Pro Audio Launches New Residential Speakers at CEDIA 2014

For CEDIA Expo 2014, PRO Audio Technology (PRO),  a supplier of high-output loudspeakers and DSP-programmable amplifier systems, constructed a new, value-oriented surround sound system. In past years, PRO Audio focused on showcasing giant, professional level solutions, like 270 pound subwoofers and massive screen-wall loudspeak

The new line of speakers is designed to fit in a typical bedroom or living room, while still maintaining the low distortion and high output capabilities that PRO Audio is known for. During our demo and CEDIA, the Pro Audio rep drove home the idea that their new speakers are the smallest they could make something and still achieve the characteristics of their larger speakers.

The demo used three of PRO's passive SCRS-6iw infinite-baffle in-wall speakers for the left, center, and right channels. The SCRS-6iw speakers features a professional 6.5-inch long-throw woofer with low-frequency extension down to 52 Hz, and a professional, 1-inch, horn-loaded compression driver with high-frequency extension to beyond 30kHz. A pair of PRO's passive SCRS-5iw in-wall speakers served as surround effects channels, while low-frequency effects were delivered via a pair of LFC-12v architectural subwoofers. The LFC-12v subwoofers pack a professional 12-inch driver with a 4-inch voice coil into a ported enclosure measuring six inches deep, and is rated to achieve a maximum output of 117dB.

Pro Audio SCRS-6iw (left) and SCRS-5iw (right)

The entire system, speakers and subwoofers, was powered via a single DSP-optimized amp, the PRO DMA-1508. The eight-channel, 1500-watt, 1-RU amplifier/processor features two 300-watt channels and six 100-watt channels in its default configuration, but any of its 100-watt amp channel pairs can also be bridged to form another 300-watt amp channel. Pro told us that you never have to worry about over driving their speakers because you tell the DMA-1508 what speakers you are using, and it adjusts to fit the capabilities of those speakers.

Pro Audio DMA-1508 (left) and LFV-12v (right)   

CEDIA 2014 Demo Impressions

We came away from the demo pretty impressed. The small in-wall speakers and subwoofers were able to pump out a high level of sound without any signs of strain or driver breakup. It certainly didn’t sound like we were listening to an in-wall system in which each speaker only had a single tweeter and single woofer. Each speaker comes already secured to an in-wall enclosure, which felt very sturdy. An enclosure provides a controlled acoustical enclosure and the proper box volume for best bass performance. For people who really want to be able to crank up a system without having to worry about damaging their equipment, or finding room for big speakers, PRO seems to have a solid solution.

In order to get this system in your home, you’ll have to speak with a PRO Audio dealer. Pro said that they don’t set suggested retail pricing, but based off of dealer cost, we’d expect consumers to pay somewhere between thirteen and sixteen grand.

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