$139,000
If you’re already a fan of Gamut’s superlative RS Series, then you’re in for one heck of a treat. The new hot-off-the-press Zodiac is a further development of the pride of the RS Series, the huge RS9.
“The Zodiac is basically my dream loudspeaker,” says Benno Baun Meldgaard, Gamut’s designer, whose passion and skills are such that in Europe he has earned the nickname ‘the best ears in the business’. In fact, if you’ve ever seen Meldgaard set up and fine-tune a system, you’ll know why he’s also known affectionately as ‘the speaker whisperer’. To watch him ‘dance’ a loudspeaker into its absolute optimum placement is something every audiophile should witness at least once in their lifetime.
In 2016 Meldgaard’s dance card has been reserved for the Zodiac, into which he has poured all of his expertise built on decades of psychoacoustics research and development, including experiencing countless classical live concerts – the only true reference.
“This is my Mona Lisa,” he explains. “It’s me taking loudspeaker design and engineering to the ultimate, removing any and all constraints – including cost – to create a genuine masterpiece of musicality. As an audio designer and passionate lover of live music, this is the kind of project you live for”.
A true masterpiece doesn’t typically go into mass production and the Zodiac is no exception. Just 12 pairs will be handcrafted each year, one per month, and each will bear the relevant sign of the astrological zodiac. No serial numbers here, just a star sign.
The Gamut Zodiac: highlights in brief
A true ‘cost no object’ handcrafted loudspeaker.
Only 12 pairs to be built each year (one per month/sign of the zodiac).
Extended frequency response of 16Hz to 60kHz.
Phase-aligned drive units from 400Hz to 12kHz yielding pin-point sound staging with vast 3D imaging and flawless timing.
All drive units have been newly custom-designed and individually matched by Meldgaard to deliver phenomenal dynamic response.
Highly complex cabinet showcases a new system of internal spacing, semi-separated by bespoke acoustic filters for impeccable impulse response and no dynamic restrain.
The all-important crossover is a new innovative design featuring superlative quality components sourced from Danish experts Janzen Audio.
That personal touch: the Zodiac’s designer Benno Baun Meldgaard will visit each owner within 12 months of purchase to fine-tune the Zodiac set-up in the owner’s listening room.
