K5i
The original K5 was first introduced in 2015 and was very well received by the press and public alike. Time and technology moves-on so Epos has now ‘improved’ this excellent bookshelf speaker
Improvements and changes include:
Closer tolerance tweeter selection for more accurate left-right performance.
Strengthened internal bracing for lower cabinet colouration.
Improved internal damping for better low-frequency control.
Improved crossover design for more accurate frequency response.
High-quality FR4, 2oz (2.74 mills), double-sided PCB for lower resistance connections between crossover components.
Epos branded polypropylene capacitors for improved sonic performance.
High-wattage metal-oxide resistors for low inductance and improved sonic performance.
Custom Epos internal wiring for improved sonic performance.
New magnetic grille with diamond polished Epos logo badge supplied as standard.
In addition to the black and white painted finish epos has introduced a limited edition walnut real-wood finish.
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The initial concept started out with a thought about how to take conventional cabinet loudspeakers into a new area of the market. This spawned the idea of how to make a loudspeaker the hub, or central place, for your Hi-Fi system. This concept had to be achieved whilst preserving Epos’ high-end roots.
The K-Series has a number of unique design features that enable it to achieve its design goal. These features include: stylish looks, High-Velocity Slot Ports (HVSP), rear-mounted drivers, detachable rear baffles and upgradability to fully powered active mode. The K-Series is much more than just another box loudspeaker, it is ‘probably’ the future!
Technology
Within the K-Series are a number of new technologies developed to allow superior performance over previous models.
We have found that, if properly implemented, High Velocity Slot Ports (HVSP) can produce dramatic improvements over conventional cylinder ports. HVSP achieves lower audible distortion, by virtue of its lower intrinsic drag and reduced turbulent airflow within the port. HVSP can also lower air loading to the mid and bass drivers, which helps to keep them operating in a more linear region throughout their excursion range.
In a departure from earlier designs, the port is now located on the front baffle of the cabinet. Using a front firing port, the K-Series offers more flexibility with room placement. They can indeed by positioned closer to a wall, without restricting their operation.
The clever clamping mechanism used to secure the drivers has resulted in an even distribution of tension applied to the surface of the basket. This uniformed clamping pressure helps to reduce unwanted vibrations that would normally result in higher levels of distortion. The end result is a beautifully clear and transparent mid-range quality.
Cabinet colouration is a critical area of a loudspeakers design, that is sometimes overlooked; but not with the K-Series. Not only are the K-Series cabinets carefully braced internally, they have also been developed with removable rear baffles. This is an idea dating back to the ES11 days of Epos, with its sandwich construction method. The theory is to reduce the energy absorbed by the cabinet. One way to achieve this is by making the rear baffle a separate element in the construction. The aim is a reduction in cabinet colouration, or unwanted resonance.
Further performance increases have been achieved with the implementation of high quality crossover components, including the selection of very high-grade polypropylene capacitors and metal oxide resistors. As standard, the K-Series comes pre-wired with Oxygen Free multi-stranded copper wire. Specially designed cable management holes inside the cabinet and high current connectors allow for aftermarket replacement cable sets to be installed, if required.
Tweeter:
Using virtual performance CAD simulation tools, Epos has achieved very high performance, and a clean, open yet smooth sound quality from this tweeter.
The tweeter has a low resonance frequency, high sensitivity and extended high-frequency response. With a 25mm fabric-dome, short horn, high-temperature ferro-fluid cooled voice-coil, and neodymium magnet, it is capable of high output levels for extended periods without degradation to sound quality.v
Mid-Bass Driver:
The Epos K5i mid-bass drivers produces an even frequency response and smooth roll-off.
The Epos 101mm mid-bass driver has a high-quality polypropylene cone and a bullet-shaped dust cap. These components form a stiff, yet pliable, well-damped structure which retains its shape even under high power loading.
The K5i mid-bass drivers also benefits from a bucking-magnet system, ensuring all the magnetic force is concentrated around the voice-coil, allowing for low distortion and high efficiency.
Crossover:
In true Epos tradition; the K-series has reverted to a more simplistic passive crossover topology, for which the brand is synonymous.
A first order crossover is used to allow the Epos tweeter to have a wide dynamic range with super low distortion. The mid-bass crossover uses a 2nd order filter ensuring the K5i is an easy load for any amplifier.
Technical Specifications:-
Power Handling:
60 Watts unclipped speech and music
Frequency Range:
65 Hz – 30 kHz
Impedance:
4 Ohm nominal
Sensitivity:
86dB / 2.83V@1m
Tweeter:
Epos 25mm soft dome with high-temperature voice coil, ferrofluid cooling and neodymium magnet system.
Bass/Midrange Driver:
x1 101mm Epos mid bass drivers, with 25mm high-temperature voice coil and polypropylene cone.
Internal wiring:
18 AWG stranded oxygen free copper cable.
Finish:
Painted White or Black
Grille
The K5 has an optional Snap-on grille.
Size:
140 x 190 x 250mm (W x D x H)
Weight:
3.35 kg per single speaker
9 kg per packed pair
Packaged two speakers per carton.