“Pleasing to the ears as well as the eyes, the 6040R is a loudspeaker that will instantly become the aural and visual centrepiece of any listening environment,” Genelec states in the announcement.
Harri Koskinen’s long association with Genelec began 20 years ago with the introduction of the original 6040A model, the first Genelec loudspeaker to feature the distinctive minimalist curves of the Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) – a cabinet design by Koskinen that now forms the core of much of Genelec’s current loudspeaker range.
Fashioned from die-cast aluminium, the MDE meant that the original 6040A produced exceptionally clean acoustic performance, delivered wide frequency response from a compact enclosure, and was free from the resonances that affected more traditional wooden cabinet designs. The MDE also allowed the 6040A to feature Genelec’s now-familiar Directivity Control Waveguide, which produces smooth uncolored reproduction both on and off-axis, with improved imaging and minimal distortion.
The 20th anniversary of the 6040 launch has given Genelec the opportunity to re-imagine the technology within the 6040 as part of a new Signature Series - a collection of specially cherished loudspeaker models and design collaborations that have marked Genelec’s unique contribution to the world of audio over the last four decades. More importantly, the new series reaffirms Genelec as a contender in the home audio, and high end audio market segments. Since the founding of Genelec in 1978, professional active loudspeaker designs have been at the core of the company’s business. Over time, many of Genelec’s designs were chosen by hifi and home audio enthusiasts, leading to the creation of dedicated ranges targeted at the living room, home theater and installation.
Designed and manufactured by Genelec in Iisalmi, Finland, the re-engineered 6040R now features the same LF driver design and proprietary bi-amplified Class D power amplifier technology as Genelec’s professional loudspeaker models. As with all Genelec products in recent years, the new loudspeaker abides to robust environmental standards, which the company continues to refine, while also reaffirming its strong tradition for long-lasting product life.
Equipped with a 165 mm (6.5 inch) woofer and 19 mm (0.75 inch) tweeter, each driven independently by twin dedicated 150W power amplifier stages, the 6040R stands at 999 mm (39.33 inches) high and delivers a frequency response of 43Hz to 20kHz with a maximum short term SPL of 110dB. With the addition of one or two subwoofers, the SPL and frequency response of the system may be further extended.
Other refinements include both analog and digital inputs (supporting AES/EBU and SPDIF formats), a digital output, universal mains voltage and sophisticated onboard DSP to allow each 6040R loudspeaker to be intelligently tuned for any acoustic environment via the company’s latest GLM room calibration software.
After positioning the 6040R loudspeakers in the room, this close integration of onboard signal processing and GLM software allows the user to enjoy pure, natural playback – even in spaces that were not originally intended for critical listening. The 6040R accomplishes this through GLM 4.1’s new AutoCal 2 room calibration algorithm, which takes advantage of detailed background information of each individual loudspeaker in the system to precisely tailor the performance to the room.
Additionally, the re-imagined 6040R offers increased power output, higher SPL, wide phase linearity, lower power consumption and decades of reliable service. It also partners seamlessly with selected models from Genelec’s range of F Series and Smart Active Subwoofers, and can be used with Genelec wired and wireless volume controllers via either an F Series subwoofer or a GLM network adaptor.
With active crossovers and sophisticated protection circuitry, the 6040R offers simple installation to produce the kind of exceptionally accurate reproduction that has already made Genelec loudspeakers the choice for audio professionals. The visual appeal of the 6040R is enhanced further through available grey, black, white, black with white grilles and white with black grilles color options.
“I’m thrilled to be involved in the rebirth of the 6040,” comments designer Harri Koskinen. “When I first met Genelec founder Ilpo Martikainen in 1999, he had a clear vision for creating a unique look that would set Genelec apart aesthetically - and with the 6040A, we designed a loudspeaker that was truly ahead of its time both visually and technically. With the huge advances in technology that have taken place in the last 20 years, it feels right to be raising the bar even higher for today’s sophisticated listener with the 6040R.”
“In addition to the blend of performance and aesthetics that the new 6040R offers, this is a design that is based on our long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing,” adds Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian. “Fashioned from recycled aluminium and offering low power consumption, the 6040R is designed for a long lifecycle and total reliability, and is produced in our Finnish factory - which is powered entirely from renewable fuels. The 6040R is not only a secure and long term investment, but also an environmentally sound one.”
www.genelec.com
