Wide Range of Home Theater and Stereo Models Feature Improved Technologies for Exceptional Sound Quality
WOODBURY, NY — Infinity Systems is now shipping its Beta Series of home theater and stereo loudspeakers, which incorporate the company’s latest generation technologies, such as an improved Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm (CMMD) tweeter and newly developed Constant Acoustic Impedance (CAI) high-frequency waveguide, to deliver superlative sound quality in a wide range of home entertainment installations.
Models in the Infinity Beta Series include the following:
- Beta 10 2-way bookshelf (1-inch tweeter, 5-inch woofer), SRP: $165/each
- Beta 20 2-way bookshelf (1-inch tweeter, 6-1/2-inch woofer), SRP: $199/each
- Beta 40 3-way floorstanding (1-inch tweeter, 5-inch midrange, dual 6-1/2-inch woofers), SRP: $399/each
- Beta 50 3-way floorstanding (1-inch tweeter, 5-inch midrange, dual 8-inch woofers), SRP: $499/each
- Beta C250 2-way center channel (1-inch tweeter, dual 5-inch woofers), SRP: $249/each
- Beta C360 3-way center channel (1-inch tweeter, 4-inch midrange, dual 6-1/2-inch woofers), SRP: $399/each
- Beta ES250 surround with selectable monopole/bipole/dipole/discrete-mode operation (dual 1-inch tweeters, dual 5-inch woofers), SRP: $349/each
Eli Harary, Infinity vice president of sales and marketing, noted: “Our Beta Series loudspeakers build upon the strengths of our acclaimed Infinity Alpha Series to offer enhanced performance and design — at no increase in price from the comparable Infinity Alpha models. As a result, Beta Series loudspeakers truly redefine loudspeaker value in their respective categories, and are sure to satisfy the most discriminating home theater enthusiasts and music lovers with their refined sound quality and visual appeal.”
Newly Developed Technologies Deliver Enhanced Performance
To achieve their improved performance, Infinity Beta Series loudspeakers incorporate the company’s latest technical and design innovations. All Beta Series models incorporate a newly improved CMMD tweeter that extends the frequency response of the already extraordinary transducer design to beyond 40kHz and places the inherent resonances of the tweeter well outside the audible range. The result is remarkably clear, open and detailed high-frequency response, yielding exceptional fidelity when reproducing even the most demanding high-resolution program sources such as DVD-Audio and SACD.
In addition, all the other Beta Series drivers utilize CMMD technology — the identical, patented driver technology employed in the company’s flagship Prelude MTS models — to deliver a level of sonic accuracy and musicality far beyond that of conventional loudspeakers. CMMD driver material is a constrained-layer sandwich construction formed by anodizing alumina, a ceramic compound, to both sides of an aluminum core. This technique produces driver diaphragms of ultralow mass and ultrahigh rigidity for extraordinary transient response with dramatically reduced cone breakup and distortion. The results are excellent detail resolution and smooth, consistent sound quality throughout the entire frequency range.
The exclusive use of CMMD drivers in Infinity Beta Series loudspeakers assures that all models sonically complement each other with a uniform sonic blend among all channels in any home theater and stereo configuration.
All Beta Series models feature Infinity’s newly developed, patent-pending Constant Acoustic Impedance high-frequency waveguide, which utilizes a series of computer-designed, graduated curves that flare from the inside to the outside of the waveguide to provide optimal on- and off-axis high-frequency dispersion and smoothness, along with higher sensitivity and a more seamless blend with the woofers and midrange drivers.
The Beta ES250 surround loudspeaker features selectable monopole, dipole and bipole settings. In addition, the ES250 is capable of functioning as two independent loudspeakers from one enclosure. When used in this dual-speaker application, a single Beta ES250 reproduces two discrete surround-effects channels in spaces where extra loudspeakers cannot be installed. The Beta ES250’s versatility enables it to be configured for optimum surround reproduction in any 7.1-, 6.1- or 5.1-channel home theater system, with any film soundtrack or music recording.
In common with all Infinity loudspeakers, Beta Series models are engineered to incorporate the company’s room-friendly design principles, which ensure they will provide sonically accurate performance in the widest variety of listening environments and placement positions. All the loudspeakers are high-efficiency designs, able to achieve generous volume levels when used with lower-powered receivers or amplifiers.
The Beta Series premium-grade parts and construction reflect the high-quality standards inherent in all Infinity products. All models feature substantial, rigidly braced enclosures designed to minimize cabinet colorations and “smearing” of subtle musical detail. The loudspeakers’ narrower front baffles and specially designed driver bezels reduce diffraction to a minimum, assuring stable, precise imaging in a wide, deep sound field. All models are magnetically shielded.
Beta Series loudspeakers have a refined visual appeal, with styling that blends classic and contemporary design elements to create a uniquely elegant look. All Infinity Beta Series loudspeakers, except the ES250, are available in a variety of wood-grain finishes with complementing grille colors, including black with black grilles, beech with platinum grilles, and cherry with platinum grilles; the ES250 is available in a black or white pica finish.
All Infinity Beta Series loudspeaker models are currently available.
Following is a brief look at models in the Beta Series:
Beta 50: Flagship Performance for Home Theater and Music Systems
The three-way floorstanding Beta 50 is the top-of-the-line Beta Series loudspeaker, designed to deliver authoritative, dynamic yet refined full-range performance in large-scale home theater and stereo systems. Measuring 41-5/16″ high by 10-7/16″ wide by 14-11/16″ deep, the Beta 50’s CMMD drivers include a 1-inch tweeter operating in conjunction with a Constant Acoustic Impedance waveguide, a 5-inch midrange driver and dual 8-inch woofers.
The Beta 50 conveys all the impact and emotion of movie soundtracks and music with thrilling presence and realism, with smooth, extended high frequencies, a richly detailed, open midrange and bass that extends down to 35Hz — below the range of an electric or acoustic bass. The Beta 50’s precise imaging and capability of creating a vast sound space, and its effortless reproduction of both high-volume peaks and the most delicate musical subtleties, make it ideal for use in a wide range of home entertainment systems.
Adding to its versatility, the Beta 50 includes bi-wirable speaker terminals that enable connecting separate sets of speaker cables to its woofer and midrange driver/tweeter sections. The Beta 50 can be bi-wired from a single amplifier, or can be connected to two separate amplifiers, to provide the sonic benefits that can be obtained from these configurations. The Beta 50 is also supplied with reversible spiked and rounded feet that couple the loudspeaker to any carpeted or hard-surface floor for tight, well-defined bass response.
Beta 40: Elegant Tower Design With Exceptional Sonic Realism
Infinity’s Beta 40 is an elegantly proportioned floorstanding tower measuring 37″ high by 9-13/16″ wide by 13-1/8″ deep. The three-way Beta 40 provides expansive, musically natural sound, and is designed for medium-to-large home entertainment installations, offering the perfect combination of power and finesse when used in a broad range of systems. To achieve its exceptional resolution, sonic accuracy and musicality, the Beta 40’s CMMD drivers include a 1-inch tweeter with CAI waveguide, a 5-inch midrange, and dual 6-1/2-inch woofers. Like the Beta 50, the Beta 40 is bi-wirable/bi-ampable and supplied with reversible spiked and rounded feet. Complementing its superb sound quality, the Beta 40’s slim-tower design, compact footprint and choice of attractive finishes enable it to readily blend into any listening environment.
Beta 20 and Beta 10: Compact Size, Uncompromising Sound Quality
The Beta 20 and Beta 10 two-way bookshelf loudspeakers are ideal choices for installations where space is limited, yet where outstanding home theater and music reproduction is desired. Thanks to the Beta 20 (13-3/4″ high by 8-7/8″ wide by 13″ deep) and Beta 10 (11-13/16″ high by 7-1/2″ wide by 11-7/16″ deep), listeners in smaller environments need not compromise on performance. Both models utilize the identical CAI waveguide and CMMD driver technologies found in every Beta Series loudspeaker, and set new price/performance standards in compact monitor design. Both models are designed to provide musically satisfying performance when placed either on a stand or upon a shelf. The Beta 20 and Beta 10 feature a 1-inch tweeter, and a 6-1/2-inch and 5-inch woofer, respectively, to deliver rich, well-balanced, room-filling sound quality.
Beta C250 and Beta C360 Center Channels: Ideal for a Wide Range of Systems
The Infinity Beta C360 and Beta C250 dedicated center channel loudspeakers are engineered to deliver powerful and articulate reproduction of dialogue and effects in every home theater system and listening room. The Beta C360 (8-1/2″ high by 25-5/8″ wide by 11-3/4″ deep) is designed for larger installations and features a 1-inch tweeter with CAI waveguide, 4-inch midrange and dual 6-1/2-inch woofers. The C250 (6-11/16″ high by 17″ wide by 8-3/8″ deep) employs a 1-inch tweeter with CAI waveguide and dual 5-inch woofers, making it ideal for use in smaller-scale systems and rooms. Both models are magnetically shielded, offer high efficiency and high-power-handling capability, and are voice-matched to blend perfectly with other Beta Series loudspeakers in a multichannel system.
Beta ES250: Selectable Operation for Optimum Surround Performance
The Infinity Beta ES250 is a uniquely designed, wall-mountable surround-effects loudspeaker that features selectable monopole, bipole, dipole, and/or dual-speaker-mode operation, in which it functions as two independent loudspeakers in one enclosure. This versatility enables the Beta ES250 to best match the characteristics of the program material, listening room and loudspeaker installation. It gives consumers the ability to choose the dispersion pattern that will provide optimum surround reproduction in any 7.1-, 6.1- or 5.1-channel home theater system, with any film soundtrack or music recording.
For example, the user can choose a monopole configuration for multichannel DVD-Audio or SACD music listening or, if the speakers are mounted close to a corner, a bipole or dipole setting to achieve a more diffuse rear-channel sonic environment for movie-soundtrack reproduction. In dual-speaker mode, the Beta ES250 (dual 1-inch tweeters with CAI waveguides, dual 5-inch woofers) operates as two independent loudspeakers in one enclosure to reproduce two separate surround-effects channels in spaces where extra loudspeakers cannot be installed.
CSW-10 and SW-12 Subwoofers: The Perfect Match to the Beta Series
All Beta Series loudspeakers can be mated with either of two new Infinity high-performance powered subwoofers. The CSW-10, featuring a compact enclosure design, includes a 10-inch woofer, built-in 650-watt amplifier and the company’s exclusive Room Adaptive Bass Optimization System (R.A.B.O.S.) (SRP: $999). The SW-12 employs a 12-inch woofer, built-in 500-watt amplifier and Infinity’s proprietary Bass Optimization System (SRP: $799).
The CSW-10 features a highly compact, yet powerful design that enables it to be inconspicuously placed in any installation, while providing powerful and musically accurate low-frequency response. It is supplied with Infinity’s exclusive Room Adaptive Bass Optimization System, which overcomes low-frequency room resonances that can detract from the sonic accuracy of a home entertainment loudspeaker system. R.A.B.O.S. utilizes a built-in parametric equalizer, and included test CD, sound-pressure-level meter and other supplied materials.
The SW-12 is engineered to offer outstanding bass performance in any home entertainment application and, in common with the CSW-10, is designed to perfectly complement Beta Series loudspeakers. Both feature CMMD woofers, advanced-technology amplifiers and a full complement of controls and connection options to deliver articulate, extended low-frequency response in any system and room.
The Harman Consumer Systems Group (HCSG) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity loudspeakers, audio and video components, and multimedia systems for use in homes and automobiles, and with computers. The group’s brands include JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Revel, Audioaccess and Lexicon.
HCSG is a division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Harman International (www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets. The company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HAR.”
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Infinity is a registered trademark, and Infinity Beta, CMMD, Constant Acoustic Impedance (CAI), Prelude, Room Adaptive Bass Optimization System (R.A.B.O.S.) and Bass Optimization System are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm (CMMD) patent nos. 6,327,372 and 6,404,897.
