The Drivers of Excellence

      In a three way loudspeaker such as the v2.8 three separate speakers, or "drivers" together reproduce the full spectrum of music. Each, however, carries with it some special responsibilities.

      A tweeter produces high frequencies (genrally above 2,500 Hertz). A midrange driver produces a range of frequencies between bass and treble. A tweeter and mid-range must share the same qualities, because the transition from one to the other traverses a highly audible frequency region. In fact, in an ideal world, tweeter and mid-range sounds would eminate from a single source.

      Consider, then, an ideal world. The Energy Veritas v2.8 has indeed united these two drivers into the Convergent Source mid/high frequency module (CSM), which performs as if it were a single point source. Both dome-shape drivers are made from a proprietary aluminum alloy with enormous strength (against mechanical distortion) and extraordinary lightness (for transient response). Both are mounted on a cotton suspension which in effect cushions post-signal resonance. A Spherex (inert resin) faceplate further mitigates unwanted resonance. The mid-range driver is housed in its own chamber which naturally regulates bottom-end reproduction for a seamless transition to the bass drivers.

      All told, the CSM's lightweight dome drivers, with superior damping, provide a transient response equal to or better than electrostatic and magnetic planar loudspeakers. That, as audio experts will tell you, translates into the elusive quality of "transparency".

      A bass driver -- or woofer -- has the difficult yet subtle task of producing bass sounds, from the thundering of a bass timpani to the punchy thump of a rock beat. In both cases, a physically rugged assembly is demanded. But the woofer cone must also be light and responsive, so as to react instantly and forcefully to bass signals, yet not rumble on after a note.

      In the Veritas v2.8 Energy has opted for not one large woofer, but two medium-size units which act in parallel. The cones are made of a proprietary aluminum/polypropylene composite with a class leading stiffness-to-mass ratio. Their effective "piston area" surpasses that of a 12 inch woofer cone. Smaller and more agile, they perform with a greater accuracy and tolerate high input levels without breakup (heavy distortion).

      In truth, the v2.8's woofers must be exceptionally strong. Housed in a multi-chambered cabinet designed to maximize their efficiency, they produce powerful bass down to the limit of audibility. You would expect such proficiency only from a separate subwoofer. And, unlike larger, less agile, single-woofer arrangements, the dual-driver v2.8 distributes bass tones more evenly throughout a listening area.

The Shape of Perfection

      Only recently, with advanced computer modelling, have loudspeaker designers begun to uncover the myriad effects of cabinet size, shape, and construction on sound.

      Energy tested the Veritas v2.8 components in a variety of cabinet shapes before determining the ideal shape. Call it a "rectangular truncated pyramid". The shape minimizes diffraction effects -- which cause artificial peaks and dips at particular frequencies -- in two ways: by having fewer abrupt angular discontinuities on its front and sides, and by presenting unequal path lengths between any discontinuities and the drivers.

      Cabinet construction, for which Energy has few peers, addresses unwanted structural resonance. The v2.8's cabinet is carefully built and configured internally to suppress vibration. Using structural cross-members, fiberglass damping material, and mechanical isolators for the woofer flanges, the cabinet successfully repels all mechanical and acoustical enemies.

The Orchestration

      Blessed with superior drivers in a cabinet of meticulous design, the Veritas v2.8 would remain no more than this -- were it not for the "conductor". In a loudspeaker, this role is performed by the crossover.

      In a three way loudspeaker such as the v2.8 there are three crossovers, each comprised of passive electronic components. They send the music signal to the appropriate driver, and control the slope, or rate, at which each driver "rolls off" at its lower and upper limits.

      Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Veritas crossover is that is maintains all three drivers in perfect phase. This means that as one driver rolls off and its neighbour rolls "on" the two signal components add up perfectly. The result is a smooth frequency response and a completely stable stereo image.

      In designing a crossover, it is also important not to forget the amplifier. Many high-performance loudspeakers present what is described as a difficult "load" to an amplifier. In other words, the rated impedance of the loudspeaker actually swings wildly between higher and lower values depending on the frequency mix of the music signals. This prevents an amplifier from delivering its maximum power, and can, in some cases, damage both the loudspeaker and the amplifier. It is, however, considered part of the price of admission to owning high performance loudspeakers.

      But not any more. The Veritas v2.8's crossover has been engineered to present a load which varies just 1ohm above or below its rated impedence. This guarantees optimal amplifier performance as well as compatibility with a wider range of amplifiers and speaker cables.

Specifications

      If you are in a position to compare numbers, you may find yourself doing a double take. In all measurable aspects the Veritas v2.8 is one of the finest loudspeakers ever created, at any price. But the numbers cannot tell the complete story. We encourage you to discover the musical truth by auditioning the Veritas v2.8 at the authorized Energy dealer nearest you. For the inquiring loudspeaker aficionado, a more detailed technical discussion of the Veritas v2.8 is available by writing Energy.