LOA AURUM WOTAN VIII

As indicated by the Roman numerals in the name of the tested product, the Aurum Wotan VIII floor speaker systems represent the eighth generation of the mentioned model. The presence of the now eighth generation of the Wotan loudspeaker system also hints that the protagonists of the Quadral brand, a brand that has been in the market since nineteen-seventies, can boast about tradition and most importantly know-how.

Many fans of the hardcore high-end category know about the now legendary high volume company models Titan and Vulkan that are now produced in their seventh, respectively eighth generation. The seekers of high fidelity sound should not overlook the more compact option in the high end class, where this tested model finds itself. The Wotan VIII model, which by the way received the 2010 iF Product Design Award (iF-International Forum Design GmbH), offers exceptional electro-acoustic features. The editorial listening test found that in a relatively compact package, available at a budget price, which in terms of the high end category appears to be quite attractive, offers an exceptionally transparent reproduction in the mid and high tones in combination with an incredibly solid bass base.

AURUM WOTAN VIII FEATURE

Inconspicuous appeal of the baffle

The bass reflex baffle with a xcxcxc of only 92 cm and a xcxcxc exceeding 19 cm is constructed from solid wood fibreboard and from the outline view it has really large dimensions. The essential internal volume of the elegant yet subtle cabinet is provided for by the relatively large depth of the speaker system.

In its deeper lower part it is over 40 cm.
From the side view, the front wall of the baffle and the top and bottom horizontal walls do not form a right angle, but rather are slightly tilted backwards. The tilt is only very slight - the front wall forms an angle to the horizontal plate of about 92.5 degrees. As a result of the described design feature the axis of the tweeters is tilted a little, facing slightly upwards. This comes in handy because, thanks to the smaller dimensions of the baffle, the tweeters are positioned relatively low. For example the centre of the high tone ribbon tweeter is found at a xcxcxc of a mere 81 cm from the floor (measured without the adjustable pins attached).

Another pleasing design detail is the aesthetically curved edges of the cabinet and the original shape of the walls with a backward overhang. The surface of the loudspeaker system is adorned by a luxurious black piano high-gloss lacquered finish. The company catalogue also contains the option of a white piano lacquered finish and three types of natural veneers. For a fee it is possible to order a custom lacquered finish, according to one's preference from an extensive sampler containing 210 colour tones.

Hi-tech Quadral tweeters

The three-way loudspeaker system is equipped with a total of four carefully crafted Quadral tweeters, of particular interest is the visually bewitching trio of mid-bass tweeters of the identical diameter of 135 mm. However, they do not resonate in the same acoustic band. The top tweeter from the visually identical trio resonates "only" mid tones, which are not distorted by the potentially large vibrations of the membrane, which is characteristic of the lower two tweeters, designated exclusively for the reproduction of deep tones. 

All three mid-bass tweeters have a very solid conical membrane, which the manufacturer named Altima. This acronym is formed by the short forms of the words aluminium, titanium and magnesium. The solid cone made from an aluminium, titanium and magnesium alloy guarantees a precise piston movement of the membrane during its vibration without the undesirable form deformations in its generally critical outer parts. The tweeters can also boast a precisely structed bearing cage, pressure cast from a light metallic alloy and an effective permanent double magnet. Belonging in the hi-tech category is also the unique company high tone tweeter with a robust metal chassis, effective permanent neodymium magnets and an extremely light ribbon membrane, able to resonate also "bat level" ultrasound frequencies up to 65 kHz.

Crystal clear highs of ribbon membranes 

Notwithstanding the fact that the Wotan VIII systems have a very dynamic bass performance, what is perhaps even more surprising when listening to them for the first time, are the exceptionally clear, detailed and fine high tones, produced by the mentioned hi-tech ribbon tweeter. Even though the highs are presented very clearly and openly, thanks to the absence of any signs of coarseness or aggression, to the human ear they are extremely gentle and smooth. The form of delivery can be compared to the extremely transparent character of reproduction of high frequencies on expensive electrostatic systems. Such preciseness, loftiness of reproduction of the surround sound scene combined with the acoustic fineness given by the representation of fast transient signals through the very light ribbon membrane is achieved only with great difficulty on conventional high tone tweeters with standard calotte membranes.

Brilliant mid tones and rock solid basses

Exceptional praise is also much deserved for the brilliant reproduction of mid tones,contributing to the overall transparency and openness of the system's expression. Deep tones resonate energetically with particular vigour. The duo of smaller bass tweeters with rigid membranes responds very quickly to energetically demanding deep tone mpulses. They can figuratively be compared to the pistons in the racing car engine. As a result of the perfect reactions of the membranes, without the undesirable deformations on the cone's outer margins during vibration, the resonated low frequencies have exceptional lucidity and a dynamic character.

The mid and deep basses are perfectly firm. The area of higher basses in the band around 100 - 120 Hz presents itself with relative agility, almost piercingly. Despite a certain tendency of the Wotan VIII model to present higher basses almost too strikingly, the complete reproduction of the deep tones deserves a very positive assessment. "Rock" solid, fast, clearly articulated and really very dynamic basses are simply a joy to listen to. The universally sounding Quadral Aurum Wotan VlIl, which does not shy away from any musical genre (perfectly reproduces acoustic and electronic music) without a doubt deserves a recommendation from the editors.

AUDIO Video VERDICT

These precisely crafted loudspeaker systems have a universal delivery with very solid and dynamic basses, brilliant mid tones and exceptionally detailed, fine and lofty highs .

Specifications of AURUM WOTAN VIII

• Type: 3-way
• Design principle: bass reflex
• Nominal/music power (W): 120/200 W
• Frequency response (Hz): 33-65.000 Hz
• Crossover frequency (Hz): 330/3200 Hz
• Efficiency (dB/1W/1m): 88 dB
• Impedance (Ohm): 4-8 Ohms
• Tweeter: ribbon
• Midrange: 135 mm Ø ALTIMA®
• Woofer: 2x135 mm Ø ALTIMA®
• Dimensions (WxHxD) in cm: 92,1 x 19,4 x 42,8 cm
• Weight (kg): 19,2 kg