As the doors to the highly anticipated CEDIA Expo 2023 swing open, audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike are poised to be captivated by the striking presence of the GoldenEar T66 tower speaker at the heart of the GoldenEar exhibit. This flagship speaker, marking the brand's first foray into innovation since its acquisition by the Quest Group in 2020, is set to redefine high-fidelity audio. Today, we delve into the groundbreaking features and design philosophy that make the T66 a true standout in the world of audio technology.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Triton Series Heritage
The T66 proudly upholds the revered design principles that have been at the core of GoldenEar's success, tracing its lineage to the Triton Series, which was initially launched in 2010 under the guidance of the legendary audio pioneer, Sandy Gross. This remarkable lineage has given birth to a speaker that promises to deliver unparalleled audio experiences.
The GoldenEar Signature Design
Standing at just under 49 inches tall, the T66 exudes the unmistakable essence of GoldenEar's design legacy. Its slender cabinet, a hallmark of the brand, plays host to a trio of extraordinary audio components. At the helm is the iconic folded ribbon Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter, flanked by two 4.5-inch cast-basket midbass drivers – one positioned above and the other below. Below this sonic ensemble lies a powerhouse of bass, featuring two "racetrack" style long-throw 5 x 9-inch woofers and a pair of bass-enhancing 8 x 12-inch passive radiators, one on each side. Powering this sonic marvel is a DSP-controlled amplifier rated at a staggering 500 watts RMS.
Innovation Meets Elegance
The T66 proudly introduces several aesthetic and acoustic refinements that elevate it above its predecessors. A "dramatically augmented" crossover design, specialized internal wiring courtesy of sister-brand AudioQuest, a sleek cast-aluminum base equipped with adjustable feet (with the option of steel spikes or rubber tips), a metal grille, and the sturdiest cabinet GoldenEar has ever created – these elements combine to redefine the pinnacle of audio excellence.
Additionally, the T66 incorporates critically-finessed wool felt on its mounting plate and other strategic locations to minimize diffraction and bounce distortions. It also features "multi-vaned phase plugs" on the midbass drivers, ensuring exceptional off-axis response for an immersive listening experience.
Unmatched Performance Metrics
With a nominal impedance of 4 ohms and an impressive sensitivity rating of 91 dB (1-watt/1 meter), the T66 sets a new standard for audio efficiency. Furthermore, it boasts a frequency response that delves down to an astonishing 29 Hz (-6 dB on axis, anechoic), ensuring that every note and nuance is faithfully reproduced.
Elegance Meets Versatility
Available in a glossy black finish for $6,900 per pair or a striking Santa Barbara Red finish for $7,200 per pair, the T66 offers a choice for discerning audiophiles. It features separate gold-plated Bass and Treble binding posts with removable jumpers for bi-wiring, providing flexibility to meet individual preferences. The T66 is expected to hit the market in the "fall/winter 2023" timeframe, much to the delight of audio enthusiasts eagerly awaiting its arrival.
A Collaborative Triumph: AudioQuest's Influence
Notably, the T66 represents the first GoldenEar loudspeaker completely redesigned under the auspices of AudioQuest, the renowned cable company that acquired GoldenEar. Spearheaded by a US/Canadian team led by Garth Powell, this collaboration aims to revolutionize audio technology. The result is the T66, an audio marvel that integrates AudioQuest's expertise in cable design with GoldenEar's unmatched audio innovation.
Unprecedented Technical Specifications
The T66 boasts an array of cutting-edge features, including a folded-ribbon AMT tweeter, two cast-basket, passive midrange drivers, and two active long-throw DSP-controlled oval subwoofers, each powered by 1200W class-D amplifiers. Passive quadratic planar radiators adorn each side of the speaker. Notably, the speaker's internal wiring is meticulously crafted by AudioQuest, ensuring a seamless synergy of technology and artistry.
Redefined in Every Detail
Every aspect of the T66 has been meticulously reimagined. The crossover makes use of proprietary components from AudioQuest's esteemed Niagara series. The sealed enclosures for the midrange and tweeter drivers are now elegantly lined with cotton and wool. The new perforated metal grilles, thoughtfully designed to remain in place during playback, lend an air of sophistication to the speaker.
An Audiophile's Dream
One of the T66's most compelling qualities is its ability to deliver a neutral and forgiving sound profile. Designed to be forgiving of suboptimal recordings, this speaker invites you to explore a world of music without cringing at less-than-ideal source material.
In summary, the GoldenEar T66 tower speaker stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of audio perfection. Fusing the legacy of GoldenEar's Triton Series with the visionary expertise of AudioQuest, it raises the bar for what audio enthusiasts can expect from high-fidelity speakers. With its striking design, innovative technology, and a commitment to audiophile-grade sound, the T66 is set to redefine the boundaries of sonic excellence. Welcome to the future of audio.
