Cabinetry Materials Replaced By Engineering Materials; Baffle Construction; Crossover Type And Location; Silent Port Arrangement - Wilson Benesch Arc Owner's Manual

White Paper
On The A.C.T. Loudspeaker System
From
Wilson Benesch

Cabinetry materials replaced by engineering materials

Carbon composite is of course the principal structural component in the new A.C.T. A complete
U section not dissimilar to the monocoque in the Odyssey series is now used in the new A.C.T.
but here we see the original and distinctive twill weave that has always been a part of the A.C.T.
One and A.C.T. Two systems.

Baffle construction

The alloy baffle has decreased in size in an effort to bring the drivers closer than previously
possible with the MDF structures. A formidable combination of steel and aluminium is used as
the reference for the latest version of the Tactic® drive unit 18mm thick at the baffle.
Latest version of the Tactic® Drive unit
This has also benefited from changes to its mass both in the coil and the diaphragm the principal
players in the dynamics of any drive unit. An edge wound aluminium coil has seen the mass of
the coil halved this has provided the opportunity to stiffen the diaphragm further and reduce the
overall mass without any negative side effects. The net result is a better controlled, more dynamic
loudspeaker drive unit that sets new standards of performance.

Crossover type and location

Although the crossover is fundamentally the same its location in the spine and at the bottom of
the cabinet in the case of the bass inductor sees these sensitive components installed away from
the airborne energy that can excite these systems in an undesirable way. Bi wiring has replaced
the tri wiring option and the terminal is now the same type and location as the Chimera.

Silent port arrangement

The porting arrangement has also been completely redeveloped, the mid range system is now
vented at the base of the cabinet via the spine system at the back of the enclosure. This virtually
eliminates the possibility of hearing any noise from the port whilst at the same time reducing any
effects relating to rear wall reflections when placed close to the rear wall. The port arrangement
for the bass is quite similar to the A.C.T. Two but improved through a further development of
the port that now passes through a complex arrangement that sees the foot being brought in to
play in an effort to reduce the high velocity movement of air still further.
12