James Loudspeaker 63S-A Architectural Speaker Preview

We've always been a fan of James Loudspeakers not just because of their fantastic sound quality but for their innovative solutions to bring their sound to a small and sometimes invisible form factor.  They've done it with their powerpipe in-wall subwoofers and of course their various in-wall loudspeaker solutions.

James has just broadened their product line with their new Small Aperture Architectural Speaker Series with an Ultra-Shallow Full Range Solution known at the 63SA-4.  The new 63SA-4 is a three-way in-wall or in-ceiling speaker system delivering their superb room-filling musical playback sonic signature they are know for through a discreet, paintable 3-inch round or square grille.  That's right, you don't have to have the clutter of a conventional on-wall speaker or even an in-wall with a large grille covering all of the drivers.

Constructed of premium aircraft-grade aluminum, the Small Aperture series loudspeakers have been engineered to deliver the full musical experience including high output levels, deep, defined bass and wide dispersion into the listening area while meeting the stringent demands of interior designers. Ideal for both renovation and new construction projects, the James 63SA-4 fits elegantly into any 2X4 stud bay. And James Loudspeaker’s innovative telescoping bracket system eliminates hassles while increasing efficiency for integrators by accommodating irregularly spaced studs. The bracket provides a firm and secure mounting fixture for the loudspeaker assembly.

The James Loudspeaker 63SA-4 utilizes proprietary drivers including a 6.5-inch aluminum woofer, a 2-inch midrange and a ¾-inch tweeter. Custom integrators will appreciate the adjustable overload protection circuitry, ensuring the highest degree of reliability and performance tailored to each environment. Designed for whole-house entertainment clientele seeking a premium performance solution that dramatically outperforms traditional in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, James design goal for this product is to deliver true high-fidelity, superb off-axis performance, unmatched durability and aesthetic perfection.

“Our Small Aperture designs are a breakthrough in the whole-house audio industry, capable of audiophile-quality musicality and low frequencies below 40Hz all from a 3-inch opening—the 63SA-4 sets a performance standard for the architectural loudspeaker category,” explained Mark Schafle, President of James Loudspeaker. “With James Small Aperture products, our authorized integrators can deliver the no-compromise sound quality and discreet appearance sought after by their clients,” Schafle added.

The aluminum perforated grilles of the 63SA-4 (included) come in both round and square designs that fit perfectly inside many different trim kits for an elegantly flush installation no matter the mounting surface. The industry standard mounting pattern accepts trim kits from premium lighting fixtures to provide another décor-matching option, as well as custom color-matched or wooden grilles to ensure seamless integration into any environment. Measuring in at less than 4-inches deep, the 63SA-4 has been engineered to install easily and efficiently, making the James brand a go-to solution for professional integrators around the world.
The James Loudspeaker Small Aperture 63SA-4 is available now and has been ETL/UL approved. MSRP is $1500 (USD) each through authorized James dealers.

James Loudspeakers always puts on some of the most impressive demos at the CEDIA Expo show.  We are hopeful they will bring along some of these babies so we can take a listen first hand this fall.  Given the reputation of this company however, I think it's a safe bet that these would be a solid recommendation for those wanting top notch fidelity in a form factor that satisfies the WAF in spades to make everyone happy.

About James Loudspeaker:

James Loudspeaker™ designs and manufactures high-performance speakers for residential and commercial applications. James offers a vast array of architectural speakers along with built-to-suit solutions that minimize visual presence while delivering the finest sound quality for indoor, outdoor and marine audio systems. Engineered and manufactured in Napa, CA since 1999, James Loudspeaker products are sold and installed through the finest custom integration specialists worldwide. www.jamesloudspeaker.com

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.