NextLevel Acoustics (NLA) might not be a brand that is overly familiar to some audiophiles but that is no longer the case in the CI market; the manufacturer has rather quietly developed a reputation for creating excellent passive LCR soundbar speakers for the custom install market.
Building on that foundation, NLA is introducing the Cinema Series. So far this series consists of two models, the Reference and Pro.
Both Reference and Pro models incorporate an MTM (midrange tweeter midrange) speaker array.
The Reference Cinema utilizes super light and stiff dual 8-inch carbon wool mid-woofers with a butyl rubber surround and a large 4×4-inch compression horn tweeter.
The larger Pro Cinema model takes it up a notch with four 8-inch carbon wool mid-woofers in addition to the same 4×4-inch compression horn tweeter. The Pro Cinema is well suited for larger room environments than the Reference Cinema.
To bolster performance, NLA’s Cinema speakers provide a high sensitivity rating of up to 99 dB, enabling them to produce high SPL levels (with very low distortion) without the need for a lot of power.
In addition, a proprietary audiophile-grade crossover provides a smooth blend between the mid/woofers and horn tweeter. The crossover design also minimizes first-order horn reflection artifacts further smoothing out the sound profile.
The speakers utilize a sealed, all-MDF cabinet that further contributes to sound quality as well as providing installation flexibility.
The speakers can be mounted flush in-wall, on-wall, or partially recessed in-wall, and mounted vertically or horizontally. A magnetic grille frame is available that can be covered in custom-colored cloth to match room décor if desired.
The Cinema Series speakers can be paired with several other speaker options from NLA for optimum voice matching that supports a coherent sound field suitable for Immersive movies or Spatial music.
Price and Availability
The Reference Cinema is priced at $2,499 (each) and the larger Cinema Pro is priced at $4,999 (each). They are available through authorized dealers and installers.
NLA also offers subwoofer options which include the recommended CI-HV18 18-inch Subwoofer ($4,399 each) This subwoofer incorporates a 2,000-watt peak amp capable of 120 dB sound pressure levels @ 6m and a frequency response from 17-120 Hz.
Comparison
| Reference Cinema | Pro Cinema | |
| MSRP | $2,499 each | $4,999 each |
| Model Number | CI-REFCINEMA | CI-PROCINEMA |
| Speaker Type | 2-way, On/In-Wall | 2-way, On/In-Wall |
| Woofers | 2 X 8-inch Carbon Wool Mid-Woofers | 4 X 8-inch Carbon Wool Mid-Woofers |
| Tweeter | 1 x 4×4-inch Compression Driver (Horn) | 1 x 4×4-inch Compression Driver (Horn) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2 kHz | 2 kHz |
| Front Baffle | ¾-inch MDF | ¾-inch MDF |
| Cabinet Construction | Sealed MDF | Sealed MDF |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Recommend Amp Power | 70 to 500 watts | 70 to 500 watts |
| Distortion | < 0.1% | < 0.1% |
| Frequency Response +/- 3dB (Anechoic) | 53 to 20 kHz | 46 to 20kHz |
| Sensitivity (1 watt at 1 meter) | 96 dB | 99 dB |
| Max SPL (@ 2 meters) | 118 db | 122 dB |
| Hole Cutout Dimensions | 12 x 24 x 5.9 inches | 12 x 47 x 5.9 inches |
| On-wall Dimensions | 11 x 24 x 6 inches | 12 x47 x 6 inches |
| Outside Dimensions | 13 x 23.5 inches | 13 x 48 inches |
| Finish | Black Pro Duratex | Black Pro Duratex |
From NLA Co-owner Lee Weber: “Since 2015 we have been building to order from our Connecticut facility operating with a lean business model that helps keep overhead low and makes us extremely responsive. Many know us for our custom soundbars, especially the Fusion Frame Slim, the world’s 1st and thinnest high-performance customizable soundbar for Samsung Frame TVs. We applied a similar no-compromise approach to the Cinema Series. The result is a home theater experience untouchable without spending two or three times the money on the speakers. Even more shocking is that all of this is achievable from a compact speaker capable of being concealed inside the wall. True to our name, the Cinema Series take theaters to the next level.”
The NLA Cinema Reference and Pro Series speakers are designed by NextLevel’s Chief Designer/Engineer John Sollecito — well known for audiophile designs such as the JSE Infinite Slope™ speakers and crossovers.
For more information: nextlevelacoustics.com
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