Page 1
You could almost
forget that
diffraction
and
baffle bounce
were ever an issue.
The
Starting
Lineup
PRODUCT BOOKLET
TRANSPARENCY
DETAIL
DYNAMICS
SOUNDSTAGING
R645
NHB45
R630 R58
Page 2
Newform Research loudspeaker systems are built around our unique new
Ribbon technology. The Ribbons come in different sizes, with different
sensitivities and different output capabilities. However, the basic
transparency, detail and soundstaging focus remains consistent from
model to model.
Our speakers are not designed to hit price points but to serve specific
purposes. Broadly speaking, half of the speakers produce substantial
deep bass while the other half require subwoofer support. Some models
have very high output capabilities, sufficient for the largest domestic listening
rooms. Some are more suitable for quite small rooms. This model offering is
designed to ensure that whether played loudly or softly, in large rooms or small,
the fundamental characteristic of openess and detail is delivered to the listener.
Newform Research Ribbon loudspeakers are far from cheap but in traditional
audiophile terms, they are vastly less expensive than their acoustic competition.
The prices of Newform loudspeakers reflect a considerable technological
advance coupled with genuine factory direct pricing. Consequently, the range
of speakers listed here is designed to fit your application, rather than a
progressive range of budgets.
Selecting the right Ribbon system for you is not so
much a matter of comparing models as it is
understanding clearly your listening
room requirements and your
own personal preferences.
Since very few Newform
designs show up in the
used market and even
fewer are returned,
chances are extremely
good that we have a
model which will make
you very happy for a very
long time.
Page
Introduction 2
R58, R530 3
R630, R645 4
NHB, NHB 45 5
R30, R45 6
Tips 7
Kits & Setup 8
Who Buys Newform 9
Price List 10
CONTENTS
Introduction Page 2
Page 3
Newform Research Family of Products
Page 3
R530
The R58 is our smallest model with a free standing ribbon. Soundstaging and detail are very close to the finest available.
It performs superbly as a centre channel or surround and for smaller high quality systems in small rooms it excels.
The R58 boasts a ScanSpeak 5” Relevator mid-bass - simply the finest made- and the R8 Ribbon. It is a mid size monitor.
SUGGESTED SYSTEM
The R58 offers the maximum
soundstage in the minimum
size. When used with smaller
systems in small rooms a sub
is not necessary unless used for
high volumes or home theatre.
It is a medium sensitivity
speaker but a very easy load
for any amplifier to drive.
SUGGESTED PLACEMENT
The more air the R58s have the
better the depth of the
soundstage will be. It is
recommended that they be
placed out from the wall on
stands for improved depth.
FUTURE SYSTEM GROWTH
A stereo pair can grow into a 4
or 5 channel system. They can
be moved to the rear when
larger Ribbon systems are used
for the Fronts.
Finish Black Simulated Oak
Dimensions (H x W x D) 23” x 7” x 14” (58.4 cm x 17.5 cm x 35.5 cm)
Weight 28 lbs. (12.7 kg)
Frequency Response 45 - 20 kHz +/- 3 dB
Sensitivity 86 dB
Impedance 8 ohms
Power Handling min. 30 watts/channel max. 125 watts/channel
Assembly time none
SPECIFICATIONS
High Resolution Audio
R58
The R530 is a Module 30 configuration with the best mid-bass driver (ScanSpeak Revelator W15) on the planet in a deeper,
heavier enclosure. The R530 has suberb transparency, dynamics and mid-bass speed. It is also amenable to a very low crossover
to a sub, in the region of 45Hz. For smaller rooms in a non-video application, a subwoofer might not even be necessary.
For rear channels with no need for a rear sub.
Finish Black Simulated Oak
Dimensions (H x W x D) 57” x 7” x 14” (144.8 cm x 17.5 cm x 35.5 cm)
Weight 58 lbs. (26.3 kg)
Frequency Response 40 - 20 kHz +/- 3 dB
Sensitivity 86 dB
impedance 8 ohms
Power Handling min. 30 watts/channel max. 125 watts/channel
Assembly Time 15 minutes. Bases must be attached.
SPECIFICATIONS
Page 4
R630
Finish Black Simulated Oak
Dimensions (H x W x D) 61” x 8 1/4” x 14” (154.9 cm x 221 cm x 35.5 cm)
Weight 68 lbs. (30.8 kg)
Frequency Response 36 - 20 kHz+/- 3 dB
Sensitivity 88 dB
impedance 8 ohms
Power Handling min. 20 watts/channel max. 150 watts/channel
Assembly Time 10 minutes
SPECIFICATIONS
The R630 adds to the list of classic 830 attributes even greater mid-bass transparency. This increase in detail and neutrality comes
courtesy of the famous ScanSpeak 8545 carbon fibre pulp cone 6 1/2” mid-bass used in numerous mega dollar loudspeakers.
For once, a high end audio component richly deserves its glowing reviews. The 630 gives up some bass dynamics to the 830
but is just fine for smaller rooms. However, the majority of users will want a very good subwoofer with the 630 since it can
operate solidly into the low 30s and can be crossed over below 50Hz
SUGGESTED SYSTEM
A sub is not required unless
used for very high volume
stereo or for home theatre or
in a large room.
SUGGESTED PLACEMENT
The more air the model 630s
have to work with the better
the soundstage depth.
FUTURE SYSTEM GROWTH
A stereo pair can provide an
excellent anchor for the front
of a 4 or 5 channel system.
Our smaller
Ribbons can cover the
remaining 3 channels.
R645
Finish Black simulated Oak
Dimensions (H x W x D) 76” x 8 1/4” x 14” (193 cm x 21 cm x 35.5 cm)
Weight 102 lbs. (46.3 kg)
Frequency Response 33 - 20 kHz +/- 3 dB
Sensitivity 91 dB
impedance 8 ohms
Power Handling min. 20 watts/channel max. 250 watts/channel
Assembly Time 20 minutes
SPECIFICATIONS
The R645 is the ultimate embodyment of the classic 2 way philosophy. In terms of sound quality, the 645 maintains the
neutrality and transparency of the 630 and adds considerably more dynamics over the entire bandwidth. The 645 will light up
virtually any domestic listening room with a good 100 watt amp and do surprisingly well with 10 watts. Why purchase the 645
over the 630? Higher dynamics, higher sensitivity and greater listening height. Of course, a subwoofer can be added to the
645s but you may never feel the need for one. If you do decide on a sub, it will have to be a very, very good one to improve
noticibly on the bottom end performance of the 645s.
SUGGESTED SYSTEM
In most average sized rooms a
sub is not required unless used
for organ music in stereo or
for video.
SUGGESTED PLACEMENT
The more air the the R645s
have to work with the better
the soundstage depth. Out
front in a acoustically
symetrical rectangular room,
revel in a superb soundstage.
FUTURE SYSTEM GROWTH
A stereo pair can provide an
excellent anchor for the front
of a 4 or 5 channel system.
Our smaller Ribbons can cover
the remaining 3 channels.
The R45 Ribbons weigh 46 pounds each so a well thought out approach is recommended.
Bases must be screwed on before the Ribbons are attached!
High Resolution Audio
THE
NEW FAVOURITE
Newform Research Family of Products
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NO HOLDS BARRED
The NHB Essential represents a fusion of high end audio and video requirements. Soundstaging, dynamic range, transparency and
smoothness combine for a world class loudspeaker system. As the Audio Ideas Guide noted “. .. I was impressed by the great
openness and immense dynamics this system could produce, with no colouration whatsoever in the Ribbon’s response area above
1 kHz (below that it was more room dependent) there was complete absence of any sense of compression or strain. ...the NHB
system combines very high audio fidelity, including fabulous image depth, with the power handling (300 w/ch) and SPL capability
(92 dB @ 1w,lm) required for realistic soundtrack reproduction.”
No Holds Barred Essential consists of dual stacked R30s per side with Peerless 5”dual mid-basses in 1” MDF enclosures.
SUGGESTED SYSTEM
NHB can be used for any
home application whether
pure audio or home video.
Phone or fax us to discuss it.
Requires a first class
subwoofer.
SUGGESTED PLACEMENT
The more air the they have
the better the soundstage
depth. NHB is a major
commitment so plan on
allowing at least 3 feet out
from the front wall and 3 feet
from the sides.
FUTURE SYSTEM GROWTH
A stereo pair constitutes a
world class audio system and
can also serve as the
foundation of an unsurpassed
home theater system. The
tallest deepest and most
focused soundstage in the
business. Nothing else on the
market has the height or this
small an acoustic profile to
produce this large and focused
a soundstage. NHB delivers
the full involvement of the
largest panel speakers without
the Stonehenge appearance.
High Resolution Audio
Coming:NHB ULTRA with dual R45s.
The ultimate in tunable excellence for rooms with 9’+ ceilings and 350+ sq.ft.
NO HOLDS BARRED 45
Finish Black Simulated Oak
Dimensions (H x W x D) 73” x 7” x 14” (185.4 cm x 17.5 cm x 35.5 cm)
Weight 98 lbs. (44.5 kg)
Frequency Response 36 - 20 kHz +/- 3 dB
Sensitivity 91 dB
impedance 6 ohms
Power Handling min. 20 watts/channel max. 200 watts/channel
Assembly Time 20 minutes. Bases must be attached.
SPECIFICATIONS
NHB 45 combines dual ScanSpeak Revelator 5” mid-basses with the R45 Ribbon. For unmatched transparency combined
with heavyweight dynamics, this is it. For smaller rooms in a non-video application a subwoofer probably won’t be needed.
The W15 moves as much air as most good 6 1/2” drivers. Although it doen’t look at all like it, this is the spiritual successor to
the Quad electrostatic.
Newform Research Family of Products
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R30
R45
Frequency Response: 1.0k - 23kHz +/- 3dB
Normal Power: 80 watts RMS, System Power: 250 watts
Sensitivity: 91dB @ 1w, 1m
Impedance: 4.7 ohms flat line
Recommended
Lowest Frequency: 950Hz
Capacitor Value
to Obtain Lowest
Recommended Frequency: 12uf
Height: 45.8”
Width: 3.6”
Depth: 2.8”
Weight: 44 lbs
Termination: 5-way gold plated binding posts
Recommended Uses: any 2 way system with a woofer smaller than 8”. In-wall custom
installations. Any corner channel of a Dolby Digital system. Small to medium permanent sound
reinforcement systems stacked in-line source arrays. Give them air for a truly superb soundstage.
Typical listening room size is 250 sq.ft. or larger.
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response: 1.0k - 20kHz +/- 3dB
Normal Power: 60watts RMS, System Power: 200watts
Sensitivity: 88dB @ 1w, 1m
Impedance: 7ohms flat line
Recommended
Lowest Frequency: 950Hz
Capacitor Value
to Obtain Lowest
Recommended Frequency: 8uf
Height: 30.8”
Width: 3.3”
Depth: 2.5”
Weight: 24lbs
Termination: 5-way gold plated binding posts
Recommended Uses: any 2 way system with a woofer smaller than 8”. In-wall custom
installations. Any corner channel of a Dolby Digital system. Small to medium permanent sound
reinforcement systems stacked in-line source arrays. Give them air for a truly superb soundstage.
SPECIFICATIONS
High Resolution Audio
Newform Research Family of Products
Page 6
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A good design eliminates the great majority of engineering
problems. A well thought out selection of drivers can operate
at their best with a very simple crossover, eliminating the
need for a complex, costly and, ultimately, sonically inferior
network. A narrow enclosure can minimize diffraction which
will maximize soundstage depth and focus. Our enclosures
are as narrow as they can be made. From 1.5kHz up, they
are only as wide as the Ribbon structure itself (3”) and
heavily beveled as well. In a conventional loudspeaker
system, the dome tweeter is on the same baffle width as the
woofer. Therefore, from 5 kHz and up, the sound wave along
the baffle must bounce at least twice before it encounters
the 90 degree side of the enclosure where it suddenly drops
off. Reflection, discontinuity and frequency variability: exactly
the things that degrade the coherence of the soundstage.
These design problems cannot be eliminated even with the
application of very expensive solutions. Newform systems
have the smallest acoustic profile of any speakers on the
market. Is it any wonder that our soundstaging capabilities
are unsurpassed?
The R30 has excellent depth of soundstage and dynamics.
When doubled up in a No Holds Barred alignment, it will
deliver sufficient SPLs for any home application from a good
100 watt amp. Use with mid-bases of up to 8” and amps
from 10 to 150 watts per channel for the system. With
stacked R30s, the rating goes to 300 watts per channel but
you won’t need more that 100 watts for the entire system.
If considering stacked R30s, note that they can be mounted
from a simple bar bracket attached to a ceiling beam. The
NHB articulated arm wall bracket or stand can also be used.
The R45 addresses the issues of sensitivity, vertical coverage
and dynamics demands in excess of what the R30 can
provide. For those people who like to walk while they listen,
have very large rooms or very low powered amps, the R45
fills the bill. They will also play as loudly and as cleanly as an
individual will likely want to experience in a domestic system.
All Newform Ribbons are finished in low gloss black epoxy
powder coat. This handsome and durable finish can be
cleaned with water, alcohol or small amounts of varsol. All
Ribbons come with 5 way binding post connectors except
the R8 which has bare wire connectors. The Ribbons are
heavy and should be handled and mounted with great care.
The R30 weighs close to 25 pounds (11 kg) without its
bracket. Clearly, you must plan to support the dual R30 stack
very solidly. For reference, a 40 oz magnet 12” woofer
weighs approximately 6lbs. Crossovers for all of the Ribbons
take the form of single capacitors for a 6dB electrical slope.
Acoustically, the rolloff below 1kHz is much steeper. The
capacitors roll the Ribbons off electrically at a much higher
frequency than the acoustic crossover point because the
Ribbons have a rising response the lower in frequency they
go. The capacitor flattens this response and finally aids in the
acoustic rolloff. Many builders have kept a capacitor in the
circuit even when they employ an electronic crossover with
very high slopes to cut off response at their chosen
frequency.
Ribbons come complete with brackets, mounting hardware
and low loss, low noise, capacitors. The brackets are
generally mounted on the bottom of the top of the enclosure
and protrude through a slot in the top for a clean
appearance. To aid in arrival time optimization, it is common
practice to first mount the bracket and Ribbon on a board
which can be slid back and forth in relation to the mid-bass
voice coil to achieve the ideal vertical alignment for the
seated ear height in that particular room.
TIPS
For Installers and Kit Builders
• keep the Ribbons in free air.
• keep your crossovers as simple as possible.
• keep the crossovers outside the enclosure to allow for easy upgrading to the direct digital chain.
• make the crossover point to the sub as low (40 to 60Hz) as possible.
• maintain the line source profile. Keep the mid-bass enclosure as narrow as possible.
• keep the Ribbon close to the mid-bass driver.
• every time you change a crossover slope, don’t be afraid to reverse the Ribbon polarity. With
different drivers and different slopes, you can only guess at acoustic phase, don’t even try to
calculate it. Experiment, and rely on your ears.
High Resolution Audio
THE RIBBONS THEMSELVES
Tips
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We sell very few set kits. Some people want to duplicate our
standard production systems in their own cabinets. Most builders
like to experiment with different woofer/crossover combinations,
perhaps in other types of cabinets of their own design. Whatever
your objectives and whatever your approach, we will help you with
your system planning. Call and we can discuss your project. Although
our Ribbons have been used as add-ons for some large panel speakers,
when thinking about your project, think in terms of a simple system that can
outperform the classic electrostatics and Ribbons in many areas. Don’t use the
Ribbons merely as dome replacements. Make use of their full palette of talents and
integrate your system with their capabilities because they are the heart of the system.
If you want the world class results that Newform Ribbons can deliver, design around the
Ribbons’ capability and KEEP IT SIMPLE.
KITS
SET-UP
High Resolution Audio
The terminal plate is made of thick, non-resonant plastic and the all metal hex nut, 5 way binding posts are gold plated.
Should you bi-amp, the mid- bass is connected to the lower binding posts and the Ribbon is attached to the upper pair.
Remove the ground straps when bi-amping or bi-wiring.
The Ribbon attaches to the Bracket by means of 2 10-24 plastic collared screws which, after they have been screwed into the
back of the Ribbon, fit through the lower keyhole slots. One 5/16” -18 shoulder bolt is screwed into the slot at the top of the
bracket after the lower screws are in place. There is no need to tighten the lower screws as they are there for support and
alignment only.
Newform uses Peerless and ScanSpeak drivers for mid-bass applications. These drivers are excellent in the bandwidth
(below 1kHz) in which we use them. They are very consistent with a negligible line test failure rate and they have proven to
be extremely reliable for our customers.
Cone breakup, beaming, diffraction, dynamic compression, processing errors, amplifier non-linearities due to highly variable
and low impedance loads are a few or the major problems that can be minimized when wide bandwidth drivers are used
within their natural ranges. The rewards are superb soundstaging, transparency and smoothness. If you don’t smile when you
play your favourite discs, you have made the system too complicated. Newform Research Ribbons provide the openness,
transparency, smooth frequency response and wide bandwidth necessary to form the foundation of a true high fidelity
system be it 2 or 4 or 5 channels. Set up first for soundstage and then fine tune the bass.
Kits & Set-Up Page 8
Page 9
Almost half of our customers have owned one or more pairs of the classic planar designs. Over the
years, Magneplanars, Martin-Logans, Apogees and Quads have produced audio magic for their
owners with transparency and detail that box/dome loudspeakers simply cannot match. Once
exposed to this kind of musical experience most planar owners find it impossible to go back to
conventional loudspeakers.
Many of them move to Newform Research Ribbons because they want the openness and musicality
of their beloved panels in narrower profiles that are easier to drive and set up in a room. Improved
dynamics, broader horizontal dispersion and excellence in home theater applications are also high
priorities.
Less experienced users can now step up to the plane of higher transparency without having to pay
the penitence of setup idiosyncrasies, reliability concerns, head-in-a-vice listening positions, dynamic
limitations and expensive amplifier requirements. Musical magic now carries far less of a price.
A LAST WORD ON THE TECHNICAL FUTURE OF LOUDSPEAKERS
Wondering where loudspeaker design is going? The following is a quote from the latest Newsletter
(Volume 6, Issue 1, Spring 1999) from ALMA (American Loudspeaker Manufacturers Association).
“There is increasing consensus in the loudspeaker industry that ideal
loudspeaker performance includes flat amplitude response on axis and across
the horizontal plane, combined with tightly controlled vertical high frequency
amplitude response. Such performance permits structurally accurate early
reflections in conventional playback rooms, which in turn enhances both the
perceived timbres of reproduced sounds and also the phantom images an
perceived reverberance and spaciousness in recordings. Constrained vertical
dispersion reduces high and mid-frequency interference effects that arise from
early floor, ceiling and console reflections, which have been found to
destabilize imaging and degrade timbres.”
No loudspeakers on the planet have narrower vertical dispersion nor broader and more even
horizontal dispersion than Newform Ribbon Systems.
The above quote exactly describes Newform’s design philosophy. It seems that the audio industry
as a whole is finally coming to see the loudspeaker and the listening room as we have for the past
12 years.
A LAST WORD ON THE MUSIC FUTURE
The loudspeakers which fit your room best and place the least limitation on the type of music played
regardless of future audio formats are the loudspeakers which will deliver the greatest musical
satisfaction over the long term. Newform Research loudspeakers will continue to deliver great musical
satisfaction for many years after the glow of their extremely competitive prices has faded.
WHO BUYS NEWFORM RESEARCH RIBBON SYSTEMS?
High Resolution Audio
Newform Research Ribbon Systems
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Factory Direct Price
FULL RANGE List Price per Pair Delivered Description
R58 US$1595.00 US$910.00 ScanSpeak 5” bass drivers, sealed
R630 2595.00 1516.00 ScanSpeak 6.5", R30
R645 3850.00 2265.00 Dual ScanSpeak 6.5", R45, 91db
MODULES
R530 2250.00 1605.00 Floor Standing Module, ScanSpeak
NHB Ultra 11,995.00 6847.00 Dual R45 Ribbons, Dual ScanSpeak
NHB 45 4195.00 2480.00 No Holds Barred performance
RIBBON DRIVERS Price per Pair
R45 1040.00 45” Ribbon, poly caps, 91dB
R30 680.00 30” Ribbons, brackets, crossovers
KITS
enclosure, 8” Ribbon
5” with R30
5” mid-bass, highly tunable array
alignment, transmission line
mid-cass enclosures.
in the tightest package we
can manage.
(poly caps only)
All kits come complete with; 1 pair of Ribbons, Peerless or ScanSpeak Drivers, full crossovers
wiring. You supply the enclosures and grills.
R58 720.00 8” Ribbon with ScanSpeak 15W
Module 30 860.00 30” Ribbons Standing Module
R630 976.00 R630 in kit form.
R645 1570.00 R645 in kit form.
United States Orders: all prices are in U.S.$, FOB your front door via UPS. All taxes paid. All inclusive,
no further charges, no tip required. Overseas orders: price includes 50% of air freight to the nearest
international airport. Duties, customs charges, taxes and local delivery charges are extra.
Canadian orders:add 30% to U.S. price plus 7% GST (Ontario residents add Ontario Sales Tax)
30 day risk free “let’s make sure” period. All products carry a five (5) year parts and labour warranty
including one-way shipping.
mid-bass.
30 in kit form
THE EASIEST WAY TO PLACE AN ORDER
1.Contact us with a daytime or home phone number.
2.We will call you and discuss your application, your room and your musical tastes in depth.
3.Once the correct model has been identified, we can take your order over the phone or it can be
faxed to us.
DO NOT EMAIL YOUR VISA OR MASTERCARD INFORMATION
Your delivery information is entered into our computer systems but your Visa or Mastercard info stays on
paper only. It is therefore 100% secure from any kind of computer hacking or electronic mishap.
is typically no more than 2 to 3 weeks if the items are not in stock.
Delivery
Newform Research Inc.
P.O. Box 475, Midland, Ontario
L4R 4L3, Canada
Telephone: 705 835-9000 Fax: 705 835-0081
e-mail: [email protected]
World Wide Web: http://www.newformresearch.com
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