Acoustic Energy Radiance 1 Loudspeaker (TAS 196)

Re-Imagining A Classic

Unlike other small monitors that I’ve set up in my room, the Radiance 1s needed to be positioned farther into the center and away from room boundaries to deliver the best timbral balance. If they get too near a wall or especially a corner they will begin to have too much upper bass. This excessive bass bloom can also be a problem if you try to use them as nearfield monitors on a desktop too close to a rear wall. Let them breathe and the Radiances will work fine; crowd them and you’ll be end up with a noticeable bass hump.

Final Racetrack Ruminations

Using a pitchfork to shovel snow is a bad idea. Employing a speaker in a different manner than envisioned by its designer is an equally inappropriate pastime. The Acoustic Energy Radiance 1 speaker was designed for small rooms and for use without a subwoofer. If you have such a space you will discover the Radiance is capable of producing beautiful music in it. If you try to employ the Radiance in a larger room or on a desktop with or without a subwoofer you may find it less to your liking.

“Horses for courses” is an old equestrian British saying. The Acoustic Energy Radiance 1 is a heck of a fine filly; just choose the track she runs on carefully.

SPECS&PRICING

Acoustic Energy Radiance 1 Stand-Mount Monitor

Type: Two-way, reflex-loaded mini-monitor
Driver complement: One 130mm pressed alloy mid/bass, one 38mm neodymium
ring-radiator tweeter with DXT
Frequency response: 50Hz to 45kHz +/-3dB
Crossover: 1.8kHz
Power Handling: 150W peak program
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 88dB at 1W/1m
Dimensions: 12.6" x 7.3" x 9.8"
Weight: 8Kg per speaker
Price: $1200

Acoustic Energy
675 VFW Parkway, #102
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
www.acoustic-energy.co.uk