Vivid Audio debuts the B1 Decade, a new addition to its Oval Series Family. A limited edition revised OVAL B1, at US$28,000, the B1 Decade Edition loudspeakers assume the flagship position in the Oval range due to their incredible performance and advanced construction. Listeners have been amazed at how the B1d produces sound quite close to one of the company’s original GIYA offerings.
DESIGN OF THE B11 DECADE
Vivid Audio’s tweeters are constructed with vapor deposits of aluminum and magnesium alloy. Extremely light-weight, these tweeters are driven by a hugely powerful magnet structure with rare earth metals, making them super-efficient with a remarkable performance at 98dB. Historically however, these tweeters have been finger magnets with foil assembly that are extremely fragile.
In this revision, Vivid Audio’s Loudspeaker Designer, Laurence Dickie, pushed the envelope yet further to introduce new “finger-proof” designed tweeter grilles, offering additional protection without compromising the sonic performance. Tweeter grilles on the production units are injection molded with slightly tighter tolerances than the prototype introduced in Munich produced by 3D printing. While this new Oval B1 Decade looks similar to the existing Oval B1, there are key differences best summarized by the chart below:
| FEATURES | BENEFITS |
|---|---|
| GIYA type vacuum infused quadraxial glass cabinet | Offers reduced mass and increased rigidity |
| GIYA G4 mass driver motor assemblies | Offers greater shove resulting in fuller tighter bass and better LF definition |
| New D26 and D50 driver trim rings | Offers better protection to the driver diaphragms |
| Completely new filter topologies | Yields a more open better defined soundstage |
| New shaped ports | Matches the new bass loading |
| New formed baffles front and rear | Offers a modernized appearance and lower diffraction |
| New full GIYA type magnetically coupling grilles front and rear | Quicker, easier and safer grille on, grille off endeavors |
| New terminal tray position | Easier access for spade type connectors |
| C125 driver with magnet segments immediately adjacent to the voice coil | Boosts the mid and high frequency performance |
HEAR WHAT A DIFFERENCE 10 YEARS MAKE - THE NEW LIMITED EDITION B1 DECADE EMBODIES EVERYTHING WE'VE LEARNED, REFINED AND DEVELOPED OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS.
The Limited Edition B1 Decade is the latest addition to the Vivid Audio loudspeaker family. The culmination of 10 years’ R&D, it represents another huge step forward in progressive design and sound quality. The Limited Edition B1 Decade’s distinctive shape minimises diffraction and reduces internal standing waves for a clearer sound: the composite sandwich enclosure helps eliminate structural resonance. Drawing on technology from our revolutionary Giya series, it also benefits from new drivers and filters that take mid-range and upper-register performance to a totally new level. In a market still dominated by square cabinet speakers, the Limited Edition B1 Decade stands out as a perfect example of form truly following function.
Every Vivid Audio loudspeaker cabinet is hand finished using an elaborate process to ensure the very best aesthetics and finish quality.
Like all Vivid Audio loudspeakers, the B1 Decade is instantly recognisable thanks to its radical design. In a market still dominated by square cabinet speakers, the B1 Decade stands out as a perfect example of form truly following function. It takes its inspiration from nature, where there are no straight edges, right angles or flat plane surfaces. As the human ear itself demonstrates – and our own acoustic research proves – smooth curves help ensure optimum clarity and sound quality. This pioneering loudspeaker also benefits from new drivers and filters that take mid-range and upper-register performance to a totally new level.
THE MOST REALISTIC WAY TO ENJOY THE AUTHENTIC VIVID AUDIO LISTENING EXPERIENCE
We broke new ground when we launched the original B1 loudspeaker back in 2005. Now, everything we’ve learned since has gone into the new B1 Decade. Drawing on 10 years of knowledge, experience and R&D, the B1 Decade incorporates materials and technology from our revolutionary GIYA loudspeakers, bringing our astonishing clarity and transparency of sound to a wider audience.
Download Oval B1 Decade Information Sheet here.
Specifications
| Configuation | 3 & 1⁄ 2 way vented cabinet | ||||||
| Cabinet material | Balsa-cored quadraxial glass composite sandwich | ||||||
| Cabinet color | Red or Black | ||||||
| Base and pedestal | Fibre-loaded polymer complex | ||||||
| Finish | High gloss Automotive | ||||||
| Drive unit |
New topology rare-earth magnet design Sensitivity |
||||||
| Sensitivity | 89dB @ 2.83Vrms at 1.0 metre on axis | ||||||
| Nominal Impedance (Ω) | 4 | ||||||
| Frequency Range (Hz) | - 6dB points: 34 - 36,000Hz | ||||||
| First D26 break-up mode | 44,000 Hz | ||||||
| Frequency Response | 38 - 33,000 Hz +/- 2dB on reference axis | ||||||
| Harmonic distortion (2nd and 3rd harmonics) | < 0.5% over frequency range | ||||||
| Cross over frequencies (Hz) | 130, 900, 3500 | ||||||
| Power Handling (music program) watts rms | 300 | ||||||
| Loudspeaker dimensions | 1095mm (H) x 265mm (W) x 375mm (D); Base: 420mm (D) | ||||||
| Net weight | 36kg |
Reviews
"it sounds so much better that it now stands alongside Vivid’s very top models...it’s a complete success."
Read the full review on SoundStage! Hifi.
"...that can also be called one of the best speakers available at any price.”
Read the full review on Audiophilepure.