curvature of the Adam, is said to contribute to its ability to reproduce the detail, dimensionality, and feel of "a live performance." Alta Audio specifies the speaker's frequency response from 20Hz to 47kHz, sensitivity rated at 91.5 dB / 2.83 Volts @ 1Meter, and an impedance of 4 ohms. Recommended power handling is 50 – 300 watts per channel.
"Alta Audio will always be focused on offering a select group of individually crafted speakers for music lovers who treasure their listening time," adds Levy. "The Adam is indicative of our dedication to bringing out the most detail and overall musicality of any recording, in any genre."
To see if these speakers make you forget the price tag, give them a listen during AXPONA. Alta Audio will be in rooms 558, 570, 1429, and Schaumberg D.
www.altaspeakers.com
