EPOS M16i

The new Epos M16i is a floor-standing 2 ½ - way speaker which excels in accuracy, dynamics, imaging and poise. This speaker was designed to be equally dynamic in a two-channel or home theatre application. The result is a loudspeaker with deep bass, a fast dynamic sound and very high power handling. It is equally at home playing music or movies and is of course magnetically shielded.

The revised Epos 25mm (1 in.) low distortion metal dome tweeter used in the M16i is designed for smooth, clear and extended treble. It features a strong die-cast aluminium alloy face plate, moulded surround, ferrite magnet and Ferrofluid cooling. The crossover is centred on 3kHz and incorporates film capacitors in critical locations.

The 140mm (5.5in.) mid-range driver, similar to that used in the M5i, runs in a sealed chamber, with the tweeter. It is designed to roll-off naturally around 90Hz, with useful output below that. The woofer and mid-bass output overlap and work effectively as one bigger unit. This reinforces the power and dynamics of this compact speaker.

The bass driver is similar to the midrange but has a dust cap instead of a phase plug. It is mounted in a separate chamber in the lower section of the cabinet and is loaded with a rear-firing port, flared at both ends for low turbulence and minimal distortion. It is also filtered by the crossover to limit frequencies above 100Hz.

Together, the woofer and mid-range units handle very high power. We recommended that the M16i should be partnered with an amplifier that is capable of driving a four Ohm load to high levels.

Internally, extensive bracing and 25mm (1 in.) thick front and rear baffles have been skilfully engineered to reduce unwanted cabinet vibration and colouration. The tri-wirable input panel is made from solid anodised aluminium alloy, with sturdy high-spec terminals suited for spade lugs or other types of plugs. High grade metal links join the terminals together and can be removed for separate connection to each driver.

Grilles are made of cloth, over an MDF frame, for easy integration with home furnishings, although the M16i is equally attractive without the grilles. A black lacquered integral plinth includes sturdy steel inserts which take adjustable 6mm carpet spikes (included). The plinth is removable if desired.

The M16i is offered in a choice of three beautiful real wood veneers, which seamlessly wrap around the front edges. Cabinets are grain-pattern matched on left and right speakers.