LOUDSPEAKER DESCRIPTION
With four 5" heavy duty woofers and a 15" Ribbon packed into a 26" high profile, the LineSource Monitor is a very potent performer.
The coaxial Ribbon LineSource configuration allows it to produce a wider and deeper listening sweetspot than any other loudspeaker design produced to-date. With digital correction it holds the promise of complete phase coherence in the listening area, something that is simply not possible with dome tweeter/cone woofer based designs or parallel linesource (classic electrostatic and ribbon design) systems.
The LineSource Monitor is the gifted all around player. This loudspeaker does it all exceptionally well thanks to the new 15" Oval Ribbons and superb Peerless midbasses.
The midbasses are mounted in a sealed enclosure made from 1" MDF. Well damped and braced, the LSM weighs in at 46 pounds (21kg). As an on-wall, it should really be classified as an on-stud since it's weight precludes mounting with drywall anchors.
The LSM is also a very high efficiency loudspeaker for a Ribbon speaker of modest dimensions. Very low powered amps will be able to drive it to satisfying levels. It will play very loudly and very cleanly with no need of a subwoofer for most music.
Given that almost the entire front surface of the loudspeaker is diaphragm, it should be no surprise that the LineSource Monitor offers great dynamics. Not only are there four 5" midbasses to carry the load, but they have exceptionally long linear throws for accurate response at high levels.
The LineSource Monitor offers Ribbon transparency, detail, soundstaging in a package with application and placement flexibility that no other planar loudspeaker can approach.
AUDIO SYSTEM APPLICATIONS
The LineSource Monitors excel as near field monitors, surround speakers in a large home theater system, or fronts as well in a smaller system. It can also produce beautiful music mounted on-wall or as the front left and right in a small stereo system with a subwoofer. As an on-desk computer speaker, the LSM has no peers but keep in mind that it is not magnetically shielded so a 50cm distancing from a CRT monitor would be prudent.
The LSM also serves well as a centre channel speaker if there is 26" or more space above or below the video screen. Of course, if you have Newform Research Ribbon speakers on front left and right, it is highly unlikely you'll need a centre.
Whether stereo hifi or home theater (or home cinema) the LSM really has no format limitations due to its transparency, dynamics and soundstaging capabilities.
Although the bass output from the LSM can surprise, and some applications may be fine without bass augmentation, most systems will require a subwoofer. Make it a good one and one which allows a < 65Hz crossover point.
As with all Newforms, given their high, even impedances, virtually any amplifier made in the past 30 years will drive them well. How loud do you want it and how musical is the amplifier are the questions.
With a subwoofer, the LSMs will generate high output levels and light up rooms from small to large. They should be installed to cover the strata of the seated listening ear but they may also be stacked to allow greater vertical coverage. In very difficult room situations, they may be aimed fairly precisely to minimize objectionable room reflections and establish a satisfactory "sweet spot".
LOUDSPEAKER SETUP AND ROOM ACOUSTICS
Ideally, a few feet out from the front wall, firing down the length of the room and elevated (or tilted) to cover the seated listening ear, the LSM will establish a superb soundstage. The more air they have, the more beautifully they will sing.
Sidewall reflections are a concern but for the most part, the LSM s are a "point and play" loudspeaker. Aim the speakers at the area of the listeners head and go from there. You can start with no toe in but vary it to accommodate nearness to walls or reflective surfaces and listeners tastes. Rears can sometimes benefit from a more diffuse sound radiation pattern so strong wall reflections can be employed positively in some cases.