(June 2, 2020) Alta Audio’s end-game goal for its all-new Alyssa speaker was quite simple: inject the sonic capabilities of a floor-standing speaker into a compact form factor. The result is a gorgeous bookshelf monitor that carries room-friendly dimensions (14.5” H x 9.6” W x 14.25” D) and weighs 28 pounds.
“Alta Audio is devoted to the design and manufacture of speakers that immerse listeners in their favorite music,” said Mr. Levy. “Alyssa is one of our greatest achievements in that we created a model that ranks with the most respected full-size speakers, yet it’s no bigger than the average bookshelf monitor. I’m floored every time I hear it.”
Alyssa’s looks are simply stunning, possessing an artfully rounded top that cascades into subtly rounded sides. The cabinet is comprised of a multi-layered, multi-density, material called “DampHard,” chosen for its resonance-free and bass-extension qualities. Available finishes include Rosewood and Beech (both of which have grain lines that flow seamlessly across the top and down the sides) along with standard high-gloss piano black.
The speaker’s sonic engine is grounded by a 6” woofer and a 2.5” aluminum ribbon tweeter. The woofer carries a 3.1” diameter long-throw voice coil with a neodymium hybrid high-powered motor and titanium former. It's tied to Alta’s proprietary Extended Transmission Line (XLT) bass tuning system, which helps deliver a powerfully deep and tight bass response. Meanwhile, the ribbon tweeter is capable of producing a high-end that extends more than an octave above human hearing.
Alta says that Alyssa is a 4-ohm speaker capable of output from 32Hz to 47kHz. The speaker's reasonable sensitivity of 87.5dB is tagged with a factory specified power requirement of 50-150 watts per channel.
Alyssa is scheduled to begin shipping this coming September, priced at $5,000 per pair. For more information, visit www.alta.audio.com.
