Infinity RS-1 (Reference Standard I) / RS-2 (Reference Standard II) (1980)

At 176.5 kilograms, this isn't a speaker system—it's an architectural intervention in sound.

Overview

When Infinity released the RS-1 and RS-2 in 1980, they weren’t chasing the bookshelf market or even the high-end tower crowd—they were building sonic monoliths. Priced at ¥2,200,000 for a single system, these weren’t purchases; they were declarations. This was a floor-type speaker system of staggering complexity: a 5-way, 17-driver configuration split across four physical units—two dedicated woofer columns and two midrange/tweeter towers—plus a separate channel divider. Owners report that the sheer mass and modular design demand space, both physically and acoustically. These aren’t speakers to blend into a room; they command it, dominate it, and, according to those who’ve lived with them, transform it into a concert hall.

The engineering philosophy behind the RS-1 and RS-2 traces back to Infinity’s IRS series, inheriting the diffraction wing and point source theory. The idea was radical for its time: minimize wave interference by shaping the enclosure with gently curved diffraction wings, reducing the scattering that occurs when direct and reflected sound waves collide. Thick solid oak forms the core of these wings, lending structural integrity and acoustic damping. The result is a dispersion pattern that avoids the “beaming” effect common in boxy enclosures, aiming instead for a seamless, coherent wavefront. But the real innovation lies in the bi-directionality—especially in the mid and high frequencies. Unlike conventional front-firing designs, these speakers emit sound from both the front and rear planes, creating a more immersive, three-dimensional soundstage. A dedicated high-frequency driver is mounted on the back panel, ensuring the EMIT and EMIM arrays don’t just project forward but envelop the listener.

Specifications

Key Features

Diffraction Wing Enclosure with Solid Oak Construction

The RS-1 and RS-2 are instantly recognizable by their gently curved diffraction wings—structural elements designed to smooth the transition of sound waves as they leave the cabinet. These wings are not cosmetic; they’re functional, reducing edge diffraction that can smear transient response and blur imaging. Constructed from thick solid oak, the wings provide both rigidity and damping, minimizing cabinet resonance. The woofer units are integrated directly into this structure, with rounded corners (R at the corner) to further reduce internal standing waves. The enclosure is divided internally to prevent interference between drivers, a detail that speaks to the obsessive level of acoustic engineering at play.

Bi-Directional EMIM and EMIT Array

At the heart of the mid and high-frequency performance are the EMIM (Electromagnetic Induction Midrange) and EMIT (Electromagnetic Induction Tweeter) drivers. Seven EMIMs are arranged bi-directionally, with six handling the 140 Hz to 700 Hz band and the topmost one crossing into 700 Hz to 3 kHz. The EMITs—three in front, one in back—handle 3 kHz to 8 kHz, while the Super EMIT takes over above 8 kHz. These are not conventional dome tweeters. The EMIM and EMIT use an ultra-thin plastic diaphragm with an etched voice coil, suspended between powerful samarium-cobalt magnets. This full-surface drive design eliminates moving mass inconsistencies, allowing for near-instantaneous transient response. The bi-directional layout ensures even dispersion, avoiding the “hot spot” effect common in forward-firing arrays.

17-Driver, 5-Way System with Dedicated Crossover

The system’s complexity is staggering: six 20 cm polypropylene cone woofers and two 25 cm units handle the low end, arranged in tandem within the woofer columns. The midrange uses three 12.5 cm cone drivers, while the high frequencies are managed by the EMIM/EMIT array. All of this is coordinated through a dedicated external channel divider (crossover unit), which implements a newly developed Watkins network. This network is critical to achieving point source coherence, ensuring that all drivers integrate seamlessly across the 140 Hz, 700 Hz, 3 kHz, and 8 kHz crossover points. The result is a frequency response that extends from 25 Hz to 32 kHz within ±2 dB—exceptionally flat for its era.

Servo Sensing Network for Ultra-Low Frequency Control

One of the most advanced features of the RS-1 and RS-2 is the newly developed servo sensing network. This system actively monitors woofer cone movement and corrects for distortion, enabling flat playback down into the ultra-low frequency range. While the woofer units roll off at 60 Hz on the low end and 125 Hz on the high end (per design notes), the servo feedback ensures that the transition is smooth and distortion-free. This was a rare feature in consumer speakers at the time, more commonly found in studio monitors or experimental systems. It’s a key reason why owners describe the bass as “tight,” “controlled,” and “effortless,” even at high volumes.

Bi-Amplification with High Power Requirements

These speakers were never meant for passive, single-amp setups. The recommended amplifier configuration is bi-amplified: 150W or more per channel for the woofers, and 100W or more for the midrange and tweeters. This separation ensures that the low-frequency drivers don’t steal power from the delicate EMIM and EMIT arrays. The 4 Ω impedance demands capable amplification, and the 87 dB/W/m sensitivity means they won’t play loud on modest power. But when properly driven, the system reveals its full potential—dynamic, detailed, and capable of reproducing everything from pipe organ fundamentals to the shimmer of a cymbal’s highest harmonics.

Collectibility & Value

Despite their age, the RS-1 and RS-2 have appreciated in value, routinely selling for more now than their original ¥2,200,000 price tag from 1980. Their rarity, complexity, and cult status among analog audio purists contribute to this trend. However, collectors note that maintenance is a serious consideration—finding replacement EMIM or EMIT drivers today is difficult, and the servo electronics may require expert restoration. A clear warning in the collector community: do not confuse these with the later InfiniTesimals, which are smaller, less complex satellite speakers and not in the same league sonically or in terms of build. The RS-1 and RS-2 are flagship statements, not entry points.

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