Audio Excellence Makes its North American Debut at 2017 CEDIA Screen Excellence, manufacturer of Acoustically transparent film screen, has chosen CEDIA 2017 to debut its Audio Excellence series in the US. By RS Staff Published: August 14, 2017 ⋅ Updated: April 15, 2019 Screen Excellence, manufacturer of Acoustically transparent film screen, has chosen CEDIA 2017 to debut its Audio Excellence series in the US. Shipping abroad since last year, and now available for sale in North America, the series consists of several limited-range loudspeakers; subwoofers; rack-mountable, multi-channel amplifiers; and DSP crossovers that can accommodate 5.1 and 3D audio setups. The systems are designed to create the kind of continuous, high sound pressure levels and exacting bass experienced in commercial cinemas. All the components are supported by a 5-year warranty. The Vertex series consists of three limited-range, high-SPL loudspeakers that operate from 100 Hz to 22 kHz and are coupled with a subwoofer via an active outboard DSP crossover. The speakers are designed to be used both in- or on-wall behind the acoustically transparent (AT) screen and as surrounds. Vertex 3 is a 500-Watt capable, high-sensitivity 3-way LCR that can be bi-amplified. Vertex 2 is a compact 2-way speaker ideal as LCR or surround. Vertex 1 is the smallest, ideal for surround. Patrice Congard, CEO of Screen Excellence and Jaro Pollanen, COO of Screen ExcellenceThe Vertex enclosures are handcrafted in England. For added structural rigidity, the front and rear of the enclosures are made from steel. To thwart edge diffraction, the fronts are finished with absorbent foam. A further benefit to the small enclosures is the limited throw excursion of the driver cones; this serves to reduce distortion and optimize damping. To blend with the décor, optional custom-printed artwork grilles are available. The Raijuu series consists of two compact subwoofers (Raijuu 1 and 2) that operate from 20 Hz to 100 Hz. Raijuu 2 is a vented sub, ideally used for reproducing the LFE channel. Boasting an 18-inch driver and power handling capacity of 1400 Watts, the sub provides significant impact and SP. Employing a 12-inch driver, Raijuu 1 is a small compact sub with 4-inch depth, shallow enough to fit in drywall. Raijuu is versatile, it can be used in multiples in modular approach to create a huge subwoofer effect. For added rigidity, the front and rear of both models are steel. The Quattro 06 is a 4-channel amp capable of delivering high current and high voltage on 4 channels simultaneously. The amp delivers 4×600 Watts per channel in 8ohms, 4×1200 Watts in 4ohms, and 2×2400 Watts in 8ohms in bridge mode. Quattro 04 has the same design as the 06, yet a slightly lower power rating (400 Watts per channel) ideal for less demanding applications like small systems surround or ceiling channels. The Octo 05 is an 8-channel power amplifier operating in Class D. The amp delivers 8×500 Watts per channel in 8-ohms or 900 Watts in 4ohms. Its fast switches afford a low >109db signal/noise ratio, resulting in a natural, analog-like sound quality. The DSP Quattro 06 combines a digital active crossover with a 4-channel high-power amplifier. Extremely flexible, any of its 4 input signals can be routed to any output (or added on any single output) making this ideally suited for powering the L,C,R channel speakers with an added channel bass extension. The DP 48 MKII digital active crossover incorporates four inputs that can be routed to any of its eight outputs. These signals can also be added on any single output. The unit features important DSP crossover functionality, such as parametric and shelving equalization, and delays. The Audio Excellence systems employ CEO Patrice Congard’s specific approach to loudspeaker design, layout logic, and signal routing, all influenced from his experience in the professional audio world. Leveraged by the so-called “Congard Code”—a simple home theater sound system design approach that maximizes the initial wavefront from the LCRs—the systems achieve what Congard claims, “is the most realistic and powerful bass response in a multichannel home theater sound system today.” Congard went on to explain that Audio Excellence does not advocate frequency equalization to correct room inadequacies. The company believes this colors the sound and is based around one position (seat) in the audience. Instead, Audio Excellence’s system approach concentrates on ensuring the initial wavefront reaches every audience member in the purest form possible, maintaining that room modes are solved using other means, such as acoustic treatments. Audio Excellence can be experienced live in home theater demos taking place throughout CEDIA 2017 with booth partners Seymour-Screen Excellence, Wolf Projectors, and Acurus. Patrice Congard will be on-hand at the Audio Excellence booth (Booth 4947) to talk in-depth about Audio Excellence and the “Congard Code.”