Essential Install September 2017 | Page 29

Essential Install | Speakers crossover to generate a wider frequency range and deliver crystal clear sound quality with smoother overall balance and character. An integrated back box design reduces sound emitted from the rear of the speaker, minimising leakage into other rooms. Going outdoors The Monitor Audio IV140 invisible speaker Lektropacks is Polk’s UK distributor Monitor Audio’s custom install products are engineered for high performance, reliability and ease-of- use. They’ve been developed using the advanced driver technologies of the company’s Hi-Fi speaker ranges, including in-ceiling or in-wall, to deliver sound quality without compromising room design. The demand for all of Monitor Audio’s products continues to grow, with the outdoor speaker market a particularly strong area. The Climate range has been designed to operate in demanding environments and is popular for use outside the home and in outdoor bar and restaurant areas. The Climate speakers can also be used inside the home in a wet environment such as a swimming pool. The Climate Garden System has been created for concealment in any garden landscape and transfers Hi-Fi audio quality from home to garden, providing music lovers with the lifestyle experience of big, wide, detailed sound in the great outdoors. Its super-discreet all-weather satellite / subwoofer design has been beautifully and expertly engineered by Monitor Audio for ground level installation amongst shrubs and trees to deliver a luxury blend of unobtrusive aesthetics and natural full-range audio. The AWC series is another of Monitor Audio’s outdoor ranges and has been created to deal with the toughest of situations and is perfect for installation in marine environments. For indoor locations, the Monitor Audio IV140 invisible speaker is designed to deliver ‘best in class’ audio performance in concealed in-wall and in-ceiling applications. The speaker fits into all conventional 4in stud bays, and once installed and skimmed with plaster, is completely out of sight. A large low-frequency transducer and two high frequency transducers provide punchy, high power bass and sound vibration. This two-way transducer design also features an integrated Carl Eagle, head of audio at Exertis speaks to EI about the rise in outdoor solutions. “We’re seeing great growth, especially the Bluetooth segment among consumers. With audio streaming becoming more popular and accessible these days this is a trend set to continue. One of our brands, Audica, has R&D programmes that continually raise the bar on audio quality, connectivity efficiency and affordability. It’s not only portability though, people now want more permanent outside fixtures and fitted speakers which are weatherproof and securely fitted.” Speaking more generally, Carl believes music and audio is back on a growth curve thanks to the rise in popularity of streaming services. He says: “The flexibility and portability of today’s audio has driven demand for the speaker sector. No longer is listening the preserve of privacy and headphones, music and the spoken word can be taken on the move, around the house and enjoyed with others. The growth in wireless (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) audio has been a boon to many, and the range of speakers available has grown to the point where there ar e now standalone, multi-room, internal and external models to suit all budgets, needs and ears.” Hidden sound Does he see a rise in hidden solutions? Or is there still scope for beautifully designed speakers on display? “It’s question of need and personal taste really,” says Carl. “The Flexson range shows audio output is not compromised by being unseen. However, others will, just like with traditional audiophile Hi-Fi, want to make more of a feature of their speakers. We’re seeing a definite increase in lifestyle speakers and they’re spending more on these good looking speakers, so they become a presentation feature in the home, whether more of a stand-out rock band look such as Marshall’s amp styled speakers, or a subtle, complementary and styled look the Urbanears range provides.” Lektropacks has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor of the Polk Audio range of CI products from the US. Polk Audio’s in-ceiling and in-wall speakers are precision engineered to disappear into their surroundings. With minimally-flanged designs, exclusive Sheer-Grilles and multiple options for effortless installation, discrete flush mount models fit anywhere with virtually invisible sound. The company’s outdoor speakers undergo a rigorous weatherproofing certification program that far exceeds typical military specification weather tests, resulting in an entire line of weather resistant audio products made to fill large outdoor spaces The perfecT maTch for your loudspeakers 271 digital Theatre controller [email protected] +44 (0) 1480 445678 meridian-audio.com September 2017 | 27