Spring 2012 Sale!
The upgraded Arx A1b has improved bass and resolution. Like the original A1, the powerful new A1b features both a planar magnetic tweeter and a high performance SplitGap woofer and is perfect for high-output compact systems!
The new upgraded Arx A1b will arrive approximately mid-June. Reserve the A1b by sending us an Email, or preorder by purchasing it as you normally would. Orders shipped in the order received.
Arx A1b monitor loudspeaker
The Arx A1b is an upgraded A1, the popular economy-performance stand monitor. The A1b will reset the standard for a truly affordable compact stand monitor / bookshelf speaker with the truly advanced technology. The A1b also creates the tremendous, three-dimensional soundfield you never thought possible for such a modest cost.
What's special about Arx?
The A1b's flat-panel "planar magnetic" tweeter replaces conventional domes and cones with a nearly weightless thermoplastic "leaf" driven by an intense magnetic field that completely saturates its surface. The result is a lightening-quick response, high linearity, and surprisingly neutral and extended high frequencies. High frequencies from the Arx A1b take on an "immaterial" quality and simply do not sound like those from an economy loudspeaker.
The Arx A1b loudspeaker also guarantees powerful, low distortion bass performance - nearly 10 Hz lower than the original A1. Arx "SplitGap" bass technology drives the speaker to both higher output and lower distortion. Arx licenses the dual-gap, low-distortion XBL2bass technology, which includes a pair of force-generating magnet gaps where conventional drivers use only one.
SplitGap provides more linear cone excursion for effortless and powerful bass from the compact Arx A1b package. SplitGap also dramatically lowers speaker distortion for a difference you can hear. This powerful 5.25" high-power, long-throw midbass driver generates the bigger sound of a speaker with nearly double its cone area. The Arx A1b's tuned bass alignment and even larger net internal volume than the A1 generates response to impressive new depths for a bookshelf/monitor speaker.
Combined with the exceptional Arx planar magnetic tweeter, this new bass technology raises the entire speaker's performance. We engineered the Arx A1b to give you enormous dynamic reserve so turn em up and enjoy even when they're pulled out into the room on speaker stands - this is one compact economy monitor that won't get harsh, in your face, or weak in the knees. An extra long-throw woofer and the special Arx planar tweeter combine for great clarity and spell-binding dynamic contrasts. Even at only a little over a foot tall, the Arx A1b goes even bigger then the original A1 for a fraction of the cost of usual "high end" systems.
The A1b includes a 3" planar magnetic tweeter and a special 5.25" woofer housed in a smart looking, computer-milled enlosure. The A1b is assembled and finished to high professional standards by real loudspeaker pros, and finished in stealthy simulated black ash. A removable black knit grille, rear-facing aerodynamic tuned port, and heavy, single input terminal pair complete the speaker. The A1b is individually serial numbered, and is sold, packed, and ship in pairs.
Download the Arx User Guide
Intended use
The Arx A1b is designed with adequate diffraction step compensation and dynamic reserves to allow its use as a main loudspeaker. This compensation equalizes the speaker's frequency response so that as omnidirectional low frequencies begin to wrap around the cabinet, the more directional upper frequencies remain tonally balanced. At higher levels the A1b holds its own and remains composed where other inexpensive speakers become congested, shrill, and amusical.
Dual-use options
The Arx A1b also includes a convertible bass refex system with an aerodynamically-flared rear port that provides bass reinforcement at very low frequencies. This port is designed for high flow - it compliments the A1b's very long throw woofer's much higher output.
The port comes loaded with a charcoalester foam plug that converts the enclosure tuning from bass reflex to acoustic suspension, allowing the A1b to be used as a bookshelf or effects speaker closer to boundaries. If the converted A1b is used in an active highpass setup, acoustic suspension may aid AVR or processor crossover integration to the system's .1 channel active subwoofer. The convertible A1b bass system gives the speaker added flexibility for numerous setup options.
The Arx planar-magnetic tweeter.
The A1b's long-throw woofer has a treated cellulose cone for natural, detailed sound.
The Arx A1b excels at music and its high-power crossover network sums the drivers seamlessly. Like all Arx models, the A1b has been engineered for a consistent soundfield with excellent acoustical power distribution. Inside we've used heavy gauge, low-loss inductors, premium film capacitors, and non-inductive resistors, all CAD-designed and then tuned by ear over dozens of hours of critical listening.
For a complete Arx system, select the A3 tower speaker for main duty and the A2 for excellent center-channel performance - the Arx A1b speaker shares drivers and acoustics with the rest of the line, allowing you to mix and match easily.
The Audio Insider is proud to present this extraordinary line of products at very special prices. Try a pair of Arx A1b's anywhere you need excellent resolution, lowest distortion, and the most satisfying sound in its class.
Arx technology
Arx speakers are based on two important, groundbreaking technologies and we've got both in one economical performance loudspeaker. The first is the "planar-magnetic" high frequency technology. The second is the radical new Arx "SplitGap" bass technology.
Tweeter
All Arx speakers use a special planar magnetic flat-panel tweeter with superb high frequency characteristics. This special device is quite unique to speaker systems of the modest Arx cost. In fact, this device is typically found in speakers costing many times more than Arx.
The planar magnetic tweeter consists of a feather-light membrane driven uniformly by a magnetic field created by intensely powerful Neodymium bar magnets. Foil conductors bonded to a thermoplastic membrane carry delicate high-frequency signals nearly perfectly. Lacking the complex mechanical interplay of the many parts that comprise conventional tweeters, the planar magnetic tweeter's sound has both great detail and excellent dynamic power, imparting music and soundtracks with the natural, neutral high frequency detail needed for excellent definition, and the robust output required for today's dynamic recordings.
The planar magnetic tweeter also possesses high thermal capacity and electrical power handling, together with controlled dispersion, making it sure to keep its cool during peak demands and to do so predictably within the listening environment.
Compared to usual domes and cones, you can see just how different Arx planar magnetic tweeters are.
The entire sound-producing assembly has been replaced with a simple emissive diaphragm of flat, micro-light high temperature polymer film. This diaphragm has a flat response to beyond 30kHz, a half octave beyond most dome tweeters. In an Arx tweeter, there's less to resonate, less to distort, and less to fail.
The Arx tweeter's voice coil is an evenly distributed pattern of ultra-light foil. No other parts are needed so there's nothing more to weigh down the moving surface.
The flat, ultra-low mass Arx tweeter diaphragm is energized by rows of powerful Neodymium magnets, ounce for ounce about five times more powerful than those in regular tweeters.
Arx's special tweeters have more radiating area, given them a reduction in intermodulation distortion you can hear and measure - your music and soundtracks simply sound clearer, more effortless, and more transparent.
Unlike the lesser domes found in common speakers at Arx's low cost, the planar magnetic or "ribbon" tweeter has lower distortion at every volume level.
Midrange / Midbass
All Arx models mate special tweeter technology with either one or two high-power "SplitGap" midwoofers with licensed XBL2 dual-gap technology. These drivers feature radically higher excursion and very low distortion, and are precision-tuned to each Arx enclosure for best bass output from compact enclosures.
What is XBL2 SplitGap? This rare licensed technology adds a second voice coil gap and significant distortion-reduction - think of it as a turbocharged regular woofer. SplitGap's second drive gap is carefully positioned so that where a conventional woofer's gives up, an Arx cone shifts into acoustic overdrive and virtually doubles its output. For an audible bonus, SplitGap slashes distortion at the same time.
SplitGap woofers have shorter voice coils for lower moving mass and lower inductance, giving Arx speakers excellent midrange articulation.
Copper in the SplitGap motor reduces distortion-causing flux modulation, greatly extends speaker response, and improves thermal capacity for higher power handling.
SplitGap motors have more uniform cone drive, lowering distortion at any point of motion.
Compared to regular woofers, SplitGap has 30% less motor distortion. Arx XBL2 motor technology also nearly literally doubles the speaker's "volume displacement" - the total amount of air the woofer driver can displace - for unexpectedly deep and dynamic bass.
The Arx high performance midwoofer, while having the broader midrange dispersion and higher extension of a 5.25" cone, can move as much or more air as a good 6.5" woofer. The Arx SplitGap woofer also greatly reduces distortion, runs cooler, and can take more power.
Crossover networks
All Arx models include precision crossover assemblies optimized for linear power and predictable dispersion. Components are best quality, featuring epoxy circuit boards, low-loss inductors and premium select film capacitors for critical signal areas. For nearly constant acoustical power, the A1 monitor and A3 tower use modified, low-Q 4th order transfer functions, while the A2 uses a modified 3rd order function for excellent off-axis dispersion.
Cabinets
Extreme Arx performance requires a heavy, braced enclosure, which all models have. All models rely on precision, computererized mill-cut 18mm thick reinforced cabinets from one of the best cabinet houses in the industry. While not fancy, these enclosures are perfectly tuned and heavy enough for great sonics at any level.
Lastly, extreme Arx value calls for conservative finishes, which is why every Arx speaker is finished in simulated Black Ash PVC. Arx finishes clean easily, blend in, and with reasonable care, last a long time.
Based on my initial listening impressions (less than 8 hours), I can safely say that the Arx A2 is a vast improvement over the Original Acculine A2 (non-r version). The Arx A2 addresses my major criticisms of the Acculines, such as weak bass, and the unforgiving nature of the Neo3 tweeter on bright tracks such as mainstream pop music. If you were impressed by the original Acculines, you’ll be thrilled to hear the improvement of the Arx line. The Planar tweeter and SplitGap woofers work exceptionally well together…I think that Jon Lane and the folks at TAI have a definite winner on their hands. A big kudos to you at releasing this speaker at this price point. The Arx are a definite win for the value-oriented audio enthusiasts.
Based on my initial listening impressions (less than 8 hours), I can safely say that the Arx A2 is a vast improvement over the Original Acculine A2 (non-r version). The Arx A2 addresses my major criticisms of the Acculines, such as weak bass, and the unforgiving nature of the Neo3 tweeter on bright tracks such as mainstream pop music. If you were impressed by the original Acculines, you’ll be thrilled to hear the improvement of the Arx line.
The Planar tweeter and SplitGap woofers work exceptionally well together…I think that Jon Lane and the folks at TAI have a definite winner on their hands. A big kudos to you at releasing this speaker at this price point. The Arx are a definite win for the value-oriented audio enthusiasts.
-”Miwo”, writing at the AVS forum.
I’ve been listening to the Arx A3 for the past 24 hours using a Rotel receiver and my Neuhaus Laboratories T-2 amplifier, using vinyl records, CDs and iTunes music as my sources. A full review will have to wait until they are completely broken in but for now I would like to report that the Arx speakers are noticeably better than the Acculines and the difference was apparent pretty much from the moment I hooked them up…The sound was detailed, rich and sweet in a way that just makes you want to stand up and cheer. Stereo imaging is excellent and the speakers have a big sound that really creates presence and impact…Even at 24 hours in, they are definitely keepers and I am looking forward to complete break-in and a full review.
-Don Lindich at The Sound Advice Blog. Don continues at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Arx is noticeably better than Acculine in every way and rate in an entirely different league. I did not think it was possible, especially since the price stayed the same. Arx’s clarity, detail and precise sound definition are stunning and unequaled for the money. What I was not expecting is Arx’s warmth, richness and great sense of naturalness. Often when speakers go to extremes with clarity they sound harsh or bright and Arx has commendably avoided this. The Arx A3 speakers also have a big, full sound that creates real presence in the listening room.
Arx is noticeably better than Acculine in every way and rate in an entirely different league. I did not think it was possible, especially since the price stayed the same.
Arx’s clarity, detail and precise sound definition are stunning and unequaled for the money.
What I was not expecting is Arx’s warmth, richness and great sense of naturalness. Often when speakers go to extremes with clarity they sound harsh or bright and Arx has commendably avoided this.
The Arx A3 speakers also have a big, full sound that creates real presence in the listening room.
Writing in listener comments at our own forum, “daggerNC” notes:
And here is one my most important criteria when I judge speakers (and other components in the chain) – imaging and sound staging. I’ve got to be able to sonically “see” the musicians on the stage (real or studio): Steve dead center with his guitar, drums behind him, the sax to the left and back about 8′, cow bell on the left side of the drum set, backup vocalists either left and/or right of Steve, etc. And…….I can “see” the sound stage pretty well with these little bookshelves! Nice, but what really exceeded my expectations is something that is very special that only truely “good” speakers can do: portray all the different instruments and singers as unique sonic entities so that you can “see” the individual musicians with your ears. If you are present at a live performance (acoustic in a smaller venue is best) you hear all the musicians playing together, but you also can distinctly see and hear the bassist and the drummer and the lead guitar and the rhythm guitar and the keyboardest, etc. It’s not just hearing the instruments and vocals all mashed together, but hearing all the individual elements playing together to make one. It’s a very cool effect, and adds to the realism of the playback. Kudos to the Arx A1’s for doing a really decent job at this – not at the level my electrostatics could do, but d@mn, for these little inexpensive speakers??? So, bottom line…the A1’s are here to stay. My initial impressions conclude with this: somebody’s stupid here. Either Jon is for offering such a great little speaker at such a low cost, or we (speaker buying public) are for not scooping these up at this price point!
And here is one my most important criteria when I judge speakers (and other components in the chain) – imaging and sound staging. I’ve got to be able to sonically “see” the musicians on the stage (real or studio): Steve dead center with his guitar, drums behind him, the sax to the left and back about 8′, cow bell on the left side of the drum set, backup vocalists either left and/or right of Steve, etc. And…….I can “see” the sound stage pretty well with these little bookshelves! Nice, but what really exceeded my expectations is something that is very special that only truely “good” speakers can do: portray all the different instruments and singers as unique sonic entities so that you can “see” the individual musicians with your ears. If you are present at a live performance (acoustic in a smaller venue is best) you hear all the musicians playing together, but you also can distinctly see and hear the bassist and the drummer and the lead guitar and the rhythm guitar and the keyboardest, etc. It’s not just hearing the instruments and vocals all mashed together, but hearing all the individual elements playing together to make one. It’s a very cool effect, and adds to the realism of the playback. Kudos to the Arx A1’s for doing a really decent job at this – not at the level my electrostatics could do, but d@mn, for these little inexpensive speakers???
So, bottom line…the A1’s are here to stay. My initial impressions conclude with this: somebody’s stupid here. Either Jon is for offering such a great little speaker at such a low cost, or we (speaker buying public) are for not scooping these up at this price point!
Another AVS poster, “Tawaun da Bomb” has just started to get to know his Arx A3 and has this to say:
I just received my Arx 3’s and it will be a very tough speaker to beat for $499 a pair, very nice deep tight bass, very detailed mids and excellent topend extension…
Other comments related to The Audio Insider by phone and email are consistently enthusiastic: Arx make music. They have the ability to look inside a recording and lay out in space the “flesh and blood” of the recording. Arx are transparent, detailed, dimensional, and musically-satisfying.
Thanks to all for validating our design goals and we look forward to posting more comments and reviews soon.
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