Based on what we have seen from manufacturers so far in 2024, affordable high-end loudspeakers seem to be taking a backseat to ultra high-end models from a wide range of brands (check our examples in the “related reading” section at the bottom of this article).
It has been somewhat fascinating (and disturbing) to cover the rather extensive list of new loudspeakers that have been released since January that require selling an organ (or child) to afford. If spending $750,000 on a pair of loudspeakers does not feel excessive to you — we have some recommendations in regard to sources and amplification that will easily take that system to over $2,000,000 USD.
With that in mind, in this article, we are taking a look at a very interesting new speaker line from Waterfall Audio, the Niagara XT series.
Unveiled at the recent 2024 ISE tradeshow, the Niagara XT series of floorstanding loudspeakers are a stylish, loudspeaker design combining a refined sense of haute couture elegance with clear and vibrant sound.
From Cedric Aubriot, CEO and Founder of Waterfall Audio: “Niagara XT dramatically moves the needle in terms of what is achievable in contemporary loudspeakers,…Using all our expertise in loudspeaker aesthetics, materials, and performance, we have created a beautiful new series for luxury home cinema, media room and hi-fi projects that will not only be a striking addition to any interior but will also produce audio of magical precision and quality. Visitors to ISE 2024 were among the privileged few to see and hear this significant breakthrough, one that will delight integrators, interior designers, and their clients for many years to come.”
Niagara XT Series
The Niagara XT Series is comprised of three models, the XT2, XT3, and XT1. All three speakers share the following key features.
Glass Enclosures: The speaker enclosures are made of transparent platinum safety glass (XT2 and XT3: 10mm thick; XT1: 6mm thick), This provides visual impact in natural light, subtly reflecting and refracting sunbeams. With a transparent enclosure the mid/bass Atohm drivers appear suspended in mid-air and are underpinned by an ultra-low frequency 21cm passive radiator in a down-firing position in the solid, CNC cut, brushed tapered aluminum base.
Horn Tweeters: The speakers incorporate horn tweeters with the XT1 and XT2 using a wood enclosure and the XT3 using a glass enclosure. The wood tweeter sections are available in alternative wood finishes, including walnut, to suit the client. preference. Offered is a variety of colors, textures, and grains, the wood is individually selected, paired, and matched for each speaker.
Jetstream Damping: The drivers are equipped with Waterfall Audio-developed JETSTREAM damping technology. This maximizes performance and supports the mechanical decoupling of the mid-bass driver from the glass structure. JETSTREAM allows for deeper and faster bass, along with a smoother response in the midrange and treble range, along with optimized heat dissipation and control of the rear wave on the cone.
Leather Speaker Base: The XT Series aluminum speaker base is housed in luxurious, hand-stitched Nappa Leather, renowned for its smooth grain, softness, and durability.
Tip: Nappa leather is used as interior fabric in premium automotive brands, including Mercedes and Porsche.
Recommended Subwoofers for Home Theater Use: Waterfall HF2-250X or HF3-500X.
Comparison
| Niagara XT1 | Niagara XT2 | Niagara XT3 | |
| Enclosure Type and Thickness | Transparent Platinum Safety Glass (6 mm) | Transparent Platinum Safety Glass (10 mm) | Transparent Platinum Safety Glass (10 mm) |
| Speaker Type | 2 ½ way – 4 drivers | 2 ½ way – 4 drivers | 2 ½ way – 4 drivers |
| Ultra Low-Frequency Driver | 1 x 210 mm (8.3-inches), Atohm UFR210 | 1 x 210 mm (8.3-inches), Atohm UFR210 | 1 x 210 mm (8.3-inches), Atohm UFR210 |
| Bass/Midrange Driver | 2 x 150 mm (6-inches), Atohm LD150 | 2 x 180 mm (6-inches), Atohm LD180 | 2 x 180 mm (6-inches), Atohm LD180 |
| Tweeter | 1 x 20 mm (.9 inches), Atohm SD20X + wood horn | 1 x 20 mm (.9 inches), Atohm SD20X + wood horn | 1 x 20 mm (.9 ihches), Atohm SD20X + glass horn |
| Passive Radiator | 1 x 21 cm (8.3 inches) | 1 x 21 cm (8.3 inches) | 1 x 21 cm (8.3 inches) |
| Recommended Amp Power (w/o clipping) | 40 – 200 Watts | 40 -250 Watts | 40 -250 Watts |
| Peak Power | 400 Watts | 500 Watts | 500 Watts |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Minimum Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity (2.83 v/1 m) | 89 dB | 90 dB | 90 dB |
| Frequency Response (+/- 3 dB) | 42 Hz – 28 kHz | 35 Hz – 28 kHz | 35 Hz – 28 kHz |
| Dimension (WxHxD) | 250 x 280.65 x 991.20 mm (9.8 x 11 x 39 inches) | 300 x 346.25 x 1169.20 mm (12 x 13.63 x 46 inches) | 300 x 346.25 x 1169.20 mm (12 x 13.63 x 46 inches) |
| Weight | 20 kg/44 lbs | 40 kg/88 lbs | 44 kg/97 lbs |
Pricing & Availability
The Waterfall Niagara XT speakers are available through authorized distributors and dealers.
- Niagara XT1: UK RRP £17,000 (~$22K)
- Niagara XT2: UK RRP £28,000 (~$35K)
- Niagara XT3: UK RRP £39,000 (~$50K)
Note: US prices forthcoming. If you have questions, contact Waterfall Audio directly.
Related Reading
