In speaker systems it is difficult to come up with something fundamentally new. The overwhelming majority of manufacturers are limited to local upgrading of already proven models, or by combining known solutions in fundamentally new devices.
This happens almost always, but sometimes something new appears, both from a technical and aesthetic point of view. The Master & Dynamic MA770 hit the market last year and managed to make a lot of noise. For supporters of traditional approaches to the creation of acoustic systems, the speaker enclosure made of concrete is almost an insult.
Interestingly, the design of the system was designed by architect Sir David Ajay, who is known for designing the new Smithsonian Museum in Washington. The manufacturer claims that this is the first speaker system cast from concrete. I decided not to stand aside and, taking advantage of my official position, I appreciated the invention of the titled Briton.
A few words about the production and design
The Master & Dynamic MA770 is a truly concrete cordless speaker with a total weight of 16 kg. Concrete, which was used for the production of speakers - the manufacturer's own development.
The required shape is created by casting, which, I suspect, is more technological than the assembly of a wooden or plywood case. According to the manufacturer, to create one column, you need about five liters of solution.
The speakers of the active speakers are located on the front panel according to the original scheme: 2 four-inch mid-low-frequency drivers are located on the same level, and half-inch dome tweeters are mounted above them. The speaker enclosure has a bass-reflex acoustic design, which can significantly enhance the low.
Futuristic design created in the architectural tradition, far from the traditional forms of acoustic systems. A panel with speakers covers the aluminum grille, equipped with an original magnetic mount that helps protect drivers from external mechanical damage and, in my subjective opinion, looks very cool.
Special features
Considering the positioning of the MA770 as an ultra-modern and to some extent audiophile speaker for the premium segment (more than $ 1,000), Master & Dynamic engineers tried to shove anything that the soul of a non-poor music lover could into small concrete cases.
For example, the speaker is equipped with a built-in Wolfson DAC that can convert almost any digital format and play it up to 24-bit / 96 kHz without compression. The amplifier is an integrated class D with 100 watts RMS. Given the overall dimensions - the power is very impressive.
In addition to the wireless mode, the developers have provided connectivity using optical digital and analog inputs. Someone will be pleased with the fact that the device is synchronized with Google Chromecast, which allows for convenient control of playback and volume.
This is not very relevant to me, since I do not use chromecast. But support for Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Soundcloud and Deezer were very helpful. In other words, the integration of the device with applications and services turns it into a convenient wireless multi-room, which opens the freedom to install and manage music content.
It is also interesting that each speaker can be used as an independent stereo with a common tweeter or connected as a stereo pair to create an adequate stereo image. I tried using one speaker as a stereo and was not very impressed, not much better than portable audio.
Perhaps I am biased and used to the large distance between sound sources, but, in my opinion, the speaker should have a “scene” - a stereo panorama with apparent sound sources (CID), which is impossible with such a distance between the speakers.
Sound - subjective impressions
Before preparing the material I had read audiophile press with somewhat contradictory descriptions of the product. I decided that it makes sense to write about my subjective impressions about the so-called. concrete sound.
Contrary to my expectations, the sound left a good impression, even considering the cost of the system. The first thing that attracts attention when using a stereo pair is a good-quality scene with a precise location of the CID, a three-dimensional, with a fairly wide vertical and horizontal radiation pattern.
Accented reproduction of mid and high frequencies, moderately expressive midbass and slightly muffled, but noticeable low frequencies, which, if necessary, can be added with an equalizer.
I emphasize that everyone’s ears are different and especially their perception of the frequency spectrum, so my feelings may differ from someone else’s. Meanwhile, many of the audio journalists who wrote the reviews drew attention to the bright and expressive mid-range.
The subjective test for distortions with a sinusoidal signal at a frequency of 1500 Hz MA770 passed as well as it can be with dynamic emitters and an amplifier of class D, on the basis of which they are built. No extra ringtones and resonances can not be noted. I believe that the antiresonant properties of the concrete body played a role in this.
Intermodulation distortions were slightly noticeable in Schnittke's choral works and female choir parts in Mozart's requiem, as well as on the tracks of the Celtic Frost thrash gang, but already at Shostakovich, Oscar Sal and Erkki Salmenhaar they could not be found. Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits sounded almost flawless (which is surprising for a system with amplification of class D), but for such music you don’t really need some kind of “genre” system, except for the most upravian audiophiles.
Specifications
Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not provide detailed technical data. My rough measurements revealed the following picture:
Frequency range from 100 to 20 000 Hz (+ -2 dB - pronounced hump in the area of high average);
RMS - 100 watts;
THD - less than 0.5%;
The main indicators indicate a low level of distortion and confirm my subjective impressions about the sound of the system. If someone has more detailed information, for example, about the IMD system - share in the comments, I would be grateful.
Total
I always have a reserved attitude to expensive acoustics, and in this case, the manufacturer’s cost of $ 3,600 for a stereo kit is considered somewhat overestimated. Undoubtedly, for those who can pay 300,000 rubles for a couple of active speakers without hesitation, this investment will seem quite interesting. You can immediately purchase serious acoustics and a work of modern art from a very unusual material.
On the one hand, it is a prestigious American speaker with a really high-quality and powerful sound, on the other - a very original art object, created with the participation of a famous architect and made from a unique material. The manufacturer focuses on a combination of factors. I believe that this approach will be in demand.
If we talk about sound, then in another form factor for the same money you can find something equally impressive. Moreover, I have heard the sound no worse and in more budget devices, although everything was simpler with the design.
In this case, it is important to understand for whom the device was created and the fact that it satisfies the needs of the target audience, for which, in fact, the manufacturer receives his money.
As a conclusion, I propose to participate in the survey.
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