This innovative new model builds on the design philosophies of our original reference products, the Nucleus Solo and the Nucleus Reference.

A three-year development process was required to complete the design, with much of this time being invested in critical listening tests conducted by Anthony Gallo and his team of beta testers.

This loudspeaker is uniquely equipped to demonstrate the advantages of the leading high resolution formats, DVD Audio and SACD. Very few high-end speakers, including the majority of £10K+ models can approach, much less equal, the Reference 3's extended high frequency response, and none offer near omni directional (300 degree) dispersion. For the ultimate in neutrality and transparency, the Reference 3 operates without a crossover across most of its bandwidth - from 125 Hz to 50 kHz.

The Reference 3.1 features a revised version of our patented CDT™ tweeter, the CDT II™. A three-position tweeter level control accommodates a range of room acoustic variables.

A pair of 4-inch hyperbolic carbon fibre drivers - each housed in its own ultra rigid, low diffraction 5-inch stainless steel sphere, handle the critical midrange frequencies.

Low frequencies are reproduced by a long-throw, dual voice-coil 10-inch woofer - that magnificent driver is acoustically "loaded" into the Reference 3's cast aluminium chassis.

The Reference 3.1 is equally comfortable being used in stereo or home cinema set-ups. The optional BAM (Bass Augmentation Module) 2 x 240 watt amplifiers extend the Nucleus Reference 3's bass response down to a room shaking 22 Hz.

The Reference 3.1 also features our proprietary and patented "Roundsound S2" technology. S2 de-couples the backwave of the driver from the air inside the enclosure. The benefits of S2 include superior low frequency extension, improved transient response and a substantial increase in efficiency.

Gold-plated all-metal binding posts ensure secure speaker wire connections and the full-height perforated grille lends a more traditional appearance.

Each Reference 3.1 undergoes extensive computer quality control testing.