What HIFI? Visit Wilson Benesch
August 5, 2024
Ketan Bharadia of What HIFI? recently visited the Falcon House, the Wilson Benesch factory, to see first hand how Wilson Benesch design, manufacture and in
When we were approached to enhance Jacob’s already impressive audio system, anchored by the AvantGarde Acoustic Trio G3 horns, we saw an exciting challenge. His subterranean listening room—an expansive, purpose-built space measuring 10m x 6m x 3.4m—offers an ideal environment that would be the envy of any audiophile. A room of such high calibre demands equipment capable of delivering reference-level sound reproduction, leaving no margin for compromise. One of the most significant acoustic challenges in this context was low-frequency sound reproduction. Jacob made it clear from the outset that his goal was to achieve a more even distribution of sound pressure throughout the space, creating an enhanced sense of dimensionality and elevating overall performance.
However, the AvantGarde bass units faced limitations below 100Hz with some notable cancellations around 40Hz and below – cancellations that are inherent in fixed, large-scale bass systems. The solution? Four Wilson Benesch IGx Infrasonic Generators.
Installation Setup
We placed two IGx units alongside the AvantGarde horns at the front of the room and two units at either side of Jacob’s listening position, 7m into the space. Careful measurements before and after the installation informed every step of the process, ensuring the system was optimised for the room’s acoustics.
• Front IGx Units: Positioned by the horns, these units were set with an 80Hz roll-off. Thanks to the IGx’s 4th-order crossover, the transition was smooth, blending seamlessly with the AvantGarde units.
• Listening Position IGx Units: Set to roll off at 35Hz, these units delivered deep, tactile bass while avoiding overlap with the front IGx units.
Each IGx was meticulously calibrated with unique gain settings, allowing for precise adjustment of room response. Additionally, the phase setting on the IGx units near the listening position was finely tuned to deliver a remarkably flat frequency response, extending flat to around 17-20Hz.
IGx: Subwoofer Redefined
The Wilson Benesch IGx Infrasonic Generator isn’t just another subwoofer—it’s a feat of engineering designed to integrate effortlessly into high-fidelity systems. Its unique motor design and 18” super-light weight carbon fibre-PET diaphragm ensures that it complements, integrates and deftly enhances the main loudspeaker system rather than overpowers. For Jacob’s system, this meant profound low-frequency reproduction without sacrificing the delicate nuances of the AvantGarde Trio G3 horns, renowned for their high efficiency and stunning resolution.
Jacob Heilbrunn
High End Audio Journalist, USA
“Quite profound. Even the timing of the overall system—interstitial silence—has substantially improved.”
A New Standard in Audio Excellence
The IGx Infrasonic Generators have not only addressed the room’s bass challenges but also elevated the overall performance of the system. Jacob now enjoys a more focused, tonally balanced soundstage with the same impressive clarity that the AvantGarde Trio G3 can deliver.
This installation demonstrates how the Wilson Benesch IGx Infrasonic Generator can transform even the most sophisticated setups, ensuring perfect synergy and sonic excellence. Paired with electrostatic, horn or dynamically driven loudspeaker designs, the IGx seamlessly integrates resulting in a system that combines cutting-edge technology with the artistry of music, delivering an unforgettable listening experience.
LATEST NEWS
What HIFI? Review the Discovery 3zero loudspeaker
July 12, 2024
What HIFI? have published the latest review of a Wilson Benesch product. Following the Bristol Show in late February of this year, Wilson Benesch installed
Has Vinyl Playback Technology Gone As Far As It Can Possibly Go?
June 14, 2024
The Munich HIGH END rolled through last month and the 2024 edition of the show felt like, and subsequently has been confirmed by visitor count
