Node Audio announce Signature Edition of HYLIXA loudspeaker
Ashley May and David Evans, the minds behind Node, constantly look at ways to improve their award-winning products. Keeping a keen eye on both function and aesthetic innovation, the pair use a back-to-basics approach to dissolve constraints on their creativity and project ambitions. Using advanced laser-based 3D printing, in 2019 Node launched Hylixa, the world’s first ‘Helical Bass’ loudspeaker. With stand-out bass extension and imaging from its coiled internal transmission line and streamlined external profile, the extensive application of additive manufacturing allowed Node to question paradigms on loudspeaker design, with award-winning results.
Since this time, May and Evans have been busy further refining Hylixa’s sonic performance and aesthetic beauty, culminating in their latest product, the Hylixa Signature Edition.
Notable features include a new design for base of the loudspeaker, which has been implemented to further improve acoustic quality - now featuring a heavyweight disc that has been machined from a solid billet of stainless steel, this helps reduce unwanted vibrational energy. The single central pillar of the legacy model still remains, but here it has been thoroughly re-engineered for improved acoustic transparency. Gone is the extruded aluminium, now replaced by a single laser-fused pillar component from the same dynamically inert glass-nylon material as the head of the speaker. This provides increased internal space for the upgraded crossover, completely eliminating the proximity of metal components which can potentially degrade the signal.
A new crossover has also been implemented. Where the standard Hylixa crossover sits in its 3D chassis, cradling each component within a rigid body to reduce vibrational interference, the Hylixa Signature goes one step further - a larger, magazine-loaded, laser-fused structure further spaces the components and becomes a structural element complementing the main pillar for enhanced external vibrational deadening. Additionally, the binding posts are now at floor level for an even more discrete hook-up. Lastly, the Hylixa’s components have also been upgraded to improve acoustic performance, with the loudspeaker now fitted with state-of-the-art Mundorf capacitors and Duelund internal wiring throughout.
The aesthetic versatility of the loudspeaker has also been improved. As well as the endless cabinet paint options and precious metal fascia plating, the base is available as bright stainless steel or chemically blackened, so prospective owners can create a unique aesthetic to complement their homes - Node offers a complimentary CGI visualisation service for thorough experimentation to achieve the perfect combination.
Node’s Director Ashley May explains more: “Our Hylixa speakers embrace laser-based 3D printing to deliver a product where acoustics and aesthetics are truly as one. However, as innovators and engineers we are constantly pursuing improvements in every area. Node Hylixa Signature is the culmination of several advancements to deliver a better product and will replace the legacy model as of October 2021. However, as part of our long-term commitment to existing customers, all current Hylixa speakers can be fully upgraded to Signature status.”
Node demonstrated a pre-production pair at the 2021 Salon Privé show at Blenheim palace, and show-goers to October’s UK Audio Show in Daventry will be the first to experience the finalised production versions.
Prices start from £30,000 GBP.
