Genesis 2.2

The Genesis™ 2 version 2 loudspeaker system is the penultimate system for the music lover who accepts no compromises in the reproduction of the musical event but may be space constrained. Like the Genesis 1 loudspeaker system, it is the culmination of a 30-year legacy of reference-level line-source dipole flagship loudspeaker systems dating back to the Genesis I in 1993, and even back to the IRS™ in 1977. Not simply bought off the shelf, the G2 is custom-built in the USA for discerning music-lovers worldwide.

The midrange/tweeter 'wings' are now made of solid cast acrylic up to 1½ inch (40mm) thick to make an even more inert baffle on which to mount the drivers. The geometry of the wings was revised for more controlled dispersion and better integration with the woofer towers.

The Servo-Controlled Bass Amplifier was completely redesigned. Taking advantage of the improved Servo-Bass Cable, the sensitivity and speed of the servo feedback control was increased. New Class D modules with zero propagation delay and higher current capability are used. Subtle changes in bracing reduced modal vibrations and boxy coloration in the woofer tower cabinet to practically zero. This resulted in even faster, more dynamic, and better-defined bass.

The G2 also features a unique suspension system so that it can be used on the many different types of floors encountered throughout the world - including natural stone tiles, slate, polished granite and marble, deep pile carpet, and suspended hardwood. Designed like the suspension system of a race car, steel spikes and an acrylic frame hold the loudspeaker rigidly and transfer any vibration to earth for best imaging and bass control. Neoprene shock absorbers make sure that vibrations from the floorboards do not get transmitted back up to the speakers. The result is cleaner, tighter bass, a more precise and holographic soundstage, and better imaging.

The standard finish a high-gloss black acrylic, but any other color can be specified as a custom finish. When you have a Genesis 2 system in your listening room, you have live music in your home and you have the best seats in the house.

Technical Details

The G2 is a four-tower loudspeaker system featuring separate midrange/tweeter “wings” and servo-controlled woofer towers. This separation allows the mid/high frequency panels to be placed to optimize soundstage and imaging for the listening position, and the bass towers to be placed for smooth and extended bass response within the room.

The high frequency wings are dipole line-sources. That means that there is minimal vertical dispersion, and horizontal cancellation in the plane of the drivers. The result is minimal floor and ceiling “bounce” and very much reduced side-wall reflections, resulting in solidly pin-point imaging, and a wide and spacious soundstage.

A line source attenuates at -3dB with a doubling of distance whereas a point source attenuates at -6dB with a doubling of distance. For example, with a sensitivity of 91dB/watt at 1m, the Genesis 2 is about average for large loudspeakers. At 2m, the G2 line source can deliver 89dB/watt, at 4m, 86dB/watt, and at 8m 83dB/watt. For the equivalent point source loudspeaker, it will be 85dB/watt at 2m, 79dB/watt at 4m, and 73dB/watt at 8m. Hence, for a listening distance of 4m (about 12ft) the line source will appear to be almost twice as loud as a point source loudspeaker. This is the great advantage that a line source loudspeaker will have over a point source loudspeaker in a large room – particularly when the seating distance is over 4m from the loudspeaker.

The vertical spectral content of music is virtually the same throughout the length of the line source. Hence, the seating height does not matter with this speaker; unlike point source speakers where it is important for the ears to be aligned in relationship with the tweeter. The change in loudness is also much less over a small change in distance. Thusly, the listening “sweet spot” is also hugely extended, which means no more listening alone, and no more having to sit in only one position to best enjoy your music.

The separate bass towers can be correctly placed within the room without affecting the soundstage and image at the listening position. With a column of bass drivers extending almost the height of the room, there are no standing waves between the floor and ceiling. This results in tightly-controlled, extended, smooth, and dynamic bass response in any room.

The G2 also features its own servo-controlled bass amplifier for the woofer towers. This means that there is no need to have to choose between using a muscle-bound amplifier with enough power to drive the woofers and a lower-powered amplifier having better harmonic, tonal and spatial characteristics. Servo-control results in extended bass response down to 16Hz, and vanishing low distortion throughout the range.

The servo-controlled bass amplifier is divided into a control module and two amplifier modules plus a power supply module. Dedicated cables are provided for all bass connection. This results in great flexibility in placement and connection. Upgrade options are also available for the amplifier to extend dynamic response and headroom, as well as longer cables for even more flexibility in placement.

The Genesis 2 provides the dedicated audiophile with ample means to adjust the sonic presentation: a tweeter pot tailors the high frequencies for different room environments; and in the servo-controlled bass amplifier, gain, low-pass filter, high-pass filter and phase adjustments affords ability to adjust the bass to match the listening room. A unique midrange switch allows for adjustment of soundstage height for personal preference. Some of us prefer the orchestra seats in a concert hall, others prefer the circle seats: the G2 allows you to pick your favorite.

One side benefit of the included woofer system, worthy of note, is the fact that almost any sized power amplifier may be used to drive the upper section of the Genesis 2. No longer must one choose between having enough amplifier power to adequately drive the woofers and yet maintain the spatial qualities found in many small power amps.

History & Improvements

A detail of improvements and history of the G2.2 system may be found by downloading the G2.2 Fact Sheet.

Reviews

Christos Tsiatis spends time in Absolute Audio, Greece with G2.2 and finds that "Auditioning the G2 proved to be a captivating experience." He also found that with the G2.2, "Air and spaciousness prevailed on a soundstage that easily exceeded the room, virtually defying its physical dimensions. Vocals had just the right amount of “moisture”, overall transparency was far beyond judgment and bodies emerged in full holographic coherence…"
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