Stealth Acoustics, known for its inwall “invisible” speakers, has unveiled its LineaRadiance (L-RAD) family of speakers and subwoofers in the coming year.
LineaRadiance speakers are the 8th generation of Stealth Acoustics’ LineaResponse flat radiating diaphragm speakers first released in 2003. Up to five new LineaRadiance speaker models are planned for release in 2024, with more to follow for an eventual total of nine.
This Stealth Acoustics speaker product line is designed to provide a flexible solution for every interior room need. After installation in a wall or ceiling, the speakers become “invisible”. Finish options include latex paint, light wallpaper, fabrics, and selected texture coats, that support the wall blending process.
However, design is one thing, and performance is another. With that in mind, Stealth Acoustics has engineered its L-RAD speakers to deliver superior sound quality for both residential and commercial installations. The speakers can be used in home theater and multi-room audio setups, or background/foreground music applications.
The redesigned L-RAD speakers include several new features, new internal components, and an integrated, acoustically tuned back box which is now an injection molded component. The speakers are hand-built in the USA.
New internal parts used in the L-RAD family include the Fidelity Glass Advanced tuned and dampened fiber diaphragm, a new woofer mounting system for increased internal air volumes, an Easy-Tape tapered frame/diaphragm edge for improved finishing, and new transducer/exciter driver designs for increased efficiency and power handling. Re-voiced crossovers are employed to provide a smooth transition between high and low frequencies.
The first two speakers in the new L-RAD line that Stealth Acoustics has provided information on are the L-RAD-116 and L-RAD 430.
The L-RAD 116 is a 2-way speaker that incorporates a 6.5” woofer mounted on a 16” x 16” frame, designed to deliver excellent results from a very small, entry-level package. The L-RAD 116 has two independent protection circuits (high/mid-frequency and low-frequency sections) that automatically reset upon reduction of excessive amplifier power.
The L-RAD 430 is a 3-way speaker with dual high-power 8” woofers, a 30mm direct coupled neo-magnet mid-frequency driver, and a 25mm direct coupled neo-magnet high-frequency driver mounted on an all-new 16” x 30” frame. Advanced internal materials allow for smooth frequency extension from 20kHz down to 35Hz. The L-RAD 430 Also contains two independent protection circuits (high/mid-frequency and low-frequency sections).
Comparison
| L-RAD 116 | L-RAD 430 | |
| Price | $1,400/pair | $3,000/pair |
| Speaker Type | 2-way Full Range | 3-way Full Range |
| HF Driver | One 1-1/8” (30 mm) neodymium motors | One 1” (25 mm) neodymium motor |
| MR Driver | – | One 1-1/8” (30 mm) neodymium motors |
| LF Driver | One 1” (25mm) voice coil, 6.5” (165mm) low profile woofer | Two 1-1/2” (38mm) voice coil, 8” (203mm) low profile woofer |
| Magnet | Ceramic 15 oz. (425 gr) | Ceramic 20 oz. (567 gr) |
| Crossover | N/A | N/A |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz to 20kHz | 35Hz to 20kHz |
| Power Handling Capacity | 100 watts RMS | 200 watts RMS |
| Minimum Recommended Amp Power | 50 watts | 100 watts |
| Sensitivity | 83 dB | 83 dB |
| Nominal System Impedance | 8Ω | 8Ω |
| Polar Dispersion | 170 degrees horizontal &vertical | 170 degrees horizontal &vertical |
| Protection | Two independent self-resetting devices (low- and high-frequency) | Two independent self-resetting devices (low- and mid/high-frequency) |
| Width | 15-7/8” (403 mm) | 15-7/8” (403 mm) |
| Height | 15-7/8” (403 mm) | 29-7/8” (759 mm) |
| Depth | 3-1/4″ (83 mm) 2-9/16” (65 mm) back box removed | 3-1/4″ (83 mm) 2-9/16” (65 mm) back box removed |
| Weight | 30 lbs. (13.6 kg) per pair | 55 lbs. (25 kg) – per pair |
From Brian Azzano, Vice President of Stealth Acoustics: “In 2023, we expanded our facility, increasing our speaker assembly areas and adding an injection molding machine in order to be able to create the 8th generation of our invisible speakers. Each speaker is hand-assembled, inspected, and tested both by ear and computer to ensure top quality. These new invisible speakers offer improved sound and easier installation, proudly made in the USA. We’re incredibly excited to announce these speakers.”
Initial Impression
The growth of the CI market has helped sell a lot of in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeakers and there is no question that there are a growing number of consumers who desire better quality home audio — they just don’t want to see it.
Stealth Acoustics offers a combination of better sound quality and installation flexibility for that type of customer.
Price & Availability
The Stealth Acoustics LineaRadiance 8th generation L-RAD 116 ($1,400/pair) and L-RAD 430 ($3,000/pair) are available from authorized dealers and installers.
Nine models total are planned for the 8th Generation LineaRadiance family. Seven models in addition to the L-RAD 116 and 430 discussed in this article, including a single-panel stereo model and two subwoofer models, are planned to be released between 2024 and early 2025. As more details become available we will report on it.
Related Reading
