Inklang: German Precision in Hi-Fi
In recent years, Inklang has solidified its position as a beloved manufacturer among audiophiles, and for good reason. This German audio company, founded by the Hamburgers, has consistently delivered a no-nonsense approach to hi-fi audio that, while never ostentatious, manages to rank among the best in its class. Their commitment to exceptional build quality with a “Made in Germany” label, coupled with a vast color palette available through the Inklang configurator, has caught the attention of enthusiasts worldwide. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll delve deeper into the world of Inklang and examine two of their standout offerings: the Inklang Ayers Wall speaker and the Ayers Sub subwoofer, uncovering how these compact marvels manage to deliver an outstanding auditory experience.
Specifications
| Model: | Ayers Wall | Ayers Sub |
| Concept: | passive on-wall 2-way speaker | active subwoofer |
| Equipment: | TMT = 1 x 6″, HT = 1 x 30mm | TT = 2 x 22 cm |
| Perfomance: | – | 280 watts Class D |
| Efficiency: | 82 dB (2.83 volts / 1 m) | – |
| Maximum level (duration / pulse): | 98 dB / 110 dB (1m / 2.83 volts) | not measured |
| Required power for max. level: | 140 watts | not measured |
| Transmission range: | 46 – 32,000 Hertz | 22 – 200 Hertz |
| Dimensions (W x H x D): | 17.5 x 33.4 x 14.5 cm | 36.6 x 38.3 x 36.6 cm |
| Weight: | 9.0 kilos | 28.0 kilos |
| Price: | from 700 euros | from 1,750 euros |
Inklang Ayers Wall: Unveiling the Compact Marvel
The Inklang Ayers Wall is a testament to defying expectations when it comes to compact speaker systems. At first glance, its dimensions (measuring 17.5 x 33.4 x 14.5 cm, W x H x D) may not scream “powerhouse,” but appearances can be deceiving. What sets this wall-mounted speaker apart is its surprising depth, boasting a 14.5 cm chassis that accommodates a formidable 15-centimeter bass-midrange driver. This is a testament to Inklang’s unwavering dedication to audio excellence, as the speaker’s design prioritizes performance over compactness.
As is customary with Inklang products, the Ayers Wall exudes a sense of craftsmanship that is characteristic of “Made in Germany” engineering. The cabinet’s impeccable construction combines carefully designed curves and chamfers, reflecting a keen eye for detail and aesthetics. Given its purpose as a wall-mounted speaker, the Ayers Wall offers a variety of options for secure attachment, emphasizing practicality.
A distinguishing feature of the Ayers Wall is its remarkable 30 mm fabric dome tweeter. This is a rarity in the world of speakers due to its ability to operate at an exceptionally low crossover frequency of 800 Hertz. Achieving such a configuration demands tweeters with extraordinary resilience and a complex crossover circuit. The result? An impressively wide sound dispersion that envelops the listener in a vast, open soundstage. This wide radiation pattern enhances the listening experience by creating a sense of spaciousness and immersion, distinguishing it as a hallmark of Inklang’s sound signature.
To address potential acoustic challenges posed by wall mounting, Inklang’s engineers have meticulously designed the Ayers Wall’s crossover network. This design is intended to counteract the natural bass reinforcement that occurs when a speaker is positioned close to a wall, ensuring a balanced and accurate sound reproduction. Measurements validate this approach, confirming a slight dip in the frequency response between 100 and 200 Hertz when the speaker is wall-mounted, indicating its adaptability and attention to detail.
Inklang Ayers Sub: Precision in Bass Delivery
Complementing the Ayers Wall is the Inklang Ayers Sub, a subwoofer that takes the concept of precise bass delivery to the next level. Housed within an exceptionally sturdy, closed cabinet, the Ayers Sub is not your average subwoofer. Its substantial 28-kilogram weight is a testament to its robust construction, with particular emphasis on reinforcement at key points within the cabinet.
The Ayers Sub’s standout feature lies in its use of two 22-centimeter special woofers from Wavecor, each featuring a robust metal basket and an immensely powerful magnet. These woofers are positioned in anti-phase, meaning they move in opposite directions in response to sonic impulses. This technique, often referred to as “impulse correction,” effectively compensates for non-linearities in both the drivers and the cabinet. The result is bass reproduction characterized by precision, accuracy, and a near absence of distortion. This precise bass reproduction forms the foundation of a high-quality audio experience, especially in the lower frequency range.
Unlike many subwoofers that opt for bass reflex or passive membrane designs, the Ayers Sub chooses a closed cabinet configuration to prioritize precision over sheer volume. While this design choice offers exceptional accuracy, it also creates substantial pressure within the cabinet when driven at high levels. To maintain performance integrity, every aspect of the Ayers Sub’s construction is engineered to withstand this pressure, ensuring minimal vibration and rattling even at high volumes. This level of stability further underscores Inklang’s commitment to delivering uncompromised audio quality.
In terms of amplification, the Ayers Sub is equipped with a Class D power amplifier capable of delivering approximately 300 watts of power. While this may seem like a lot, it’s essential for handling the demanding requirements of deep bass frequencies, especially at higher sound pressure levels.
Practical Considerations
While the Ayers Wall may have an efficiency rating of 82 decibels, which suggests it requires a robust amplifier, it can consistently achieve impressive sound levels, even peaking at nearly 110 decibels during short bursts. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from critical listening setups to environments where high sound levels are essential.
However, optimizing the Ayers Wall and Ayers Sub for a stereo system can be a nuanced endeavor due to their unique sub/satellite combination. To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to employ an analyzer app to identify and address peaks and dips in the subwoofer’s frequency response. Proper placement and phase adjustment are also crucial for maximizing the system’s potential.
Listening Experience
The Ayers Wall, when used as a standalone speaker, proves its mettle by delivering a sound that defies its compact size. With surprising richness in the bass, aided by its proximity to the wall, the Ayers Wall excels in reproducing intricate details and vocal performances with exceptional precision. It strikes a balance between openness and presence, ensuring that the listener is fully engaged in the music. However, it’s important to note that its wall-mounted design can impact the depth perception of the soundstage compared to freestanding alternatives.
The Ayers Sub, when added to the system, elevates the listening experience to new heights. Its ability to extend the bass response adds depth and warmth to the sound, contributing to a more stable and immersive auditory experience. Notably, the Ayers Sub brings an increased sense of spaciousness to the soundstage, particularly in terms of depth.
One of the Ayers Sub’s standout qualities is its stoic precision. When configured correctly, it serves as more than just a provider of deep bass; it forms the bedrock upon which the entire sound image rests. This precision results in a sound profile that is not only powerful but also well-defined and articulate. In essence, the Ayers Sub elevates the Ayers Wall to a level that exceeds expectations, creating an audio experience that belies the size and cost of the components involved.
Exploring Sound Testing: A Comprehensive Overview
Sound testing is a critical and multifaceted process used to evaluate and analyze the acoustic properties and performance of audio equipment, rooms, or systems. It plays a pivotal role in the design, development, and quality assurance of various audio-related products, ranging from speakers and headphones to amplifiers and recording studios. This comprehensive overview delves into the intricate world of sound testing, highlighting its significance, methodologies, and applications.
The Significance of Sound Testing
- Quality Assurance: Sound testing is essential for ensuring that audio equipment and systems meet specified standards and performance criteria. Manufacturers use it to verify that their products deliver the intended sound quality and accuracy.
- Product Development: During the design and development phase, sound testing helps engineers fine-tune audio components and systems, resulting in better audio fidelity and user experience.
- Troubleshooting: In cases of audio issues or anomalies, sound testing aids in identifying and rectifying problems within audio systems or components.
- Room Acoustics: Sound testing is crucial for assessing the acoustic properties of rooms, such as concert halls, recording studios, and home theaters, to optimize sound quality and eliminate unwanted echoes or resonances.
- Consumer Experience: For consumers, sound testing provides valuable insights into the performance of audio products, assisting them in making informed purchasing decisions.
Methods and Techniques in Sound Testing
- Frequency Response Analysis: This method measures how an audio device reproduces sound across the audible frequency spectrum. A flat frequency response indicates accurate sound reproduction.
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): THD testing quantifies the level of distortion introduced by audio equipment. Lower THD values signify cleaner and more faithful sound reproduction.
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): SNR measures the ratio of the desired audio signal to background noise. Higher SNR values indicate less audible noise and clearer audio.
- Impulse Response Analysis: Impulse response testing assesses how quickly an audio system responds to a sudden input signal, providing insights into its transient performance.
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Measurement: SPL testing quantifies the volume or loudness of audio output, ensuring that equipment meets specified output levels.
- Listening Tests: Subjective listening tests involve human listeners who evaluate audio quality based on their perceptions, providing valuable qualitative feedback.
- Anechoic Chamber Testing: Anechoic chambers are specially designed rooms that absorb sound reflections, allowing for precise measurements of audio equipment without interference from room acoustics.
Applications of Sound Testing
- Speaker and Headphone Testing: Manufacturers use sound testing to evaluate and optimize the performance of speakers and headphones, assessing factors like frequency response, distortion, and sensitivity.
- Amplifier Evaluation: Sound testing helps assess the linearity and distortion characteristics of amplifiers, ensuring they provide clean and undistorted amplification of audio signals.
- Room Acoustics Analysis: Acoustic engineers use sound testing to analyze and improve room acoustics in spaces like concert halls, theaters, and recording studios, creating optimal sound environments.
- Audio Product Certification: Sound testing is often a requirement for obtaining certifications and compliance with industry standards, ensuring products meet quality and safety benchmarks.
- Quality Control: Manufacturers employ sound testing as part of their quality control processes to identify defective products before they reach consumers.
- Environmental Noise Assessment: Sound testing is used to measure and mitigate environmental noise pollution, ensuring compliance with noise regulations.
- Telecommunication and Voice Recognition: In telecommunications and voice recognition systems, sound testing is crucial for verifying the accuracy and clarity of voice signals.
- Automotive Audio Systems: Sound testing is applied to assess and optimize audio systems in vehicles for superior in-car entertainment experiences.
Challenges and Considerations in Sound Testing
- Standardization: Adherence to standardized testing procedures is essential to ensure consistency and comparability of results across different laboratories and equipment.
- Subjectivity: Subjective listening tests can introduce variability due to individual listener preferences, making it necessary to include a diverse group of listeners.
- Environmental Factors: External noise and room acoustics can affect test results, necessitating controlled testing environments like anechoic chambers.
- Measurement Equipment: The accuracy and precision of measurement equipment, such as microphones and analyzers, are critical to obtaining reliable test results.
- Data Analysis: Proper data analysis techniques are crucial for interpreting test results and making informed decisions regarding product improvements.
In conclusion, sound testing is a multifaceted and indispensable process that underpins the development, quality assurance, and optimization of audio equipment, systems, and spaces. By employing various testing methodologies and considering the specific applications, sound testing ensures that audio products deliver exceptional sound quality and meet the expectations of both manufacturers and consumers alike.
Conclusion: The Dream Team
Inklang’s Ayers Wall and Ayers Sub represent a remarkable solution for individuals facing space constraints yet seeking uncompromised audio quality. The Ayers Wall, despite its diminutive size, delivers exceptional performance and presence. When paired with the Ayers Sub, these two components synergize to create a formidable duo that transcends traditional expectations for compact speaker systems. Together, they excel at reproducing music faithfully and engaging the listener, making them an excellent choice for audiophiles who aspire to enjoy the sound of a larger, more elaborate audio system without the spatial demands. In summary.
Ayers Sub – Subwoofer
| + | Very precise, deep sound |
| + | Fantastic workmanship |
| + | 3 additional filters |
| – | No remote control |
Ayers Wall Wallspeakers
| + | Impulsive, precise, fine sound. |
| + | Amazingly high maximum level |
| + | Diverse customization options |
| – | Quite a large depth for on-wall speakers |
