New BX5a Reference Monitors from M-AudioUpdate to BX5 near-field features new industrial design  June 1, 2005
M-Audio has announced the Studiophile BX5a,
an updated version of the company's BX5 near-field
reference monitor. The upgrade centers on improved driver materials and a
stylish new industrial design.
Like their predecessors, the BX5a monitors pack lot of punch for their size.
The 5" low-frequency driver cone is crafted from Kevlar, in contrast to the
polypropylene used in the original BX5. Kevlar is the same material used in
bulletproof vests, and its high resilience makes it ideal for use in speaker
cones according to the company--although it is typically reserved for monitors with higher price tags
than the BX5a. These low-frequency drivers also employ a curved cone design,
and high-temperature voice coils and damped rubber surrounds deliver amazing
fidelity and durability. The natural silk domes of the 1" high-frequency
drivers deliver top end.
The integral design of the BX5a cabinet and circuitry yields an increase in
bass response over the original BX5. Tuned crossovers combine with
70 watts of bi-amped power (40 watts for low frequencies, 30 watts for high
frequencies) to round out the pair of reference monitors that
are still small enough to fit just about anywhere. Magnetic shielding makes
them suitable for desktop use. The units also have a power indicator and volume
control.
Specifications for the BX5a include 56Hz-22kHz frequency response, 3kHz
crossover frequency, greater than 100dB dynamic range (typical, A-weighted),
input impedance of 20k ohms balanced (10k ohms unbalanced) and input
sensitivity of 90dBA SPL at 1 meter with 85 mV pink noise input (volume
control at maximum). The BX5a is factory programmed for either 115V ~50/60Hz
or 230V~50/60Hz. Protective features include RF interference, output current
limiting, over temperature, turn-on/off transient, subsonic filter, and
external mains fuse. Dimensions are 9.85 in. (h) x 6.54 in. (w) x 7.88 in.
(d); weight is 11 lbs/unit.
The BX5a is currently shipping at an MSRP of USD $399.95 per pair.
For more information, visit their web site at www.m-audio.com. | 
