We are all afflicted by the concept of built in obsolescence, so it's refreshing to learn that only now, after almost two decades, has d&b audiotechnik found it necessary to update a classic. The venerable E3 has now been superseded by the E6, taking years of audio heritage and redefining it for a new generation of listeners. Smaller and lighter, this powerful new loudspeaker equals or exceeds E3 performance in every way. With stunning sound quality the E6 fits smoothly between the acknowledged E0 and E8 loudspeakers within the d&b audiotechnik E-Series product range. Not only is the E6 smaller and lighter than its ancestor but it also punches above its weight.

The E6 is a high performance multipurpose loudspeaker employing an integrated 6.5"/1" exit coaxial driver design with neodymium magnet and constant directivity horn loading. The innovative horn design with its 100° x 55° (h x v) dispersion pattern can easily be rotated through 90° providing a 55° x 100° pattern without the use of tools. The E6 is a two-way design with a built-in passive crossover network with a frequency response extending from 85 Hz to above 18 kHz. The E6 enclosure is injection moulded providing both excellent mechanical and acoustical properties and is coated with an impact resistant black paint finish. The cabinet shape allows use either in a vertical or horizontal orientation and the recessed and tilted connector panel allows deployment as a stage monitor as well.

The front of the loudspeaker cabinet is protected by a rigid metal grill that is magnetically attached and can therefore be easily removed in order to modify the horn orientation. The cabinet incorporates a handle and four M8 threaded inserts to connect to different rigging accessories or a safety wire. As with all the other E-Series cabinets it is available with special colour or weather resistant options. It can be powered by either the D6 or D12 amplifiers and up to five cabinets may be driven by each channel of either amplifier. Firmware and software updates including the E6 are available for download under the relevant sections within Support/Downloads at www.dbaudio.com. These provide configurations for all current d&b amplifiers and the latest version of R1 Remote control software.

Werner "Vier" Bayer, Product Manager at d&b, commented "The E3 has been a great product and has surprised us in the way in which it has developed within so many market segments over the years. We are confident that the E6 will prove to be as versatile and, of course, we believe that it will surprise us in even more ways than its predecessor has. The E-Series range has been updated substantially over the last three years and with the recent addition of the E12X and the cardioid B4 subwoofers, the launch of the E6 will be the final piece to complete the package." Nice to know some things are built to last.