Gradient from R-5A — successor to the Revolution model

Gradient Labs, based in Porvoo, has unveiled a new R-5A speaker. It is the successor to the Gradient Revolution model, of which four generations were introduced after its launch in 1993. Those who visited the audio fair were able to hear the new product in action.

The manufacturer’s design principles have included minimizing the impact of the listening room from the very first Gradient 1.0 speaker. The underlying principle is the observation that the sound is usually spoiled by the room. In a silent space, even many cheap speakers sound good.

The R-5A model incorporates a number of innovations familiar from the Gradient's earlier speakers. The spherical top section is taken from the Gradient 1.4 speaker, which is why it differs externally significantly from the Revolution series. The resistance enclosure houses a Sea Sound 6.5-inch coaxial driver with paper cone for mid-range and an aluminum-magnesium element in the center of the driver for the treble. The sound radiates very little to the rear, sides, and floor, minimizing the effect of walls and standing waves on the sound, and the sound reaches the listening position with a purer, natural sound. The sound leaking out the back is counter-phase and cancels out the direct sound that moves behind the speakers from the front. The result, according to the manufacturer, is a precise, stable, three-dimensional sound image.

The bass side, on the other hand, has been treated in the usual way with a rotating dipole bass driver known from Revolutiones. The bass is usually omnidirectional by nature, but in the dipole design it is directional, so in the rotating solution it can also be directed towards the listening position, and the effect on the listening space is again reduced. The bass element is quite robust, measuring 12 inches in size and with a wide frequency response. It is promised to reach a minimum of 20 Hertz.

The Gradient R-5A is an active speaker. The active crossover, the Hype NCore power amplifier modules for the bass elements and the ball-shaped upper sections, as well as the connections to suppress the frequency response of the bass, are found in the included XO-AMP. The signal levels are separated to avoid crosstalk, and the power supplies are also separate. Thanks to the line level output connections, the bass and treble sections of both speakers can also be controlled with other types of amplifiers. The active crossover can be cut or amplified separately to suppress the effects of asymmetrical listening situations. The connectors are balanced Neutrik XLRs and Speakon connectors. The desired-size speaker cables are included. The speaker connectors are located on the bottom to allow for more free placement. The speaker is designed and manufactured in Finland.

The price for the speakers is 11,900 euros per pair. The color of the top and bottom can be chosen separately, between black and white. The only option for the speaker fabric so far is anthracite.

www.gradient.fi