Pascal XT: Review Hobby HiFi 1/2004
"...Although the frequency response wasn't ideal (* please see note below), the
clean and clear bass made a good impression and provided enough ample
bass for all conditions. When the Pascal XT was moved closer to the rear
wall, roughly to 50cm away, the panel noticed a considerable increase
in low bass without losing precision. Drums and bass runs were reproduced
impressively, with or without the support of the surrounding walls.
The Pascal XT impressed with warm, neutral midrange frequencies. All
instruments were placed exactly where they should have been. Even the
right to centre movement of a jazz quintet's clarinettist were displayed
- quire impressive. One could really sense how fingers slipped from
picked guitar strings, or a rosin covered violin bow touching the strings.
Optimum imaging was achieved by tilting the speakers slightly towards
the listener, just to make sure that there was no gap in the centre.
Due to the central placement of the tweeter no further positioning adjustments
were necessary..
The Vifa ring radiator surprised again by showing an unforced playing
ability. The initial concern regarding the frequency response were totally
unfounded - the XZ 300 proved to be a formidable performer with clear
yet gentle sound characteristics. Even critical lip sounds by Cassandra
Wilson are accomplished without any irritation. Triangles, cymbals and
violins are "floating" freely through the room.
Verdict
We can assure the developers of this D'Appolito design that they succeeded
in creating an impressive loudspeaker design. The slim, floorstanding
speaker offers - at a reasonable price - an outstanding sound quality
and an imaging beyond all doubt. The Pascal XT's famous name in honour
of Blaise Pascal (a great 17th century's mathematician) lives up to
all expectations."
Lab results commented by Hobby HiFi:
"Sound pressure level - frequency response, axial and below 30 degrees:
Impressive balance, from 10kHz gradual decline in frequency. Rather
little low bass." *)
"Sound pressure level - frequency response, tweeter, woofer
and axial sum:
Ideal transition between tweeter and woofer, identified by a sum curve
which lies 6 dB above the crossing of the individual driver curves."
"Waterfall spectrum 0°
Fast outwards movement, barely visible woofer cone resonance at around
1500 Hz."
"Distortion factor - frequency response K2, K3 and K5 at sound
pressure level of average 90 dB:
Very low distortion, gradually climbing only at lower cut-off frequency."
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