Loudspeakers

Measured on the MPD III tweeter axis at the centre of the seven-driver 'M-Array', the Hyphn's forward response is flat in trend [see Graph 1] with mere +2.2dB and ±2.4dB errors, respectively, and a superb 0.7dB channel matching (all re. 200Hz-20kHz). There are a number of benign undulations, although the peak at 2.8kHz is clearly associated with a modal resonance [see CSD Waterfall, Graph 2] as is the less intrusive breakup at ~10kHz. The principal treble mode occurs at a relatively high 33.1kHz [pink shaded area, Graph 1] while the Hyphn's HF extension reaches out to an impressive 44kHz (–6dB re. 10kHz). Sensitivity is not especially high for such a large system, but meets MA's 86dB spec. at 86.5dB/1kHz (or 86.0dB from 500Hz-8kHz). The quoted 800W power handling should still permit very high SPLs with an appropriately powerful amplifier. With that in mind, the Hyphn's minimum 3.6ohm/2.1kHz impedance – and typically >4ohm for 90% of its bandwidth – suggests it's not an especially tough load. In tandem with the ±51° swings in impedance phase, the 1.65ohm/3.8kHz (and 2ohm/75Hz) EPDR is well within the compass of all likely partnering amplifiers.

Another trade-off for the low-ish sensitivity is good bass extension. In practice, the 48Hz-285Hz bandwidth of the two pairs of 200mm force-cancelling bass drivers, supplemented by the 24Hz port tuning, yields a very respectable 26Hz limit (–6dB re. 200Hz). There is a pipe mode at 285Hz (–9dB re. Helmholtz frequency) but bass THD is otherwise just 0.25% (re. 100Hz/90dB SPL) and, through the mid and treble where a simple 2nd/3rd harmonic dominates, the Hyphn incurs just 0.2-0.6%. PM