AudioCircle
Industry Circles => GR Research => Topic started by: Hobbsmeerkat on 17 Jan 2022, 03:28 am
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Hi Everyone I just want to give a quick update on things since it's been a while.
It's been hectic for the last month and a half getting back orders sent out, but things are finally slowing down.
We're finally able to stay on top of emails again without regularly being 2-3 pages deep, and we've shipped most of the back-orders out that can go out.
The Bad News
Biggest shortages currently are Tweeters and inductors.
- We are completely out of the T26SG, the new sample tweeter got held up, but should be arriving along with some other samples within the next week or so.
current ETA for back-orders is likely sometime in mid-late February for the initial shipment. March/April is likely for the remaining shipment.
- We have also run out of GR Neo3s. An order has already been placed for more, but current ETA for more is likely March/April (due to Chinese New Year) barring any unexpected delays.
- Inductors have been a real struggle the last few months. Especially since Erse has closed its doors.
We are currently sourcing inductors and caps from Solen until we find a new manufacturer/supplier. (As are many other manufacturers)
we have an order that should arrive by Friday, with another order already placed for more.
That said, Solen doesn't make any iron-core inductors, and we have already wiped out what little stock was available from Parts-Express.
We are looking at our options, but it may still be a while before some of the larger kits and upgrades are available again.
- Rythmik Servo amps are expected sometime in February or March as the delays from chip shortages have really been a major hold up.
The Good News
Big things are happening!
- The new Website is finally finished and in the process of rolling out! (may take a few hours to go live)
We had a meeting Saturday going over the function and feel of the website, and tweaking some things to make it a better experience for both us and all of you.
let us know if you catch any odd bugs or quirks, as the sooner we know about them, the sooner we can get them addressed.
The new site should alleviate a lot of the current problems, especially with shipping not being correctly calculated for both domestic and international orders.
It will hopefully also reduce a lot of emails asking for shipping quotes on international orders
- A new work space is in the works!
Things are growing rapidly, to the point where having just one workspace isn't nearly enough space for everything.
the new work space is currently framed out and partially enclosed, next is electrical and A/C.
It's going to be a bit larger than the current workspace/office, with plenty of room for parts storage and assembling kits at once.
This will free up the current space to be just an office to work on paperwork, emails, and Danny's design work/upgrades.
- Next will be the new listening room which will be between the office and new workspace.
Product News
- The Servo Sub kits will be getting new names, but will otherwise remain the same.
- LGK 2.0 woofers have finally arrived, and we are currently working on finalizing the cabinet plans for the initial launch, hopefully in the next few weeks if all goes well.
- We'll be working to offer another power-related product here soon, but I can't give much more than a teaser just yet.. :wink:
- The Desktop Mini is likely to be nearing "end of life" status soon, as we're starting to get low on the tweeters, and plan to save a small number of them as replacement units, just in case of any "curious fingers" getting too close, and the like.
We also have tentative plans for a matching center-channel / mini tower model, especially since we have a ton of woofers left, but due to the lack of any available iron-core inductors, that plan may be on hold for a little while longer.
We have a lot planned for 2022 and we want to thank you all for all the support and the great community here as it continues to grow! :thumb:
Hobbs & the GR-Research team!
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Hi and thanks for the good info, and congratulations on the new website. Especially the upgrade of shipping info to other countries is highly valued, since I live in Norway.
One small thing: I get an error message in Firefox (Firefox latest, Windows 10, desktop) when I try to open the webpage, Error code SEC_ERROR_REVOKED_CERTIFICATE (see attached screen shot).
It works fine with Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=235518)
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Congrats on the new website and all the other developments, GR Research! :thumb:
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Confirmed the Firefox issue, and passed the message along, well be working on it today.
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- Inductors have been a real struggle the last few months. Especially since Erse has closed its doors.
Are you saying that Erse as a whole has gone out of business?
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Hobbs,
Nice looking site. The only thing I came across was that the links in the descriptions were broken for me. I could not get any of them to work.
Also, I noticed that the Thiel parameters and the Freq response graphs are gone. I am assuming these were left out by design?
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Looking good! Now I need to change the titles of my Servo Sub 4 threads or else newbies won't know what I'm talking about. :lol:
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Thanks for all the updates Hobbs!
I don't know about you but I am getting rather exasperated with this C vid jacked state of affairs!
Did you see my P.M.?
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Thanks for all the updates Hobbs!
I don't know about you but I am getting rather exasperated with this C vid jacked state of affairs!
Did you see my P.M.?
You, me and just about everyone in any major industry.
I did, just havent had a chance to respond yet, expect it this evening.
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No rush. At your convenience.
Well I was trying to be comically understated with my comment :D
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Thank you for the update! Love the website too.
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Website looks great. Keep up the good work!
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You, me and just about everyone in any major industry.
I did, just havent had a chance to respond yet, expect it this evening.
Hey Hobbs,
The website is the best it has ever been.
Can you have a history tab so that we can see Danny's old site that looked like living in the 90s. I miss the nostalgia. No links need to work. Just that good old 90's fonts. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Well done again on the new site.
SC
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Thanks for all the love on the site so far! We're still ironing out some kinks as we go, and are adding more information etc.
Also just an FYI the page for the LGK 2.0 woofer is live!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=235580&size=large)
We should have our next test cabinets coming soon to develop the final version of the crossover/caninet. So keep an eye out hopefully sometime in February!
But if you want to get the woofers for your own projects, then they are available for purchase in the meantime! :thumb:
https://gr-research.com/product/lgk-woofer/
(Also: They are NOT a drop-in replacement for the old LGK 1.0 drivers)
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Thanks for all the love on the site so far! We're still ironing out some kinks as we go, and are adding more information etc.
Also just an FYI the page for the LGK 2.0 woofer is live!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=235580&size=large)
We should have our next test cabinets coming soon to develop the final version of the crossover/caninet. So keep an eye out hopefully sometime in February!
But if you want to get the woofers for your own projects, then they are available for purchase in the meantime! :thumb:
https://gr-research.com/product/lgk-woofer/
(Also: They are NOT a drop-in replacement for the old LGK 1.0 drivers)
Hobbs, any parameters yet?
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That should be coming soon.
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New website looks awesome!!
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That should be coming soon.
Hey Hobbs,
are you rereleasing the Skinny6s?
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Hey Hobbs,
are you rereleasing the Skinny6s?
That is the plan, along with new Wedgies.
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Okay. We just got the new sample tweeter in, and it unfortunately falls short of the original graph we were given. Especially the top end above 15KHz. :duh:
Otherwise it looks great... Smooth roll-off, really flat response..
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=235633&size=large)
Unfortunately, the search for a new fabric dome material continues...
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Especially the top end above 15KHz. :duh:
Otherwise it looks great... Smooth roll-off, really flat response..
Unfortunately, the search for a new fabric dome material continues...
Maybe sell that one with a senior discount since they have trouble hearing above 15k anyway? :lol: Ok that's my one bad joke for the day. It's a bummer to hear about continued production issues, but I commend you guys for not settling for half-ass performance from your products. Most companies would balk and just sell whatever is available/affordable so thank you for sticking to your guns.
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Okay. We just got the new sample tweeter in, and it unfortunately falls short of the original graph we were given. Especially the top end above 15KHz. :duh:
Otherwise it looks great... Smooth roll-off, really flat response..
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=235633&size=large)
Unfortunately, the search for a new fabric dome material continues...
Maybe sell that one with a senior discount since they have trouble hearing above 15k anyway? :lol: Ok that's my one bad joke for the day. It's a bummer to hear about continued production issues, but I commend you guys for not settling for half-ass performance from your products. Most companies would balk and just sell whatever is available/affordable so thank you for sticking to your guns.
You're telling me..
We have some ideas, but any decision we make in the meantime will still take time to flesh out..
But I can't fault Danny for being so adamant about the quality of his products.
It hurts in the short term, but really work out in the long term.
In better news, we also got a shipment of sample drivers, including some that seems quite promising!
Some new LGK 2.0 test cabinets should be arriving Monday which will hopefully allow us to keep the ball rolling on that project.
Once we know the final design/crossover for the LGK 2.0 we plan to go the same route as the Mini, using smaller 18-gauge coils to keep the size & costs down. And without any caps directly in the signal path, we're looking at some potentially "killer" performance from an even smaller package.
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That is the plan, along with new Wedgies.
Do you still have the old cabinet plans? Wanted to get a sense of the general dimensions they had.
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Hello my pretty!
(https://i.imgur.com/Vm5zoHm.jpg)
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We're super happy with how the LGK 2.0s have turned out,
We should be getting the test cabinets on Monday, so see how they perform.
Though Danny will be out of town for the next few days on a business trip to Ohio, so I'll be the one running the shop, until Thursday.
That said, I plan to test out the new cabinets, and then see what adjustments may need to be made over the one we have currently sketched out.
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Do you still have the old cabinet plans? Wanted to get a sense of the general dimensions they had.
I just roughly measured the original cabinets.
12" tall
13" deep
5" wide front baffle
9" wide rear
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We're super happy with how the LGK 2.0s have turned out,
We should be getting the test cabinets on Monday, so see how they perform.
Though Danny will be out of town for the next few days on a business trip to Ohio, so I'll be the one running the shop, until Thursday.
That said, I plan to test out the new cabinets, and then see what adjustments may need to be made over the one we have currently sketched out.
Ohio??? Danny is coming up to my neighborhood! Hope it's a safe and productive trip!
Robert
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Hobbs I am assuming that tweeter frequency response graph is the Peerless T26SG used in the X-LS Encore? If so I guess I have plenty of time to finish the 2nd Tigerwood cabinet :green:
Thank Danny for sticking to his guns by making them get it right. We all want that awesome T26SG sound we have come to love, so more time is no big deal. Waiting is much better than living with extra crossover parts compensating for a driver that is not right. Some things are worth the wait!
Thanks for the update!
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Hobbs I am assuming that tweeter frequency response graph is the Peerless T26SG used in the X-LS Encore? If so I guess I have plenty of time to finish the 2nd Tigerwood cabinet :green:
Thank Danny for sticking to his guns by making them get it right. We all want that awesome T26SG sound we have come to love, so more time is no big deal. Waiting is much better than living with extra crossover parts compensating for a driver that is not right. Some things are worth the wait!
Thanks for the update!
The red line is the original Peerless T26 tweeter, the white line was the most recent sample.
Danny is working with Peerless on some ideas that should help with that issue. Some of the easier ideas to try didn't help in the way we had hoped, but there a few other options on the table that will take a little more time/effort to implement. If we can get another sample by the end of February we should be able to get more tweeters by April.
We got a few test LGK test cabinets in on Monday while Danny was away and I managed to get a flat line out of them...
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=236156)
BUT it took 3 notch filters, and an impedance of 3.2 Ohms. :duh:
Once Danny got back, and had a chance to look at it, he noticed that the port was chuffing heavily at 76Hz.
We've made some adjustments to the design and the port, and are waiting on a new sample cabinet. But we're pretty confident that this next revision to the cabinet should be the last, which should get us a really clean response, and simply the crossover.
Some Big changes are happening in the shop as well!
The new shop area is coming along, nicely, and the lighting was just installed this week! It'll be nice to have some more space to work, as well as storage for parts, boxes, tools and other general backstock.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=236168)
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Wow Hobbs. It might have taken a few filters but that is an extremely flat frequency response!!!!
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Indeed! Hopefully with the next test cabinet, we can manage the same results without the need for 11 parts.. :P
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Indeed! Hopefully with the next test cabinet, we can manage the same results without the need for 11 parts.. :P
Amen to that Hobbs. How about that lumber. Man that must have cost a bit. Why not go for steel framing? Introduce unwanted noise? :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
The new shop extension does look good though and the anticipation on getting in there must be palpable. :)
Cheers Hobbs,
SC
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Hey Hobbs - any updates from Rythmik on plate amps?
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Nothing yet unfortunately.
last we heard was February or March
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Hey Hobbs!
How goes the LGK 2.0 cabinets? I think this is the summer I move from these X-SLS's to some wedges. I assume you are gonna do flatpacks for wedges v2?
Have a good one!
Ron
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Still making some tweaks. But we're definitely getting closer. We should be getting another test cabinet next week.
Wedgies are definitely in the future! Just need to get them designed and tested.
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We think we've got the new LGK2.0 cabinet where we want it.
Its roughly 9.5"x5.5"x7.5" with a slotted, rear port.
It will be wider than the old LGK, but still smaller overall.
Not quite as smooth as the graph posted below, but still a solid & clean response. It has an average impedance of 6ohms with a 4ohm dip at the very top, around 15KHz.
To get a smoother of a response would likely require a unique cabinet design that isn't really possible.
The next step will be to build out a test pair and listen to them.
Next we'll have smaller 18 gauge inductors made to better fit everything within the cabinet. Much like what we did with the Desktop minis.
The back panel will be designed to be removable to allow users to install the crossovers after the cabinet is assembled since the woofer hole is rather small.
Ill try to get a picture of the measurements tomorrow.
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Any update on GR Neo 3 availability?
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Currently looking at end of March or early April.
Just waiting for the manufacturer to say they're on their way.
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Question on LGK2
when is the approximate release date and will the cabinet plan be available or just flatpack/assembled option?
I'm sorry if this has been ask/answered before. I cant use the search function.
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Current ETA is about 2 weeks
Cabinet plans will be available.
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Thank you. Looking forward to that.
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Any T26SG Updates hobbs? :)
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Any T26SG Updates hobbs? :)
Unfortunately not. The latest measurement we recieved still have the top end rolled off.
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ah ok; thanks
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Do you already have pricing for the base LGK without flatpacks?
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We'll be working on that this week.
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Hobbs,
Have you guys got a revised Encore tweeter back for review? I know the last one had issues and was sent back.
Thanks,
Robert
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Hobbs,
Have you guys got a revised Encore tweeter back for review? I know the last one had issues and was sent back.
Thanks,
Robert
Not Hobbs but the Encore tweeter is the T26SG mentioned above
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Hobbs,
Have you guys got a revised Encore tweeter back for review? I know the last one had issues and was sent back.
Thanks,
Robert
They're still working on it, but the measurements we were sent yesterday still show the top end taking a nosedive after 13-15KHz, but with improved effeciency. So it's still not where we need it to be, unfortunately..
They suspect it might be an issue with the shape of the dome.
But losing the original dome material has really made it difficult getting it's replacement down tight.
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Thank you for sticking with it and not giving up on the T26SG.
It would be a terrible loss to the community to lose the X-series as a result of the tweeter becoming no longer available.
Seperately, I know it was discussed loosely in the past, but I'm still holding on to the hope of seeing a center channel with the m130. MTM would be great, but if the cabinet height and depth can be reduced enough from the X-Voce, for a smaller WMTMW using M130, I think it would fill a hole in the market for DIY center options. It might not outsell an MTM, but sure would be a nice option as hopefully a top performer for it's size, for those who can't make the room or gain spouse approval for an X-Voce. Or, since there seems to be a commitment to wedgies, perhaps an MTM wedgie could be adapted for center channel to compliment NX-Studio or NX-Otica.
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Thank you for sticking with it and not giving up on the T26SG.
It would be a terrible loss to the community to lose the X-series as a result of the tweeter becoming no longer available.
Seperately, I know it was discussed loosely in the past, but I'm still holding on to the hope of seeing a center channel with the m130. MTM would be great, but if the cabinet height and depth can be reduced enough from the X-Voce, for a smaller WMTMW using M130, I think it would fill a hole in the market for DIY center options. It might not outsell an MTM, but sure would be a nice option as hopefully a top performer for it's size, for those who can't make the room or gain spouse approval for an X-Voce. Or, since there seems to be a commitment to wedgies, perhaps an MTM wedgie could be adapted for center channel to compliment NX-Studio or NX-Otica.
More models using the M-130 are still in the pipeline including the replacements for the AV-3 (MTM) and AV-3S (center) but they're all held up by the tweeter.
Not sure about a mini X-Voce, but it could be interesting since it'll be a little smaller.
We're really hoping they can get that top end back up, as thats the main thing currently holding up production.
Hopefully, it also means a will get a new coaxial sample as well. :wink:
The last one we recieved was pretty good, but needed some small changes. And those adjustments proved to be pretty solid options.
Possibly! But in order to do an MTM, the woofers would need to be 16 ohm, otherwise you'll need a MMTMM arrangements, but unless it's woofers are In a ported box, dont expect much bass below 200Hz.
We do have plans for a Studio-Center as well. And we are supposed to be getting an Otica-Center cabinet sometime soon for testing as well. (WWMTMWW)
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Thanks for all of the updates.
We do have plans for a Studio-Center as well.
I have been thinking about and wanting a Studio-Center. So this is cool beans :thumb:
Also a Studio-floorstander, with 8" woofer or woofers, is something rattling around my head.
During last summer/fall you were talking about 8" drivers. What happened on that?
Anyhow thanks.
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Thanks for all of the updates.
I have been thinking about and wanting a Studio-Center. So this is cool beans :thumb:
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Also a Studio-floorstander, with 8" woofer or woofers, is something rattling around my head.
During last summer/fall you were talking about 8" drivers. What happened on that?
Anyhow thanks.
The 8" woofers are currently being made
Current plan for a floor standing unit is 2x 16ohm woofers with the open portion being to the sides.
Viability of that idea will depend on the outcome of the center channel
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Quick update:
We just got notification that the 1000 GR Neo 3s are ready to be shipped to us!
A few boxes will be air-fraighted to us to allow us to get through backorders for the NX-series kits we can get out (just the NX-Studios until our new inductor supplier can start making coils for us again. They should be able to start winding coils by the first of April if all goes according to plan.
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The 8" woofers are currently being made
Current plan for a floor standing unit is 2x 16ohm woofers with the open portion being to the sides.
Viability of that idea will depend on the outcome of the center channel
Oh Man, you just made my day.
A NX Studio surround system with floorstanders main LR, center channel,studio's for back channel. The X-on wall for height.
The only thing missing would be a matching sub. Maybe a small dual 8" servo box sub, like a Rythmik F8 or something.
Also the NX studio's I just put together have about 20 days into a 30 day 24-7 burn-in. Yes they are the best sounding speakers I have ever owned. Bold statement I know, but man they get more open and warm and lush every day. The bass I was worried about, but that fear has vanished. The amount of bass is very good. Very tight but has slam.
Sorry for the rammable-tron :D
And thanks again!
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The NX studio's I just put together... are the best sounding speakers I have ever owned. The bass I was worried about, but that fear has vanished. The amount of bass is very good. Very tight but has slam.
On my system I had to turn down the subs in volume and in crossover frequency because they come on real strong about 50hz in my room. Surprising for a little speaker like that. Depending what you listen to, they could be completely fine without subs in a small room. :thumb:
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Looking forward to see (hear) and NX Floorstander!
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I wanted to check in since it has been a few weeks - any word from Rythmik on plate amp availability?
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I'm also interested in this. Next project on my list when the parts are available......
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I wanted to check in since it has been a few weeks - any word from Rythmik on plate amp availability?
Still no word from Rythmik about availability unfortunately.
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Everybody’s feeling it. I ordered a McIntosh headphone amp back in January with an expected delivery date of Feb 16. Today McIntosh is saying it may ship by the end of May.
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I should correct something i mentioned earlier about the Neo tweeters, they just entered production. But the first few boxes should be shipped in the next few weeks if all goes as planned.
So I would expect availability early to mid April.
Our new inductor supplier is finally getting some of their tooling in place and should be able to spin up production for us soon!
They should have more gear to follow in the next couple weeks.
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We just got word from Rythmik that amps are finished and ready to be shipped within the next 2 weeks. Current ETA is End of May.
We just got clarification. 75 A370 amps will be delivered by the end of May.
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Just A370? No HX? If so, any chance to pivot orders...
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No word on HX amps, unfortunately.
We also dont know how many of those A370 amps will be allotted for us to use..
We were really hoping for a container full of amps.. :cry:
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Still no word from Rythmik about availability unfortunately.
Apologies for resurrecting an old thread - do we have any updates on Rythmik amps availability yet and if I place an order, how far down the list I'd be?
I'm probably a few months away from placing my order for my next winter project of 2 dual O/B subs to complement my X-Statik but wanted to know if I'm dreaming in that sort of time frame?
:o :o
D
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They have about 75 of the A370PEQ amps on their way. We're just waiting for Rythmik to let us know they're available.
Still no word on XLR or HX 800 amp availability sadly.
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Thanks Hobbs. I'll keep my eyes open for any further updates.
D
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The 8" woofers are currently being made
Current plan for a floor standing unit is 2x 16ohm woofers with the open portion being to the sides.
Viability of that idea will depend on the outcome of the center channel
Hobbs how is that new 8 inch kit coming along. No news since May?
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And how did the shop turn out? Can you post a picture.
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And how did the shop turn out? Can you post a picture.
It hasn't changed since spring, we've been focused on other endeavors but we'll be getting back to it soon.
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Hobbs was that for the kit and the shop or just the kit or shop? :lol:
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Both I suppose. :P