Stenheim Launches Reference Loudspeaker

Friday the 16th of May in the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski saw the world unveiling of Stenheim’s new loudspeaker, the REFERENCE, to an enthusiastic reception.

Visitors were impressed with the REFERENCE’S dynamic qualities, its magnificent three-dimensional soundstage and the impeccable fidelity to the recorded material. Hooked up to the best quality hi-fi components, the REFERENCE was given a chance to dazzle. Amplification was handled by an Audio Consulting pre-amp, with Nagra’s monobloc VPA amplifiers providing the power for the medium-tweeter section, whilst the same company’s MPA power amps looked after the eight 13 inch bass drivers. The REFERENCE requires a minimum of two amplifiers per speaker (but up to 12 mono-block amps). Analogue source was used via a Holborne turntable for the vinyl and high definition 24 bit 192 kHz or DSD2 files through Nagra’s latest DAC for the digital.

Listeners were also highly appreciative of the REFERENCE’S ability to orient its medium-tweeter section, through a remotely controlled servo-motor in order to provide optimal listening conditions for the room. Weighing in at a solid 240kg each with 6 separate chambers this is a non-negligible aspect of the REFERENCE’S armoury.

A Chance toHhear the First Stenheim Acoustic Session

These fine speakers were also able to do justice to the first in the series of Stenheim’s latest creation, the Stenheim Acoustic Sessions which gives artists the chance to record original tracks in unusual places and in exceptional acoustic conditions.

Fanny Leeb, noticed in The Voice’s 2013 French season, recorded her first EP as the initial offering in this programme and the original sound engineer for the session, Jean-Claude Gaberel, was present at the Kempinski, also presenting some of his other high-definition classical recordings. A further Stenheim Acoustic Session is scheduled for the end of June, details of which will be announced later. The REFERENCE speakers perfectly captured the purity of the Fanny Leeb recording in all its simplicity and emotional resonance.

International Interest

Such was the impression made on visitors to the show by Stenheim’s REFERENCE speakers, that distribution agreements have been drawn up covering America and Asia. The Asian market appears to offer great possibilities for a product which seems tailor-made for it and the REFERENCE will also be enthusing visitors to Hong Kong’s High End Audio-Visual Show from the 8th to the 10th of August 2014.

For More Information

Please see STENHEIM’s new website www.stenheim.com for details about the REFERENCE loudspeakers, including complete documentation and photos.

Source: Press Release