Epos approached the design of its Elan 20 centre channel speaker exactly as you would expect – with no compromise to sound quality. Engineered specifically for the critical requirements of centre-channel reproduction, it has powerful bass, a fast, dynamic sound and high power handling.

The Elan 20 features the excellent Elan 25mm (1 in.) low-distortion soft-dome tweeter, designed to have smooth, clear, extended treble. This tweeter features a strong injection moulded faceplate, ferrite magnet and Ferrofluid cooling for improved damping and power handling. Its low resonance frequency is positioned well below the crossover frequency.

The new Epos 135 mm nominal (5.25 in.) diameter  high-power mid-range woofers (with 157mm cast aluminium alloy chassis) reproduce dynamic, natural bass and mid-range frequencies. Two such units are used in this model, sharing the same bass reflex enclosure, and positioned either side of the tweeter. With two woofers working together at low frequencies, power handling, sensitivity and maximum sound pressure levels are all greatly increased.

The crossover frequency is centred on 2.8kHzkHz and incorporates polypropylene film capacitors and metal film resistors in both woofer and tweeter sections. The bi-wirable input panel is made from solid anodised aluminium alloy, with sturdy high-spec terminals suited for spade lugs, bare wires, or other types of plugs. High-grade gold plated links join the terminals together and can be removed for separate connection to each driver.

Centre channels can pose difficulties with placement, but Epos has provided the perfect range of solutions.  The Elan 20 has been designed with wide, symmetrical listening ‘window’, so it is not essential for the speaker to point directly at the listening position.

However, we have supplied a plinth comprising two wedges, each with soft non-slip foam surfaces and having a different angle. Therefore, by using the wedges in various combinations, the user can chose between four angles of tilt, up and down, to direct the main speaker axis towards the listener. Also, the front-mounted ports al­low the loudspeaker to be positioned close to the rear wall, or in any location which would otherwise restrict the bass output from rear-ported loudspeakers.

The Elan 20, with its optional cloth grille and beautifully manufactured real wood veneer cabinet, is styled to complement any décor, but the fronts are not just cosmetic.

Both the fitted ‘audiophile’ baffle and alternative cloth-covered grille are designed to present a smooth profile to the drive units. Avoiding harmful sound reflections from the baffle, in this way, helps us achieve a smooth and natural sound balance.  (So, for reasons of bass quality and smoothness of frequency response, the loudspeaker should only be used with either the ‘audiophile’ baffle or cloth-covered grille.)  The two bass-reflex ports are flared inside the cabinet, and outside via contoured holes in the baffle and grille, which promotes smooth air flow, and hence optimum bass quality.