At $995 a pair, the AIRPULSE Model One powered wireless speakers claim to set a remarkable new standard of performance and value for audiophiles. It combines a new state-of-the-art speaker with a built-in 24/192K DAC/Preamp, Bi-Amplified Power with DSP error correction, plus Bluetooth AptX 4.0 reception from wireless sources, or any digital or analog source.
AIRPULSE is a new brand backed by some serious audio chops. It was created by Phil Jones, the original founder of Acoustic Energy UK and designer of their flagship classic, the AE-1 Compact Monitor that is still found in recording studios and audiophile systems worldwide today. The AIRPULSE Model One is an evolutionary modernization of the original, dramatically updated with all the latest thinking and all new parts.
The proprietary features of the AIRPULSE Model One are benchmarks in the field of driver and cabinet design. From the Hardwood Cherry veneer exterior, the cabinet walls are 1″ (25mm) thick with robust internal bracing and acoustic damping to eliminate cabinet-induced coloration from vibration or resonance. The rear control panel is black anodized aluminum, inset for a flush, elegant fit.
The heart of the Model One is the 5.5″ Phil Jones Signature Woofer: The dual-layered hard anodized aluminum cone is combined with a large edge-wound voice coil, a neodymium motor to provide a high magnetic flux that covers the entire voice coil resulting in low harmonic and inter‐modulation distortion. The voice-coil is thermally coupled to the aluminum woofer cone, which acts like a heat sink. This cleverly dissipates heat from building up in the voice-coil, eliminating thermal dynamic compression, enabling the speaker to be played at high levels for long periods of time with no distortion. This is the design feature that made the AE-1 so famous its become a “classic” among people who know speakers worldwide. Stereophile Magazine’s John Atkinson said of the AE1 “…it redefines the art of miniature speaker design” in his 1995 review.
The tweeter assembly use new 3-inch tall ribbon horn loaded design with phase correction to keep the high frequencies directional and coherent to the listener, not bouncing off the ceiling, walls, or floors. This produces the ideal dispersion pattern, focused over a broad listening area with enough “throw” to actually reach your ears coherently, the direct sound of the recording without interference. The result is realistic stereo imaging, similar to full range electrostatic speakers.
The Model One lets you listen to your favorite streaming apps wirelessly via Bluetooth AptX 4.0 from your iPhone, smartphone, tablet or any Bluetooth enabled source. It also accepts wired RCA or Balanced XLR Analog Inputs, along with coaxial or optical digital inputs through its internal 24/192K DAC / Preamp for 24/192K hi-res audio.
Price and Availability
The AIRPULSE Model One (Model-1) is available now for $995/pair exclusively from Essence For Hi Res Audio with a 60 day return privilege. Optional dedicated Model One speaker stands are available for $199/pair.
