Appearance:
These loudspeaker are a delightfully, refreshing design and feature a seven degree back-tilt that eliminates right angles to
avoid standing waves. The cabinets are made from 2cm MDF bonded to 2cm 13-ply Baltic birch plywood. Veneered with
cherry on all sides and with an inlaid strip of ebony and padouk at the front baffle, the enclosures combine a tall, slim and
attractive style with elegant cabinet work. The bottom of each enclosure contains a reservoir for mass loading with lead
shot (sand will do but is not as effective). On the enclosure's rear, four gold-plated binding posts allow bi-wiring. On the
baffle two 115mm midrange drivers are located under the 28mm ScanSpeak tweeter. The tuning port is located right under
the midrange/woofer array and the entire driver assembly is concealed behind a short transparent grille. Plinths and cones
are provided to assure stability. Each enclosure stands 41.5 inches high with a footprint of 7 x 20 inches (W x D) and
weighs 51 pounds without lead shot. The Profundo subwoofer has matching cabinet work and features two 25.3cm
woofers behind a transparent grille. The enclosure accommodates an electronic crossover and a powerful amplifier which
is why it weighs in at a hefty 80 pounds. The sub measures 24 inches high, 14 inches wide and 20 inches deep. The entire
system looks impressive, while, at the same time offering clean, elegant styling. The Obbligato Ilfs are available
in cherry with padouk and ebony inlay.
Technology:
In order to accommodate the drivers, a cabinet must offer a solid, none resonant environment and Angstrom has
addressed this with a few innovative techniques. The Obbligatos offer an extremely solid cabinet made of 2cm MDF,
properly braced to avoid eigen resonances. In addition, the enclosures are sloped back about seven degrees which
ensures correct time alignment as well as the elimination of internal standingwaves. On the enclosure's baffle, a 28mm
ScanSpeak tweeter, two 115mm Vifa midrange/bass drivers and the system's tuning port are arranged at the top, while the
bottom extends all the way to a larger plinth which assures firm positioning on the floor. There is a small chamber at the
bottom of the cabinet which can be accessed easily and filled with lead shot or sand (a mix of both is best). The earlier
Obbligatos had a D'Appolito arrangement (tweeter between the two midrange/ woofers) but in the new model the designer
chose the more conventional, but well proven, formation of tweeter above main drivers. The enclosures accommodate a
measured lining of Roxul. Roxul features thousands of tiny, air filled and interconnected cavities, which quite effectively
absorb reflected sound. The midrange drivers have pole vented magnesium baskets in which a glass fibre pentacone is
part of the motor assembly. The entire speaker assembly is designed to allow the drivers within the enclosure to operate
harmoniously and freely with minimal interfering back pressure. The cabinet has no right angles thus eliminating internal
standing waves. Internal wiring is accomplished with copper and silver ATMOS AIR cable from Germany, and bi-wiring is
recommended. Angstrom designers hold to the theory that any loudspeaker system that incorporates a low frequency
driver in the same enclosure is an immediate compromise in acoustic design. Interference by the woofer on the overall
performance of the tweeter and midrange drivers can never be overcome [sic]. Endless experiments by engineers have
addressed and eliminated this problem by removing the low frequency driver and placing it in a separate enclosure. This
eliminates the problem of mechanical resonance or feedback to the other drivers in the system. The Profundo subwoofer is
a very special design that enhances and improves the performance of any full range loudspeaker (regardless of make). It
is a powered sub featuring a modern 500 watt Bash amplifier with an efficiency rating of more than 85%. It can deliver
instantaneous power in excess of a 1000 watts. Two 25.3cm (about 10 inch) woofers operate in the large enclosure and
each driver boasts cast aluminum baskets and fibreglass weave cones with inverted
dust caps.
The Sound:
We looked at and compared the notes taken for the original Obbligato review with the ones made for this evaluation and
there are many similarities. The first, most apparent one is theObbligatos' immaculate tonal equilibrium. We said it then
and it holds water now: "the Obbligatos will sound at their best when connected to a good amplifier. Good amplifiers for our
auditioning sessions were the Bryston 7B SST (reviewed in Vol.15 #1), the Wyetech Labs Sapphire monoblocks
and the Perreaux integrated amplifier, both reviewed in this issue. As in our original listening tests, the new Obbligatos
were also compatible with all amplifiers we used and, in fact, offered pleasing, harmonious partnerships, thus giving the
end-user a choice of sonic variations based on the electronics-amplifier and preamplifier. While all amplifiers provided
excellent sound, the one we considered the best match for the loudspeakers was the Perreaux integrated. It provided the
most realistic all-round sound, with flawless highs, midrange and bass. The earlier mentioned, uncanny tonal balance
permitted the Perreaux to fulfill all fundamental tones and all affiliated harmonics. Although the subwoofers were not
connected at the beginning of our listening sessions, this clearly didn't diminish the performance of the Obbligatos, as
bass remained quite powerful, rich and resolute down to about 40Hz, leaving information below just a touch unfinished,
but still very respectable-and without boominess. Angstrom maintains that the on'ly way to accomplish great bass below
50Hz is "by adding an amplifier to power the low frequency section and designing an entirely new low frequency transducer"
[sic]-a subwoofer. First we added one Profundo Sub, connected via long interconnects to our in-house preamplifier's
(Wyetech Labs Opal) second set of pre-outputs. Set up about three feet behind the Obbligatos, we began the critical
adjustments of gain and crossover. It didn't take very long to accomplish the right blend of energy which resulted from
setting the crossover at a touch over 50Hz. This system configuration DID add bass energy below 50Hz, resulted in
remarkably deep bass fundamentals and introduced resolution almost below our hearing capacity. We noted that organ
pedal notes between 20Hz and 40Hz had a deep reverberating property, likely the result of the small electric motor driving
the air through the large pipes that generate low frequencies. To hear this properly, we listened to the Opus CD titled
Organ Treasures, the Dorian recording of The Great Organ Of St. Eustache and the Fidelio Sept Paroles Du Christ. These
CDs feature production techniques better than any others we have auditioned. Next, we added a second subwoofer and
placed each about two feet behind an Obbligato (it is not a requirement to use two subwoofers). The subs were resting on
small adjustable cones but we introduced the final tweak-a set of three Logosound Audio Feet (reviewed in our last issue)
under each main enclosure. The aforementioned deep bass information was now a little more striking and more complete.
This system now had it all: beautifully smooth highs, articulate midrange-upper and lower-midbass to die for and resolute
deep bass that could crack walls, if the gain is too high. All in all, the system literally sang with accuracy and musical
gratification-a tough job under the best conditions. For our last two listening tests, we used theWyetech Labs Sapphire
monoblocks driven by the earlier mentioned Opal preamplifier (with two pre outs). Our final test was done with the
Profundos connected to our home theatre system (Bryston amps and processors, Gershman main and centre channel
speakers).
Synopsis & Commentary:
Unlike a home theatre set-up, a subwoofered audio system is not as simple as adding another connection from the
preamplifier or receiver. Rather, in a superb reproduction system it is important
to combine and integrate the sub with the main loudspeakers (or satellites as we call them) to attain the desired effect-the
blend. "Blend" in audio terms can be defined as the act of putting together components into a system that offers
harmonious integration. For this review we added the subwoofer(s) and, though rather large, quite visible enclosures, the
Profu ndos practically vanished as the ears could not ascertain their placement. We consider the Obbligato/Profunda
system a primary contributor to a high performance audio only (2-channel) set-up. However, if the Obbligato/Profunda
system is to be used in a home theatre set-up, expect to hear high-end audio quality-and expect the subwoofers to perform
forcefully enough to faultlessly reproduce the most dynamic information. Angstrom engineers have done a
great job finding, coordinating and integrating a music system with the capability to stun, and a home theatre system with
the capacity to rattle the foundation of your house.
These loudspeaker are a delightfully, refreshing design and feature a seven degree back-tilt that eliminates right angles to
avoid standing waves. The cabinets are made from 2cm MDF bonded to 2cm 13-ply Baltic birch plywood. Veneered with
cherry on all sides and with an inlaid strip of ebony and padouk at the front baffle, the enclosures combine a tall, slim and
attractive style with elegant cabinet work. The bottom of each enclosure contains a reservoir for mass loading with lead
shot (sand will do but is not as effective). On the enclosure's rear, four gold-plated binding posts allow bi-wiring. On the
baffle two 115mm midrange drivers are located under the 28mm ScanSpeak tweeter. The tuning port is located right under
the midrange/woofer array and the entire driver assembly is concealed behind a short transparent grille. Plinths and cones
are provided to assure stability. Each enclosure stands 41.5 inches high with a footprint of 7 x 20 inches (W x D) and
weighs 51 pounds without lead shot. The Profundo subwoofer has matching cabinet work and features two 25.3cm
woofers behind a transparent grille. The enclosure accommodates an electronic crossover and a powerful amplifier which
is why it weighs in at a hefty 80 pounds. The sub measures 24 inches high, 14 inches wide and 20 inches deep. The entire
system looks impressive, while, at the same time offering clean, elegant styling. The Obbligato Ilfs are available
in cherry with padouk and ebony inlay.
Technology:
In order to accommodate the drivers, a cabinet must offer a solid, none resonant environment and Angstrom has
addressed this with a few innovative techniques. The Obbligatos offer an extremely solid cabinet made of 2cm MDF,
properly braced to avoid eigen resonances. In addition, the enclosures are sloped back about seven degrees which
ensures correct time alignment as well as the elimination of internal standingwaves. On the enclosure's baffle, a 28mm
ScanSpeak tweeter, two 115mm Vifa midrange/bass drivers and the system's tuning port are arranged at the top, while the
bottom extends all the way to a larger plinth which assures firm positioning on the floor. There is a small chamber at the
bottom of the cabinet which can be accessed easily and filled with lead shot or sand (a mix of both is best). The earlier
Obbligatos had a D'Appolito arrangement (tweeter between the two midrange/ woofers) but in the new model the designer
chose the more conventional, but well proven, formation of tweeter above main drivers. The enclosures accommodate a
measured lining of Roxul. Roxul features thousands of tiny, air filled and interconnected cavities, which quite effectively
absorb reflected sound. The midrange drivers have pole vented magnesium baskets in which a glass fibre pentacone is
part of the motor assembly. The entire speaker assembly is designed to allow the drivers within the enclosure to operate
harmoniously and freely with minimal interfering back pressure. The cabinet has no right angles thus eliminating internal
standing waves. Internal wiring is accomplished with copper and silver ATMOS AIR cable from Germany, and bi-wiring is
recommended. Angstrom designers hold to the theory that any loudspeaker system that incorporates a low frequency
driver in the same enclosure is an immediate compromise in acoustic design. Interference by the woofer on the overall
performance of the tweeter and midrange drivers can never be overcome [sic]. Endless experiments by engineers have
addressed and eliminated this problem by removing the low frequency driver and placing it in a separate enclosure. This
eliminates the problem of mechanical resonance or feedback to the other drivers in the system. The Profundo subwoofer is
a very special design that enhances and improves the performance of any full range loudspeaker (regardless of make). It
is a powered sub featuring a modern 500 watt Bash amplifier with an efficiency rating of more than 85%. It can deliver
instantaneous power in excess of a 1000 watts. Two 25.3cm (about 10 inch) woofers operate in the large enclosure and
each driver boasts cast aluminum baskets and fibreglass weave cones with inverted
dust caps.
The Sound:
We looked at and compared the notes taken for the original Obbligato review with the ones made for this evaluation and
there are many similarities. The first, most apparent one is theObbligatos' immaculate tonal equilibrium. We said it then
and it holds water now: "the Obbligatos will sound at their best when connected to a good amplifier. Good amplifiers for our
auditioning sessions were the Bryston 7B SST (reviewed in Vol.15 #1), the Wyetech Labs Sapphire monoblocks
and the Perreaux integrated amplifier, both reviewed in this issue. As in our original listening tests, the new Obbligatos
were also compatible with all amplifiers we used and, in fact, offered pleasing, harmonious partnerships, thus giving the
end-user a choice of sonic variations based on the electronics-amplifier and preamplifier. While all amplifiers provided
excellent sound, the one we considered the best match for the loudspeakers was the Perreaux integrated. It provided the
most realistic all-round sound, with flawless highs, midrange and bass. The earlier mentioned, uncanny tonal balance
permitted the Perreaux to fulfill all fundamental tones and all affiliated harmonics. Although the subwoofers were not
connected at the beginning of our listening sessions, this clearly didn't diminish the performance of the Obbligatos, as
bass remained quite powerful, rich and resolute down to about 40Hz, leaving information below just a touch unfinished,
but still very respectable-and without boominess. Angstrom maintains that the on'ly way to accomplish great bass below
50Hz is "by adding an amplifier to power the low frequency section and designing an entirely new low frequency transducer"
[sic]-a subwoofer. First we added one Profundo Sub, connected via long interconnects to our in-house preamplifier's
(Wyetech Labs Opal) second set of pre-outputs. Set up about three feet behind the Obbligatos, we began the critical
adjustments of gain and crossover. It didn't take very long to accomplish the right blend of energy which resulted from
setting the crossover at a touch over 50Hz. This system configuration DID add bass energy below 50Hz, resulted in
remarkably deep bass fundamentals and introduced resolution almost below our hearing capacity. We noted that organ
pedal notes between 20Hz and 40Hz had a deep reverberating property, likely the result of the small electric motor driving
the air through the large pipes that generate low frequencies. To hear this properly, we listened to the Opus CD titled
Organ Treasures, the Dorian recording of The Great Organ Of St. Eustache and the Fidelio Sept Paroles Du Christ. These
CDs feature production techniques better than any others we have auditioned. Next, we added a second subwoofer and
placed each about two feet behind an Obbligato (it is not a requirement to use two subwoofers). The subs were resting on
small adjustable cones but we introduced the final tweak-a set of three Logosound Audio Feet (reviewed in our last issue)
under each main enclosure. The aforementioned deep bass information was now a little more striking and more complete.
This system now had it all: beautifully smooth highs, articulate midrange-upper and lower-midbass to die for and resolute
deep bass that could crack walls, if the gain is too high. All in all, the system literally sang with accuracy and musical
gratification-a tough job under the best conditions. For our last two listening tests, we used theWyetech Labs Sapphire
monoblocks driven by the earlier mentioned Opal preamplifier (with two pre outs). Our final test was done with the
Profundos connected to our home theatre system (Bryston amps and processors, Gershman main and centre channel
speakers).
Synopsis & Commentary:
Unlike a home theatre set-up, a subwoofered audio system is not as simple as adding another connection from the
preamplifier or receiver. Rather, in a superb reproduction system it is important
to combine and integrate the sub with the main loudspeakers (or satellites as we call them) to attain the desired effect-the
blend. "Blend" in audio terms can be defined as the act of putting together components into a system that offers
harmonious integration. For this review we added the subwoofer(s) and, though rather large, quite visible enclosures, the
Profu ndos practically vanished as the ears could not ascertain their placement. We consider the Obbligato/Profunda
system a primary contributor to a high performance audio only (2-channel) set-up. However, if the Obbligato/Profunda
system is to be used in a home theatre set-up, expect to hear high-end audio quality-and expect the subwoofers to perform
forcefully enough to faultlessly reproduce the most dynamic information. Angstrom engineers have done a
great job finding, coordinating and integrating a music system with the capability to stun, and a home theatre system with
the capacity to rattle the foundation of your house.
Product Review
Angstrom loudspeakers were reintroduced to the market in 1997, although the actual
founding of Angstrom Acoustic Laboratories was back in 1978. The company was
one of the first manufacturers to use the Canadian National Research Council's
acoustic testing facilities in Ottawa. In 1994,the Angstrom name was bought
by Gray Acoustics Limited, one of Canada's largest electronic distributors and the
first products under its new association have met with great acceptance in the
Canadian market. TIER reviewed their first small bookshelf model, the Omega, in
Vol. 10 #1 (1997) and these small speakers got our immediate attention as their
performance far exceeded our expectations. Our second review came with the
introduction of the original model Obbligato reviewed in Vol.11 #1 (1998), which we
found to be an excellent design, beautifully styled, with sound qualities usually found
in much higher priced loudspeakers. Since then, the company has introduced many
more models including a unique modular system which offers an interchangeable
configuration to customize sound for either two channel audio or home theatre
systems. The Obbligato Ilf under review here is the floor standing version of two
models (the Obbligato lis is a smaller design, sold with optional stands). For those
interested in home theatre, a pair of side or rear channel loudspeakers, the
Pochettos; a centre channel, the Libretto; and two subwoofers- the Profundo and
Forza models-are also available.
founding of Angstrom Acoustic Laboratories was back in 1978. The company was
one of the first manufacturers to use the Canadian National Research Council's
acoustic testing facilities in Ottawa. In 1994,the Angstrom name was bought
by Gray Acoustics Limited, one of Canada's largest electronic distributors and the
first products under its new association have met with great acceptance in the
Canadian market. TIER reviewed their first small bookshelf model, the Omega, in
Vol. 10 #1 (1997) and these small speakers got our immediate attention as their
performance far exceeded our expectations. Our second review came with the
introduction of the original model Obbligato reviewed in Vol.11 #1 (1998), which we
found to be an excellent design, beautifully styled, with sound qualities usually found
in much higher priced loudspeakers. Since then, the company has introduced many
more models including a unique modular system which offers an interchangeable
configuration to customize sound for either two channel audio or home theatre
systems. The Obbligato Ilf under review here is the floor standing version of two
models (the Obbligato lis is a smaller design, sold with optional stands). For those
interested in home theatre, a pair of side or rear channel loudspeakers, the
Pochettos; a centre channel, the Libretto; and two subwoofers- the Profundo and
Forza models-are also available.
Angstrom Obbligato II and Profondo Subwoofer Review
Click here to download original review
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