Complete Systems

Subwoofer: Sub 10
Connections: Dual speaker-level, line-level in/out
Enclosure Type: Sealed
Woofer (size in inches, type): 10, mineral-filled copolymer cone, 2.5-inch voice coil
Power Rating (watts): 300 RMS, Class AB
Crossover Bypass: Yes
Available Finishes: Sycamore, Rosewood, Cherry, Black Gloss
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 18.75 x 14.2 x 12.5
Weight (pounds): 68.5
Price: $1,000

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Speaker: Design 4
Type: Two-way, monitor
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, silk dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 4, fiber-Kevlar composite cone (1)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 50–120
Available Finishes (Both): Sycamore, Rosewood, Cherry, Black Gloss
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 9.6 x 5.8 x 6.8
Weight (pounds): 10.6
Price: $600/pair

Speaker:Design 4 LCR
Type: Two-way, center
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, silk dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 4, fiber-Kevlar composite cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 6
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 50–150
Available Finishes (Both): Sycamore, Rosewood, Cherry, Black Gloss
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 5.8 x 15.8 x 6.8
Weight (pounds): 15.2
Price: $500

Ratings: Era Design 4 Speaker System

Build Quality: 98
• Stunningly beautiful and lustrous wood veneers
• 1-inch-thick MDF enclosures

Value: 91
• A top-drawer surround system for the cost of an indifferent flat-panel TV
• Buying whole system saves $200

Features: 94
• Custom woofer of randomized fiber covered with a polypropylene skin
• Japanese silk-dome tweeter

Performance: 98
• Genuine midbass response rare in small satellites
• Velvety midrange and treble

Ergonomics: 96
• Space-saving form factor suits any kind of display
• Living with this kind of beauty is easy and pleasurable

Overall Rating: 95
Era's Design 4 satellite and Design 4 LCR speakers are among the best I've ever heard from any manufacturer at any price. The company is right in tune with the trend toward smaller form factors but rebels against compromises in midrange and bass. These drop-dead speakers stunned me.

General Information
Design 4 Speaker System, $2,500 for 5.1 channel set; Design 4 Monitor Speaker, $600/pair
Design 4 LCR Speaker, $500; Sub 10 Subwoofer, $1,000
Era
(704) 391-9337
www.signalpathint.com
Dealer Locator Code ERA