(November 6, 2019) When it comes to architectural speaker applications, visual intrusiveness and bulk are typically no-nos. The purpose, after all, is to allow a room to exist without equipment dominating aesthetics. And while many may argue that speakers are inherently works of art, there’s something mysterious and alluring about sound matched to utter invisibility.
That brings us to Amina – a manufacturer of wall-blending Spread Source speakers – and its recent success at CEDIA 2019. Celebrating two decades in the industry, Amina arrived at the annual trade show with several exciting pieces of news. First, the company is now managing its distribution and customer support system in the North American market, having transitioned away from a prior relationship with Control4. According to Amina, this gives the company greater flexibility for future growth while maintaining important relationships within its current dealer network.
“We felt that this new approach, with a deeper direct presence, was the best way for Amina to effectively serve and grow the North American business,” said Keith Vanderkley, Worldwide VP of Engineering Technologies and VP of Sales for the Americas. “Our focus is to develop and maintain partnerships with dealers as we fully recognize and value the skillsets they bring to the table. As our installation partners they are an integral part of our final product’s performance, and by listening to their experiences, they become active participants in our product development.”
Second, Amina used CEDIA to showcase next-generation “i” versions of its flagship Mobius and EDGE speaker series, both of which are wholly invisible once installed and covered by a skim coat, wallpaper, or veneer. The speakers utilize a thin panel composed of aluminum honeycomb or composite soundboards mated with integrated exciters, allowing for sound to be created on a completely flat wall or ceiling.
The Mobius5i ($1,100) and Mobius7i ($1,600) are designed to work behind a range of covering materials such as wet plaster skim (2mm), stucco, wood, leather, natural or man-made veneers and laminates. Utilizing a new Excelsior high-frequency driver integrated into a honeycomb aluminum soundboard, the speaker enjoys a 6dB boost in mid-range sensitivity, better bass extension, and high frequencies that reach 30,000 Hz.
The EDGE5i ($1,000) and EDGE7i ($1,500) can be installed without accessing studs or unique framing. Installers can simply cut, place, and cover the speaker for a presence that’s impossible to see. Amina says EDGE speakers have a manageable 90dB sensitivity with output that’s described as dynamic and engaging.
The Mobius-i and EDGE-i series are available for purchase now. For more information about purchases in North America, call 866-462-6462.
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