Invisible speaker technology never sounded so good
Innovative British Loudspeaker producer Amina Technologies, has launched into full production the second member of its revolutionary new Evolution series of Invisible Loudspeakers, the AIW550E. This follows on from the success of the AIW350E launched in late 2011.
The AIW550E is an upgrade to Amina’s flagship product the AIW5X and utilizes innovative Opti-Drive™ and Opti-Damping™ technologies developed by Amina over the past three years. These innovative technologies have enabled Amina to extend the bass response of the vibrational sound board loudspeaker and to lift the overall mid and high frequency balance to improve the clarity and presence of these devices, bringing them directly in to the territory of expensive tweeter based conventional speakers. Building upon Amina’s 12 year long history of creating discrete and invisible loudspeaker solutions for image conscious clients wanting audio to complement, not ruin, their interior design, the Evolution Range is the most significant upgrade to the well established AIW family since the first plaster over speakers were launched into the market in the early “naughties”. Amina’s products are based upon the concept of reproducing sound from a vibrating surface, just like that of a natural musical instrument. The company uses terms such as ‘electronic tuning fork’ and ‘soundboard’ (made from high tech composite materials) to describe its revolutionary, flat paneled products which are designed to be installed into walls or ceilings ahead of the final skim of plaster being applied. This invisible solution is perfect for historic and modern minimalist designs whether for stunningly beautiful residential homes or high end commercial facilities. The product is designed to replace a cut away section of plasterboard, and, once cables are in place, is extremely quick and simple to install either in a new build or in a retrofit renovation. The high power (50W continuous, 100W peak) Evolution AIW550E product joins the mid range AIW350E (30W/60W) in full production. The AIW150E, suitable for reduced sound pressure applications such as bedrooms and bathrooms, will be available in June. The company expects to complete the range with a brand new high power flagship bi-wire model, the AIW750E, aimed at dedicated home cinema applications, by the end of the summer. Based on the experience of customers’ reactions to the AIW350E Amina are anticipating fast transition from the established AIW5X to the Evolution AIW550E for both commercial and residential applications. For 100V line installations the AIW550E is available with integrated 10, 20 and 40W high quality torridal transformers. The first Evolution products are already being supplied into two high end multi-appointment developments. In both cases “dinner plate” ceiling speakers were selected for surround sound in the main living areas but such unsightly devices proved unpopular with prospective buyers. Once key project decision makers had heard the AIW350E, they had no hesitation in specifying these to provide the high clarity, room filling sound for their clients, with zero visual intrusion upon the modern minimalist interior design. Brand new demonstration facilities, completed this month and accessible by appointment, are available at Amina’s headquarters allowing installers to hear for themselves the whole Evolution family. Chris Jackamann from Redline Distribution, a partner of Amina in the UK supply chain, was delighted at the improved performance saying “it is a league above anything I have heard before from invisible sound solutions and most people would be unable to distinguish from conventional loudspeakers”.
