Chario · Constellation MK2
Phoenix MK2
An authoritative home theatre anchor delivering absolute vocal clarity and seamless soundstage coherence.
The Phoenix MK2 serves as the essential vocal foundation for any advanced Constellation MK2 home cinema installation. Tasked with decoding up to seventy per cent of a modern film soundtrack, this highly specialized center channel speaker has been completely re-engineered to prevent the pinched, boxy vocal effects typical of conventional designs. It sits seamlessly within the multi-channel lineup, ensuring that panning acoustic effects travel across the front soundstage with absolute tonal uniformity.
At the core of its technical revision is a dedicated three-way vented NRS configuration, a significant evolution from traditional twin-woofer configurations that suffer from destructive off-axis phase cancellation. By dedicating distinct internal driver systems to specific operating bands, the speaker achieves an ultra-low 1500 Hz crossover handoff. This positioning guarantees that the critical human speech region remains entirely unmodulated by heavy lower-frequency cinematic thuds.
Its sonic delivery is distinguished by an organic midrange neutrality that captures the subtle texture, breath, and inflection of speech with pristine precision. Rather than employing artificial high-frequency sharpening to boost clarity, the speaker relies on broad off-axis dispersion and deep 45 Hz extension. This allows the audio presentation to break entirely free of the cabinet structure, wrapping the audience in an expansive, deeply involving multi-layered cinematic landscape.
Key Features
01
Acoustically Optimized Three-Way Array
Departing from common two-way center channel designs, this true three-way configuration separates midrange and bass tracking to eradicate off-axis acoustic lobing and preserve clear vocal paths.
02
Oversized T38 Waveguide Tweeter
The signature 38mm fabric dome utilizes a custom-profiled waveguide to dictate an exceptionally wide, uniform 60-degree horizontal dispersion pattern across the entire listening area.
03
Vented Near Resonance Surface (NRS)
An integrated down-firing low-frequency load system that harnesses nearby boundary surfaces to achieve a 3 dB efficiency gain, keeping bass speed highly controlled down to a tight 45 Hz.
04
Resonance-Decoupled Timber Hull
Hand-fitted solid Italian walnut flank panels structurally damp an ultra-dense High-Density Fibreboard core, shifting unwanted mechanical vibrations away from the audio spectrum.
Chapter 01
The Dialogue Critical Choice
While human vocal fundamentals rarely drop below 85 Hz, Chario engineers consciously specified a deep 45 Hz low-frequency cut-off for the Phoenix MK2. This strategic choice allows the system to process lower vocal harmonics and rapid transient sound effects with absolute effortless ease. By providing a rich, full-bodied foundation well below typical vocal baselines, the speaker ensures that deep baritone dialogue and intense cinematic events possess a realistic, physical weight that anchors the screen action perfectly.
Chapter 02
Living Space Integration
Center channel speakers are routinely subjected to challenging acoustic placements, frequently forced inside tight AV furniture compartments or placed close to large television screens. The Phoenix MK2 addresses these placement variables through its proprietary waveguide directivity and downward-firing NRS port architecture. This prevents the severe boundary reflections and tubby, boomy resonance common to rear-ported center channels, ensuring pristine intelligibility whether positioned on an open stand or integrated into an equipment console.
Chapter 03
Listening Notes
During demanding multi-channel passages, the Phoenix MK2 exhibits spectacular clarity and a total absence of vocal chestiness or sibilant edge. Whispered dialogue remains perfectly crisp and legible even against a roaring orchestral score, while dynamic transitions are handled with lightning speed. The speaker acts with an innate spatial fluidity, throwing an expansive, vertically stable soundstage that matches the acoustic scale and signature warmth of the Constellation MK2 tower systems seamlessly.
Specifications
Type3-way
Frequency response45 Hz @ -3dB referred to C4 WETS
Sensitivity90 dB SPL normalized to 1 m / 2.83 Vrms / decorrelated L/R pink noise ITU-R BS 1116-1 I compliant listening room
ImpedanceModulus 4 Ω (min 3.9) Argument ± 36°
Power handling120 W / 4 Ω maximum average power
Dimensions (H × W × D)210 × 530 × 390 mm
Weight8 kg
Finish optionsSolid Walnut and HDF
Low Frequency Load Vented NRS
Drivers1 tweeter 38mm T38Waveguide 1 woofer 130mm Paper Compound