Wharfedale Crystal 4.3 – Possibly the best entry-level real home theatre speaker package on the market.
Wharfedale Crystal 4.3: R 11 890 | Wharfedale WH-S10E: R 5 490
When adding the last two pieces of a 100 piece puzzle, the picture gets subjectively better by more than 2%. The same is true when adding a subwoofer to a Hi-FI system. We’re only adding 20 Hz to 50 Hz of 20 000 different frequencies, but the overall result is substantially more impactful than anticipated.
The addition of an SVS SB1000 subwoofer to this client’s dedicated stereo system way exceeded their expectations. Music is an important part of this couple’s life with the bulk of their listening focused on all sub-genres of jazz and classical music. From organ music to big band jazz the SVS sub adds weight and depth elevating their listening experience to new levels.
Subwoofers have a reputation for being only for playing a “boomy” repetitive beat or noisy explosions in a home theatre. A quality, accurate subwoofer like the SVS SB1000 blows that myth out the water. Worth an audition.
This spectacularly immersive 9.4.5 home theatre system by Audio Excellence features products from GoldenEar Technology, Emotiva Audio, Marantz, SVS, IsoTek Systems, and Supra Cables. Five powered subs, four overhead speakers, four side and two back speakers in a large room translates to a super realistic 360 degree sound field, solid impactful bass, scale, and a very happy client.
Client: “I would like two quality, powerful subwoofers for my newly renovated apartment, but have limited space”
Audio Excellence: “Not a problem, Sir. GoldenEar Technology have built them into their speakers”
Intelligent engineers and well-executed products often provide a very elegant solution to a tricky installation. Point in case. Very few speakers would be able to deliver the scale of sound which the GoldenEar Triton Ones do in this confined space. A quality installation with great performance.
High-quality stereo music playback and home theatre are two very different experiences. Where budget and space allow, we recommend having both a dedicated cinema and a pure stereo listening music room. In this case, the client insisted on having both in the same space.
Mission accomplished.
At the centre of this very special system is a pair of Magico S7s, a speaker which can deliver true high-end music and with three 10inch woofers can deal with the dynamics of a movie soundtrack. These are driven by 400W Constellation monoblock amplifiers. Two JL Audio subwoofers are in place, one for the LFE of a movie soundtrack and the other to supplement the two front speakers. Four overhead speakers, four surround speakers, laser projection and acoustic treatment round things off. An absolute system which is a true treat to experience.
This theatre proves that even a small space can accommodate an immersive cinema experience. A 2.6m wide projection screen with 11 speakers (3 front, 4 rear, 4 overhead, 1 subwoofer) would seem overwhelming, but with accurate calibration, the system performs with a sense of being in a much bigger space. There really are no excuses for not having great sound in one’s home.
Recent Audio Excellence home theatre installation of B&W CM series speakers, Yamaha AV processor, 5 x 200W Rotel power amplifier, JL audio subwoofer, Isotek power conditioner, and Supra cables.
Client is thrilled with the results and couldn’t stop grinning during his favourite movie! (Clapton also rocked!)
Next stop: Bigger picture to make it a true home theatre. Watch this space
