Canada's Focus Audio has updated their Signature series of loudspeakers, adding four new models for 2008. The have also rolled out a new line, the Prestige series, which for now consists of just one loudspeaker, the Focus Audio FP 90.

 

The new Signature models introduced have abandoned the familiar Eton hexacone drivers in favor of what appear to be Peerless nomex cone units with phase plugs. The tweeters appear to be modified Vifa ring radiators, or something very similar. The Focus Audio Signature FSC 1 center channel, FS 6 bookshelf and FS 8 floorstander all utilize a combination of this tweeter with 5 1/2" woofers. The 38" 2 way Focus Audio FS 7 uses a 7" nomex cone mated with the same tweeter, and will descend to 35Hz on the low end. The FS 6 bookshelf and the FS 7 floorstander are 8 ohm 86dB loudspeakers, whereas the FSC 1 center and FS 8 floorstander are 4 ohm loads, but a more efficient 91dB.

 

The 43" tall Focus Audio Prestige FP 90 is a 3 way floorstander that is practically full range, plumbing all the way down to 25 Hz. It's an easy load of 8 ohms, and has average efficiency of 87dB. Driver complement consists of 1 1/8" ring radiator tweeter, 5 1/2" midrange and 9" woofer. Power handling is a robust 500 watts.

 

No details are yet available on pricing or finishes for these new loudspeakers from Focus Audio.

 

 

The Audio Insider is clearing out remaining stock on certain models in the Swan Diva .1 series of loudspeakers.

 

The Swan Diva 6.1 floorstanding loudspeakers, C3 center channel and  R3 surrounds will continue to be offered, but the remaining models will no longer be sold via The Audio Insider. The Swan Diva 2.1 bookshelf loudspeaker is now available for $349 a pair, the Swan Diva 4.1 floorstanding loudspeaker is selling for $499 a pair, the Swan Diva 5.1 floorstanding loudspeaker is now $549 a pair, the Swan Diva C2 center channel $199, the Swan Diva R2 surround $249 a pair and lastly, the Swan Diva Sub10 is priced at $345.

 

Pricing on the remaining stock of these models in the Swan Diva .1 series of loudspeakers is limited to stock on hand.

 

 

French loudspeaker producer Triangle Industries has introduced a new line of loudspeakers. The Genese line sits right below Triangle's flagship Magellan line, and much of the technology used in the Genese line of loudspeakers was developed by Triangle for the Magellan line.

 

Presently the Triangle Genese line consists of three loudspeakers. The 50" 3 way, front ported Triangle Lyrr uses three 6.5" woofers coupled with a 6.5" midrange and Triangle's familiar tweeter, which features a phase plug and is either sitting in a shallow horn or a deep waveguide, depending who you ask. The Triangle Genese Quartet is a 46" 3 way, front ported floorstander that gets the job done with two 6.5" woofers mated with a 6.5" midrange and the Triangle tweeter. Bringing up the rear is the Triangle Trio, a 2 way, front ported bookshelf that utilizes a 6.5" woofer mated with the Triangle tweeter. Across the line the tweeters sit in their own housing, reminiscent of Usher and Swan, and the sides of the enclosures are rounded. Finishes appear to be of the piano gloss variety. Sensitivity is high, typical of Triangle, with the Trio claiming 90dB and the floorstanding Quartet and Lyrr at 92dB. Plinths have the familiar five-footed stance that is familiar from Triangle's Esprit line. The Genese line's ports split into a Y inside the enclosure, giving the port more volume without increasing the aperture. Triangle claims this lowers distortion and unwanted resonances.

 

No pricing details on the Genese line at this time. The Genese line sits between the economically priced Esprit and flagship Magellan lines. Triangle loudspeakers have gotten an unfair rap for being on the bright side. Paired with the right equipment their offerings deliver exceptional detail. They can definitely play loud, and may be just the thing for someone with a tube affinity.

British loudspeaker maker Epos Acoustics has updated their website and their flagship M Series of loudspeakers. The new Mi Series keeps the lineup intact, minus the critically acclaimed Epos M15 2 way floorstander.

 

Updates include changes to all drivers, crossovers and wiring, and Epos is claiming extended upper frequencies from the new silver anodised aluminum tweeters. Thicker baffles and revised internal bracing also make the enclosure less of a contributing factor in the Mi Series' sound reproduction. All internal connections are now hand-soldered. The tweeter faceplates and input terminals are now aluminum instead of plastic, and the floorstanders have permanently attached black plinths equipped for spikes. The  M12i bookshelf and M22i floorstanding loudspeakers now use 165mm drivers instead of 150mm for those who thought the previous incarnations sounded a little light on the bottom end. Lastly, gone are the metal grilles, replaced with conventional fabric grilles. Cherry, dark cherry and black oak remain the choices for the real wood veneers. No pricing details on the Mi Series at this time.

 

The Epos Acoustics M Series loudspeakers were well received by everyone who evaluated them. Epos appears to have made good choices in evolving the line, and we look forward to hearing the new Epos Acoustics Mi Series.