ME 800K 4-way-coaxial-floorstanding-loudspeaker with cardioid radiation characteristic in bass range

"Those who aim at state-of-the-art equipment, …, are best served by far with the outstandingly neutral and ultra high-definition Geithain speaker. With its terrific coax and the unique bass cardioid, the ME 800K is the stroke of genius par excellence."

Wolfram Eifert Stereoplay 01/2010

Shown veneer: satin walnut nature and american cherry stained

ME 800K The stroke of genius par excellence

ME 800K

The 4-way concept of the ME 800K comprises two 15-inch woofer systems, a 6.5-inch high-performance midrange system and a tweeter array with three vertically arranged 1-inch tweeter calottes. The directivity of the system has been optimised for listening distances of between three and eight metres, rendering a natural sound image in stereo and multichannel operation. Two 1000 W and two 500 W amplifier modules supply the bass, mid and treble channels with sufficient power. The resulting overload safety ensures that even signals with highest peak levels are not limited. Also, sound pressure levels of up to 126 dB can be performed without audible distortions throughout the effective frequency range. A room compensation network, integrated into the amplifier electronics, allows control of the room-dependent frequency response.

ME 800K

The vertical arrangement of the 15-inch woofers provides a directivity index that ensures realistic bass presence even at listening distances of up to eight metres. Our reliable K Technology minimises rearward-directed room reflections in the bass range and simplifies the positioning of the ME 800K in the listening room. If required, both 15-inch bass units can be operated as subwoofers via the LFE input.

The low-discolouration and low-distortion characteristics of the 6.5-inch high-performance midrange system result from the intelligent combination of several construction details. The cone loudspeaker, for example, runs without contact to the enclosure, thus avoiding the problem of cabinet resonances. Instead the midrange system is operated with a rearward-directed acoustic flow resistor in order to achieve the desired directivity.

Frequently used wave guides in front of tweeter systems facilitate easy directivity control. However, they tend to produce unavoidable discolourations due to short-time reflections on the inner horn surface. We take a different approach – using a tweeter array and doing without horn loudspeaker systems for sound level enhancement. The tweeter unit that is arranged coaxially in front of the midrange system guarantees the trademark low-colouration reproduction of sound events with our loudspeakers.

All these features make the ME 800K so unique in the loudspeaker market. It is ideal for large listening distances and for acoustically less attenuated rooms.

"Those who aim at state-of-the-art equipment, …, are best served by far with the outstandingly neutral and ultra high-definition Geithain speaker. With its terrific coax and the unique bass cardioid, the ME 800K is the stroke of genius par excellence."

Wolfram Eifert Stereoplay 01/2010

Technical data

active 4-way high-performance-loudspeaker for listening distances between 3 and 8 m

Acoustic characteristics

Maximum SPL
126 dB peak / r = 1 m (3.3 ft)
Bandwidth
25 Hz ... 22 kHz - 6 dB
Total harmonic distortion measured at 100 dB / r = 1 m (3.3 ft) from 100 Hz ... 10 kHz
≤ - 45 dB
Electronic Crossover frequencies
160 Hz, 550 Hz and 2.2 kHz
Loudspeaker systems
Woofer
2x 400 mm (15") cone
Mid-range unit
1x 160 mm (6") cone
Tweeter
3x 25 mm (1") dome

Electrical parameters

Nominal Input level
+ 6 dBu adjustable
Output power PWM-amplifier
LF1
Max. 1000 Watt / 4 Ohm
LF2
Max. 1000 Watt / 4 Ohm
MF
Max. 500 Watt / 4 Ohm
HF
Max. 500 Watt / 4 Ohm
Input Connectors
2x XLR 3F (programme- and LFE input)
Operation and Clipping indicator
LED on front side
Power requirements
90 ... 132 V, 55 ... 65 Hz
190 ... 265 V, 45 ... 55 Hz
Mains Connection
IEC power connector with HF-filter

Physical parameters

Temperature requirements
for use
+ 15°C ... + 35°C (59°F ... 95°F)
for storage
- 25°C ... + 45°C (- 13°F ... 113°F)
humidity
45 ... 75 %
Dimensions (H x W x D)
1111 x 495 x 436 mm (43.7 x 19.5 x 17.2 in)
Weight
88 kg (193.6 lbs)

Cabinet and options

Design of the Cabinet
corpus
MDF-wood in ash black veneered; optional different veneers or colors
acoustic baffle
MDF-wood in microstructure semi gloss black

Other parameters

Maximum SPL to IEC 268-1
≥ 120 dB
Calibration: Acoustic output level / PE = - 14 dBu
90 dB / r = 1 m (3.3 ft)
Directivity index from 100 Hz ... 10 kHz
increasing from 6 to 10 dB
Inherent noise sound level
≤ 10 dB (A) / r = 1 m (3.3 ft)
Input impedance
≥ 10 kOhm RC balanced
Power consumption
42 VA at standby
max. 1500 VA at full load