Loudspeakers

The Epikore 7's forward response [Graph 1] is clearly related to that of the Epikore 11 [HFN Feb '25], albeit with a shift in balance towards the hybrid treble array. The 'bump' following the 2.5kHz crossover is a resonance visible on the CSD waterfall [Graph 2] and while the presence/treble is flat in trend and low in harmonic distortion (~0.1% at 90dB SPL/1m), the mid/bass cones' 200Hz-3kHz output is some 3dB lower in level. This pushes the 1kHz sensitivity down to 87.6dB (or 87.7dB from 800Hz-5kHz) and contributes to the (still excellent) ±2.6dB and ±2.8dB response errors, respectively, (re. 200Hz-20kHz). One of the film tweeters has a slightly more 'ragged' output than the other [red vs. black traces], otherwise pair matching between 200Hz-9kHz is a very tight 0.4dB. Also, the grille exacerbates response errors [grey trace] and should be left off. Keeping the speakers parallel to the side walls delivers a far smoother response [blue trace] – this recommended siting brings the 7's output into balance with mere ±1.9dB and ±2.1dB response errors (re. 200Hz-20kHz).

Strong bass is an Epikore trait – the 'Clarity Cone' drivers are reinforced by a broad port tuning (17-82Hz, –6dB) that delivers a deep, corrected extension of 28Hz (–6dB re. 200Hz). A strong 820Hz quarterwave mode also escapes the two rear vents but at least the amplifier loading is not as tough as seen with the '11. The 7's load impedance dips to 4.82ohm/32Hz (plus 4.9ohm/131Hz and 6.3kHz) and hovers from 4.9-7.1ohm from 100Hz-10kHz as DALI's conjugate loading holds phase angles in check. Below 100Hz, swings in impedance phase of +49°/–60° push the EPDR down to – a still very acceptable – 2.1ohm/96Hz. PM