Previously a brand featuring International Audio Holding’s most advanced engineering, the re-emerging Sphinx marque introduces the new Element loudspeaker line.
Sphinx Audio Engineering extends International Audio Holding’s brand portfolio to a fourth entity, which now includes Crystal Cable, HMS Elektronik, and Siltech. Sphinx’s first product to hit the stage is the very distinctive Element 3 high-end loudspeakers.
Element 3 is the result of many years of research and development, materials technology advancements and manufacturing capabilities at the highest level. Built on principles first arising from Siltech's highly acclaimed Symphony and Crystal Cable's award-winning Minissimo Forte loudspeakers, the Element 3 introduces proprietary ‘Zero Gravity’ bass technology. Zero Gravity architecture is said to “minimise distortion and air compression while enhancing room integration” while producing added low frequency extension and a more seamless cohesion with the midrange driver.
Another new technology is termed ‘PAC’, a “passive-active” hybrid crossover configuration offering precise phase alignment, in-built buffer stages, matched components, and silver/gold internal cabling designed to provide optimal signal flow and speaker-driver control. Allowance for varied room acoustic signatures is provided via a bass attenuation switch which offers settings for bass trims of -3dB, 0dB (neutral) and +3dB.
The Element 3’s stunning cabinet is both beautiful and functional. For the Element 3, Sphinx has taken inspiration form the beautiful curves of the harp. The dampened cabinet panels present a natural “stone-like” material which has been implemented to naturally deal with vibrational distortions, with the speaker sitting on a curved aluminium base in order to both stabilise it and to provide additional heat dissipation. Potentially excellent dispersion characteristics are evidenced by the highly sculpted top baffle which rakes backwards and is extremely minimalist around the tweeter housing.
The Element 3’s frequency response specifications are given as spanning from 23 Hz to 38 kHz (no parameters provided), while efficiency is said to be 94dB (2.83V) at 16 ohms. Recommended amplifier power is 50 watts for solid-state amplifiers and 40 watts (or 20 watts at 16 ohms) for valve amplification.
The new Sphinx Audio Engineering Element 3 will be joined by the Element 5, a design on a larger scale which extends on the ideologies behind its lower rung sibling. The Element 3 loudspeaker system will be debuting at High End Munich 2025.
International Audio Holding’s other products are represented in Australia via BusiSoft AV.
Sphinx Audio Engineering Element 3 Loudspeakers
Price: TBA
International Audio Holding: https://internationalaudioholding.com/
Sphinx: https://sphinxaudio.com/
