Infinity Cascade 5 Brochure

Infinity Cascade
Chris 5.1-Channel Speaker System
Martens
Sculpture for the Eyes and Ears
N
othing excites dyed-in-the-wool audio
folks more than new technologies, and so
I had an almost Pavlovian response to
Infinity's Cascade-series speakers, which
feature innovative MRS (Maximum Radiating Surface)
drive units. What's the big deal with MRS drivers? Well,
for starters they neither look nor behave quite like
traditional piston-type drivers.
First, MRS drivers are rectangular—not round—and
feature light, stiff CMMD Ceramic Metal Matrix dia-
phragms whose front surfaces are ribbed and indented
for improved rigidity. The rectangular shape means the
drivers disperse well across their narrow axes, yet still
have sufficient surface area to produce authoritative
dynamics. Second, side-by-side pairs of oblong voice
[
Infinity's rectangular MRS drivers
disperse well across their narrow
axes yet have sufficient surface area
to produce authoritative dynamics.
coils power the MRS drivers, supporting them over their
entire operating area. The upshot is a mid-bass driver
that, in essence, offers the lightning fast transient speed
and resolution of a good tweeter, yet also has plenty of
dynamic punch and the ability to handle fairly low
frequencies.
Our comparatively deluxe Cascade test system
consisted of a pair of Model Nine two-way, three-driver
floorstanders, a Model Three C center channel, a pair of
Model Seven floorstanders (essentially two-driver
versions of the Model Nine), and a 300-watt Model Twelve
powered subwoofer. The Twelve, like all higher-end
Infinity subs, features the firm's RABOS (Room Adaptive
Bass Optimization System) EQ system, which helps the
woofer achieve clearer, smoother in-room bass response.
Add everything up, and the system comes in at $5394.
If, like me, you view speakers as sculptural objects,
then you should know these beauties look like speaker
systems that, say, Calder might have designed.
The Cascades are, hands down, the most visually
appealing surround speakers I've ever tested, and
more than a few first-time viewers have reacted to
Electronically reprinted from February 2007
]
Model Nine
Floorstanders