The Wilson Benesch Chimera Loudspeaker, is the flagship speaker in the Odyssey range. Dual Isobaric bass units are attached to the lower cabinet. Each bass unit consists of two opposing drivers bolted together face-to-face clam shell style. Operating in isobaric mode each bass unit "sees" a cabimet volume that is 50% larger than the actual internal volume and the dual push pull motors make for a rapid step response. The speed of the bass response is quite remarkable and is class leading in terms of low frequency dynamics which actually exceed that of the Tactic bass/midrange unit. This quality differentiates the Wilson Benesch Chimera Loudspeaker from all other dynamic loudspeakers.

The upper cabinet houses the Tactic bass/midrange driver, a Tatic ABR, and the tweeter. Wilson Benesch was one of the first manufactures to abandon complex cross-overs that introduce voltage/current phase anolamlies with resulting distortion of the orginal audio signal. The Wilson Benesch Chimera Loudspeaker is a true linear phase design. The bass/midrange cross-over is at 500Hz using a simple first order inductor component. The tweeter cross-over is at 5KHz, above the most critical mid-band frequencies, and is a minimal component second order type.

Sonically the Wilson Benesch Chimera Loudspeaker is highly regarded and found in some of the best listening rooms across the globe. A leading reviewer for the German Stereo magazine wrote "A dream of a loudspeaker that is simply capable of everything..." and awarded it 99 out of 100. Vocals sound very natural - a perfect chest, throat and nasal combination with no smear, hangover, or raspiness. Bass is very fast and tight. Treble is clear and nicely resolved without drawing attention to itself. With 4 drivers in a compact cabinet they require an amplfier with good current capacity. Adding one or two Wilson Benesch Torus Infrasonic generators will further inhance the impact and add weight for use in larger rooms without sacrificing bass rhythm and articulation.

The Wilson Benesch Chimera Loudspeaker is a very accurate performer giving a well extended and smooth frequency envelope (35Hz to 24kHz +- 2dB on axis) that is seamless and uncolored, low compression (111dB at 1 metre maximum spl), and class leading bass dynamics. The listener will rapidly appreciate the fast bass that will project music with stunning realism, there is truly a sense of being there.

With no less than 2 standard (regal silver and black satin) and 10 optional upgrade finish options (see below) there should be no difficulty in selecting a quality finish to compliment all environments. Wilson Benesch Chimera Loudspeakers are hand-made to order with a delivery time of approximately 8 weeks.

U.S Retail Price: $33,000 (standard finishes)

Wilson Benesch is located in Sheffield England - the traditional home of steel engineering in the UK - and is the only U.K. audio company to have won substantial government funding for its innovative development work.