Monitor Audio has launched its new ASB-10 compact Active Soundbar system. Equipped with a high-performance 2.0 audio design comprising proprietary driver and amp pairings, integrated Dolby Digital processing, and Bluetooth aptX wire-free streaming, the slender ASB-10 generates immersive audio dynamics from TV, games, discs, and smartphones.
With a compact 3.5-by-3.75-inch cross section and at just under 40 inches in length, the discreetly proportioned ASB-10 complements the look of flat screens from wall or table-top positions. Its slim molded polymer cabinet with black cloth grille and brushed aluminum end trims houses an array of four Monitor Audio 3-inch C-CAM bass drivers (assisted by a brace of passive bass radiators), and twin 1-inch gold dome C-CAM tweeters. The ASB-10’s proprietary drive-unit configuration is powered by as many as four integral DSP-trimmed amplifiers, individually calibrated by Monitor Audio engineers for optimum audio control and response.
A single optical or coaxial SP-DIF link to the TV allows the ASB-10 to decode digital audio from connected sources. Activated automatically when a signal is received, the ABS-10’s onboard Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro-Logic II decoding ensures wide compatibility with film and game content. Dolby’s Virtual Speaker processing, which is designed to replicate a three-dimensional surround sound experience, is enabled via a button located on the front panel, or remote handset.
In addition, the ASB-10 can stream uncompressed CD-quality audio from smartphones and tablets through its Bluetooth apt-X wireless technology, and accept legacy analog sources via a 3.5mm stereo input.
In most circumstances the ASB-10 will deliver ample levels of bass, but for low-frequency enthusiasts, Monitor Audio has developed the optional WS-10 active subwoofer, purpose-built to add big bass dynamics to the ASB-10 system and all space-efficient setups.
Complete with three-position EQ and a digital wireless link to the ASB-10, the WS-10 is a compact and versatile design, comprising an 8-inch C-CAM driver powered by a 120-watt amplifier, provisioned with individual volume and phase controls, and a standard array of wired LFE and 12V inputs for integration with an AVR in alternative system applications.
For system design versatility, the WS-10 can connect wire-free to other systems via Monitor Audio’s new WT-1 transmitter module. With its compact dimensions it can be positioned flat against a wall, in corners, under furniture etc.
Equipped with twin HiVe reflex ports, the WS-10’s low-profile cabinet of 18mm MDF is designed with flexibility in mind, wirelessly extending the ASB-10’s full-range delivery and contributing deeper bass to any soundbar or compact satellite system through wired or wireless connections from the widest range of discreet room locations: beneath furniture, along room boundaries, or in corners.
In addition to the soundbar and subwoofer, Monitor has also launched the WT-1/WR-1 wireless link. Measuring just 2 3/8 inches round by 1 5/8 inches deep, the WT-1 transmitter and WR-1 receiver establish an immediate and automatic lossless audio connection between analog outputs and inputs over a range of up to 50 feet.
The compact cylinders use the 2.4GHz digital band to send uncompressed full-range audio from source components to amplifiers through their stereo RCA or single LFE connections. Easy installation replaces long runs of wire to wirelessly connect AVRs with remote active subwoofers and surround speakers, or zone amplifiers feeding speakers in another room.
