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This was Apogees
flagship speaker, introduced at CES Chicago in June
1991. Only around 25 pairs were sold between that time and the closure
of the company.
The Apogee Grand is a full size four-way loudspeaker which re-defines
the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. The system includes a
built-in subwoofer, tweeter amplifier and infrared remote controlled
active crossover system. Other system features include:
Etched multi-track ribbons with wave patterns for improved structural
dynamic characteristics.
A specially designed magnet system to provide magnetic focusing for
higher sensitivity, and low diffraction shapes to form a smooth
acoustic path for excellent imaging
Special high loss materials used throughout, and robust internal
cabinet bracing to control vibrations
Dual long excursion 12-inch woofers with specially developed composite
cone construction for ultra low frequency output.
The woofers operate
into a sealed acoustic suspension enclosure
Sonically transparent speaker cable designed exclusively for Apogee
Acoustics is used for all internal signal transmission
Four-way all active computer driven remote controllable crossover
network with volume and individual drive level adjustments, balance,
rake, absolute phase, mute, programmable presets, and user diagnostic
features. The crossover is also able to be driven via a built-in RS-232
computer port
Built-in subwoofer amplifier capable of delivering 600 watts per
channel (manufactured by Krell)
Built-in 500-watt tweeter amplifier (manufactured by Krell)
Fully external power supply for both crossover and amplifier to provide
the absolute cleanest, low distortion music reproduction
The system is available in a wide variety of standard and premium
finishes.
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency response: below 18Hz to over 27kHz
Crossover: Dedicated active four-way crossover with remote control
Electrical Crossover Frequency: 70Hz, 250Hz, 9000Hz
Amplification: Dedicated subwoofer amplifier rated at 600 watts.
Tweeter amplifier rated at 500 watts. (User supplies two additional
channels of amplification for woofer and midrange)
Sound Level: Over 120dB SPL peak at 4 meters
Nominal impedance:
3 Ohms
Dimensions: 88" (H) x 32"(W) x 39" (D)
Weight: 1300 lbs per system
Finishes: Mahogany, Oak, or Walnut Veneer
Premium Finish Options: Faux Finish, Exotic Wood Veneer or Hi Gloss
Color of Choice (Sample Supplied Upon Request)
From the back cover of the official Apogee brochure
An invitation from the President,
Apogee Acoustics established its reputation by introducing the world's
first Full Range Ribbon Speaker System in 1981.
Our philosophy is simple: High-quality musical reproduction is the
result of nothing less than an absolute dedication to the most
innovative designs, meticulous specifications, and superb assembly.
We are proud to introduce the 'Grand Series', the culmination of twelve
years of research and development that represents a breakthrough in
Apogee's patented Full Range Ribbon technology.
Our flagship, the Apogee 'Grand', started as a laboratory exercise and
emerged as a product that gives new meaning to the state-of-art. With
features so unique as its seven on board computers, full function
remote control, advanced ribbon array and magnetic design, several
critics have hailed the Apogee 'Grand' as the highest expression of the
art of music reproduction.
The 'Studio Grand' incorporates many of the features of the 'Grand' at
significantly less cost. Apogee's patented sine-wave ribbons are used
throughout the ribbon array and integrated with dedicated subwoofer
stands that provide a seamless dynamic integration.
Also included is a two-way active crossover (DAX) between the
subwoofers and the ribbon arrays. Elegant precision leveling pods allow
the system to be conveniently leveled by the listener with the speaker
set in its final position.
Our smallest and least expensive model in the 'Grand Series' is the
'Mini Grand'. Able to offer the utmost of musicality and dynamics in a
compact package, the 'Mini Grand' consists of Apogee's highly acclaimed
'Stage' Full Range Ribbon Speakers mounted on their own dedicated
stereo subwoofer stands. The 'Mini Grand' subscribes to Apogee's
modular building system as the Stage and their subwoofer modules can be
purchased
separately. This elegant combination shares much of the advanced
technology found in the 'Grand' and provides deepest bass impact yet
preserves the transparency of the 'Stage' ribbon array.
All of us at Apogee Acoustics invite you to audition our latest 'Grand
Series' of handcrafted Full Range Ribbon Speakers. You will discover
that this entire evolution of speakers retains the integrity of the
music you enjoy throughout the entire audio spectrum.
Provide your favorite performing artists; Apogee will provide the
artistry of sound.
Cordially,
Jason Bloom
President
Mr. Corey Greenberg wrote about it in Stereophile vol. 14 no. 8, page 87
"The Best Sound at the Show: a group of one I've saved the best for
last. Because while there were several really fine-sounding rooms at
the Chicago CES, one speaker stood out so far away from the rest of the
pack that it redefined my expectations of what can be achieved in the
art of sound reproduction. I've heard great-sounding systems and I've
heard GREAT-sounding systems, but I've never heard anything even
'remotely' as good as the demonstration of the new $60,000 Apogee Grand
speaker system. Not even close. Driven by a Krell digital front end and
preamp, the longest runs of Magnan wire I've ever seen, and $40,000
worth of Krell amplification, the big Grands, which combine a three-way
ribbon with a dynamic subwoofer, were simply awe-inspiring. With
effortless dynamics, unequalled coherence throughout the midrange, bass
definition heretofore unheard by me anywhere outside of live music,
highs as free of coloration as the real thing, the Grand demonstration
was, for me, the highest expression of music reproduction I've yet
heard. I know all of this sounds like typical over-the-top reviewer
gush, but I'm not alone; the Grand reduced a room full of the cream of
high-end reviewing crop, men who've seen it all and heard it thrice, to
a gaggle of wildly jabbering geese. To expect a chance to review these
speakers is to be hallucinating like a mofo, but I can assure you that
when Stereophile gets a pair of the Grands to review, I'm packing a
sack full of pork ribs, slapping on my leathers, and pointing my
motorcycle toward the Mexican border".
Mr Robert Harley from the same issue of Stereophile (page 99):
"Now that we're finished with new digital products, I'd like to briefly
list what I thought was good sound at the show. I'll start with the
Apogee Grand loudspeaker. The Grand is, in my opinion, a stunning
breakthrough in loudspeaker design. Even in a less than optimum
listening position, the beauty and majesty of this remarkable
loudspeaker were unmistakable. Driven by eight Krell MDA-300s, Krell
MD-1 transport, and Krell SBP-64x, the Grand produced the best recorded
sound I've ever experienced. It was transcendental - the kind of sound
you'd mortgage your house for. I'd love to hear it with a topnotch
analog front end. The sobering fact, however, is that the Grand coss
between $45,000 and $60,000, depending on finish, and requires a fairly
large room. I hope that the technological breakthrough that made the
Grand possible will find their way into a smaller and less expensive
product - I'll be in the first line.
Bravo, Apogee!"
Specifications
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Height
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88 inches
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Width
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32 inches
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Depth |
39"
(subwoofer) |
Tweeter |
Aluminium/Mylar (etched) driven by built in 500W
Krell amp |
Midrange
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2" wide aluminium/Mylar (etched)
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Ribbon bass |
Aluminium/Kapton panel |
Subwoofer |
2
x 12" Vifa dynamic cone woofers in sealed enclosure driven by built in
600W Krell amp
All inputs/outputs on rear of subwoofer enclosure |
Max Sound
Level
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120dB @ 4 meters
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Sensitivity
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~84dB
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Frequency
response
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Below 18Hz to over 27kHz
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Crossover frequencies |
Sub to panel 70Hz / 250Hz bass panel to mid /
9000Hz mid to tweeter |
Suggested
amp power
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100W (into 8 ohms) 200W (into 4 ohms) with high
current delivery - 4 channels needed
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Impedance
nominal
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3 ohms
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Weight
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1300lbs
/ 591kg per system
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Finishes
available
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Oak, Mahogany Hi-Gloss or exotic woods
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Price (1996)
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$85000
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