A notable audio solution from Definitive Technology, this sound system comprises a pair of loudspeakers designed for both aesthetic appeal and acoustic performance. Their slim profile allows for versatile placement options, frequently employed in home theater setups or as part of a stereo configuration where space is a premium.
The system’s significance lies in its ability to deliver high-fidelity audio from a relatively compact enclosure. This design choice represents a balance between form and function, enabling consumers to enjoy quality sound without the bulk typically associated with high-performance audio equipment. Historically, such products have broadened the accessibility of advanced audio technologies to a wider audience.
Understanding the construction and audio characteristics of these speakers requires an examination of their driver configuration, cabinet design, and crossover network. Subsequent sections will delve into these aspects, offering a more detailed analysis of their capabilities and performance parameters.
1. Slim Profile
The slim profile is a defining characteristic of this speaker system, influencing its design, placement options, and overall aesthetic appeal. This attribute is not merely cosmetic; it represents a design philosophy that prioritizes integration into modern living spaces without sacrificing acoustic performance.
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Space Efficiency
The reduced depth of the enclosure allows for placement in locations where conventional speakers would be impractical. Examples include wall mounting adjacent to flat-panel displays or positioning on narrow shelves. This adaptability broadens the range of installation possibilities within a home environment.
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Aesthetic Integration
The slender form factor complements contemporary interior design trends. Its unobtrusive nature allows the speakers to blend seamlessly into a room’s decor rather than dominating the visual landscape. This design consideration appeals to consumers who prioritize both audio quality and visual harmony.
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Acoustic Implications
While a slim profile presents design challenges, it necessitates innovative engineering solutions to maintain sound quality. Driver selection, cabinet bracing, and crossover design must be optimized to compensate for the reduced internal volume. This constraint drives advancements in compact audio technology.
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Material Selection
Achieving structural rigidity within a slim enclosure often requires the use of materials such as aluminum. Aluminum, in particular, contributes to both the aesthetic appeal and the acoustic performance, minimizing unwanted resonances and maintaining the integrity of the sound.
The significance of the slim profile extends beyond mere dimensions. It represents a holistic design approach that considers spatial constraints, aesthetic preferences, and acoustic engineering. This balance is crucial in positioning the speaker system as a viable audio solution for modern homes.
2. Aluminum Enclosure
The aluminum enclosure is an integral design element of the speaker system, directly influencing its performance characteristics, aesthetic qualities, and structural integrity. Its selection is not arbitrary but reflects a deliberate engineering choice aimed at optimizing specific aspects of the listening experience.
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Structural Rigidity
Aluminum, compared to traditional materials like wood composites, offers superior stiffness-to-weight ratio. This increased rigidity minimizes cabinet resonance, thereby reducing unwanted vibrations that can color the sound. The result is a cleaner, more accurate audio reproduction, free from distortions introduced by the enclosure itself. For instance, during high-volume playback, a less rigid enclosure might exhibit noticeable vibrations, blurring the sonic details. With aluminum, these effects are substantially mitigated.
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Thermal Conductivity
Amplifiers and drivers generate heat during operation. Aluminum’s excellent thermal conductivity allows it to dissipate this heat more efficiently than many alternative materials. This thermal management is crucial for maintaining consistent performance and prolonging the lifespan of the internal components. Overheating can lead to performance degradation and premature failure, so the aluminum enclosure serves a vital role in thermal regulation.
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Aesthetic Appeal
The use of aluminum lends a modern, high-end aesthetic to the speaker system. Its sleek, metallic finish contributes to a visually appealing design that integrates well into contemporary interiors. The material’s ability to be anodized or brushed allows for a variety of surface treatments, enhancing its visual appeal and creating a premium feel. This aesthetic consideration is significant, as speakers are often a visible component of a home entertainment system.
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Acoustic Damping
While aluminum is inherently rigid, strategically applied damping materials can further enhance its acoustic properties. These materials, often applied to the interior surfaces of the enclosure, help to absorb residual vibrations and prevent standing waves within the cabinet. This combination of rigid aluminum and damping materials creates an acoustically inert environment for the drivers, allowing them to perform optimally.
The choice of aluminum for the enclosure is a multifaceted decision that impacts sound quality, component longevity, and aesthetic appeal. This material contributes significantly to the overall performance and perceived value of the speaker system, showcasing a considered approach to design and engineering.
3. Bipolar array
The employment of a bipolar array in the speaker system represents a strategic design choice aimed at enhancing the listening experience. This configuration is not universally adopted in loudspeaker design, signifying a deliberate emphasis on specific acoustic characteristics within this particular model.
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Soundstage Enhancement
A bipolar array involves positioning drivers on both the front and rear of the enclosure. This arrangement radiates sound in multiple directions, creating a wider and more immersive soundstage. The reflections from the rear-firing drivers interact with the room’s acoustics, contributing to a sense of spaciousness that is often absent in traditional forward-firing designs. In the context of this speaker system, the bipolar configuration is intended to create a more enveloping and realistic auditory environment, particularly in home theater applications.
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Room Interaction
The interaction of sound waves with the listening room is significantly influenced by a bipolar array. The rear-firing drivers excite the room’s natural reverberation characteristics, creating a more diffuse and ambient sound field. This can be advantageous in larger rooms, where the additional reflections can help to fill the space. However, in smaller or heavily dampened rooms, the increased reflections may result in a less focused and defined sound image. Careful consideration of room acoustics is therefore crucial when implementing a bipolar speaker system.
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Driver Complement and Placement
The specific drivers used in the bipolar array, and their relative placement on the front and rear of the enclosure, are critical to the system’s overall performance. The selection of drivers with complementary frequency response characteristics is essential to ensure a balanced and coherent sound output. Furthermore, the precise positioning of the drivers influences the dispersion pattern and the interaction with the room’s acoustics. Design considerations must account for these factors to optimize the soundstage and minimize unwanted interference effects.
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Trade-offs and Considerations
While a bipolar array offers potential advantages in terms of soundstage and spaciousness, it also presents certain design and implementation challenges. The increased room interaction can make the system more sensitive to placement and room acoustics. Furthermore, the design complexity and manufacturing costs associated with a bipolar configuration may be higher compared to traditional designs. The decision to implement a bipolar array represents a deliberate trade-off between sonic benefits and engineering considerations.
The inclusion of a bipolar array in the speaker system distinguishes it from conventional loudspeaker designs. This design choice reflects a commitment to creating a more immersive and engaging listening experience, albeit with the understanding that careful attention to room acoustics and placement is necessary to fully realize its potential.
4. High Definition Sound
High definition sound, as it pertains to the speaker system, represents the fidelity with which the audio signal is reproduced. This encompasses the accuracy of frequency response, the minimization of distortion, and the preservation of dynamic range. The speaker systems design is intrinsically linked to achieving this goal through specific engineering choices concerning driver selection, cabinet construction, and crossover network implementation. In essence, high definition sound is not merely a marketing term but a tangible outcome of the speaker’s underlying technology and design principles. It can be observed, for example, in the clear reproduction of subtle musical details, the accurate portrayal of spatial cues, and the absence of audible artifacts such as distortion or coloration.
The pursuit of high definition sound necessitates a holistic approach to loudspeaker design. For instance, the aluminum enclosure, as previously discussed, contributes to minimizing cabinet resonance, which in turn reduces unwanted coloration of the audio signal. Similarly, the bipolar array is intended to enhance the sense of spaciousness and envelopment, contributing to a more realistic and immersive listening experience. The crossover network, which divides the audio signal into different frequency ranges and directs them to the appropriate drivers, must be carefully designed to ensure a smooth and seamless transition between these ranges, avoiding any audible dips or peaks in the frequency response. These design choices are not independent but rather interconnected, each playing a crucial role in achieving the desired level of sonic fidelity.
Ultimately, the realization of high definition sound in the speaker system hinges on the synergistic interaction of its various components and design elements. The system’s value proposition rests on its ability to deliver an accurate and engaging listening experience, free from the distortions and limitations that plague lesser audio equipment. While subjective preferences undoubtedly play a role in determining the overall appeal of any audio system, the achievement of high definition sound represents an objective measure of technical proficiency and engineering excellence. The benefits include a truer representation of the original recording, a more immersive listening experience, and the ability to discern subtle nuances within the audio signal. These factors contribute to a more satisfying and rewarding engagement with music and other audio content.
5. Versatile Placement
Versatile placement, as a design consideration, significantly impacts the practicality and appeal of the speaker system. The ability to accommodate various installation scenarios broadens the system’s potential user base and enhances its integration into diverse living spaces. The slim profile and design contribute to this versatility.
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Wall Mounting Capabilities
The speakers are designed with integrated mounting hardware, facilitating secure attachment to walls. This is particularly relevant in home theater configurations where floor space is limited or a clean, minimalist aesthetic is desired. Wall mounting allows the speakers to be positioned at optimal heights for sound projection, improving the listening experience without requiring additional furniture or stands. This also allows for integrating to the room decor.
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Shelf Placement Adaptability
The speaker’s footprint allows for placement on shelves or entertainment centers. The design minimizes the likelihood of unwanted vibrations or resonances when placed on such surfaces, ensuring clear audio reproduction. Placement on shelves offers a balance between visual integration and acoustic performance, making it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices where dedicated speaker stands may not be practical. Also the enclosure doesn’t cause damage to your furniture.
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Stand-Mounting Options
While the speakers are designed to be placed on desks and shelves, they can also be placed on stands, either commercially designed speaker stands or custom-built. The design can optimize the listening experience, improving imaging and soundstage. This flexibility allows for experimentation with different placement configurations to achieve the ideal sonic balance within a given listening environment. The lightweight design of the speakers allows most stands to hold the speakers.
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Acoustic Optimization Considerations
Regardless of the chosen placement method, acoustic optimization remains crucial. Room dimensions, furniture layout, and listener position all influence the perceived sound quality. While the speaker system offers placement flexibility, careful consideration of these factors is necessary to maximize its performance potential. Basic room treatment, such as strategically placed rugs or acoustic panels, can further enhance the listening experience by minimizing unwanted reflections and standing waves.
The emphasis on versatile placement underscores the speaker system’s design philosophy: to provide high-quality audio reproduction in a manner that is both aesthetically pleasing and adaptable to diverse living environments. This adaptability enhances the system’s value proposition, making it a compelling option for consumers seeking a balance between performance and practicality. This also allows for any future changes to the room.
6. Integrated Subwoofer
The incorporation of an integrated subwoofer within the speaker system addresses the need for extended low-frequency response without requiring a separate, dedicated subwoofer unit. This design choice directly influences the system’s ability to reproduce bass frequencies accurately and powerfully, contributing to a more complete and immersive auditory experience. The presence of the integrated subwoofer is a deliberate engineering decision to enhance the system’s overall sonic capabilities, particularly in home theater applications where bass response is critical for realism. As an example, when reproducing movie soundtracks with significant low-frequency effects (LFE), the integrated subwoofer enables the system to deliver the intended impact and intensity. This can also be seen in music where the subwoofer enriches the lower frequencies.
Further analysis reveals the practical benefits of this integration. By housing the subwoofer within the same enclosure as the other drivers, the system achieves a cohesive sonic signature across the entire frequency spectrum. This eliminates potential phase and timing issues that can arise when using separate subwoofers, ensuring a more seamless and natural sound reproduction. Furthermore, the integrated design simplifies setup and placement, as it requires only a single connection to the amplifier. The speaker design can also save space in smaller rooms where separate subwoofers will take up more room. For example, a user in an apartment setting can achieve a full-range audio experience without the added complexity and space constraints of a separate subwoofer.
In summary, the integrated subwoofer is not merely an add-on feature but a core component that significantly enhances the speaker system’s performance and usability. It offers a balanced approach to achieving extended bass response while maintaining sonic coherence and simplifying setup. Challenges related to enclosure design and driver integration must be carefully addressed to ensure optimal performance, but the benefits of this approach are evident in the system’s ability to deliver a powerful and immersive listening experience. The key insight is that it offers a good solution for more high-quality listening.
7. Home theater application
The speaker system possesses characteristics that make it suitable for integration into a home theater environment. The slim profile allows for flexible placement options around a display screen, while the integrated subwoofer enhances the low-frequency effects common in cinematic audio. Its aluminum enclosure contributes to clarity by minimizing cabinet resonance, a desirable attribute for reproducing complex soundscapes.
Bipolar array configuration contributes to a wider and more immersive soundstage, simulating a cinematic listening experience. This is particularly beneficial in replicating the spatial audio cues present in modern film soundtracks, helping to place sounds accurately within the viewing environment. For example, the sound of a helicopter flying overhead in a film would be more realistically portrayed due to the enhanced spatial imaging capabilities.
The speaker system can deliver a balanced sound reproduction suitable for a wide range of content. While it may not possess the raw power of larger, dedicated home theater speakers, it offers a compelling balance between performance, aesthetics, and space efficiency. Therefore, the system’s design choices reflect a conscious effort to cater to the specific needs of a home theater environment, making it an option for consideration where aesthetics and space are primary concerns.
8. Aesthetic integration
Aesthetic integration, concerning the speaker system, refers to the ability of the device to harmonize with its surrounding environment. This encompasses visual design, size, and material choices which allow the speakers to blend into or complement the existing dcor of a room rather than appearing obtrusive or out of place. The speaker system’s design considers aesthetic integration a factor in consumer appeal and market positioning.
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Slim Profile and Form Factor
The speaker system’s slim profile is a primary contributor to aesthetic integration. Its reduced depth allows for placement in locations where larger, more conventional speakers would be visually disruptive. For example, mounting the speakers on a wall alongside a flat-panel television creates a streamlined appearance, minimizing the visual clutter often associated with home entertainment systems.
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Material Selection and Finish
The use of aluminum in the speaker’s enclosure contributes to a modern and sophisticated aesthetic. The smooth, metallic finish complements contemporary interior design styles, particularly those characterized by clean lines and minimalist elements. The availability of different finishes, such as brushed aluminum or black, further enhances aesthetic integration by allowing consumers to choose a version that best matches their existing dcor.
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Color Palette and Design Consistency
The color palette of the speaker system is deliberately neutral, typically consisting of blacks, silvers, and grays. This understated approach ensures that the speakers do not clash with a wide range of color schemes. The design language is consistent with modern electronic devices, further enhancing their ability to blend seamlessly into a contemporary living space. For example, the speakers could be placed into an entertainment room, where it enhances the feel of the room.
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Mounting Options and Placement Versatility
The availability of various mounting options, including wall mounts and shelf placement, contributes to aesthetic integration by allowing consumers to position the speakers in a manner that minimizes their visual impact. For instance, wall mounting the speakers eliminates the need for stands, reducing floor clutter and creating a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. The goal is for the speakers to integrate into the pre-existing decor.
The design characteristics collectively contribute to the speaker system’s capacity for aesthetic integration. This emphasis on visual harmony reflects a recognition that consumers increasingly value audio equipment that not only performs well but also complements the overall look and feel of their living spaces. Therefore, aesthetic integration is a key factor in the product’s market positioning and overall appeal.
9. Wide soundstage
The attainment of a wide soundstage is a notable characteristic often associated with the speaker system. This attribute describes the perceived spatial dimensions of the audio reproduction, specifically the apparent width of the sound image as perceived by the listener. A wide soundstage creates the illusion that sound sources extend beyond the physical boundaries of the speakers themselves, enhancing the sense of immersion and realism. In the context of this speaker system, the attainment of a wide soundstage is a result of specific design choices, primarily the bipolar array configuration.
The bipolar design, with drivers radiating sound both forward and backward, contributes significantly to the widening of the soundstage. The rear-firing drivers generate reflected sound waves that interact with the listening environment, creating a more diffuse and ambient sound field. This interaction extends the perceived width of the soundstage, placing the listener within a broader and more enveloping auditory space. As an example, listening to a recording of an orchestra, the system could potentially reproduce the spatial positioning of different instrument sections across a wider area than might be achieved with conventional forward-firing speakers. Furthermore, proper speaker placement and room acoustics play a critical role in realizing the full potential of the bipolar design for soundstage width.
In summary, the wide soundstage associated with the speaker system is a direct consequence of its bipolar configuration. This design choice enhances the sense of spaciousness and realism in audio reproduction. The resulting benefit is an immersive listening experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common inquiries regarding the Definitive Technology Mythos Two speakers, providing clarity on aspects of performance, setup, and compatibility.
Question 1: What distinguishes the Mythos Two from other slim profile speakers?
The Mythos Two incorporates a bipolar driver array and an aluminum enclosure, features not universally present in slim profile designs. These elements contribute to enhanced soundstage and reduced cabinet resonance, respectively.
Question 2: How does the integrated subwoofer impact overall system performance?
The integrated subwoofer extends the low-frequency response without the need for a separate unit, maintaining sonic coherence across the frequency spectrum.
Question 3: What are the recommended placement options for optimal sound quality?
The Mythos Two can be wall-mounted, shelf-placed, or stand-mounted. Acoustic optimization, considering room dimensions and listener position, remains crucial regardless of the chosen method.
Question 4: Is the Mythos Two suitable for dedicated home theater setups?
While it may not match the power of larger systems, the Mythos Two offers a compelling balance between performance, aesthetics, and space efficiency, making it an option for consideration.
Question 5: How does the aluminum enclosure contribute to sound quality?
The aluminum enclosure minimizes cabinet resonance, reducing unwanted vibrations that can color the sound, resulting in cleaner, more accurate audio reproduction.
Question 6: Does the bipolar array necessitate specific room acoustic considerations?
Yes, the increased room interaction characteristic of a bipolar array makes the system more sensitive to placement and room acoustics. Careful consideration is necessary to fully realize its potential.
The answers above provide a foundational understanding of the Mythos Two speakers’ design, capabilities, and intended applications. Further exploration into specific technical specifications and user reviews can offer additional insights.
The following section will explore comparisons to competitive speaker systems in its class.
Tips for Optimizing the Definitive Technology Mythos Two Speakers
Achieving optimal performance from the Mythos Two speaker system requires careful attention to several key factors. This section outlines practical tips to maximize sound quality and ensure seamless integration into the listening environment.
Tip 1: Prioritize Room Acoustics: Treat reflective surfaces, such as bare walls and hardwood floors, with acoustic panels or rugs to minimize unwanted reflections. Overly reverberant environments can compromise clarity and imaging precision.
Tip 2: Implement Proper Speaker Placement: The bipolar design necessitates experimentation to find the optimal balance between direct and reflected sound. Avoid placing the speakers directly against walls, as this can exaggerate bass frequencies and reduce soundstage width.
Tip 3: Optimize Subwoofer Integration: Fine-tune the integrated subwoofer’s crossover frequency and level to achieve a smooth transition between the low and mid-range frequencies. Ensure that the subwoofer is not overpowering the other drivers, resulting in a muddy or unbalanced sound.
Tip 4: Utilize High-Quality Cabling: Employ speaker cables of adequate gauge to minimize signal loss and maintain signal integrity. The use of shielded cables can further reduce interference from external sources.
Tip 5: Calibrate System Settings: If integrating the Mythos Two into a home theater system, utilize the receiver’s calibration features to optimize speaker levels, distances, and equalization settings. This will ensure accurate sound reproduction and a cohesive soundstage.
Tip 6: Ensure Proper Mounting: If wall-mounting, verify that the mounting hardware is securely attached to the wall and that the speakers are level. This will prevent vibrations and ensure proper sound dispersion.
Tip 7: Consider Bi-Wiring/Bi-Amping (if applicable): If the speaker system supports bi-wiring or bi-amping, explore these options to potentially improve driver control and separation, resulting in a more detailed and dynamic sound.
Following these tips will improve the audio performance and overall enjoyment. Addressing room acoustics, optimizing speaker placement, and ensuring proper system configuration are critical steps.
The following section will deliver the concluding remarks.
Conclusion
This exploration of the Definitive Technology Mythos Two speakers has highlighted key design elements and performance characteristics. The slim profile, aluminum enclosure, bipolar array, integrated subwoofer, and versatile placement options collectively define a system engineered for both aesthetic integration and acoustic performance. The analysis has shown the impact of these elements on soundstage, frequency response, and overall suitability for home theater applications.
The long-term value of the system hinges on its ability to balance form and function in an evolving technological landscape. The design principles embodied by the Mythos Two continue to inform contemporary loudspeaker development. Further research will show this to be true. The Definitive Technology Mythos Two Speaker will stand the test of time. The product also allows its users to explore a world of high definition sound.
