NEAR has revealed pricing info for its new line of all-environment audio products, designed for the installed residential systems market.
The LB4, LB5, LB6 & LB8 in 8 Ohm versions retail at $279, $499, $579. and $679 respectively. The 70 Volt versions have retail prices of $319, $539, $619 and $719.
“The reaction to our all new line was over the top in Denver,” said NEAR founder and division general manager, William (Bill) Kieltyka. “Since then the response by dealers and distributors has been extremely positive. After months of design work and product evaluation, we’re now preparing to launch the line so that systems contractors can begin specifying and installing them.”
All four models of the LB (lever bracket mount) all environment speakers employ the latest versions of NEAR metal cone spider-less woofers and 1-inch aluminum inverted dome tweeters. The coaxial driver arrangement of the LB6 & LB8 and the close proximity spacing of the woofer / tweeter of the LB4 & 5 models allow for consistent dispersion, whether mounted horizontally or vertically. Special attention has been paid to timbre matching across the range.
The LB5, 6 & 8 models employ a NEAR patent pending lever bracket for tool free final installation that reduces ladder time, increasing installer safety and ease of installation. The LB 4 is supplied with a quick and easy ball and socket mount. All LB models are available in white or black and a choice of 8 ohm or multi-tap 70 Volt.
The industrial design of NEAR’s three IG (in ground) all environment models make them ideal for either partial burial or on surface installations, with a direct radiating design.
“Our metal cone spider-less design drivers can operate under water,” said Bill Kieltyka. “But to improve audio linearity we created our new UDIO domed woofer design to shed any water that would otherwise collect in a cone. Our water shedding grill design prevents the entry of moisture, under all but the most extreme conditions. Should any water get through the grill, I designed the drivers and frame of coaxial driver assembly to quickly dispel any water that may find its way inside the grille.”
The IG5, IG6 & IG8 in/on ground speakers can be used in either 8 Ohm or 70 Volt installations and are retail priced (per each) at $619, $779 and $859 respectively.
The IGS12 band-pass partial burial enclosure subwoofer mimics the “beehive” shape of the IG full range speakers and is designed to add low-end extension and definition to systems consisting of NEAR LB, IG or any combination of them. The IGS12 can also contribute greater low-end realism to systems consisting of outdoor speakers from other brands. Openings are protected from intrusion by dirt, mulch or critters by a special combination stainless grille and hydrophobic fabric, recessed in the slots. Like the IG models, special attention has been paid to providing for efficient draining of any water that may find its’ way into the enclosure. Like the IG series the IGS12 subwoofer is designed to operate in either 8 Ohm or multi-tap 70 Volt installations. The IGS12 has a retail price of $1,599.
The last model in the all new NEAR line is the 6XL amplifier. With a retail price of $1,599.00 the NEAR 6XL is capable of delivering 600 watts per channel into either 70 Volt or 8 Ohm loads. Both channels are provided with selectable hi and low pass networks to provide flexible crossover functions for the integration of sub-woofers. Low pass networks also incorporate a low frequency contour to extend bass performance below 40 Hz. A summing circuit allows stereo program material to be combined into both channels. Protection circuitry includes AC back-slope regulation along with DC overload, thermal and short circuit protection. A sleep mode conserves power when no signal is present. Channel inputs are provided with RCA and XLR connectors and variable gain controls.
NEAR will begin shipping all eight models in Q1, 2014.
