Von Schweikert Ultra.5

The ULTRA.5 (formerly the ULTRA 55) is designed for audio enthusiasts seeking a compact, full-range, statement-level loudspeaker without compromises. The ULTRA.5 features top-level driver components, custom crossover elements, and composite layered cabinet construction. Additionally, the ULTRA.5 incorporates our proprietary Ultra internal wiring.

Each Ultra crossover is meticulously hand-soldered point-to-point and precisely calibrated for optimal accuracy and performance. Uniquely, the back panel of the ULTRA.5 is equipped with three professional audio autotransformers, allowing individual control over each frequency band. Consider pairing the ULTRA.5 with our Foundation Analog Bass Control System for enhanced room placement flexibility and in-room performance.

Choose from a range of stunning stock or custom multi-layer automotive finishes to complement your ULTRA speakers and make the ULTRA.5 the last stop on your audio journey.

Rear Sound Field Creation

Albert Von Schweikert's earliest research led to the development of an adjustable ambiance retrieval system radiating from the speaker's rear to recreate a natural sound field of space & depth using a concert hall recording method known as the spaced omni method. This system replicates the effect when microphones used for recording encode the musical signal with overlaying pickup response patterns.

After studios make a series of recordings using several different microphone types, the playback from each device has tonal differences and create various imaging patterns. This creates a differing perception of space & depth dependent on the recording environment, microphone placement, and each microphone's distinct off-axis polar response.

From this framework, our rear soundfield system creates a natural soundstage, regardless of the recording, microphone type, and recording technique used. Most importantly, the system allows the playback response to remain as close as possible to what was intended by the engineer.

Drivers & Crossovers

For our midrange and bass drivers (exclusive of the sub-bass drivers found in our ULTRA.nine, ULTRA.eleven, and SHOCKWAVE subwoofer series), Von Schweikert has selected Accuton of Germany’s drivers manufactured using ceramic cones. Producing drivers made from Al²O³ hard ceramics offers an incredibly light, stiff cone with high internal damping.

Ceramic cones also offer our engineers a mass/stiffness ratio surpassed only by cones made of beryllium and diamond, which are materials that most often are only suitable for smaller diameter drivers used for reproducing high frequencies, such as tweeters Ceramic drivers offer us the best impulse response and significantly reduced distortion over more conventional drivers, as well as we as increased bandwidth and linearly within their useable range.

Industry professionals recognize VSA as one of the most experienced and best practices for using these extraordinary drivers.

For the highest frequencies, we have selected the best Danish beryllium tweeters. Our chosen beryllium tweeter is extremely stiff and light. It has high power handling, exceptional detail, and superb dispersion across its usable range. While many associate beryllium tweeters with a certain sterile sound, by correctly applying our proprietary crossover network topology to this remarkable driver, the opposite is true.

In short, the VSA beryllium tweeter offers some of the finest and most satisfying high-frequency reproduction in any commercial loudspeaker, regardless of price.