| The Sampan FTL images better on a bookshelf than most small loudspeakers image on stands out in the room. Place it on stands out in the room and there is no contest. And while most small speakers struggle to reproduce 70 cycle bass, the Sampan FTL is engineered to play 40 cycle bass with ease. In fact, the Sampan FTL bass extension will put many full range loudspeakers to shame.
From top to bottom the Sampan FTL presents a very neutral and seamless frequency response with no excesses at any place in its frequency spectrum. It produces a totally engaging and enveloping sonic experience. It's astonishing resolution and foot tapping speed will make you want to go through your entire music collection to discover and savor sonics delights you missed before. All this from a loudspeaker that is 8 inches tall, 4 inches wide, and 9.5 inches deep and weighs a scant four pounds.
The Sampan FTL uses the latest transducer technology – a cast aluminum frame, neodymium magnet, underhung motor design to generate surprising sound pressure level. Its crossover-less design and flat impedance curve means it can easily be driven with everything from an iPod to the most exotic audiophile amplifier. And its small size means you are free to enjoy high quality music just about anywhere.
The Sampan FTL will make you rethink the possibilities of small loudspeaker performance.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 8 X 4 X 9.5 inches (H X W X D)
Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz
+/- 3 dB
-6 dB reference to 1 kHz: 35 Hz
Sensitivity: 87 dB 1 watt/m
Rated Impedance: 8 ohms
Minimum impedance: 7 ohms
Nominal impedance: 9 ohms
Recommended Power: 2 - 100 watts
Shipping Weight: 9 pounds per pair
Standard finish: satin black
Special Features:
True point source
Magnetically shielded
Perfect time coherence
Hard wired hand soldered
Single 3.5 inch cast frame transducer
MLSSA matched transducers
True minimum phase response
Superior five-way terminals
10 year limited warranty
Robert Learner's comments from SonicFlare.com review:
"It’s instructive to compare the previously reviewed Amphion Ion to the FTL. . ..The Amphion goes as deep as the FTL,... And though it images well, it doesn’t present the depth and holography of the FTL. Nor is it as coherent and immediately engaging. The Ion has it’s own strengths and appeal. but doesn’t possess the addictive coherency and flow, the magic of the FTL.
Surprise #1was the amount of detail the FTL threw at me. In my admittedly limited experience with single driver speakers, I’ve come to expect the spot-on timing, but with resolution generally inferior to multi-driver designs. ... Not the case here, you get timing and texture -- this is a potent combo.
Surprise #2is how deep these tiny boxes go. ... the Sampan FTLs subjectively deliver, and music across the frequency spectrum has appropriate body. -- I’d have no problem running these on a computer/office or bedroom system without a sub.
Surprise #3 is the other end of the frequency spectrum. The rolled off highs I often experience with single driver designs is MIA here. The FTLs sound reasonably extended, and notably neutral throughout the entire frequency range.
...That the FTL manages to fit a nearly three foot [transmission] line in a box about a fifth of a cubic foot in volume is indicative of high quality cabinet design and construction."
Sonic Flare, April 25, 2007
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