Adam Rudd explains, "We've had various systems in the Lyttelton over the years, but never one we were completely satisfied with. Up for evaluation were the usual systems you'd list for top quality theatre and Alan Lochhead also approached us with the Opus products. I have to say that there was some scepticism before the listening tests but it soon became clear that the full Opus system of loudspeakers, amplifiers and controllers were in a league of their own as far as accurate, natural audio quality is concerned. We were very surprised at the colouration and limitations it showed up in other systems that had previously been considered the best. The power and coverage were also excellent so the system required is compact and discreet."
The system in the Lyttelton consists of four 800W OAD PSD800T 3-way bi-amped cabinets giving point source 120 degree conical dispersion from 40Hz-22kHz. These are flown two per side at different heights, to cover the stalls and balcony levels, and supplemented with four OAD SB218, two 18" 1200W active sub bass cabinets, extending the LF down to 28Hz. A further two OAD PSD800Ts are able to be flown as a central cluster when necessary. The system is driven by high definition power amplifiers (five OAD HD1250/500 and a single OAD HD2500/2500) via four OAD XS134 loudspeaker management systems.
Commenting for Opus Audio Developments, MD Andy Fox said: "Theatre is the most critical application for sound system accuracy so we are obviously very pleased to be chosen by this high profile theatre, particularly over major international competitors."
(Lee Baldock)
