More meaty and more orchestral works show why the Borderland was the company’s first model, its original flagship, and why it remains German Physiks most popular design. The subtlety and force of the orchestra are beautifully rendered, with an accurate sense of scale that moves with the size of the piece. If you want to know the difference between a symphonic and a chamber orchestra, this loudspeaker lays out the differences clearly and precisely, all the while retaining the subtle dynamic cues that give you more of a sense of live musicians at work. Similarly, play something driving from the rock or electronica end of the spectrum, and the big, powerful bass lines kick in. In fact, unless you are needing the abrupt, extremely fast, and super-deep bass lines of some electronic dance music (where the bass lines very slightly flow into one another), the Borderland will play anything and give it that sense of a live concert taking place.
Like all German Physiks models – like all omnidirectional loudspeakers, in fact – the Borderland Mk IV isn’t for everyone. Some will never get past having a soundstage you can walk around, rather than the clamped-in-place nature of more conventional loudspeaker listening. And there are always those who judge everything by the pace of a small, sealed two-way. But for the rest of us, the German Physiks Borderland Mk IV represents an exciting, musically energetic and live-sounding experience, more like the real thing than many loudspeakers. If you aren’t set in your audiophile ways, this loudspeaker demands a listen and comes strongly recommended.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Type: two-way omnidirectional floorstanding loudspeaker
Drivers: 1× carbon-fibre DDD unit, 1× 300mm bass woofer
Sensitivity: 86.1dB for 1W at 1m
Minimum Impedance: 3.7 ohms at 375Hz
Frequency response: 28Hz-24kHz
Crossover frequency: 190Hz
Crossover slopes: 12dB/octave electronic, 18dB/octave acoustic
High frequency adjustment: -2dB, flat, +2dB, +4dB, centred at 8kHz
Amplifier recommendation: minimum 160W into four ohms
Power handling: 300W (nom), 600W (pk)
Dimensions (W×D×H): 40×40×130cm
Weight: 54kg
Finishes: Satin veneer or black or white paint; high polish veneer, or black or white polyester; carbon fibre
Price: £22,450-£26,900 per pair (depending on finish)
Manufactured by: German Physiks
email: info@german-physiks.com
Tel: +49(0)6109 502 98 23
UK Tel: +44(0)7812 093677