Following the release of their 21-inch Unrivaled 21-SF/R Subwoofer, RBH Sound has also announced their new SFTR modular loudspeaker system. SFTR stands for Signature Freestanding Tower Reference, and it arrives in two configurations. The passive model is called the SFTR, while the active is labeled as the Unrivaled SFTR/AX.
Built on the experience achieved through the monolithic RBH SVTRS flagship tower, the SFTR series comes with a smaller footprint and price point. The modular towers are designed to provide elevated performance in the reference SF line of in-room speakers.
SFTR
Music enthusiasts will appreciate the D’appolito design of the top module and the sealed enclosure of the subwoofer module that is designed to provide, accurate and deep bass complemented by DSP-controlled amplifiers.
Tip: The standard SFTR provides a passive upper module with 2,400-watt active subwoofers. The subwoofers can be powered internally by ordering them with 2,400 watt preprogrammed DSP amplifiers built into each subwoofer module or your can order them without the built-in amps and use an external 2-channel DA-2602DSP amplifier which can provide 2,200 watts per channel (4 ohms) for the subwoofer modules.
Unrivaled SFTR/AX
The fully active UNRIVALED SFTR/AX loudspeaker takes things a step further by incorporating all-new patent-pending G.A.D.S. (granular acoustic damping system) technology built into the speaker cabinet, a rack-mountable RBH Linear Phase Loudspeaker Processor unit (by Marani) and a rack mountable six channel RBH UNRIVALED alpha amplifier, providing speaker processing and tri-amplified power to each stereo pair of SFTR towers.
Each system contains two modules per channel, one 821-SF/R on top and one 1212-MS/R subwoofer at its base.
The slender floorstanding design supports more precise stereo imaging while visually complementing any living space. The upper section of the tower uses two newly developed, 8-inch, proprietary aluminum cone woofers and an acclaimed Aurum Cantus AMT tweeter.
Each 1212-MS/R subwoofer uses dual proprietary side-firing 12-inch long-throw aluminum cone subwoofers. The two modules are secured to one another with steel plates.
The passive version of the SFTR is engineered for elevated performance and smooth integration with its sealed powered subwoofer module.
Either option provides the subwoofer modules with enough output to create an in-room frequency response (in most environments) down to 12 Hz.
Customers who choose the UNRIVALED upgrade path are treated to an even higher level of sonic refinement. The UNRIVALED option offers upgraded performance for both passive and active options. It contains internal wiring provided by Kimber Kable, additional wall damping, and the inclusion of the newly developed G.A.D.S. (granular acoustic damping system) technology, which further increases the performance of the speaker by making the enclosure more resonance-free, inert, and well-damped.
According to RBH, the fully active, time-aligned, UNRIVALED SFTR/AX option provides the highest performance available. Its RBH Linear Phase Loudspeaker Processor unit (by Marani) provides a tri-amplified digital crossover for each speaker channel.
The processor’s granular control with slopes of up to 48dB/octave and finite impulse response (FIR) filters correct time and phase alignment problems inherent in almost all speaker designs.
Comparison
| SFTR | Unrivaled SFTR/AX | |
| MSRP | $14,500/pair (ext. amp) $16,500/pair (int. amp) | $30,000/pair |
| Type | Passive (amp is for subwoofer only) | Active |
| System | 3-way modular tower with powered sealed subwoofer and sealed 2-way passive speakers | 2-Channel Active Time-Aligned System; speakers sealed, subwoofers ported |
| Woofers | (2) 12″ (305mm) cast aluminum basket, aluminum cone subwoofers (silver or black-anodized) | (2) 12″ (305mm) cast aluminum basket, aluminum cone subwoofer (silver or black-anodized) |
| Mid-Woofers | (2) 8” (203mm) Reference Aluminum Cone Mid-Woofers | (2) 8” (203mm) Reference Aluminum Cone Mid-Woofers |
| Tweeters | (1) 4.72” X 1” (120mm x 25mm) AMT Tweeter | (1) 4.72” X 1” (120mm x 25mm) AMT Tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-35kHz (±3dB) | 20Hz-35kHz (±3dB) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB | 92dB |
| Recommended Power | 100-350 Watts 821-SF/R (top speaker module) | Internal |
| Impedance | 821-SF/R 6Ω – 1212-MS/R 4Ω | 821-SF/R 6Ω – 1212-MS/R 4Ω |
| Crossover Frequency | 2000Hz, 40Hz-180Hz (variable in software) | 80 Hz, 2000 Hz |
| Crossover Slope | 24dB/Octave, 6dB/Octave-48dB/Octave (variable in software) | 75dB/Octave |
| Cabinet Construction | High-Density Fiberboard (HD) | High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) |
| Finish Options | Black or White Satin Paint | Black or White Satin Paint |
| Grill Options | Magnetic Grille (black or white fabric) | Magnetic Grille (black or white fabric) |
| Dimensions | 13 1/4 x 57 3/4 x 17 inches (337 x 1467 x 432 mm) | 13 1/4 x 57 3/4 x 17-inches (337 x 1467 x 432 mm) |
| Weight | 137 lbs (62.15 kg) | 160 lbs (72.57 kg) |
| Warranty | Speakers – 10 years Amp – 3 years limited | Speakers – 10 years Amp – 3 years limited |
| RBH Alpha Amplifier Included | No | Yes |
| FIR DSP Included | No | Yes |
| Internal Kimber Wire | No | Yes |
| Wool Damping Upgrade | No | Yes |
| G.A.D.S. Built-in | No | Yes |
| Anti-resonance Internal Panels | No | Yes |
Setup
The SFTR speakers come with the RBH 2602DSP 2-channel external subwoofer amp to power the subwoofers OR you can opt to order the SFTR with the built-in 2,400-watt DSP-controlled subwoofer amplifiers, one in each cabinet.
The top section, the 821-SF/R will need amplification that is not included. Whether the end user wants to use their own amps, receiver, or buy a 2-channel RBH Alpha Amp for an additional cost, the choice is theirs.
On the other hand, the Unrivaled SFTR/AX includes everything users to get them running. This includes the built-in RBH Alpha 6-channel amplifier that feeds the tweeters, midrange, and subs separately. The Amp is fed by the DSP. All one needs to listen to is a source connected to the DSP. It can be fed a digital source via AES or analog via XLR connection.
Pricing and Availability
There are two ordering options for the SFTR System:
- The SFTR speaker/RBH 2602DSP 2ch external subwoofer amp (one channel feeding each cabinet) package is $14,500.
- The SFTR speaker package with the subwoofer amps built-in (one in each cabinet) is $16,500.
Tip: Yes, it is more expensive to get the speakers with the amps built-in but the main reason is that you have one external amp vs two internal amps.
The Unrivaled SFTR/AX system is priced at $30,000, with all amplification needed built-in.
The SFTR and Unrivaled SFTR/AX are available through the RBH authorized dealer and distributor network.
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