Atohm RAFALE VR1-X

The VR1-X incorporates the superb LD230 CRA 04 woofer. Endowed with the latest technical refinements, this unit redefines the expectations of what came be achieved from a driver unit of this diameter. Its specific alloy cone offers perfect rigidity and a wide bandwidth - even under the highest levels of mechanical strain. The surround and spider, each a result of extensive development and simulations, provide a very wide range of linear excursion as well as perfect dynamic stability (with perfectly symmetrical compliance). An impressive motorization of 156mm (Technology FWI technology : force without inductance) confers a remarkable level of sensitivity for a "subwoofer" driver application. The S250 amplifier module propels this exceptional driver with up to +/- 20mm of excursion. Its class D power stage offers an ideal damping factor. X-GUARD (active excursion control) technology limits distortion as well as maximum excursion when required by an inappropriate level. U-GUARD technology provides "soft" clipping by reducing the creation of harmonics. The bass reflex system features a wide port whose floor is the extension tuned at the lowest frequency. The layout and geometry of this vent have been optimized to allow strong amplitudes while minimizing port noise. The cabinet is crafted of MDF and the weight of the complete assembly renders this subwoofer perfectly stable. The 4 feet are equipped with EPDM high damping foam to significantly reduce the transmission of vibrations, thus contributing to the extreme precision of the sound.

The size of the VR1-X remains similar to many sealed subwoofer models. However, with it exceptional driver and its optimized vented load, the VR1-X is distinguished by a nice extension in the bass, very low rate of distortion in its bandwidth and breathtaking dynamic capabilities (111 dB rms @ 1M ). At listening, the timbres are both accurate and faithful. The VR1-X surprises by the density and the dynamics it provides without "coloring" the system it completes. Superb and in either stereo or home cinema applications, it perfectly integrates into any system based on bookshelf or medium sized floorstanding speakers.