Active 2-way studio monitors with digital and analog audio inputs, and filtered analog subwoofer output
The LS1a offers our LS1 series quality at a reduced price. All LS1's embody our vision that ultimate sonic transparency can only be reached by integrating all components of the playback chain into one system. Only then, we have full control over the interaction of electronics, loudspeaker units and the acoustic behaviour of the cabinet. Grimm Audio's deep knowledge about circuit design and component choice can then be optimally exploited.
"The LS1a possesses all the essential qualities and therefore performs at a true reference level in all key areas."
The LS1a possesses all these essential qualities and therefore performs at a true reference level in all key areas. By making some rational choices we were able to offer this quality at a significantly reduced price. Compared to the standard LS1, the LS1a has a non-magnesium woofer, a lighter foot plate, a lacquered cabinet, plus we skipped some of the labor intensive modifications and the individual acoustic calibration of each LS1 cabinet.
What stayed are the low distortion and extremely linear amplitude and phase response (achieved through Computer Aided Calibration during production). And of course the form factor that makes positioning close to a wall possible without wall reflection interference. The LS1a has versatile connections for analog and three digital AES/EBU sources. With the optional USB audio interface, any computer can become your audio source. The LS1r controller allows convenient control of volume and source selection.
An LS1a covers the full frequency range as an elegant two way system. By adding an LS1s or even SB1 subwoofer set, the LS1a becomes a very low distortion three way loudspeaker that can handle all music styles in any size room.
This speaker serves as the ideal reference for artists and music lovers alike.
When using the optional LS1i USB interface, your computer can be the source. The LS1 Control software (available for Windows, Mac, or Linux) can manage volume and source selection.
Adds 3 x AES/XLR digital inputs and the remote control can be used to control volume and select the audio source.
Reviews
The Polish hifi and high-end audio magazin Audio Video just released its “Best of the year 2021/2022” list and offered this year’s award for active high-end speakers to the LS1a! In the words of editor in chief Filip Kulpa:
“If we were to identify high-end loudspeakers that made the greatest impression on us last year, it would be these – quite unusual-looking – speakers from the Netherlands. […]
We refer to our opinion, published in AV 10/2021, which summarizes the values and concept of the Grimm speaker well: The LS1a demonstrate that there is one common goal for all high-end audio systems. This goal is to strive for an objective, uncolored representation of music in a way that captivates the listener with its naturalness in stead of exaggeration. […]
Despite their far-advanced linearity and resolution, the active Grimms do not sound ‘technical’, they do not just follow the ruler to achieve their goal. The contrary, they are not pushy at all – they sound silky and exceptionally coherent. […] They are like a freshly washed, perfectly transparent window through which we look at a beautiful landscape in the sunshine. Concepts such as light, dark, warm, cold have no practical meaning here.”
“I believe that the LS1a’s are phenomenal loudspeakers that will fundamentally change the way audiophiles judge this type of design. Their neutrality, precision, resolution, and spatiality is virtually unattainable by classic systems with passive loudspeakers. Also, the myth of narrow front panels is finally destroyed.”
Specifications
- Inputs; XLR stereo audio x 1, AES/XLR or Spdif x 1
- Additional Inputs: XLR/AES x 2 ❌ optional LS1r interface required
- USB Input for Computer ❌ optional USB-AES (24bit 384khz) audio interface required
- Subwoofer Out: ✅ Yes - filtered
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Frequency response:
- 20 Hz - 27 kHz +0.5dB/-3dB
- 30 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 0.5dB (unsmoothed!)
- Deviation from linear phase:
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Amplifier power:
- 2 x 120 Watt (per side); 400 Watt (per Sub)
- Idle power, drawn from mains: 16W per LS1
- Max SPL: (about) 105dB
- Signal to noise ratio: 114dB (unweighted)
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Crossover functions:
- 1550 Hz - 4th order Linkwitz Riley
- 70 Hz - 2nd order Linkwitz Riley (3-way system)
- sum corrected to linear phase in normal mode,
- not corrected in ’low-latency‘ mode.
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Supported sample rates:
- 44.1 - 192 kHz
- Via USB with LS1i USB interface: 44.1 - 384 kHz ('DXD'), DSD64 and DSD128
- Level: The default ’0‘ setting of the LS1 remotes volume setting gives 79 dBC at the listening position with a -20 dBFS reference noise (’K14‘).
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Latency:
- 7.3 ms (2-way)
- 40 ms (3-way)
- 5 ms in ’low-latency‘ mode
- Current drawn from USB: 250mA.
- Maximum allowed USB cable length: 2m
- Height: either 1150mm for Hifi use (standard sofa height) or 1450mm for studio use.
- Width, Depth: 520mm x 160mm
- Cabinet volume: 14 liters
- Warranty 5 years
