News

Definitive Technology Introduces Mythos XTR-50 1.5" Deep Loudspeaker and Adds to Disappearing In-Wall Series (24/9/2009)

CEDIA US Expo 2009

Revolutionary razor thin speaker complements ultra-slim TVs and delivers big speaker performance

Home theater optimized models added to Disappearing™ In-Wall Series

Today Definitive Technology announced three exciting new speaker models. The first is the Mythos XTR®-50 an ultra thin (1.5" deep) on-wall, on-shelf loudspeaker that delivers a level of high performance previously thought impossible in shallow enclosure speakers. The others are home theater-optimized additions to Definitive’s innovative Disappearing In-wall series that debuted at CEDIA Expo ’08.

Mythos XTR®

TVs less than 2 inches thick are in stores now and more are on their way. Next to these super-slim TVs yesterday’s “made for plasma” speakers look thick and out of place. Definitive developed the Mythos XTR-50 to look perfect on a wall or shelf next to an ultra-thin TV. It combines the thin profile of “panel” speakers with the high definition detail, bass, and dynamic range performance of a high quality dynamic speaker.

The secret to the XTR-50’s extraordinary performance is Definitive’s patent-pending XTDD technology driver. Using state-of-the-art computer modeling and decades of speaker design experience Definitive engineers eliminated every iota of wasted space, optimized every part and maximized the moving surface area of a dynamic driver to shrink it down to a seemingly impossibly compact dimension without giving up ultra-high performance audio fidelity. The XTDD driver has the kind of dynamic punch, wide frequency range and broad dispersion that flat vibrating membrane panel-type speakers simply cannot match.

To extend and deepen the bass response of such a thin speaker the XTDD drivers are pressure-coupled to four dome low-bass radiators. The center-mounted tweeter is the same hyper-definition Pure Aluminum dome tweeter found in the award-winning state-of-the-art Mythos ST SuperTower. The total effect is the kind of clarity, dynamic range and extended response that one would expect from a premium-priced normally-sized speaker.

“Definitive was the first US speaker brand to develop slim stylish speakers that complemented plasma and LCD TVs when they were first hitting the market” said Definitive’s Executive VP Dave Peet. “The Mythos series models were a runaway success and have been widely imitated. Again we’re leading the speaker industry with the Mythos XTR® to match the latest generation of TVs.”

The Mythos XTR®-50 comes supplied with a wall mounting bracket that allows either vertical or horizontal orientation with a total installed on-wall depth of only 1.6 inches (40mm). Also supplied are a stands for vertical table-top use and horizontal shelf placement. Whether mounted on-wall or on shelf, used as Left and Right, Center or Surround channel speakers the Mythos XTR-50 looks terrific and sounds astonishing.

The Mythos XTR features a hand polished aircraft grade Aluminum extruded enclosure that measures 27" H x 6" W x 1.5" D (68.6cm x 15.3cm x 3.8cm), the perfect size for 46" - 55" TVs. The Mythos XTR-50 will retail for $799 and ship to Definitive dealers in the first quarter of 2010. Two other Mythos XTR speakers are planned for delivery later in 2010. The Mythos XTR-50 will be on display and available for auditioning in the Definitive Technology booth, SR7 at CEDIA Expo 2009 in Atlanta.

Disappearing™ In-Wall Home Theater Additions

In order to meet the need for home theater speaker systems that virtually disappear, Definitive is adding two rectangular L/C/R built-in speaker models to its Disappearing In-Wall series. The DI 5.5LCR and DI 6.5LCR stereo/front stage speakers were specifically designed to bring the world famous sonic performance of Definitive’s free-standing speakers in easy to install built-in configurations. Like all models in Definitive’s Disappearing™ In-Wall series the two new models feature near-invisibility thanks to their small area, hidden flange design, and low profile micro-perf grilles. They are as easy to install as traditional flanged flush-mount speakers, and don’t require custom sheetrock/spackle skills to install and look practically invisible.

The two LCR models are intended to be used as front stage speakers combined with the matching DI 5.5BPS Bipolar surround speaker introduced earlier the year. Together these three models realize the dream of premium performance in a practically undetectable built-in home theater system.

The Disappearing In-Wall models feature Definitive’s most advanced technologies such as BDSS drivers and pivoting Pure Aluminum dome tweeters for spectacular audio performance far beyond traditional flush-mount speakers. Definitive’s exclusive Balanced Dual Surround System (BDSS) driver technology permits these new flush mounts to deliver more bass output and dynamic range than competitive speakers with larger drivers. For example, the DI 5.5LCR’s 5-1/4" drivers have the bass and dynamics of 6-1/2" traditional speaker while the 6-1/2" DI 6.5LCR outperforms competitive 8" based systems.

With a pivoting 1" Pure Aluminum dome tweeter and a sophisticated adjustable crossover network, the Disappearing In-Wall models deliver the kind of lifelike sonic performance and broad even dispersion that have made Definitive Technology the most highly reviewed speaker brand in the USA.

With a cutout dimension of only 14.4" [365mm] x 6.5" [165mm] the DI 5.5LCR fits in standard wall stud spacing when used in horizontal (center channel) orientation. All models in the DI Series share the same accurate sonic signature so you can mix and match any combination of models to meet your exact application. For example you can use DI 6.5LCR for L&R, a DI 6.5S for center and DI 6.5R as in-ceiling surrounds and achieve excellent and seamless performance.

The DI 5.5LCR and DI 6.5LCR will ship to dealers in January 2010 with suggested retail prices of $399 and $499 each respectively. A built-in nearly invisible system of three DI 5.5LCR (L, C & R) with two DI 5.5BPS surrounds will be demonstrated in SR7 at CEDIA Expo 2009 in Atlanta.

www.definitivetech.com