Eliminates Need For Dedicated Center Channel
RBH Sound has introduced another new addition to their award-winning Signature Series In-wall speaker lineup. 2009 CEDIA Expo attendees were treated to the first public showing of the SI-663 outside the company’s demonstration sound room (SR-4) in the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia this week.
Using three proprietary 6.5-inch metal cone woofers and two 1-inch silk dome tweeters, the SI-663 in-wall speaker is primarily designed to be used as the front left or right speakers in a home theater system. The new model will replace the series’ SI-6000 in-wall speaker which utilized an additional 6.5-inch driver, but had one less tweeter and less features. For example, the most noteworthy trait of the new SI-663’s is that a pair of them can eliminate the need for a dedicated center channel when wired for dual channel operation. Elaborating on the new model, Shane Rich, RBH Sound’s Technical Director explained, “The SI-663 is the ultimate hi-fidelity solution for situations where a dedicated center channel is intentionally removed from a surround system to allow for design requirements or otherwise cannot be used. Because of the SI-663’s design, a pair can provide discreet center channel audio from both the left and right front speaker without the use of a separate center channel speaker.” Rich also clarified that for situations where a third SI-663 can be used as a dedicated center channel, the trio can be wired in standard configuration, allowing each to discretely provide left, center or right channels for a seamless front sound stage.
The SI663 in-wall speaker features its own tuned enclosure to provide an optimized environment for the speaker while preventing unwanted cabinet resonance. The enclosure is designed to be installed into a standard stud-framed wall prior to drywall during new construction or renovation and includes an integrated metal drywall cut-out ring. The SI663’s baffle fits snugly into the area left over after the drywall is finished and is completely flush to the wall when complete. A .5-inch thick black or off-white fabric grille finishes off the look of the SI-663 and can be dyed to match the room’s decor or custom finished by RBH Sound’s professional custom integrator dealers.
Since the SI-663 incorporates RBH Sound’s proprietary metal cone drivers, it is timbre-matched to other RBH Sound Signature Series in-wall and freestanding models, allowing it to be combined with many other types of speakers for a voice-matched, customized home theater system. To eliminate light reflections off of the metal cone drivers from certain projector/screen combinations, RBH Sound also offers the SI-663 with black-anodized 6.5-inch metal cone woofers.
The SI663 can handle up to 300 Watts, has a frequency response of 55Hz-20kHz, and weighs 55 lbs. The SI663 has an initial suggested retail price of $1,450 each, and is expected to begin shipping this November.
About RBH Sound
A Utah-based company, RBH Sound is privately owned and operated by the founder of the company, Roger B. Hassing. Since 1976, Mr. Hassing and his staff have been designing, engineering and crafting high performance speakers and custom audio products, delivering superior acoustic reproduction at sensible prices.
