Perlisten S3i-C
Overview
The Perlisten S3i-C in-ceiling speaker marks a significant milestone in the evolution of immersive home audio systems. Designed to blend discreetly into the ceiling, it combines high-quality sound performance with elegant integration, meeting the expectations of home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles with an eye for detail.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Immersive Sound
The Perlisten S3i-C stands out with its innovative three-way design, incorporating advanced technologies for accurate and immersive sound reproduction. At the heart of this system is a carefully selected set of drivers: a 28mm beryllium dome tweeter, a 28mm ultra-light TPCD (Thin-Ply Carbon Diaphragm) dome midrange, and a 165mm TPCD woofer. This configuration ensures precise reproduction of high, mid, and low frequencies, covering an impressive range from 57 Hz to 30 kHz (-6dB).
A key feature of the S3i-C is its patented DPC (Directivity Pattern Control) waveguide. This innovation controls sound directivity, ensuring uniform dispersion and consistent frequency response across a wide listening area. The result is an expansive and coherent soundstage, delivering an immersive experience even in complex room setups.
Discreet Integration for Maximum Impact
Despite its audiophile-grade performance, the S3i-C is designed to harmoniously integrate into any interior. With a diameter of 343.3mm and a depth of 194.8mm, this speaker fits elegantly into the ceiling, leaving only a discreet grille visible. This design preserves the room’s aesthetics while delivering exceptional sound quality.
The 4mm-thick aluminum enclosure not only ensures optimal structural rigidity but also minimizes sound transmission to adjacent rooms. This feature is particularly valuable in multi-room installations or open living spaces, where acoustic isolation is a key concern.
Versatility and Compatibility for Advanced Audio Setups
The S3i-C excels in versatility, adapting to various audio configurations. Whether used for main channels (left, center, right), surround effects, height channels, or wide channels, this speaker performs exceptionally in every role. Its flexibility makes it an ideal choice for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D systems, enabling the creation of a truly immersive three-dimensional sound environment.
The THX Dominus certification attests to the S3i-C’s ability to fill spaces up to 184 m³, ensuring optimal performance even in large rooms. This certification, combined with its extended frequency response and high sensitivity of 89.7 dB, guarantees faithful and dynamic audio reproduction, from the subtlest dialogues to the most intense sound effects.
Precision Acoustic Engineering
The attention to detail in the S3i-C’s design is remarkable. The use of premium materials like beryllium for the tweeter and TPCD for the midrange and woofer reflects Perlisten’s commitment to sound quality. TPCD, in particular, offers an optimal balance of rigidity and lightness, enabling precise and uncolored sound reproduction.
The linear response from 100 Hz to 20 kHz (±1.5 dB) ensures faithful reproduction across the audible range, while the bass extension down to 48 Hz (-6 dB) in real-world listening conditions delivers deep and ample low frequencies without necessarily requiring a subwoofer.
Acoustic Optimization and Easy Installation
The S3i-C has been optimized to deliver the best possible performance in an in-ceiling configuration. The 30-degree reference axis and wide listening window (±55 degrees horizontally and ±30 degrees vertically) provide great flexibility in speaker and seating placement, ensuring an optimal sound experience for all listeners.
The S3i-C is designed for straightforward installation, with a recommended cutout diameter of 305mm. Installers will appreciate the thoughtful design that simplifies mounting, even in complex home theater setups.
Documentation
Technical Specifications
Configuration
- Three-way acoustic speaker with suspension
Speakers
- Tweeter in 28 mm beryllium
- Midrange speaker in carbon polymer composite (TPCD Textreme) of 28 mm
- Woofer:
- 165 mm aluminum chassis
- Carbon polymer composite membrane (TPCD Textreme)
Electrical Characteristics
- Sensitivity: 89.7 dB / 2.83 V / 1 m
- Impedance: 4 Ω nominal, 3.2 Ω minimum
- Recommended amplification power:
- 50 - 250 W (with 80 Hz high-pass filter)
- 50 - 150 W (full range)
Acoustic Performance
- Dispersion angle (relative to 30° reference):
- Horizontal: ±55 degrees
- Vertical: ±30 degrees
- Response linearity: 100 - 20 kHz ± 1.5 dB
- Frequency response:
- 57 - 30 kHz (-6 dB)
- 43 - 33 kHz (-10 dB)
- Bass extension in real conditions:
- 48 Hz (-6 dB)
- 31 Hz (-10 dB)
- Maximum sound pressure level at 1 m (100-20 kHz):
- 113.7 dB peak
- 111.0 dB peak < 3% harmonic distortion
Dimensions and Weight
- Overall dimensions (with grille): 343.3 mm × 194.8 mm (diameter × depth)
- Recommended cutout diameter: 305 mm
- Weight: 9.4 kg, 5.4 kg without speaker
Certifications
- THX Dominus
- THX Ultra
Frequently Asked Questions
What amplification power is recommended for the S3i-C?
Perlisten recommends an amplification power of 50 to 250W with an 80 Hz high-pass filter, or 50 to 150W for full-range use. This range allows the speaker’s dynamic capabilities to be fully utilized while ensuring its longevity.
Does the S3i-C require a subwoofer?
While the S3i-C offers impressive bass extension for an in-ceiling speaker, adding a subwoofer can be beneficial for home theater systems requiring very low-frequency reproduction. However, for many music and cinematic applications, the S3i-C can perform independently with excellent results.
Can the S3i-C be used in a bathroom or covered outdoor space?
Although the S3i-C is robust and features an aluminum enclosure, it is not specifically designed to withstand high humidity or outdoor conditions. For such environments, it is better to opt for models specifically designed to resist these conditions.
What is the difference between the S3i-C and other in-ceiling models from Perlisten?
The S3i-C represents the high-end of Perlisten’s in-ceiling speaker range. Compared to lower models, it offers better bass extension, higher power handling, and superior overall performance, particularly due to the use of advanced materials like beryllium for the tweeter.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.








