Not all rooms offer sufficient space for positioning standing loudspeakers. Close to the wall or even pushed off into the corner, most of the time they play far below their sound capabilities. On the other hand, large loudspeakers in small rooms are not always to be recommended, because at low frequencies – more than compact loudspeakers – they tend to produce room modes and thus highly disturbing resonance which can be audible as droning effects. What’s more, there are many music lovers who have a purist approach, and they appreciate compact loudspeakers not only because they take up a smaller footprint.

In terms of styling, the STEP is true to the tradition of its predecessors, but we re-engineered it from the inside out with the same passion that we dedicate to the AUDIO PHYSIC top models. The STEP s benefit from technological insights that we gathered during the development of the top models. Thus, they also feature the exclusive HHCT IIII tweeters and the HHCM III midrange drivers, the fidelity of which extend far beyond the audible range. Best prerequisites for excellent pulse fidelity.

The suspension system and the chassis basket are mechanically decoupled from one another in a radical design involving the hyper-holographic cone chassis. Resonance detrimental to sound due to micro-vibrations is thus combated where it originates and effectively reduced. The forward-looking HHCM III chassis also makes a difference on the low medium tones. The result is a dramatic gain in precision and attention to detail. The most intricate flutters in a vibrato or the gentle shimmer of a fading harp string are real challenges for any loudspeaker. The STEP peel away the most intricate details from the musical thicket like child’s play, without sounding technically artificial. They reproduce complex music material in a calm, collected and uncompromising manner – acoustic magnifying glasses in a true sense.

The special cabinet shape lends the STEP  not only a modern, timeless appearance, it also reduces standing waves in the interior of the loudspeakers. Standing waves jeopardise crisp midrange reproduction in particular. Moreover, ceramic foam reduces resonance in the interior of the STEP . The extremely stiff and open-pore material figuratively takes on the function of a labyrinth. The acoustic noise inevitably emitted from the chassis into the cabinet interior essentially gets lost in the pores, thereby undergoing a massive reduction in power, and can no longer affect the sound. Traditional insulation materials do not even come close to achieving this effect.

The slight rear tilt of the cabinet body balances out phase differences between the mid and high range. Low mid-range drivers and tweeters are placed flush with the front panel. Deformation effects that can lead to a nervous sound don’t have a chance.

An additional essential contribution to natural sound is provided by the re-engineered crossover with its painstakingly selected components. The interior wiring, as well as the high-quality WBT™ control terminal, mechanically decoupled from the cabinet, are also part of the tonal coordination. The sum of all these details leads to a stunning attention to detail and homogeneity that will thrill the discerning audiophile. Not least thanks to their tonal balance and impressive dynamic capabilities, the STEP  also makes a fine seamless addition as rear speakers in an AUDIO PHYSIC surround system.