Measurements and conclusion
Contents
We measure the Aretai in our listening room with the Clio 12 with QC package. As a microphone, we use the DPA 4091. We also use the Prism dScope for verification and for measuring distortion. Finally, we deploy the Sourcetronic LCR meter to measure impedance and electrical phase.
Measurements Aretai Contra 100S
A couple of things stand out about the Aretai Contra 100S. First is the frequency response, which rises evenly. We tried various microphone positions, but this is really the character. And we hear it. Between approximately 500 Hz and 20 KHz, we see a rise of 10dB!
Secondly, the off-axis response is very decent. That will be due to the waveguide. You have to measure a little further away from the speaker if you want to check that, because at 1 meter we do see roll-off. That will be the tuning of the waveguide.
The low-end response is a bit low in the measurement. We estimate that the woofer just needs a rear wall to do its job. We also see some unrest in the waterfall between 500 and 2500 Hz. Remarkable, because from 2500 Hz and up it is very clean. What causes it, we can only guess. Perhaps the rear woofer is to blame.
Impedance is totally different from what we normally see. We took a look inside the speaker to see how they did this…. it really measures completely different.
The Aretai does not dip: we measure around 3.5 Ohm minimum. Electrical phase is also very favorable. In short: this can definitely be driven with a tube. If it has a little power, it should go easily.
