XAVIAN Calliope Loudspeakers (Pair)
Classic beauty was, is and will be forever. Calliope was one of the nine mythological Greek muses, the one with the beautiful voice. She was also the mother of the most recognized musician of the ancient world: Orfeo.
Project Calliope lasted a year and half: we started as soon as Orfeo production had begun. Calliope’s mission is to play music in the best possible way in its compact floorstanding size. We started developing new specific AudioBarletta drivers for the bass and midrange frequencies. The gorgeous high frequency unit is the same as in Orfeo, using a 29mm hand-coated Mueller cone and all the knowledge we have, for the reproduction of this sensitive music spectrum: a rear labyrinth working chamber, heavy damping of rear radiation, shortcircuiting copper rings for minimal distortion, flat aluminium wire and the most powerful magnetic motor available on the market.
The medium frequency unit has been engineered using a thin and stiff cellulose cone with integrated polymeric phase plug. The cone is hand-coated. The suspension is almost flat, for minimal interference to the direct radiation.
This very light cone is driven by an extremely powerful neodymium magnet, equipped with copper short-circuiting rings. Sensitivity, low distortion and bandwidth response are at the highest possible levels. The 3-way Calliope has a truly legendary midrange driver, as befitting a speaker of this level.
Bass drivers, originally coming from the Orfeo project, are equipped with all the characteristic parameters for an extraordinary component: the most powerful existing magnetic motor, light cellulose hand-coated cones, non-resonant double wave suspension, a large voice coil with extended excursion, flat aluminium wire for the voice coil and strong short-circuiting copper rings for minimal distortion.
The 3.5-way Calliope’s AudioBarletta drivers are connected using one of the most sophisticated crossover networks Xavian has ever engineered: a complex parallel/serial topology that includes the well known “Phase Zero” topology, Mundorf premium components and the option of bi-wiring and also bi-amping.
Calliope’s cabinet is hand-made by our best artisans using massive oak, or top-class maple wood with walnut striations (on the Marina finish): a masterpiece of handicraft. For perfect stability and coupling to the floor, Calliope is equipped with stone plinths made of Italian travertino or Czech dark grey granite.
Calliope opens new horizons in listening of music in home high-end audio, using a combination of the best available materials with the most advanced technological solutions. A true value lasting in time.
XAVIAN introduced Calliope at the Prague Audio Video Show on March 31st 2017, and it won the prestigious award for “The Best Sound” of the whole exhibition. The official world premiere of this singular speaker was at the Munich High End Show, July 2017. Calliope is available in four finishes, all XAVIAN speakers are made to order, with a delivery time of 30 to 60 days.
Stereo & Video (CZ) review pdf
Specifications:
| Bass Driver |
175 mm AudioBarletta – special impregnated paper cone, die cast basket, extreme magnetic motor, extended excursion, wide frequency response, 50 mm voice coil |
|---|---|
| Midrange Driver |
175 mm AudioBarletta – light and stiff impregnated paper cone, die cast basket, extreme magnetic neodymium motor, extended wideband frequency response, polymeric integrated phase plug, high sensitivity, copper-clad flat aluminium wire |
| High Frequency Driver |
AudioBarletta – 29 mm voice coil with copper clad flat aluminium wire, impregnated soft dome, thick copper ring in motor, extreme ceramic magnet, labyrinth inner chamber, front die cast chassis with controlled dispersion |
| System |
Three-way damped bass-reflex, with 2 rear passive drivers, “Phase Zero” parallel/serial crossover, Mundorf components: very low tolerance inductors, and military-grade resistors and oil capacitors |
| Enclosure |
Hand-made selected Italian 23 mm massive oak, or select maple with walnut inserts ('Marina' finish), composite bitumen for inner damping, two rear 210 mm passive drivers |
| Frequency Response |
(-3dB on reference axis): 33 – 30000 Hz |
| Connection |
2 pair of gold-plated Xavian binding posts: bi-wiring, bi-amping |
| Nominal Impedance |
4 ohms |
| Crossover Frequencies |
350Hz, 3500 Hz |
| Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) |
90 dB |
| Recommended Power Amplifier |
50 – 400 W |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) |
1050 x 236 x 282 mm |
| Net Weight (each) |
49 kg |
