Wisdom Audio is ready to launch two new Sage Series models at the 2009 CEDIA Expo, held in Atlanta from Sept. 10-13 at the Georgia World Congress Center, booth SR-8. The L100i and C150i have been designed as Sage Series line source solutions sized specifically for use behind perforated screens. MSRP is $11,000.00 (L100i), $16,500.00 (C150i), and expected availability for both is October 2009.
"Due to customer demand for Sage Series line source solutions for use behind perforated screens of numerous sizes, we are adding two new models to the line," explained Mark Glazier, Wisdom Audio president. "High-end home theater video projection systems with 2.35:1 aspect ratios are becoming increasingly popular and, as a result, the market has seen an increase in demand for commensurately high-performance hidden speaker systems that can be fully integrated behind these new screens. That's where the new L100i and C150i come in."
Today, several high-end projection screen companies have developed innovative material patterns that allow the use of speakers behind the viewing surface so as to not compromise video or audio performance. These new screen materials provide rich visual detail while also keeping the front speakers hidden from the audiences' view. Marrying the concept of superior audio and video solutions, the screen materials' design allows for unsurpassed audio quality from the hidden speakers while maintaining high-end video performance. Now, Wisdom Audio is leading the industry with high-performance speaker solutions specific to these high-end projection screens' designs.
The new L100i and C150i Sage Series models feature the same line source planar magnetic technology found in the Sage Series L75i and L150i, but measuring a more compact 50 inches in height. They are able to be completely
hidden behind a wide array of perforated screens, including the popular 2.35:1 aspect ratio screens of suitable width. The L100i incorporates a 50-inch tall planar magnetic line source for mid and high frequencies, accompanied by one woofer array containing eight of Wisdom's high operating pressure woofers. The C150i incorporates a 50-inch tall planar magnetic line source for mid and high frequencies, accompanied by two woofer arrays, each containing eight of Wisdom's high operating pressure woofers for a total of sixteen woofers.
"Considering the center channel handles the majority of soundtracks' vocals and explosions, we wanted to offer a no-compromise option to those customers who want the best performance possible from their center channel," added Glazier. "Of course, for those that wish to do so, it is entirely possible to use the C150i for the left and right channels behind the screen, as well."
As is the case with every Sage model, each speaker is designed to be used with the SC-1 electronic crossover and is biamplified. These new models' woofer sections are designed to have each eight-woofer array driven by a 500-watt channel of an SA-1 amplifier for maximum impact. Further, because the SC-1 also incorporates Audyssey MultEQ® XT technology, any impact the perforated screen may have on the system's audio playback will be compensated for, delivering sound to the entire listening area comparable to or exceeding the performance of the best freestanding speakers.
"The new L100i and C150i models will be available only as in-wall versions," Glazier continued. "Dealers typically have to find room behind a perforated screen for on-wall or freestanding speakers that match their best clients' performance expectations. These new Sage Series models finally provide Wisdom Audio dealers an in-wall option for these clients that meet or exceed their performance criteria. It is even possible to use a retractable perforated screen that, when not in place, leaves only beautifully designed in-wall speakers, painted to match the color of the wall. Because the SC-1 System Controller also includes multiple setup/listening memories, these two different 'screen down, screen up' listening profiles can be accessed conveniently on the front panel or on a control system via RS-232."
Wisdom Audio has recently brought to market more than 20 Sage Series models, encompassing in-wall, on-wall, and freestanding versions of most configurations ranging from 20 inches to 76 inches tall. Sage Series speakers incorporate new generation proprietary thin film planar magnetic drivers which allow for its narrow and shallow physical characteristics, thus permitting the unprecedented possibility of the same driver complement and back box to be used for such varied applications, ranging from in-wall to freestanding.
