AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Vapor Audio => Topic started by: Vapor Audio on 8 Nov 2013, 07:17 pm
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We will be using this thread to give everyone a peek into what we are working on including customer builds and prototype speakers.
First up is a pair of Cirrus finished in hand rubbed piano gloss redwood burl. These speakers feature the amorphous core RAAL, Jensen Copper/Foil capacitors, Duelund resistors, and all silver/gold wire throughout. Redwood burl has become a very popular finish for the Cirrus and these turned out wonderfully both sonically and cosmetically. This pair is about to be shipped off to one of our customers.
(https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/1456786_569523876450063_976509853_n.jpg)
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Great idea!
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Damn, your loudspeakers look so good :o
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Redefines the term "Furniture Grade" finish. Very nice! :thumb:
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Have a look at our latest creation. We've had this on the drawing board for at least a year now, in various iterations. Now that we have access to the CNC at a moment's notice, we can finally get down and dirty and create what we envision in fairly short order (whenever we can get Ryan off the phone at least.)
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1391991_569719799763804_1588646278_n.jpg)
Is this a speaker stand? Is it a subwoofer? Why, yes it is.
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1379564_569720486430402_1487265848_n.jpg)
These were made for a new customer of our Sundog monitors and will act as the stands for her speakers. They'll be powered by outboard amps with DSP (Inuke I believe). They'll also be suitable for any of our smaller stand mounted monitors, featuring an aluminum cone 8" sub flanked by an 8" aluminum passive radiator.
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Have a look at our latest creation. We've had this on the drawing board for at least a year now, in various iterations. Now that we have access to the CNC at a moment's notice, we can finally get down and dirty and create what we envision in fairly short order (whenever we can get Ryan off the phone at least.)
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1391991_569719799763804_1588646278_n.jpg)
Is this a speaker stand? Is it a subwoofer? Why, yes it is.
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1379564_569720486430402_1487265848_n.jpg)
These were made for a new customer of our Sundog monitors and will act as the stands for her speakers. They'll be powered by outboard amps with DSP (Inuke I believe). They'll also be suitable for any of our smaller stand mounted monitors, featuring an aluminum cone 8" sub flanked by an 8" aluminum passive radiator.
Hi Pete
As your all speakers those are beautiful speakers... :green:
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Family photo of the Vapor Audio Nimbus White (In Silver automotive paint) and the Aurora (in Piano Black)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=90809)
Detail shot of the top driver and finish details on the Nimbus White,
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=90810)
the Nimbus white buttoned up and ready for delivery in the Vapor Audio listening room.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=90811)
Please let me know if there are any details of any of the speakers you would like to see here and I will try to snap some.
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How about more pics of the Auroras in that sweet piano black?!!! :drool:
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Oh shit I really like these :o :drool:
My Stiff Breeze
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=90832)
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Oh shit I really like these :o :drool:
The Breezes on tour sounded NICE. Very curious about the big brother.
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C'mon, Ryan...didn't you take more shots of the black Auroras? :bounce: I gotta see them! And the black Nimbus? :bomb: I can't take it!!!
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I've got to agree on those piano black Stiff Breeze, very Darth Vaderish.
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I've got to agree on those piano black Stiff Breeze, very Darth Vaderish.
That black Aurora looks like Vader's helmet!
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:D those Cirrus on those stands are really something else. Wowwwwww :D
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The latest off the line . . . Nimbus White in Black.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a203/pete_schumacher/Speaker%20projects/Nimbus/Black4_zps736a51da.jpg)
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OMG!
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Those are PRETTY!!! I'd say they are some of the most purposeful looking speakers I have ever seen! Does that make sense to anyone else? wow. :o
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Another angle on the Nimbus White in black, very classy looking speaker in piano gloss black. They almost look out of place without a bow tie and a top hat.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91147)
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I think I'd have an Audiogasm if the fronts where really deep dark purple almost black. Dark enough where it almost looks like black but you know it's purple. With the black sides....... Same with the Stiff Breeze above, man that would look so awesome in my living room.......
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91149)
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Very impressive line there Sir. My Buddy Pete from Triode Wire Labs had a lot of good things to say about your speakers. If Pete likes them I will like them. Anyone in the NY area own a pair we could hear ???
charles
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Anyone in the NY area own a pair we could hear ???
charles
Sounds like you need a demo pair!!!!
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Very impressive line there Sir. My Buddy Pete from Triode Wire Labs had a lot of good things to say about your speakers. If Pete likes them I will like them. Anyone in the NY area own a pair we could hear ???
charles
No Nimbus in that area yet. However, we do have a Cirrus owner who loves to have folks over for auditions.
We'd love to have a Nimbus owner in that region . . . :wink:
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I recently was lucky enough to spend some time with the Nimbus and I must say it was very impressive. I’m very new to the sport, but for the first time I felt like I understood the expression of a speaker disappearing. Overall just a great speaker and only wish I had the space and budget to own a pair.
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I recently was lucky enough to spend some time with the Nimbus and I must say it was very impressive. I’m very new to the sport, but for the first time I felt like I understood the expression of a speaker disappearing. Overall just a great speaker and only wish I had the space and budget to own a pair.
Well thanks for the kind words Factorz. It's great to hear someone say that something as large and imposing as Nimbus is able to disappear sonically. I'm sure EdRo will be puffing up with pride at hearing this (Ed's the craftsman who creates the Nimbus cabinet).
Our inspiration for Nimbus actually came from the Stiff Breeze. So if you're looking for another disappearing act, consider the Stiff Breeze for more budget friendly and space conscious alternative.
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Pete,
Funny you mention the Stiff Breeze is on my very short list. I plan to make some kind of decision in the next few weeks. Thanks.
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If I were looking to own a speaker based on looks alone, the Nimbus would do it for me. It's just downright sexy to my eye! Gotta hear it someday.
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If I were looking to own a speaker based on looks alone, the Nimbus would do it for me. It's just downright sexy to my eye! Gotta hear it someday.
It's sexier in person.
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i was impressed till i saw the cnc machine...
if your paying more than $400 for labor (including finishing "hand rubbed finish") you're getting ripped right off...
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i was impressed till i saw the cnc machine...
if your paying more than $400 for labor (including finishing "hand rubbed finish") you're getting ripped right off...
I think they have to use cnc equipment to do some of the contours. Imagine what it would be like to cut a wave guide in a baffle without cnc. With a ball endmill and a cnc machine it's easy if you know how to program it. Plus product turn around is a lot quicker and accuracy is held from one unit to the other. Also all this comes at a price for the manufacturer. The machines and software are very costly and the skills needed to program and operate the machines don't come cheap but they are necessary for loudspeakers such as Vapor Audio's IMO.
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i was impressed till i saw the cnc machine...
if your paying more than $400 for labor (including finishing "hand rubbed finish") you're getting ripped right off...
Seriously? I personally think the ripoff line-in-the-sand is $375, but close enough.
Now to search for your other 3 posts since signing up here, I can only imagine they're just as insightful.
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i was impressed till i saw the cnc machine...
if your paying more than $400 for labor (including finishing "hand rubbed finish") you're getting ripped right off...
Snicker . . . wow, why open your mouth and remove all doubt that you haven't a clue. :duh:
Those Nimbus cabinets are built without a CNC Sherlock. The only thing cut by CNC are the driver openings in the baffle, and even the baffle is built by hand.
And it's not like you simply stack up all those CNC cut slices and shoot some paint on it and call it done . . . well, maybe you would, but we don't.
Next time OSD1, just say you don't like them. I can accept an opinion like that. But try not to look so foolish tossing around such ill informed responses about what it takes to create a finished product.
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Snicker . . . wow, why open your mouth and remove all doubt that you haven't a clue. :duh:
Those Nimbus cabinets are built without a CNC Sherlock. The only thing cut by CNC are the driver openings in the baffle, and even the baffle is built by hand.
And it's not like you simply stack up all those CNC cut slices and shoot some paint on it and call it done . . . well, maybe you would, but we don't.
Next time OSD1, just say you don't like them. I can accept an opinion like that. But try not to look so foolish tossing around such ill informed responses about what it takes to create a finished product.
Now Pete, you're getting all wound up ... remember your heart
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C'mon guys. Clearly anyone with a hammer, some nails, spray paint and a glue gun can reproduce your cabinets.
Don't know what all this CNC fuss is about...
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As for crossovers, I'm sure any random combination of resistors and capacitors will do.
Driver choice? Eeeny, meany, minnie, moe...
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C'mon guys. Clearly anyone with a hammer, some nails, spray paint and a glue gun can reproduce your cabinets.
Don't know what all this CNC fuss is about...
Good on YA - you'll have a set knocked out ready to go in a couple of days then. What? Ya reckon you'll have them out in a day. We can look forward to that: post a pic when completed. Thanks.
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Good on YA - you'll have a set knocked out ready to go in a couple of days then. What? Ya reckon you'll have them out in a day. We can look forward to that: post a pic when completed. Thanks.
LOL
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Now Pete, you're getting all wound up ... remember your heart
Hi Vapor
I was talking to Pete on what was the best way to reduce amp distortion
guess what he told me,match the differencial amp transistors beta
man Pete is a genius...
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Hey OSD1, swing by Detroit and I'll show you how to build a Nimbus...I don't think you'd leave with the same opinion! :slap:
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What kind of veneer is on the tops of the black Nimbus, Ryan?
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What kind of veneer is on the tops of the black Nimbus, Ryan?
None Ed. It's a painted finish all around. The only Nimbus that had a veneer insert was the pair we took to Newport Beach.
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Now to search for your other 3 posts since signing up here, I can only imagine they're just as insightful.
In one of his posts he states that he's a woodworker. Not sure whose wood that would be. . .
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None Ed. It's a painted finish all around. The only Nimbus that had a veneer insert was the pair we took to Newport Beach.
Someday I might get up the nerve to paint my DIY loudspeakers. What kind of paint would Vapor Audio recommend. I have a compressor and a paint gun but lack painting experience. I don't want to do lacquer, or do any mixing, just spray and keep my fingers crossed.
They are already primed.... Sorry for the off topic.....
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Someday I might get up the nerve to paint my DIY loudspeakers. What kind of paint would Vapor Audio recommend. I have a compressor and a paint gun but lack painting experience. I don't want to do lacquer, or do any mixing, just spray and keep my fingers crossed.
They are already primed.... Sorry for the off topic.....
We're so focused on getting a nice paint job on our cabinets that we don't do it ourselves. We leave it to the pros. We do paint our stands with the matte black finish, but when it comes to delivering a smooth gloss finish in automotive paint, equipment is everything. You need an excellent spray gun and a dust free environment.
The paint isn't as important as the surface prep. But if you have a good surface ready to go, a good quality automotive paint will do the job.
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Put your bib on to catch the drool ... the new Joule White!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91604&size=huge)
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A couple more ...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91610&size=xlarge)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91614&size=huge)
And then one of the Joule White next to a pair of Stiff Breeze with a Crystal White metallic baffle
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91615&size=huge)
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They are absolutely beautiful :o
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Great looking speakers, I really love those stiff breeze with the white fronts. Have a great christmas!
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Wow, nice! :thumb:
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Joule Whites are on their way to the new owner in the Frozen North ... enjoy!
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I swear the response #14 pics with the black Nimbus looks like the tops have a balck stained lacewood veneer on them! VERY nice!
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Looks like the reflection of the ceiling to me....
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Looks like the reflection of the ceiling to me....
Very astute observation Paul.
Give that man a real cookie (not the web page kind).
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A couple more ...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91610&size=xlarge)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91614&size=huge)
And then one of the Joule White next to a pair of Stiff Breeze with a Crystal White metallic baffle
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91615&size=huge)
All I can say is you make the GAS GUYS PROUD :rock:
I gotta have a good listen to the Stiff Breeze. Keep up the excellent work
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Those both look amazing! Are the bass sections on the Joule the stacked plywood transmission lines from a prior teaser thread? I would love to hear that set up some day.
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Those both look amazing! Are the bass sections on the Joule the stacked plywood transmission lines from a prior teaser thread? I would love to hear that set up some day.
Indeed that is the case. Bass from those TLs is among the best I've ever heard. We'd love to have you by to hear them. Alas, the only pair has now made its way to Minneapolis and its new owner.
We are working on a method to pair up that bass section with Cirrus so that Cirrus owners can have a truly complimentary bass bin for their speakers instead of having to try to integrate a sub.
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How does that TL bass compare to the Nimbus bass?
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"We are working on a method to pair up that bass section with Cirrus so that Cirrus owners can have a truly complimentary bass bin for their speakers instead of having to try to integrate a sub."
And hopefully you can some day do the same with Arcus :wink:. A great TL bass system would be the ideal choice to extend the bass of those as well, IMO. Maybe something self powered would allow for matching output with the satellites.
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Very astute observation Paul.
Give that man a real cookie (not the web page kind).
I thought the tops of those were indeed a black stained veneer. :scratch:
I know what Ryans ceiling looks like, and that doesn't looks like it.
(Post #14 at the bottom of page one).
Maybe I'm wrong, but I'd swear that one isn't a reflection. :dunno:
Bob
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I thought the tops of those were indeed a black stained veneer. :scratch:
I know what Ryans ceiling looks like, and that doesn't looks like it.
(Post #14 at the bottom of page one).
Maybe I'm wrong, but I'd swear that one isn't a reflection. :dunno:
Bob
You're seeing his popcorn ceiling treatment reflected in the top of those black Nimbus. Trust me, there's no veneer. :nono:
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How does that TL bass compare to the Nimbus bass?
Tough call . . . Nimbus is clean, articulate, powerful, effortless, all adjectives that can apply to the Joule. The TL is a more inert acoustic space in comparison with the vented enclosure in Nimbus. The difference is mostly due to the use of stuffing in the TL which occupies the space between the woofer and the terminus. The path between the woofer and port in Nimbus is a more typical vented setup, with mostly empty space between the woofer and vent. There's a bit more upper bass "leakage" making its way out the port in Nimbus which we account for when we voice out the crossover. Joule lacks that particular property, and the result is a "deader" bass presentation, if that makes sense.
We could probably accomplish the same inert space by moving the port on Nimbus to the rear of the cabinet which would allow for the use of stuffing to create more attenuation of the rear woofer radiation making its way out the port. But that update is a ways down the road, though I know Ed is looking at an attractive method to pull it off.
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"We are working on a method to pair up that bass section with Cirrus so that Cirrus owners can have a truly complimentary bass bin for their speakers instead of having to try to integrate a sub."
And hopefully you can some day do the same with Arcus :wink:. A great TL bass system would be the ideal choice to extend the bass of those as well, IMO. Maybe something self powered would allow for matching output with the satellites.
Getting a TL sub that's able to keep up with the Arcus is a TALL order. A monitor that's capable of 120dB output would require a sub to match, and that mandates something like an 18" woofer and a massive enclosure to reach to 20Hz. But if you're happy with response to 30Hz, like the Joule bass bin, then something the size of nimbus would be about right.
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What are the two small devits on the outside C/L of the tweeter on the Joule White's?
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Very astute observation Paul.
Give that man a real cookie (not the web page kind).
Astute.....
Ya, that sounds just like me! :green:
BS Aside, damn nice looking product there guys. I am still hoping that I get the money sooner than later.
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Is there a spec sheet( freq response, sensitivity, power handling,etc) for the Joule White yet?
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You're seeing his popcorn ceiling treatment reflected in the top of those black Nimbus. Trust me, there's no veneer. :nono:
Ok Pete, I trust ya. I could have sworn Ryan told me otherwise.
Bob
p.s. Hey...on a side note, I'll be firing up the smoker this weekend (Friday probably).
If you and Ryan wanna mosey down the street......
(I'll letcha know when I fire it up.)
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Indeed that is the case. Bass from those TLs is among the best I've ever heard. We'd love to have you by to hear them. Alas, the only pair has now made its way to Minneapolis and its new owner.
We are working on a method to pair up that bass section with Cirrus so that Cirrus owners can have a truly complimentary bass bin for their speakers instead of having to try to integrate a sub.
Is the new owner active on this forum? :drool:
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I'm with you, Bob! That looks like veneer to me!!!
:P
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Is the new owner active on this forum? :drool:
Yes he is, living in Minneapolis. If you'd like to hear them, let us know and we'll pass along the information to the owner.
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Yes he is, living in Minneapolis. If you'd like to hear them, let us know and we'll pass along the information to the owner.
Sign me up please. Those speakers are something else!
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Yes he is, living in Minneapolis.
Who dat? Frank Van Alstine? :lol:
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p.s. Hey...on a side note, I'll be firing up the smoker this weekend (Friday probably).
If you and Ryan wanna mosey down the street......
(I'll letcha know when I fire it up.)
Pete,
Trust me on this one. Take Bob up on his offer. His self named "Simply Delicious" pulled pork is to die for. :drool:
If you and Ryan don't stop by, I may just glue some blonde hair on my bald noggin and do a Ryan impersonation....not sure I'll be able to pull off being skinny though :scratch: :oops: :lol:
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Is there a spec sheet( freq response, sensitivity, power handling,etc) for the Joule White yet?
We've taken a full horizontal set of sweeps (in room) at 10 degree increments. I'm sure Ryan will be posting the on axis response before too much longer.
Joule should be able to work with just about any amplifier you can throw at it. It's sweet spot is probably something in the 100W range, though we were doing most of the listening with a 40W SET. Not sure if flea-power is the way to go, but with their sensitivity near 90dB/1W, something like a 2A3 might work, though I doubt you'd get the bass control that the TL is capable of producing.
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you guys have made major strides this year. Branching out with many beautiful speakers, SET monoblocks and by almost all accounts a really great showing at RMAF this year. :green:
Local guys really are proud- congratulations to your successful year Ryan and Pete. :thumb:
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Am really enjoying my new Joule Whites!!! There is only one problem with them; everyone and I mean EVERYONE who has heard them never wants to leave they all just have to hear ONE more song before they go. Anyway, we should all have that problem. So happy listening and everyone have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!
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Am really enjoying my new Joule Whites!!! There is only one problem with them; everyone and I mean EVERYONE who has heard them never wants to leave they all just have to hear ONE more song before they go. Anyway, we should all have that problem. So happy listening and everyone have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!
Hi seadogs1, what does your front Ed look like?
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Hi seadogs1, what does your front Ed look like?
That's awfully personal. . .
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Hi! Here's my set-up: Purity Audio Design Basis Two Tube Preamp. Merrill Audio Veritas Mono Block Power Amps, and either a Oppo BDP-95 John Tucker Modified Disc Player or an Apple Mini Modified played thru a PS Audio Perfactwave DAC all feeding the Vapor Audio New Joule Whites. Pictures of the Joules are the red ones posted here. Ryan may post pictures of my set-up at a later date.
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I am salivating at these gorgeous designs. Pete I know we conversed recently on email. I will definitely be ordering a pair of nimbus speakers this coming year and possibly matching with the arte forma gear. Living in New Zealand there is a risk involved in buying unheard, something I swore I would never do. I am totally convinced these are the speakers for me.
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I am salivating at these gorgeous designs. Pete I know we conversed recently on email. I will definitely be ordering a pair of nimbus speakers this coming year and possibly matching with the arte forma gear. Living in New Zealand there is a risk involved in buying unheard, something I swore I would never do. I am totally convinced these are the speakers for me.
We are definitely looking forward to working with you. We've got two upcoming designs to round out our lineup: Derecho, a floor standing stacked ply 3-way using dual 8" pro woofers in a two piece cabinet that will be priced just under Nimbus, and the new Perfect Storm which will begin taking shape in the next couple weeks.
Arte Forma is also coming out with a few new designs this year including an integrated amplifier based on the 805A-T SET.
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Hey! It's about time to get off your lazy butts and put some more projects on here. :nono: slackers!
:D :D :D :D
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Alright, alright. WTF is a TL! :evil: TL bass. What? :scratch:
I think the Nimbus might fit the bill in our living room.
I've been talking Vapor Audio with my buddy for months, actually, since the Newport show. Somehow I missed that room. Both my comrades had nothing but great things to say about the Vapor room. He's talking me into the Nimbus now, first was the Cirrus.
Maybe you'll show up in the Bay Area in June? We should talk...
I just took possession of some mini monitors, the R5's which sound quite good with the Raal's.
So many speakers - so little money
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What's a TL? Transmission Line ...
I have no doubt the Nimbus will fit the bill, whatever the bill may be (unless it's a desktop monitor).
We'll be back in Newport Beach for sure, two trips to the West Coast is unlikely. But we might have a vendor who wants to use our speakers at the SF show, in which case we'd have something there.
What are these R5's you mention?
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Transmission Line! :duh:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=96303)
The R5's are from Jed at Clearwave.
I see some similarity between Vapor and Clearwave, best parts, awesome build quality, small but dedicated group of folks who are into their craft.
I have a BMC S1 amp that drives the R5's. You might be familiar with that amp :wink: But I might need to sell it to fund a Nimbus!
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I was hoping Ryan had posted pictures of the latest build by now but I think preparations for a short vacation have overtaken the effort. So I figure I'd post what I have on hand of the newest Vapor speaker, something slightly more conventional in construction methods but with a twist.
Driver compliment will feature a pair of 7" woofers from Wavecor, the same driver lineup we use in Nimbus and Breeze. Above the 7" woofers will be a 4.5" midrange that spans the gap between the woofers and RAAL's new ribbon tweeter. Projected response range will be from the low 30s to beyond 20KHz using a vented enclosure consisting of a trapezoidal parallelogram. The enclosure looks parallelogram from the side, and trapezoidal from the top. Veneered in a beautiful highly figured raw walnut, the cabinet floats above a low profile plinth that continues the theme from the enclosure.
There will be more information coming on this new design and its debut for the GAS gang and then in Chicago later this fall.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=103690)
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I like that style cabinet, narrow and deep :thumb:
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That looks great! What are your thoughts about using 2 smaller woofers instead of one large woofer as in the Nimbus and Joule?
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That looks great! What are your thoughts about using 2 smaller woofers instead of one large woofer as in the Nimbus and Joule?
There's more than one way to skin a mule as the old saying goes. We wanted a small tower that has a much shorter turn around time to construct, but the last thing we wanted was just another box. So ditching the orthogonal meme was essential in the design of these new towers. Using dual 7" woofers to cover no more than 500Hz is an easy decision. While I'm sure it won't have quite the impact that the larger systems do, what this tower will offer is a truly full range sound with some relative authority. A quartet of 7" woofers will produce palpable bass to nearly 110dB in your living room with extension in-room to below 30Hz. In other words, these are speakers that will do music without the necessity of subwoofers. If you like to feel a crescendo in orchestral works, these will be able to deliver.
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I like them better than the other cabinet designs.
The plinth or angle looks odd and not sturdy in the pic - may just be the angle of the picture.
How tall?
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Bill I got to see that pair in person this weekend and they are really nice. Very sturdy and the angular, floating appearance is really cool!
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The cabinets looks pretty nice.
Just curious whats the mic employed, thd depth of the cab and of course the price.
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There will be some decorative and functional feet added to the plinth for even more stability.
The width at the back of the base is enough to offer good side to side resistance to tipping. With spikes in place, overall height will be about 44" at the peak in back, 9" across the front, 6" across the back, and footprint depth is 22" from the front of the plinth to the back of the peak.
We're still back and forth about the look of a grill but it will have that feature as well.
The vent is down firing at the back of the cabinet allowing a seamless look to the veneer and a cleaner look to the baffle.
There will be three looks available with this type of walnut veneer being one. We'll probably find a large lot of sapele and possibly maple to round out the "light, medium, and dark" veneer options. Standard finish will be satin as pictured. This particular batch of veneer has a lot of figure and we will endeavor to always keep that level of quality for each build.
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I prefer the looks of your more exotic and imaginative builds. A design such as the Nimbus is what really separates you from the pack and establishes your identity.
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As I said, these look even better in person. They still have a killer custom look with high grade custom wood finishes that I think any audiophile would be proud of. The bonus is that the WAF will be very high with these and they will blend in with about any decor.
And they will rock the foundation when you want to! A pair of Tuonare for the main living room and the Nimbus for the Man Cave.
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MANY pictures I need to edit and upload to freshen up this thread, but for now how about probably the finest pair of loudspeakers to leave the shop yet! This pair of Joule White is currently on their way to the Bay Area.
About the build, the veneer is Sapele Pomelle with a bright red tint, with about 40 coats of 2K Urethane on top and wet sanded/buffed to perfection. The paint on front is a 3-stage candy red that looks incredible in person, lots of depth and sparkle. This pair is upgraded with Jensen silver capacitors, silver/gold RAAL transformer core, and Kimber AG23 wire on the tweeter.
Also new is the bass adjustment network. A separate negative terminal for the woofer can be used to lower bass output from 50-150hz by about 2db. From now forward, all Joule builds will feature this bass compensation network.
(http://vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Phil1_web.jpg)
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These went out a few weeks back, they now reside on the island of Puerto Rico. Beautiful sound on a beautiful island. Here's what the new owner had to say.
"Hi Ryan, after 3 weeks with the speakers ,I don't know how to express my satisfaction. These speakers are the best investing that I have made. These speakers are incredible good, I can feel the emotion of the recording. I do not regret buying them without a listen."
Black Brazilian Rosewood in satin finish, matching stands, Jensen copper foil caps, Duelund resistors, Amorphous core.
(http://vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Jose2.jpg)
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Both pairs are stunning. The Sapele Pomelle veneer is what you have on that pair of Sundogs isn't it?
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These are just plan BEAUTIFUL :o
(http://vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Phil1_web.jpg)
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I can't believe I haven't posted a picture of these yet! Every pair of speakers that goes out the door, it's a bittersweet feeling ... but especially so with this pair of Joule Black. I was in love with them in every way, at least they're going to a good home.
(http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/gallery-jouleblack/Joule_Black2.jpg)
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I was in love with them in every way, at least they're going to a good home.
Isn't every pair that you sell that goes to a home "a good home"? :P
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Isn't every pair that you sell that goes to a home "a good home"? :P
Well, I always hope that's the case. But this owner I have a good feeling will never ever consider letting them leave his home.
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Beautiful
Could you describe the finish/veneer?
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Beautiful
Could you describe the finish/veneer?
Veneer is Walnut Burl with a touch of amber added in the finish. The finish itself is about 30 coats of 2K Urethane, wet-sanded to 3000 grit and the buffed. The painted parts are a AMG Mercedes color called Sepang Brown, dark brown base with heavy gold/bronze flake.
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Well, I always hope that's the case. But this owner I have a good feeling will never ever consider letting them leave his home.
Ryan,
I can't wait to get them in my home and you are correct...they will not be leaving.
Don P.
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Don, they are truly beautiful.
Ryan, you did another outstanding job.
I would be very surprised if any Joule owner ever got rid of his speakers.
Phil
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I wanted to share a few pictures that show how the top and bottom cabinets interface. Like everything we do it's well thought out, with much consideration for appearance AND function. There certainly would be easier ways to do it, but easy isn't my concern ... making each design unique, elegant, and able to separate itself from the rest of the pack is my concern.
So with the Joule we have two distinct cabinet, each shaped the way they are because function and performance does come first. Every curve and angle is there for a reason which translates into performance of the final product. But the end result is two cabinets with very different profiles, how to blend those two pieces together visually so they look like they belong?
The bottom cabinet is stacked ply side to side, that allows us to cut into the slices a perfect 10:1 tapering TL - no stair-step internal bracing to form a line like essentially everybody else does. And by having the perfect taper, gone are all the midrange resonances that come from having any constant cross-sectional area inside the line. Port output from the Joule measures textbook perfect, a peak at tuning with resonance free 2nd order roll-off above. But stacked side to side, that makes the top to bottom cross section rectangular. So to blend it visually with the curves of the top section, we add 3D CNC's pieces on the top and front of the bottom cabinet. The front baffle adds curves and visual interest that couldn't be there any other way, and the top section does the same but also creates a cradle for the top cabinet to rest into. Also in the top piece are pockets for Herbies Fat Dots to isolate the two pieces.
The top cabinet is shaped the way it is because for midrange/treble reproduction, there are different considerations for ideal performance. Eliminating edge diffraction and cabinet resonances are the primary focus, and the top cabinet does that completely. The other consideration with the top cabinet is creating an internal shape that greatly decreases the sound inside the cabinet from reflecting back through and out the woofer cone. The internal shape was designed through use of Finite Element Analysis, and I'm unaware of ANY other company who has employed such an approach. And finally stacking the top cabinet top to bottom allows us to create a void inside the cabinet walls which is filled with our Inversion Layer material before being capped off, this greatly reduces sound transmission through the cabinet walls.
Tell me anybody else out there who goes to these lengths for less than kilobuck asking price? And not just in pursuit of performance, but also for appearance. Compromise and making things easier is of no interest to us.
(http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Detail1.jpg)
(http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Detail2.jpg)
(http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Detail3.jpg)
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It truly is a work of art. Great looks and sounds great! :thumb:
Just like they say about me behind my back, good looking and smart! :duh:
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Ryan,
You have really outdone yourself with those speakers. Hopefully I will be seeing you in my neck of the woods soon.
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those and the Aurora, together with the Nimbus (hey, i'm biased!) are probably some of the sexiest looking speakers out there!!!!
Ryan, when are you coming to my neck of the woods? did you get my email?
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Wow. Pages of beautifully finished speakers. I really wish I was able to attend the last coupe shows to hear these. We'll talk in the spring :thumb:
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The Joule Blacks are being delivered on Friday!! Going to be an awesome weekend.
I'll start a new thread when I get them installed and post some pictures.
Don
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don, your Joules look fabulous, and I guarantee that you will be stunned, not just by how they look but more importantly by how they sound. Mine are settling in, and I am hearing glimpses of the sound I have always wanted to have. I know the speakers are great and now I need to continue the journey and build the correct system around them.
these are speakers for the ages.
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That is a spectacular finish Ryan. Hell....I wish the vehicle in my garage had a finish half as good as that. :o
Just curious, if a fellow were to buy a pair of these, would he care for the finish like he would a fine automobile, with automotive wax, buffing, and all that?
One of these days, I'd like you to give me the finer points of a finish like this.
I'll even buy the IPA. :wink:
Bob
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Ryan can answer regarding his own finish, but unlike an automobile exposed to the elements I'm not sure an indoor speaker needs much of anything.
I have some 12 year old speakers with a 7 coat lacquer piano finish (as well as a piano with a piano finish) and they just get wiped down with a damp microfiber cloth then quickly buffed dry with a dry microfiber cloth, and they look like the day they came out of the box.
I have grabbed for the Carnauba before, but like Fonzie in front of the mirror preparing to comb, I just put it away and figured why bother? - they/re perfect.
Note: This is in a nonsmoking household. If they live in a smoking household, sympathies to all and all bets are off.
Steve
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=108618)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=108619)
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That is a spectacular finish Ryan. Hell....I wish the vehicle in my garage had a finish half as good as that. :o
Just curious, if a fellow were to buy a pair of these, would he care for the finish like he would a fine automobile, with automotive wax, buffing, and all that?
One of these days, I'd like you to give me the finer points of a finish like this.
I'll even buy the IPA. :wink:
Bob
I'll be wet sanding/buffing something this weekend if you want to watch, or I could bring pieces down to Casa Jackson.
Daily care is same as a car, always remember dust is nothing more than teeny tiny rocks ... don't rub them to remove, lift them off, or else learn to enjoy swirl marks. And when you do get swirl marks, buff them out same as you would with a car. Wax helps to protect from those teeny rocks touching the clear and scratching, and can fill small swirls.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=108618)
Try the new Ex in the slightly darker purple bottle, thank me later :wink:
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I'll be wet sanding/buffing something this weekend if you want to watch, or I could bring pieces down to Casa Jackson.
Hmm.... Very busy weekend, including having to work Saturday. Sunday afternoon is a possibility, as long as I can get some chores done.
But yea, I'd love to learn from a master of finishes.
I'll letcha know Ryan, thanks man. :thumb:
Bob
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It's really three crafts in one. Design/build furniture, elect/acoustic design and finishing. It is the reason I'm a fan. I am a woodworker and I absolutely love wood. I finally learned that you have to finish the finish. Mastering all types of finish is a lifetime project.
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One little bit of advice to those looking to polish/wax their speaker's. Purchase an automotive wax/polish that has no petroleum product's in it. My suggestion, is Zymol bee's wax or if you can justify it get the Zymol Connoisseur. Kinda pricey, well extremely expensive to me. It's not the stuff that Walmart sells. The look is so good that you can see a shadow under a piece of lint. IIf you use it on your car/cars, it is still there even if the water doesn't bead up after a few washings. I'm not sure if it's any longer available in the states. Zymol Bee's Wax will be around $50-$60. A lot of speed shops, not that kind :nono:, are the places to begin a search if you want to buy it. Not all shop's will carry it, as it's a made in Germany product. Oh btw, petroleum based products will dry out the paint over time. If you buy car's every few year's then you don't have to think for one minute about the life of the paint. Of course they are your speakers to do as you please. :thumb:
Good luck and Happy New Year to all,
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You should revive this thread so folks can go to one location to page through all the new builds and finishes.http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=120561
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I haven't been keeping this thread nearly updated enough, just not enough hours in the day. But wanted to share a couple new Joule White builds.
First, imagine this. You're on vacation in Aruba, and when you get home there are these waiting for you
(http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/RF1.jpg)
That's the case with this pair, lucky man! You can't see the veneer but it's a nice Claro Walnut, the match I did on top will get some future pics, it's a really cool Brindle Walnut bookmatch, and all covered in glass smooth wet-sanded and buffed gloss. Paint is Earth Metallic, very cool in that it flips from gunmetal grey to brown/bronze depending on light.
This next Joule White was delivered by me in person to the new owner just North of Tampa Bay. It was a full system setup, speakers, amp, dac, music server, cables ... the works. Needless to say he's over the moon! But I just wanted to show this picture because I think it's gorgeous, I think for my personal pair of Joule they will have this same color scheme.
(http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Francis10.jpg)
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:o
Truly beautiful, and you weren't kidding on the gloss! Indeed, that will be something worth coming back to Michigan for. Can't wait to hear them!
Ryan
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:o
Truly beautiful, and you weren't kidding on the gloss! Indeed, that will be something worth coming back to Michigan for. Can't wait to hear them!
Ryan
Hey Ryan (the lesser) - get on a plane. NOW!!!
These look fantastic, congrats!
Todd
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Hey Ryan (the lesser) - get on a plane. NOW!!!
These look fantastic, congrats!
Todd
Believe me, it is tempting! They are all I can think, and talk about - much to my wife and kid's chagrin.
Still, given what it costs to get here, I should probably squeeze maximum enjoyment out of it while I can. I should, after all, have essentially the rest of my lifetime with those speakers!
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:o
Truly beautiful, and you weren't kidding on the gloss! Indeed, that will be something worth coming back to Michigan for. Can't wait to hear them!
Ryan
Wow :thumb:
Welcome to the Vapor Joule club Ryan! That is certainly an awesome coming home present.
I'm loving every minute with mine.
Don P.
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Believe me, it is tempting! They are all I can think, and talk about - much to my wife and kid's chagrin.
Still, given what it costs to get here, I should probably squeeze maximum enjoyment out of it while I can. I should, after all, have essentially the rest of my lifetime with those speakers!
Speaks are nothing short of stunning. Love to hear updates when time allows. Enjoy!
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A few new pictures to share, first a Nimbus Black that I delivered to their new owner in Poplar Bluff, MO about 6 weeks ago. These have nice upgrades such as Clarity MR caps. Paint is a Lexus Gunmetal Grey on front, and piano black on the sides. Many, many hours of wet sanding and buffing done here!
(http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/gallery-nimbus/Porter2.jpg)
And then a Perfect Storm/Joule Black hybrid that's heading to the beautiful island of Cyprus. These are a very special pair of speakers, in the near future I'll start a thread just about them. But first a full view shot:
(http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Aykut3.jpg)
And for anybody still doubting our ability to create exceptional finishes, here's a 100% crop from the picture above. The man hours and attention to detail it takes to create this from nothing but a stack of Birch Ply is mind boggling.
(http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Crop.jpg)
I mean, just look at that reflection!
(http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Aykut4.jpg)
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Wow, those Joule/Storm hybrids look amazing, I can guess those would be my personal favorites judging by hearing the J. Black and PS White the last 2 years at RMAF.