Aeral Acoustics

With the new ultra high perfor-mance Model 20T, Aerial advances its techno-logy beyond the highly acclaimed Model 10T to significantly increase performance in seve-ral areas. In some cases this has been achieved through refinement of the techno-logy used in the Model 10T.

In other areas, such as the new wide bandwidth ribbon tweeter, completely new technology has been employed. In addition to new technology and superior quality components, beautiful new exterior design and finishes are used to enhance the appearance of the Model 20T.

Separate application-specific bass and head cabinets allow for independent optimization of function, providing performance difficult to achieve in one-box systems. Constructed of thick MDF panels laminated with energy-absorbing damping and reinforced with rigid bracing, the optimally-shaped Model 20T head achieves an unusually high degree of acoustic inertness while still maintaining a very small baffle.

The head is now full depth, allowing the midrange and treble networks to be located in a separate air-cooled chamber in the back of the head, isolated from driver pressure and vibration. The head mounts to the bass cabinet with an isolation system that prevents energy transmission between cabinets. The head is veneered with continuous grain matching with the bass cabinet to give an elegant, integrated appearance. Unlike the head, the large bass enclosure has substantial internal volume and significant baffle area. Although very expensive to apply on a large scale, the same massive construction used in the head is also employed in the bass cabinet. The bass enclosure is now vented underneath the cabinet providing constant loading and easy room placement. Response is extended and flat into the 20's. The bass system is well damped with greatly improved bass transient performance and articulation, particularly in the critical mid-bass. To enhance this performance, a slim laser-cut steel base with adjustable out-board spikes and floor protectors is included.

Several years of development went into the design of the custom drivers. The midrange driver and the two 9" woofers use damped fiber bilaminate cones driven by long copper/aluminum voice coils wound on new titanium bobbins. The powerful dual 9" long stroke woofers move more air with better control than a 12" woofer. The midrange driver uses twin copper control rings as well as a demodulation ring for low distortion. The high force-to-mass ratios produced by large magnet structures ensure quick acceleration and tight control. Cone travel in both drivers is very long and linear for unrestrained dynamics and low distortion. Power handling, dynamics, and sensitivity are extremely high. The most unique driver is the extraordinary new ribbon tweeter. It was chosen because of its remarkably clear and open sound. It has a delicacy and listen-through transparency unlike any conventional tweeter. Unlike some older designs, the power handling of this ribbon is extremely high. The sound of this new ribbon tweeter is exceptional, and must be heard to be appreciated.