Heco Ambient 44 F Speaker

Heco Ambient 44 F is a two-way bass-reflex passive speaker for home cinema and stereo systems. Its 78 cm-tall cabinet can be positioned vertically beside a television. The speaker can also be placed horizontally beneath a projector screen and used as a centre-channel speaker.

Driver design

Two 5-inch bass and midrange drivers reproduce the main part of the audio spectrum. They are complemented by a 1-inch dome tweeter. This configuration is suitable for dialogue, music and other home cinema channels.

The overall frequency range extends from 45 to 42,500 Hz. An internal crossover operating at 2,500 Hz distributes the signal between the drivers. This is not the bass crossover point selected in an AV receiver.

The bass-reflex design uses the cabinet volume to support low-frequency reproduction. The final bass balance will also depend on the speaker’s position relative to walls and room corners.

Amplifier selection and connection

This is a passive speaker, so it requires a stereo amplifier or AV receiver. It must be connected to an amplifier output intended for passive speakers. A line-level or headphone output cannot power it.

The recommended amplifier output is 20-140 W, while the specified speaker impedance is 4-8 ohms. The amplifier’s speaker output must be suitable for this load. A higher rated output does not mean that the system should be operated at maximum volume.

80 W RMS describes the continuous power handling, while 140 W is the maximum power handling. These figures should not be treated as two selectable operating modes. The 90 dB sensitivity is measured at 2.8 V from a distance of one metre.

A stereo system uses two matching speakers connected to the left and right channels. In a home cinema system, one speaker can serve as the centre channel. Channel level and delay are configured in the AV receiver according to the listening position.

Room placement

Vertical positioning is suitable when placing speakers on either side of a flat-screen television. The left and right speakers should be located at similar distances from the main listening position.

Horizontal placement allows the speaker to be used beneath a projector screen. In this orientation, the 78 cm side of the cabinet occupies the horizontal space. The front should face the viewers so that dialogue is directed towards the seating area.

The speaker weighs 7.2 kg, so a shelf or other supporting surface must provide stable support. After changing its position, compare bass clarity from the main listening position.

Technical specifications

FAQ

Can the speaker work without an amplifier?

No. The passive design has no built-in amplifier, so a separate stereo amplifier or AV receiver is required.

How do I choose a suitable amplifier?

Its speaker output must be designed to support a 4-8-ohm load.

Can it be used as a centre speaker?

Yes. Placed horizontally beneath a projector screen, it can serve as the centre channel, which usually reproduces dialogue in a home cinema system.

Do I need to set 2,500 Hz in the AV receiver?

No. This is the frequency of the internal crossover that divides the signal between the cabinet’s drivers. AV receiver channel settings are configured separately.

What does the 45 Hz lower frequency limit mean?

It is the lowest frequency in the stated reproduction range. This figure helps indicate the speaker’s bass extension for music and films.

What is the difference between RMS and maximum power handling?

Choose an amplifier according to the stated recommended output range of 20-140 W. The 140 W maximum handling figure is not a target for continuous power.