Pass Laboratories just introduced the SR-2 Loudspeaker, a high-performance three-way listening system using the highest quality drivers available. The speaker system will make its debut at the January 2010 Consumer Electronics Show and will be in dealers soon thereafter.

The new SR-2 is Pass Labs' third loudspeaker, following the Rushmore, its exceptionally dynamic introductory model, and the SR-1, an equally uncompromising four-way system. The SR-2 is a more compact 3-way version of the SR-1, optimized to make the best use of smaller, more acoustically demanding environments that may not support large floorstanding speakers.

Critical listeners suggest that the SR-2 blends its three drivers into one coherent voice, even at listening positions usually thought to be very near field and too close to the speaker to be optimal. Its highly refined sound stage, deep awareness of micro-detail, and effortless dynamics deliver superb, accurate musical reproduction.

Like the SR-1, the SR-2 uses highly efficient Nextel series drivers from Seas of Norway, with each speaker system containing one 7-inch midrange driver, one 10-1/4-inch long excursion woofer, and a 1.1-inch HEXADYM™ magnet tweeter.

All the drivers feature very long excursion diaphragms, low mass, underhung voice coils and substantial copper faraday rings in the motor assembly, characteristics that assure very low, non-linear distortion, high dynamics, excellent transient response, and predictable performance. In addition, each speaker element and crossover is hand wired, inspected and tested in Pass Labs' Foresthill, California factory, guaranteeing it receives the company's meticulous personal attention to quality control.

Like its predecessors, the SR-2 leverages the ability of dedicated, active electronics to enhance and complement the performance of its passive components, making it compatible with a wide range of power amplifiers. It offers considerable flexibility in selecting complementary amplifiers and crossovers, from totally passive to active quad-amplification.

The SR-2 is available in a lustrous Cherry finish and optional finishes of Madrone burl and Ash. Madrone is from the sturdy madrone tree, native to the Pacific Northwest and a natural inhabitant of rocky arid areas. It yields a highly figured wood in a very light color, Natural black ash, on the other hand, typically runs to dark reddish brown with distinctive black streaks.

The SR-2 Loudspeaker will be available in January from authorized Pass Labs dealers at a suggested price of $18,000 in Cherry, and $21,000 in Madrone or Ash.