YG Acoustics Anat Reference II Speakers

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- Pictured: Anat Reference I

YG Acoustics has released the follow up to their flagship Anat Reference loudspeaker, sensibly called the Anat Reference II. The AR II uses the same Scan-Speak midranges as the previous model, but the old Scan-Speak subwoofer has been replaced by a new subwoofer co-developed by Scan-Speak and YG Acoustics, with a magnet system based on Scan-Speak's Revelator technology for longer throw and better voice coil cooling providing improved bass response. The old Vifa tweeter has also been replaced by a new Scan-Speak and YG Acoustics collaborative effort. The new tweeter features a magnet system based on Scan-Speak's latest AirCirc Super-Revelator technology. YG claims that their design provides wider dispersion, greater bandwidth, and lower mechanical loss than the standard Scan-Speak AirCirc tweeter, and far superior high frequency response compared to the original Anat Reference.

The changes to the AR II go much deeper than just new drivers. The enclosure has been fitted with new proprietary technology designed to eliminate cabinet resonances, removing the need for internal stuffing. The midrange and tweeter both receive new crossovers which, as on the original Anat Reference, are individually optimized for each speaker. Old Mundorf Supreme silver and oil capacitors used in critical areas have been replaced with new custom made Supreme silver and gold versions optimized for the AR II, and the tweeter's internal wiring is custom made Kimber Select. Finally, the old Hypex amplifier which produced 200 watts RMS in the Studio version and 800 watts RMS in the Professional version has been replaced with a new amplifier custom made by Hypex to match the AR II's subwoofer. It produces 400 watts RMS in the Studio version and 800 watts RMS in the Professional version.

Anat Reference owners can have their speakers upgraded to V2 spec for the difference in cost between the old and new versions, which also includes a 5 year renewal of the warranty. The AR II main module is priced at $33,000 (cost to upgrade is $5,000). The new Studio and Professional bass modules are priced at $70,000 and $107,000, with upgrade costs at $10,000 and $15,000 respectively.