T.H.E. Show Newport 2016 Report
The Home Entertainment Show 2016

Ocean Way Audio HR4 Midfield Monitors

  Ocean Way Audio, designed by Grammy award winning engineer / producer and recording studio owner Allen Sides, was at T.H.E. Show Newport 2016 with their HR4 reference monitors ($6000). As you’d expect these are extremely accurate powered horn-loaded speakers with a wide frequency response and dynamic range. Their HR4 is 24" wide and has an integrated two-way dual-horn system that can be placed in any environment to provide an exceptionally accurate monitoring experience. While studios can use them as nearfield reference monitors, audiophiles can also find them highly desirable too.

This dual/hybrid waveguide system delivers a 100x40 degree 'audio window', with the cabinet being carefully designed via high-grade 3D solid modelling. This accurate process allows for creating geometrically-complex surfaces that create accurately-matched and detailed imaging within the system. The high frequency (HF) driver is a high definition design with excellent mechanical linearity. The low frequency (LF) driver is geometrically reinforced aluminum cone with a vented cast aluminum chassis yielding optimum strength and low compression. Combined with the sealed cabinet, the system is tuned to deliver a seamless transition between the drivers. 

Ocean Way Audio's HR4 also includes their two-way, self-powered design for flexibility of placement in the room with a matched uniform frequency response of 35 Hz to 25kHz. When combined with an outstanding 116 dB maximum SPL between channels you can achieve very realistic sound. While the HR4 two-way reaches down deep in frequency, you can choose Ocean Way Audio's three-way model comprised of two additional cabinets, each with 12" LF drivers.

Inputs include analog and digital inputs with 24-bit/192kHz resolution. The HF driver is a 1"that receives 125W of amplification, while the LF driver is 8" with the same power amplification. Choosing the three-way version adds a 12" woofer with 800W of amplification. As for sound, these very impressive midfield powered monitors were wonderfully smooth. An articulate sound with an expansive soundscape. When i was standing at the determined location, which is also a norm when sitting within a studio or mastering desk, there was complete and utter disappearance of the physical speaker location. Very impressive! 

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