High-Tech Speaker from Wilson Benesch

by The Audio Beat | June 9, 2015

he Wilson Benesch A.C.T. One Evolution ($36,950/pair) takes its name from the company's Advanced Composite Technology Monocoque, a geometrically optimized carbon-fiber composite structure used for the cabinet, whose stiffness allows for the removal of the internal bracing commonly used to control resonance. The A.C.T. One Evolution is a four-way acoustical, 2.5-way electrical design that incorporates driver and cabinet technology derived from Wilson Benesch's flagship speaker, the Cardinal. Every element of the driver technologies and the cabinet has been designed and developed using Wilson Benesch's 3D Dassault CAD/CAM systems.

The A.C.T. One Evolution has three Wilson Benesch Tactic II drivers and a Wilson Benesch Hybrid Dome Technology Semisphere tweeter. A two-part cabinet construction has a single 7" upper-midrange driver and 1" tweeter operated in a volume-optimized enclosure, allowing acoustical roll off of the midrange driver. Directly below the tweeter in the main enclosure, a 7" lower-midrange driver completes what Wilson Benesch calls "the Troika System." Bass frequencies are delivered by a 7" woofer that, like the midrange drivers, features a motor assembly developed with Sheffield University.

The A.C.T. One Evolution's sensitivity is quoted as 89dB, with a nominal 6-ohm impedance and 4 ohms minimum. Recommended amplifier power is 50Wpc or greater. Each speaker measures 119cm (47") H x 22.5cm (9") W x 40cm (16") D and weighs 101 pounds. The A.C.T. One Evolution is available in standard finish, with wood/high-gloss finish adding $2500 to the price.