Grimani Systems has introduced a high-end, yet compact, 5.4-channel active speaker system, the CinemaFive Ensemble. It’s designed for home theaters between 150 to 300 square feet, and includes five shallow mount speakers and four subwoofers, of which all can be in-wall or on-wall mounted.
CinemaFive Ensemble is an active system which includes matching DSP amplification for each speaker and subwoofer with 2,160 watts of total output. The models include:
- 5 x Rixos-S Active Speakers (Left, Center, Right, Side Left, and Side Right)
- 4 x Epsilon Powered 10-inch Subwoofers
RIXOS S Speakers
The Rixos S (S stands for small) is a 2-way active (powered) Bi-Amplified speaker. The speaker can be mounted flush in a wall or on the surface. Additional features include:
- Integrated Digital Signal Processing / Room EQ
- Calibration, Diagnostics, and 24/7 monitoring Over IP
- 4” and 6” deep versions
Rixos S Speaker Specifications
- Woofer: 6.5-inches
- Tweeter: 1” dome inside a CSA™ waveguide
- Max SPL (1m Long-Short): 104-112dB
- Frequency Response: 80Hz to 20kHz
- Sensitivity (2.8V/1m Anechoic): 91. db:
- Amplification: 160W rack amplifier (included)
- Audio Processing: DSP crossover and room EQ
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 18 x 13 x 4-inches
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Mounting Options
- On-wall: Concealed by screen or stretched fabric.
- On-wall Visible: Fabric shroud with painted end-caps & mounting cleats.
- In-wall Visible: Perimeter trim ring & fabric-covered grille frame.
Epsilon Subwoofer
The Epsilon Subwoofer is a 10” powered subwoofer with Active DSP. Just as the Rixos S speakers, it can be mounted flush in a wall or on a wall surface. Plus, it includes room EQ, calibration, diagnostics, and 24/7 monitoring over IP.
Epsilon Subwoofer Specifications
- Bass Driver: 10-inches
- Sensitivity/Efficiency (2.83V): 89dB
- Frequnecy Response: 30Hz to 200Hz
- Amplification: External 300-watt rack-mounted amplifier (included)
- Audio Processing: DSP and room EQ
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 17 x 11.5 x 7.4-inches
- Mounting Options
- On-wall: Concealed by screen or stretched fabric.
- On-wall Visible: Fabric shroud with painted end-caps & mounting cleats.
- In-wall Visible: Perimeter trim ring & fabric-covered grille frame.
CinemaFive Ensemble Diagram
Why Four Subwoofers?
A distinguishing feature of the CinemaFive Ensemble is the inclusion of four subwoofers. There are several reasons that this is a good move on the part of Grimani.
- One subwoofer doesn’t always provide enough coverage, especially in a larger room. Problems such as localization and dead zones can be more effectively minimized when multiple subwoofers are used.
- More than one subwoofer supports a better immersive sound and smoother bass in multiple listening positions.
- Depending on the room, each subwoofer in the group doesn’t have to work as hard as one large subwoofer would have to. This results in less distortion and greater dynamic headroom.
- Multiple smaller subwoofers each take up less space than one large subwoofer.
Grimani System Cinema Packages
In addition to the CinemaFive, Grimani Systems offers up several step-up home theater systems for larger rooms. Here is a brief comparison summary.
| CinemaFive | CinemaFour | CinemaThree | CinemaTwo | CinemaOne | |
| Channels | 5.4 | 7.2.2 | 9.4.4 | 11.4.4 | 11.4.6 |
| Number of Speakers | 9 | 11 | 17 | 19 | 21 |
| Total System Power (watts) | 2,160 | 3,000 | 5,700 | 9,600 | 14,000 |
| Optimal Room Size (sq ft) | 150 ~ 300 | 150 ~ 350 | 250 ~ 450 | 300 ~ 700 | 450 ~ 1300 |
Initial Impressions
Grimani Systems may not be a well-known brand, but they are on the cutting edge of the A/V landscape. We recently reported on the introduction of their IS-21 subwoofers, as well as their demonstration last year at CEDIA.
Although the CinemaFive is the least expensive home theater solution from Grimani Systems, we suspect it’s still quite capable of mind-blowing dynamics and unlikely to disappoint. Yet, we’re perplexed why height speakers are not part of the Ensemble, which is something customers are likely to want for an even more immersive experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X encoded movies. On the other hand, Grimani does offer an upgrade path should customers want to add or swap speakers.
For those considering CinemaFive, keep in mind that Grimani Systems’ sister company, Performance Media Industries, Ltd. (PMI) offers design and calibration services to maximize the sonic performance of any system.
Pricing & Availability
The Grimani Systems CinemaFive Ensemble, which includes five Rixos S speakers and four Epsilon subwoofers, as well as all needed amplification, is priced at $36,000 and is available through authorized dealers. For more information, visit: grimanisystems.com/contact/.
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