New bookshelf speaker from PS Audio

The rather interesting Aspen line of speakers from PS Audio has a new member, the monitor sized FR5 -- see press release below (slightly edited to reduce length). I'd be keen to give these a listen, $3500 a pair but you can trade-in any working gear I believe to get a reduced price, see their website for details:
 

 

 

Boulder, Colorado, July 3, 2024 – PS Audio today announced the introduction of its aspen FR5 loudspeaker, a stand-mounted speaker that delivers the same quality of extraordinary musical realism as the larger aspen Series models, in a compact design that fits easily into smaller and medium-sized rooms.
 
The new FR5 features a custom-designed PS Audio push-pull planar magnetic high-frequency driver, complemented by a newly-designed midrange/woofer, and a high-excursion passive radiator. Available in satin black or satin white with optional matching stands, the PS Audio FR5 is styled to complement any décor.
 
Paul McGowan, PS Audio CEO pointed out: “The FR5 was designed to bring the same level of uncompromising sound quality as all aspen Series speakers into any listening environment, and is ideal for living spaces where floorstanding speakers can’t be used.” 

The drivers in the FR5 are purpose-designed by PS Audio and are tuned for optimum performance in a two-way stand-mount configuration

The aspen FR5 features a newly-designed 6.5-inch cast frame midrange/woofer made from Curv woven polypropylene, a material that is drawn into thin monofilaments and woven and reinforced using a proprietary process. It’s augmented by a rear-firing 6 by 9-inch passive radiator to achieve in-room low-frequency extension down to 30 Hz. Both FR5 drivers are mounted on a thermoset resin front baffle that adds rigidity and minimizes diffraction effects.

 
PS Audio’s aspen FR5 utilizes a new enclosure technology, with viscoelastic damping sheets between the bracing and cabinet side walls, and around the woofer. The crossover uses air-core inductors, metallized poly capacitors, and wirewound resistors to ensure maximum sonic purity and seamless driver integration. 

 

Complemented by its optional matching stand which be mass-loaded, the FR5 comes with magnetically detachable grilles.
 
Available in August 2024 at a suggested retail price of US $3,499 per pair. The optional stands will be available at US $500 per pair.

 
aspen FR5 Features at a Glance:
 

• Enclosure type: sealed
• High-frequency transducer: 2.5-inch planar magnetic ribbon tweeter with Teonex diaphragm
• Midrange/low-frequency transducer: 6.5-inch cast-frame, Curv woven polypropylene, split-gap magnet structure with dual copper Faraday rings
• Passive radiator: 6 by 9-inch rear-firing
• Thermoset resin fiberglass-composite woofer baffle
• Magnetically-attached grille
• Custom crossover with premium metallized poly capacitors, air-core inductors and wirewound resistors
• Frequency Response: 35 Hz – 20 kHz (- 6 dB, half-space; 30 Hz – 6 dB in-room)
• Crossover Frequency: 1,750 Hz
• Sensitivity: 83.5 dB
• Nominal Impedance: 6 ohms (5.6 ohms minimum)
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 50 – 150 watts
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 8 x 13 inches (speaker only), optional stand, 28.25 x 11.75 x 14 inches
• Weight: speaker, 26.6 lbs. (12.1 kg), stand, 13.7 lbs. (6.2 kg)