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more. However, I have to say that the
exception would be the JMlab Electra loud-
speakers I am currently using as a refer-
ence, which offered a sound that seemed a
little warmer, a bit more open, overall lead-
ing to a somewhat more natural sound.
Still, the Phase Technology loudspeakers
seemed to have a characteristic sound that
was neither top-heavy nor recessed in
nature, but rather nicely balanced and neu-
tral. They also exhibited rather considerable
content in the low-end (below 100 Hz), in
fact somewhat more so than would have
been expected for a satellite loudspeaker.
True musical bass definition was notable,
though not quite to the extent I have experi-
enced from certain "higher-end," full-range
floor-standing models. There were some
hints of slight loosening in tonal control with
bass guitars and strings. Still, in terms of
overall tonality, I have to say that the PC 3.1
Series IIs offer substantial performance
capability for what they cost, in comparison
to speakers I have listened to that cost con-
siderably more. And they usually don't pos-
sess similar imaging capabilities.
The characteristically neutral and bal-
anced sound of the PC 3.1s lent itself won-
derfully to the reproduction of movie sound-
tracks. I spent considerable time with these
speakers experiencing some of the latest
movies on DVD, and overall I was very
delighted with the balanced tonality, articu-
lation in sonic detail, and dimensionality. For
example, the musical numbers in Chicago
were delivered with almost impeccable clar-
ity, amply revealing the recording's very fine
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EQUIPMENT REVIEW
fidelity and spatial character, and as result,
making for a very enjoyable, entertaining lis-
tening experience. The murder sequence
also demonstrated that the PC 3.1 Series IIs
were no slouch when it came to dynamic
range prowess. The sudden gunshot was
loud and very distinctive, transiently lifting
me off my seat! Another sudden gunshot in
Adaptation. imparted an even more dramatic
effect.
The power handling capability of the
entire Phase Technology system was readily
noticed, especially with the very dynamic
and intense battle sequences on Geonosis
in Star Wars: Episode II—Attack Of The
Clones. There was simply nary a hint of dis-
tress or distortion when played at or near
film reference level. Another aspect of the
PC 3.1 Series II loudspeaker that was very
impressive was the rendition of dialogue
through the center channel, which was con-
sistently natural-sounding and neutral.
For those who really appreciate deep
bass, the PC Sub should not disappoint. For
a subwoofer with a 10-inch driver, sheer
low-end output was downright prodigious at
times, with lots of sub-35 Hz energy that
really shook the room, sometimes making its
presence known with fluctuations in air
pressure. With the test tones provided via
The 5.1 Audio Toolkit DVD, low-frequency
content was readily detectable, as low as
25 Hz. Somewhat surprisingly, the region
between about 60 and 75 Hz sounded
somewhat recessed, at least in my setup.
This is likely to affect the rendering of a kick
drum, for example, or a bass guitar.
For movie soundtracks, the PC Sub
should simply deliver with lots of satisfac-
tion. It delivered with aplomb during the
intense subsonic sequences in Star Wars:
Episode II, as well as the heavy bass lines
on the Linkin Park Reanimation DVD-Audio
title. For the former, I detected virtually no
hint of distress, even when played at very
high sound pressure levels (near film refer-
®
, "The Essential Home Theatre Resource.
WIDESCREEN REVIEW • ISSUE 77
ence level). Musically, the PC Sub should
offer very good definition at the lowest fre-
quencies, such as for an organ, and should
satisfy most, with perhaps the exception of
those who have become accustomed to the
most sophisticated and highest performing
of subwoofer designs.
Conclusion
The Phase Technology PC 3.1 Series II
satellite loudspeakers and PC Subs repre-
sent a wonderful value, given their delightful
performance for both movie soundtracks
and music. The apparent phase accuracy
offered by these loudspeakers is something
not common to their many competitors. This
is a standout speaker system for the money
that should dutifully serve the needs of a
multi-purpose home theatre of considerable
performance capability.
Phase Technology PC 3.1
Series II Loudspeaker
Frequency Response: 38 Hz-22 kHz, ±3 dB
Crossover Frequencies: 700 Hz (24 dB/Octave
High-Pass & Low-Pass), 3.5 kHz (24 dB/Octave
High-Pass & Low-Pass)
Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms
Power Handling: 250 Watts Maximum
Efficiency: 92 dB
Drivers: Two 6.5-Inch Rigid Polymer Foam Solid
Flat-Piston Woofer/Midranges, One 1.5-Inch
Soft Dome Midrange, One 1-Inch Soft Dome
Variable Axis Tweeter
Cabinet Design: Bass Reflex
Finishes: Natural Cherry, Honey Oak, Black Ash
Furniture-Grade Real-Wood Veneers
Dimensions (WHD Inches): 8-1/4 x 22 x 11-3/4
Weight (In Pounds): 40
Price: $600
Phase Technology PC Sub
Subwoofer
Frequency Response: 20-180 Hz, ±3 dB
Crossover Frequency: Continuously Variable
Between 40 & 110 Hz (24 dB/Octave)
Phase Control: Switchable Between 0 And 180
Degrees
Amplifier Power: 300 Watts
Driver: 10-Inch Mica/Graphite/Polymer Cone
Woofer With Large Roll Rubber Surround
Cabinet Design: Bass Reflex
Finishes: Natural Cherry, Honey Oak, Black Ash
Furniture-Grade Real-Wood Veneers
Dimensions (WHD In Inches): 15-1/2 x 16 x 19
Weight (In Pounds): 65
Price: $1,000
™
"
Manufactured In The U.S.A. By:
Phase Technology Corporation
Jacksonville, Florida 32244
6400 Youngerman Circle
Tel: 888 PHASE TK
www.phasetech.com
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