Boston Compact Reference - speaker systems for home theater and music: “real American sound” for reasonable money

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• 2 Component acoustics Boston SL60

  2.1 Technical components of the SL60

Acoustics Boston

Boston acoustics are recommended to all connoisseurs of good car audio. The Boston company has been known as a global brand for a long time. Boston acoustics are always a profitable and interesting purchase, available today to Russian buyers. Thanks to a wide range of products, everyone can choose the Boston acoustics option at an affordable price.

Secret Boston

Boston acoustics

Lovers of good music will definitely appreciate the sound quality of the Boston Acoustic speaker system. By choosing devices from this brand, the user receives not just high sound quality. Thus, he is given a unique opportunity to hear his favorite musical compositions in a new way, to reveal the fullness of sound. The quality of such a high level is easy to explain. Thanks to 30 years of experience, the company has produced many models of speaker systems. Almost all of them deserved only positive reviews from critics and experts. It’s not easy to reveal the secret of the Boston company, but if you study the features of production, you can do it:

• Boston's acoustic design is always at the highest level;
• The Boston speakers look great and incredibly elegant, complementing the interior of the car.

Boston acoustic

Interestingly, all Boston brand speaker models are produced in the USA. This once again proves the high quality of the product:

• There are still companies that devote everything to the production of speakers (see How to choose speakers for a car radio on your own) to the last drop, not like now. If nowadays general “incubator” type production has been established, where for some reason the models of companies with different philosophies cannot be distinguished from each other, then you will not find this in Boston. This is a serious company that can be put on a par with top-tier brands such as KEF and B&W.

Note. The latter company, unfortunately, is not yet involved in the production of car acoustics, and KEF has entrusted the car audio sector to an independent branch of KEF car. You can’t say the same about Boston Acoustic, for which the car audio area always remains a priority, although in the field of home acoustics the company’s engineers and designers feel like fish in water.

Boston bookshelf acoustics

Information about Boston Acoustics GT5750:

Boston, one of the leaders in the car audio market, is proud to introduce the updated line of GT amplifiers.
With 20% more power in the same size as the old line, these amplifiers also offer improved sound quality and stylish looks. Based on the most advanced technology of our day, Boston has significantly improved sound quality compared to the previous GT line. For example, the use of new circuitry and higher-quality components allows you to get a cleaner and more accurate sound, and powerful power supplies ensure a quick response to any signal change. As a result, the new Boston GT models are reference amplifiers recommended for use in conjunction with top-end SPZ loudspeakers and subwoofers and SPGs.

All GT amplifiers feature Boston's exclusive DualMode technology, which allows them to operate safely at reduced loads of 1 ohm in stereo and 2 ohm in mono. This increases the flexibility of connecting speakers and subwoofers. Also, the amplifiers use a proprietary Q-Tune circuit, which adjusts the quality factor in high-pass filters. This system allows you to get improved bass response from the front speakers without overloading them. An extended input sensitivity range (0.2 - 8 V) makes it easier to work with various head units. Crossovers are adjustable within the range of 20 – 350 Hz and have a cutoff slope of 12 dB/oct for the high-pass filter and switchable 12 or 24 dB/oct for the low-pass filter with the possibility of simultaneous operation (bandpass).

All Boston GT amplifiers are installation-friendly, featuring forced-cooling for any installation position, recessed RCA jacks, sliding lug mounts, and an ultra-slim design.

Well, the main novelty is the presence of a computer-controlled diagnostic circuit that constantly monitors the condition of the amplifier and protects it from overheating, short circuit and high voltage. This ultra-precise tool allows machines to achieve much higher power in the same size. In addition, each amplifier has a serial number embedded in it, protected by 128-bit encryption, which cannot be changed or removed.

Component acoustics Boston SL60

Let's say right away that testing car audio acoustics is quite difficult. Yes, this is a fascinating activity, but inside each intake series of Boston acoustics there are 6 speakers created according to different principles.

Note. For example, the lower series of the FX speaker system consists exclusively of coaxial-type speakers. And this is not the only example. Almost all series are formed either by coaxial cables or transformers.

Acoustics in the car Boston SL60

In the SL series, the only component model is the SL60, and then, in the sense that it is determined by the relative position of the tweeter and midbass during installation.

Note. This is the difficulty. The manufacturers thereby showed the non-standard nature of their solutions, a certain cunning. An ideal frequency response can be achieved only after the relative position of the speakers has been specified. As for frequency filters, Boston knows how to make them like nowhere else in the world.

So, let's move on to a detailed review of the SL60 component acoustics. Let's start with the crossover:

• The crossover presented in the SL60 model is second in size only to the filters installed on the legendary Z series. In addition to its large size, the SL Boston crossover is not only equipped with 2 pairs of inputs for the convenience of channel connection. Thus, high-pass and low-pass filters can be installed in different housings in case of bi-amping or connected using the dovetail method.

Note. In the same manner, it will be possible to integrate all the filters with each other (there are 4 of them).

Let's now take a closer look at the filters individually:

• The low-pass filter belongs to the currently fashionable Strange filter of the second order. It has a smooth PF response;
• The third-order high-pass filter is made with a ferrite coil. The design also contains two film capacitors;
• Both filters are connected through a 1.5 Ohm resistor. Thanks to the jumper, you can turn off one of the capacitors.

Great acoustics Boston

Now the speakers:

• The midbass diffuser is made of unusual material. There is no exact information on this issue;
• The basket is not without sonority;
• Neodymium magnet inside the voice coil, the size of which is 38 mm. To remove heat, this design included Bostonians and an aluminum insert. It is massive and does its job perfectly.

Note. All this suggests that it will not be possible to overheat such a midbass, even with a great desire. The cooling conditions for the speaker are close to ideal.

• The midbass size is 6 inches, although due to the adapter rings included in the kit, it will be possible to insert speakers into standard-type seats - 6.5 inches;
• As for the installation depth, it is 13 mm;
• Now about the tweeter, which is made of a special material called Cortex. Its properties are more similar to silk, but it differs in the quality of damping;
• The phase-aligning body consists of a rather large ring, the same size as the circumference of the dome, and an unusually thick ring located in the center;
• Bostonians have provided a complete set of installation components for the tweeter, which makes the installation task much easier.

Boston speaker

Note. Thus, the installation kit includes not only the required “cups,” but also housings for tweeters on the surface and stands that make it possible to mount them even at an angle of 45 degrees.

As for the sound:

• Female voices only come forward a little when the midbass jumper is set to SQ2;
• Violins are not conveyed as naturally as we would like. Their sound seems to flutter;
• On the contrary, in the SQ1 position the violins play much better. The picture of their transmission is clearer and smoother;
• The piano is collected and moderately assertive. Its sound practically does not depend on the settings of the positions, although in SQ2 it gives more ringing;
• The guitar sounds unified and clearly articulated;
• The bass has good definition, but its attack is a little prominent;
• The flutes lack materiality, although their sound is melodious, but the tops are somewhat highlighted;
• The saxophone is shrill and lacks clarity;
• The highs can be criticized for a lack of musicality, but for the most part they come out well;
• The soundstage is generally clear and well-tuned in depth;
• The drumming is very impressive, especially the drums, which don't even show a hint of lack of activity;
• The male vocals are also good.

Acoustics Boston SL60

Technical components of the SL60

Series A by Boston Acoustics

An important detail: all A-series models (except subwoofers) have a nominal impedance of 8 Ohms, which simplifies the selection of an amplifier and guarantees a comfortable mode for its output stages. We also note the particularly durable, scratch-resistant lacquer finish - among other things, it makes the cases monolithic.

Since the invention of the electromechanical transducer (in other words, the loudspeaker) to this day, developers have been striving for the most accurate and natural sound. Some manage to get closer to this ideal, but at a very high cost. Alas, there are very few people capable of purchasing speakers with astronomical price tags.

To create acoustics with a natural sound at a price acceptable to a wide range of music lovers - the famous American company Boston Acoustics has been working on this task, which seems insurmountable to many, for a long time. The new A series is the fruit of many years of efforts in this direction.

According to its creators, the key to success is the ability to convey the natural dynamics of live sound, quickly respond to sudden changes in level, as well as a smooth frequency response. But to achieve this in practice, it took more than one year of computer modeling, measurements in an anechoic chamber and living quarters, conducting auditions with the participation of experts, and developing new materials and technologies. Finally, implement them into production practice. The latter is especially important, since the price ultimately depends on the organization of mass production. The popularity of Boston Acoustics products throughout the world allows them to be produced in large quantities, which is a necessary condition for reducing costs.

From the models in the series, multi-channel systems for home cinema can be formed; there are also acoustics for musical stereophony, for rooms of different sizes and, as they say, for any pocket.

The series includes two floor-standing models, three bookshelf models, a center channel and two active subwoofers with amplifier power of 650 and 250 W, both with proprietary Bass Trac® technology - it provides high output at low frequencies with a minimum of distortion.

The senior 3-way floorstanders A 360 in the series are of the greatest interest, since they implement proprietary technologies to the maximum. In particular, this is a special internal housing design that helps suppress resonances and is reinforced with many vertical and horizontal ties that provide the required rigidity. The mid-frequency driver is placed in an isolated cylindrical cavity, which made it possible to achieve uniformity in the most important part of the range. High-frequency and bass drivers are of our own design: Kortec® tweeter with a 1” dome and DCD® (Deep Channel® Design) low-frequency tweeter with glass-ceramic fiber diaphragm.

Sensitivity A 360 - 90 dB, frequency range 38 - 25000 Hz, recommended amplifier power 10 - 200 W. The weight of one column is 20 kg. In our country, for one A 360 they ask for 15,800 rubles. - quite a bit for acoustics with such attractive characteristics.

Two-way floorstanders A250 will cost less - 9,960 rubles each. a piece. They differ from the older model in having a slightly smaller diameter of the bass drivers, the absence of a mid-frequency driver, a sensitivity of 89 dB, a range of 45 - 25,000 Hz and more modest dimensions and weight (13 kg).

All three shelf models - A 26, A 25, A 23 - have a 2-way design, their sensitivity is 89, 87 and 86 dB, respectively. The lower the model index, the more compact the column and the higher the lower limit frequency. The older one has A 26 - 51 Hz, the younger one A 23 - 80 Hz. Prices are even more attractive. For example, A 26 is available in Russia for 6,100 rubles, A 25 for 4,950 rubles.

The center channel A225c (RUB 7,400) is built on the same speakers as the A 250 floorstanding speakers, but has smaller dimensions and a frequency range of 65 - 25,000 Hz. Finally, the AS W250 subwoofer with a 250 W amplifier is sold in Russia for 11,960 rubles. The price for the older model A 650 has not yet been determined.

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Review of other models

Now let's look at several other Boston acoustic models, but not in such detail.

Boston Acoustic FX92

Car acoustics Boston

Quite decent acoustics. Differs in the following features:

• Polymer woofer diffuser;
• Coaxial tweeter with crossover capacitor (highest quality). It is neatly covered with a metal mesh.

Note. Interestingly, there is no separate decorative grille to protect the speakers included with this acoustic system.

• The woofer diffuser has one peculiarity: its edge is slightly raised. This is done specifically to make it difficult for dust to get into the magnetic gap;
• The suspension is made of rubber and is quite soft;
• LF frequencies are well balanced, although the system does not encroach on the very depths;
• The bass is excellent, perfectly handles complex double bass passages and “takes a hit” in the full sense of the phrase;
• Mids and highs are smooth, although highs lack contrast to some extent;
• The acoustics successfully cope with the reproduction of almost any music;
• Suitable as an excellent option for front and rear support.

Technical data

Final grade. Acoustics Boston FX92 – these are highly stable in the frequency range from 1 to 7 kHz. The high sensitivity of the system will allow it to be used in a car as the main front speaker.

Boston Acoustic SPZ60

The completely different level of sound devices of this acoustics made it very popular among music lovers. The model has the following features:

• Woofer diffuser made of fiberglass;
• Big midbass;
• Aluminum basket;
• Neodymium magnet;
• Dome tweeter made of aluminum alloy.