Audio Physic, founded in Germany in 1985, has consistently produced high-quality loudspeakers over the years. The company expanded its factory in Germany as recently as 2010 and launched several 25th-anniversary commemorative loudspeakers in 2011. Time flies, and now in 2016, to commemorate its 30th anniversary, the company has announced the launch of the limited-edition flagship speaker Cardeas 30 LJE (Limited Jubilee Edition). Available in two finishes – gloss-treated ebony veneer or rosewood veneer – the manufacturer states only 30 pairs will be produced globally, with each pair’s serial number engraved on the speaker base.
The Cardeas 30 LJE employs a 5-driver, 3.5-way bass-reflex configuration, utilising Audio Physic’s meticulously crafted proprietary drivers. The tweeter employs a 39mm HHCT III (The Hyper-Holographic Cone Tweeter III) unit. This tweeter differs from conventional designs with its unique cone-shaped construction, complemented by a dome-shaped dust cap. An outer ring of felt further reduces diffraction.
For the midrange drivers, a total of three 150mm HHCM (Hyper-Holographic Cone Midrange) units are employed. One handles the entire midrange frequency band, while the other two manage the lower midrange and bass frequencies. The rear frame of the driver features a dual-layer construction, combining a plastic frame with an aluminium frame. This architecture offers excellent heat dissipation, stable support, and reduced resonance. Furthermore, the driver employs a powerful neodymium magnet, fully enclosed within the aluminium frame, for drive. Additionally, the midrange driver incorporates ACT (Active Cone Damping) technology. By distributing an additional damping compound (a silicone-rubber blend) around the cone’s periphery, superior damping is achieved. This significantly reduces resonance in the metal diaphragm, resulting in a more stable and controlled sound.
Finally, the bass driver employs a single 260mm unit positioned laterally. This driver enables the system to extend its low-frequency response smoothly down to 25Hz. Moreover, the Cardeas 30 LJE incorporates another proprietary technology: VCT (Vibration Control Terminal). This system employs the binding posts and the aluminium plate securing them, which are mounted to the cabinet rear in a suspension-like manner. This mechanical damping approach eliminates vibrations generated during cable transmission from propagating to the speaker. The feet also employ VCF (Vibration Control Feet) technology. This demonstrates the manufacturer’s relentless pursuit of eliminating unnecessary vibrations across all aspects, representing an exceptionally audiophile-grade design.
Over the years, I have frequently auditioned Audio Physic loudspeakers. Their strengths lie in exceptional soundstaging, colouration-free and precise tonal reproduction, coupled with outstanding German craftsmanship. However, owing to their multi-way designs – involving complex driver and crossover construction – fully realising their potential proves challenging, hence their limited popularity locally. Although the manufacturer specifies a recommended amplifier power of 40-350W, based on my experience and considering the flagship’s driver and crossover configuration, prospective buyers will undoubtedly need to equip themselves with a high-quality amplifier that delivers both tonal integrity and ample power to truly tame this formidable speaker.
Detailed Specifications
- height：1190 mm / 46.9 “
- width：305 mm / 12 “
- depth：595 mm / 23.4 “
- Space Width x Depth：410×595 mm / 16.1×23.4 “
- weight：74 kg
- Recommended amplifier power：40-350 W
- impedance：4 Ohm
- frequency response：25 Hz – 40 kHz
- efficiency：89 dB
