by Nic Natham

There seems no end to the home theatre revolution we're currently experiencing. It seems that new technologies are emerging all the time; DVD, Dolby Digital, DTS, Digital High-definition TV, to name a few. With all this change, it's good to see some consistancy, courtesy of the one home theatre component that hasn't seen too much radical transformation over the years, the home theatre loudspeaker.

Back in 1990, Alan Henning and Chris Mills formed Australian Speaker Manufaturers (ASM). Over the past nine years, its Accusound range of loudspeakers has grown considerably, picked up a few industry awards along the way, and been demonstrated at hi-fi shows around the world. Not a bad track record for a company as young as ASM.

The proof, though, is in the pudding. And this review tests the cream of the Accusound range, the statuesque Delta DL-890 floorstanding stereo pairing, the DLR-420 surrounds and the DLC-130 centre speaker. This five-piece combination is all you need for any Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Digital system, as Accusound loudspeakers have approval from Dolby Labs. This means the speakers' all achieve an optimum performance level as set out by Dolby Labs, to recreate cinema sound in the home.

The largest, and most imposing of the bunch, are the amply proportioned DL-890's. These are the main front stereo pair, and it's their job to deliver the substance and power behind film soundtracks. The front speakers also have to provide the soundstage in which the on-screen action takes place. Nearly all of the bass action is delivered from the front channels (unless you add a subwoofer) so the DL-890's pack two 200mm Mica cone woofers to provide the lower end goodies. A single midrange driver is located in a sealed compartment at the top of the cabinet, while a soft dome tweeter sits between the two larger drivers. Twin bass-reflex ports at the base provide passage for air to move freely through the cabinet. Metal floor spikes are also included to help rid the speakers of any unwanted resonance.

Bridging the gap between the front and centre sounds, the DLC-130 shielded centre channel speaker also contains two woofers, albeit smaller versions of those found in the main front speakers. The twin 100mm drivers flank the same soft dome tweeter unit used in the DL-890's and are magnetically shielded, eliminating colour distortion to the TV screen, meaning you can place the speaker directly on top, or below the telly. The speaker is shaped in such a way that it will sit directly on top and fire straight outwards, or you can invert it to sit on the floor and shoot the sound upwards. Quite often. placing a centre channel speaker can be a problem, so the angular design of the 130 makes placement that little bit easier.

Bringing up the rear, Accusound's DLR-420 effect speakers are a compact, thin design, suitable for freestanding or wall mounting.

These are a true bookshelf-type loudspeaker, and quite capable of a more leading role in a hi-fi system, as well as delivering the rear channel effects of a surround sound system. Both the rear effects and centre channel speakers share the same 100mm driver, though the DLR-420's design incorporates a different tweeter to the rest of the Delta series.

In a Pro Logic system, the speaker is simply handling mono information, and the fact that there are two loudspeakers is simply to avoid the problem of the rear channel having an obvious source.

As far as the best place to mount rear speakers, practicality will determine this as much as sonic requirement. The classic positions are behind or to the sides of the listening area, and at ear-level or preferably higher.

How then does the whole system sound as one complete unit? Well, the key to any good surround sound speaker package is just how well the system acts as a whole. The key is decent integration to achieve the ultimate Dolby Pro Logic goal of encompassing a smooth and seemingly seamless channel balance between all five loudspeakers.

The Delta series recipe is simple. Firstly, take the biggest and the most capable stereo speaker from the Accusound range, the DL-890, a speaker that combines speed, timing and energy with a wide and powerful soundstage, not to mention the twin bass units that deliver bags of low end, even-handed bass info. The bass power is readily apparent when you sit back and take in the thunderous soundtrack of Alien Trilogy on VHS video cassette, or better still, Independence Day on laser disk. The sonic action from both flicks kicks in hard, with speed and punch that'll rip through you, producing the sort of adrenaline rush that can't fail to carry you away.

The DLC-130 centre speaker is something of a gem, and perfectly compliments the DL-890's. As it uses the same high frequency unit as the front left and right pair, you get great higher frequency integration, together with a wide spread of sound and terrific vocal lock. Push some gunfire through the system and you'll be surprised at just how realistic a sonic bullet can sound. As the layers of effects build up in Arnold Schwarzenegger's True Lies, all three fronts deliver a stable, strongly placed sense of excitement, and punch that will take your breath away on occasion. Dialogue sounds predominantly natural, unforced, clear and detailed. The four major roles of the centre speaker are easily covered by the DLC-130.

The neat, well-built and efficient surround DLR-420 rears do an equally impressive job in line with the rest of the Delta series. Rear effects are placed effectively, combined with wide projection. The balance is fairly lean, but these are still powerful loudspeakers, and definately a cut above most of their 'affordable' rivals.

They are also good enough to be used as small, bookshelf loudspeakers in their own right, though with the advent of stereo rear-channel effects and Dolby Digital surround soundtracks, the role of these rear effects loudspeaker has increased dramatically, a position not overlooked by this Accusound loudspeaker system.

Used with conventional 2-channel stereo, the DL-890's make a formidable pairing when you simply want to listen to music. The same bass presence is felt, delivered tightly and well controlled. Combined with a natural, unforced mid-band and sweet, detailed treble, the big Deltas sound totally composed and agile when necessary, given their sizeable proportions.

These are far more than just big bass boxes to lend substance to film soundtracks, and are equally impressive when all you want to do is chuck on your favourite CD, sit back and chill out.

As a collection, the Delta series won't present any Pro Logic amplifier with any problems. They are all fairly efficient and relatively easy to drive. The sort of soundstage and spread of the surround acoustics means the system is best suited to medium or larger listening rooms. The front DL-890's need some space around them, too near to the rear wall or room corners and you'll lose bass definition and stereo depth.

The build quality of all five loudspeakers is very good, and the series is available in either black woodgrain or Rosewood.

This is a speaker system that can turn on the charm with both music and movies. The five speakers gel almost effortlessly and provide a compelling listen when handling Dolby surround material. With Dolby Digital fast gaining a foothold in home theatre, they're not likely to be out of date or incompatible with the latest technology either. What's more, you get a helluva lot of speaker for the money, and it's $2,2500.00 well spent.

View the complete details on specifications and prices (in Australian Dollars) by following the Delta links (800 Series and Centre & Rears) from our homepage.