Hot on the heels of the highly successful Kudos X2 ‘baby floorstander’ , the new X3 loudspeaker goes above and beyond with its larger size, extended bass and exciting dynamic range.
The new X3 from Kudos uses the same high quality tweeter as its ‘baby brother’ the X2, but marries it with a new 18cm main driver. The main driver’s cone is made from a mix ture of paper and reed fibres which combines inherent stiffness and natural damping with light weight and therefore improve s transient and dynamic response, as well as overall clarity. A copper – clad aluminium voice coil and copper shorting ring further enhance transients and dynamics and reduce distortion, increasing transparency . A cast chas sis gives the main driver optimal stability.
Both drive units are of exceptional quality, manufactured exclusively for Kudos by Norwegian specialists SEAS and specifically designed for the Kudos loudspeaker range.
Excellent integration between the two drive units allows the use of a low order, high quality crossover for minimal electrical interaction with the signal. A ll internal wiring features The Chord Company ’s Sarsen loudspeaker cable, selected through extensive testing of a range of alternatives.
The X3’s cabinet is constructed from 18mm high density MDF specifically chosen for its acoustic properties, and is carefully tuned to m inimise cabinet colouration and time smear. T he reflex port is situated on the bottom of the cabinet so that the plinth then provides a fixed boundary gap for the port to work optimally, as well as providing additional stability.
“The X3 was purposely created in response to customer demand for a slightly larger, more dynamic and even more exciting version of the X2 miniat ure floorstander”, says Kudos ’ designer Derek Gilligan. “Using ideas first implemented in our flagship ‘Titan’ and ‘Super’ models, we developed the X3 to be easy to drive and to position within a room, and to bring out the best in a wide variety of music – delivering the energy, exuberance an d life within a piece of music whatever its genre”.
Available in a range of beautifully finished real wood veneers, the X3 holds true to Kudos’ philosophy of clean lines and simple, understated styling. It uses its ex tra size to add improved loudness capability, bass extension and greater scale of presentation over the X2 , with an even more articulate and expressive midrange and a similar open and subtly detailed treble.
Technical specifications.
Main driver: Kudos 18cm unit with cast chassis, paper/reed cone, 39mm voice coil and copper shorting ring
Tweeter: 25mm Kudos soft dome
Sensitivity: 88dB
Impedance: 8 ohms
Frequency response: 30Hz – 25 kHz “AIRR” (average in – room response)
Dimensions: 845mm (h) x 190mm (w) x 25 0mm ( d)
Pricing and availabilit
The Kudos X3 is available now .
Finishes available: cherry, walnut, rosenut, oak, black and satin white.
Priced at £ 2,145 (inc luding VAT) .
About Kudos Audio
Kudos Audio began life as a maker of award – winning speaker stands until renowned designer Derek Gilligan took over the helm and Kudos was relaunched as a specialist in high performance loudspeakers. Since then, the company has gone on to win worldwide respect and numerous awards. Kudos speake rs have established themselves as some of the best – sounding available, with each model setting a Page 3 of 3 standard at its respective price point.
Why? Kudos take an uncommon approach to loudspeaker design. In his earlier career as a live sound engineer, Derek discov ered that traditional technical measurements don’t reflect everything that we hear. While these measurements are useful for fault analysis, they don’t necessarily optimise a product’s musical abilities. This inspired Derek to pursue an alternative methodology, using music as the primary tool in loudspeaker design and assessment. This departure from traditional approaches takes confidence and a wealth of experience, and contributes toward what makes Kudos different – as well as making it one of the fastest – growing UK loudspeaker companies in recent years.
Derek and his team, based in Country Durham, work closely with some of Europe’s finest suppliers to ensure that the best possible components, connections and craftsman ship are brought together in the development of the Kudos rang.
