More for less
Both the A.C.T. One and the A.C.T Two systems are replaced by the new A.C.T.
The new A.C.T. enjoys the same internal volume as the A.C.T. Two. Significantly, this has been achieved with the same external dimensions as the A.C.T. One which of course it also supersedes.

How has this been achieved?
All the structural components used in the new A.C.T. are now Carbon fibre composite and metal – Engineering materials --. What appears to be wood is inconsequential in terms of structural performance in this design they are classed as visual elements not structural. Beneath the real wood veneers and solid wooden top is metal. It can also be seen that the front baffle and internal bracing is also metal. There is no debate, this is quite simply the stiffest structure ever seen in any standalone loudspeaker system.
The weight of the cabinet has increased by 80% to 74 kg.

Cabinetry materials replaced by Engineering materials
Carbon composite is of course the principal structural component in the new A.C.T. . A complete U section not dissimilar to the monocoque in the Odyssey series is now used in the new A.C.T. but here we see the original and distinctive twill weave that has always been a part of the A.C.T. One and A.C.T. Two systems.

Baffle construction
The alloy baffle has decreased in size in an effort to bring the drivers closer than previously possible with the MDF structures. A formidable combination of steel and aluminium is used as the reference for the latest version of the Tactic® drive unit 18mm thick at the baffle.

Latest version of the Tactic® Drive unit
This has also benefited from changes to its mass both in the coil and the diaphragm the principal players in the dynamics of any drive unit. An edge wound aluminium coil has seen the mass of the coil halved this has provided the opportunity to stiffen the diaphragm further and reduce the overall mass without any negative side effects. The net result is a better controlled, more dynamic loudspeaker drive unit that sets new standards of performance.

Crossover type and location
Although the crossover is fundamentally the same its location in the spine and at the bottom of the cabinet in the case of the bass inductor sees these sensitive components installed away from the airborne energy that can excite these systems in an undesireable way. Bi wiring has replaced the tri wiring option and the terminal is now the same type and location as the Chimera.

Silent port arrangement
The porting arrangement has also been completely redeveloped The mid range system is now vented at the base of the cabinet via the spine system at the back of the enclosure. This virtually eliminates the possibility of hearing any noise from the port whilst at the same time reducing any effects relating to rear wall reflections when placed close to the rear wall. The port arrangement for the bass is quite similar to the A.C.T. Two but improved through a further development of the port that now passes through a complex arrangement that sees the foot being brought in to play in an effort to reduce the high velocity movement of air still further.

Beauty
Aesthetically the forms are svelt and precise in appearance. A more contemporary and attractive design that is clearly in keeping with current expectations for interior design conscious consumers who demand the very highest quality without sacrificing sonic performance. Build quality is exceptional with all parts assembled to the finest tolerances. Finishes are extensive and available in both straight veneer, burrs and birds eye wood types. For the demanding consumer we can offer bespoke options that mean that if it can be extracted without harming the planets ecosystems we can produce it. Architectural polymer finishes in Silver and black are also available and again colours can be specified that are capable of being matched to any interior colour scheme as another bespoke option.

Improving performance whilst reducing cost to the consumer
The A.C.T. One price has been very stable with only one price rise in seven years. We can say with some pride that contrary to the norm in the industry all these changes have been introduced without incurring a price increase, in actual fact the price has been reduced! These considerable changes will underline Wilson Benesch’s position at the forefront of technology at this sector of the market. The A.C.T. One broke the mould and challenged the loudspeaker industry of 1995. It was always going to be a hard act to follow but in this solution we believe that we have excelled ourselves. The A.C.T. One was always held in high esteem by all who heard it and is still used today as the Reference Loudspeaker system by the largest audio journal in the UK. It won twelve awards from every corner of the globe and sales have remained buoyant throughout its seven year reign a C.V. that few if any could compare.

The new sound
The new A.C.T. sounds even more like an electrostatic in the way that it conjures a three dimensional sound field with even more dynamism than the A.C.T. Two. It is more accurate and the increase in mass gives it an authority and presence that will embarrass other systems costing many times more. It is possible to say that the quality of reproduction from such a diminutive and elegant enclosure has never been achieved before and it is without doubt an appropriate and fitting tribute to the A.C.T. One and A.C.T. Two, designs which it replaces as of November 2002.