The Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2 stands out as a distinctive and premium compact speaker, marking the first introduction of innovative speaker components from Danish Purifi Audio in an accessible mass-produced model. This speaker is a response to the long-standing desires of hi-fi aficionados around the globe, and the anticipation has proven to be worthwhile. The audio performance of the Clarity 6.2 is remarkably clear, dynamic, and well-defined. Despite its small size, it has the capability to fill a larger living space without the need for a subwoofer. However, for those seeking enhanced bass, improved sound clarity, and the potential for greater sound pressure, it can be paired with one or two external subwoofers. The Clarity 6.2 features a relatively low sensitivity rating of 85 dB, which means it performs optimally when paired with a more powerful amplifier.
Purifi Audio, a distinguished Danish audio manufacturer, has gained international acclaim for its innovative Purifi Eigentakt amplifier technology, which features prominently in some of NAD’s most prestigious amplifiers. In addition to their amplifier expertise, Purifi excels in speaker technology, particularly with their USHINDI – Ultra Low Distortion Transducer Technology, which elevates the performance of compact bass and midrange drivers to unprecedented heights. The Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2 incorporates a 6.5″ USHINDI bass/midrange driver from Purifi. Its groundbreaking long-stroke design enables this relatively small driver to perform comparably to much larger bass units with shorter strokes, contributing significantly to the Clarity 6.2’s remarkable loudness and dynamic range despite its compact dimensions. Additionally, the two 6.5” USHINDI passive radiators positioned on the sides of the speaker serve as a replacement for conventional bass reflex tubes, enhancing the speaker’s low-frequency response. These radiators effectively triple the total diaphragm area and share the same advanced long-stroke design as the main driver, allowing them to manage substantial diaphragm movements with ease. This premium solution eliminates the distortion and port noise typically associated with bass reflex designs, and the resulting audio quality undoubtedly justifies the investment.
USHINDI offers a diverse array of innovative and patented solutions designed to eliminate distortion in magnetic motors. The standout feature is the “NeutralSurround” technology, characterized by its “mountain landscape” edge suspension. In traditional edge suspensions, the area of the unit fluctuates with the diaphragm movements, leading to sound distortion, particularly when reproducing contrasting audio elements, such as a bright female vocal alongside a bass guitar at elevated sound levels. This fluctuation in membrane area results in a pronounced “wobbly” sound, which detracts from the overall clarity of the audio experience. In contrast, NeutralSurround maintains a consistent effective diaphragm area, even during significant diaphragm movements, resulting in a noticeable improvement in sound quality. While other manufacturers may overlook this issue, Purifi Audio effectively addresses it. The distortion levels produced by a Purifi USHINDI unit are remarkably low, comparable to specifications typically associated with amplifiers. This discussion pertains to the final acoustic output rather than the electrical signals within the amplifier. While it would be impractical to delve into all the unique aspects of USHINDI technology in this brief overview, those with a technical interest can find extensive information on the Purifi website. For now, simply relax and appreciate the crystal-clear and musical sound delivered by the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2.
The Clarity 6.2 features an AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter that utilizes an exceptionally thin, folded Kapton diaphragm, boasting a significantly large surface area for a tweeter. This component is expertly crafted by DALI, a renowned loudspeaker manufacturer and sister company to Radiant Acoustics, which has integrated advanced technologies derived from the high-end Steinway Lyngdorf loudspeaker systems. Additionally, the tweeter incorporates a dual magnet system, specifically designed for Radiant Acoustics. The magnetic force within the AMT tweeter is uniformly distributed across the entire membrane surface, ensuring that the tweeter accurately tracks the music signal with remarkable precision. The effective surface area is comparable to that of a 5.25″ bass/midrange driver, facilitating superior cooling and achieving an efficiency that is four times greater than that of a conventional dome tweeter. This design significantly reduces the likelihood of overload and current compression. Consequently, the tweeter delivers an exceptionally powerful, smooth, linear, dynamic, and impressively clear reproduction of even the most delicate high-frequency sounds.
The innovative “waveguide” positioned in front of the AMT tweeter has been meticulously crafted at Purifi through extensive computer simulations and listening evaluations. This design effectively addresses the challenge of achieving a seamless integration of sound from the two speaker units, eliminating the need for a separate midrange unit. The bass/midrange unit produces highly directional sound in the upper frequency range, and around the critical transition point of 2400 Hz, the waveguide skillfully restricts the dispersion of treble frequencies, resulting in a cohesive overall sound image. Consequently, listeners experience an exceptionally clear and natural representation of both vocals and instruments. Moreover, the design excels further. As the sound ascends into the highest treble frequencies, the five “fins” within the waveguide facilitate a horizontal sound dispersion, creating a remarkably detailed and expansive soundstage, even when listeners are not positioned directly in the optimal listening area. The waveguide featured in the Clarity 6.2 represents a distinctive and sophisticated solution that adeptly resolves a longstanding challenge faced by two-way high-end loudspeakers.
The foundational design of the Clarity 6.2 cabinet originated in Peter Lyngdorf’s personal woodworking shop, where it underwent meticulous refinement. While it features two side-mounted slave units, its overall appearance closely resembles a conventional square speaker crafted from MDF. However, it conceals a remarkable innovation. The front baffle is constructed as a sandwich, with a robust 15 mm thick aluminum plate sourced from a solid aluminum block. This sandwich design significantly enhances stability and minimizes distortion compared to standard MDF constructions. Internally, the cabinet is expertly braced and damped, adhering to established acoustic principles to eliminate any unwanted vibrations. The crossover filter in the Clarity 6.2 is engineered to preserve the integrity of the music signal, ensuring that sound reproduction is both crystal clear and richly detailed. This is achieved, in part, by avoiding the use of iron throughout, including in the terminals. Each component is meticulously measured and auditioned to guarantee the selection of the optimal performance solution, balancing simplicity with necessary sophistication.
Price: About $5,000