A perfect loudspeaker can be described as one that transmits a phase coherent full spectrum sound to all points in a room with no distortion. The Superlative Audio SAS-1HF is able to be this speaker. It effectively has a single diaphragm that covers almost the whole audio spectrum and emits a cylindrical wavefront from a virtual line source. This achievement comes from the use of planar electrostatic sound drivers and an acoustic “lens” that focuses the sound wave so that it is perfectly distributed throughout the room.

In addition, the sound from the rear of the electrostatic driver is absorbed so there is no “rear wave” sound reflecting off the rear wall. The resulting lack of secondary reflections gives precise imaging and ease of speaker placement. This feature also enables the possibility of mounting the speakers almost anywhere, including in a wall.

The large cabinet of the SAS-1HF enables no-crossover operation from 60Hz to over 20kHz with a single transducer. When listening to a simple two mike recording of live music, the resulting realism from this crossover free, low distortion, phase accurate, full range speaker is startling.

The two drawbacks with this approach are the limited amount of bass deliverable by the transducer and the fact that most recordings are not done with a simple pair of microphones. Normally the bass is recorded with additional microphones. In this case the mixed microphone’s signal introduces a Doppler frequency modulation on the higher frequency sound. With a single driver speaker this effect can be quite noticeable. As a result it is recommended that the SAS-1HF is used for the higher frequencies with the SAS-1LF bass speaker dedicated to the lows.

As a result of the extended range of each of these speakers the crossover frequency can be varied from 60Hz-400Hz depending on the musical content. The traditional fixed crossover frequencies designed into many speakers can be eliminated. Simple recordings can be reproduced exactly using a low crossover frequency and studio recordings sound clearer with a higher crossover frequency.

Integrated into the SAS-1HF is a perfectly matched 200 watt “floating-bridge” amplifier. This amplifier is substantially similar to the Superlative Audio SAA-250. The resulting combination has all the clarity, dynamics and musicality provided by this unique power amplifier.