AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Vapor Audio => Topic started by: catastrofe on 14 Apr 2013, 11:58 pm

Title: Nimbus
Post by: catastrofe on 14 Apr 2013, 11:58 pm
Ryan, any more details on the Nimbus?
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: TF1216 on 15 Apr 2013, 12:10 am
Ryan, any more details on the Nimbus?

Great question  :thumb:

May I also request to know if any speakers are in the works with any driver larger than 10"?
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 15 Apr 2013, 02:59 am
Patience ... we're going to introduce with a bang soon! 
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 15 Apr 2013, 03:10 am
Great question  :thumb:

May I also request to know if any speakers are in the works with any driver larger than 10"?

Depends . . . what you got in mind?   :wink:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: TF1216 on 15 Apr 2013, 01:31 pm
Depends . . . what you got in mind?   :wink:

I have an inkling that you guys are building something with a 12" driver I haven't seen anywhere else.  I cannot wait to see what the design looks like.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 1 May 2013, 03:58 am
I'm gonna sneak this in here, see if anybody notices  :lol:  That's a 15" hole by the way.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=79661&size=huge)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Rclark on 1 May 2013, 05:14 am
That is an extremely beautiful design, hat off to whichever of you created it.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: persisting1 on 1 May 2013, 08:01 am
I'm going to keep my ear on this. Please keep us posted.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: catastrofe on 1 May 2013, 10:21 am
Very nice.  When will we see a finished pair?  Specs?   :thumb:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 1 May 2013, 02:58 pm
That is an extremely beautiful design, hat off to whichever of you created it.

Thanks!  It was a group effort for sure.  The cabinet was inspired originally by my 3-way you see in my avatar.  The cabinet maker used the same forms for those panels to craft the cabinet for the Nimbus.  Ryan had the vision for the angled top and MTM section.  The baffle design came from the Stiff Breeze.  That 15" hole will host the incredible Acoustic Elegance TD15H.  The mids will come in our black (Wavecor: used in our Breeze models) and white versions (Accuton 6").  Tweeter is the incredible RAAL 70-20XR.

Target specs are:

Sensitivity: ~92dB/2.83V
Impedance: 8 Ohm
Low frequency cut off -3dB: ~32Hz  /  25Hz in-room
Weight: ~250lbs
Dimensions: 53" H (from floor to peak) x 17.5" W (at the woofer center) x 26" D (including rear wall curve)
Recommended amps include everything from low powered SETs to 1000W + Solid State amps.

We'll be showing them at T.H.E. Newport Beach show at the end of the month, driven by a 40W 805 tube based SET from Arte Forma and Empirical Audio front end.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: catastrofe on 1 May 2013, 03:03 pm
Thanks!  It was a group effort for sure.  The cabinet was inspired originally by my 3-way you see in my avatar.  The cabinet maker used the same forms for those panels to craft the cabinet for the Nimbus.  Ryan had the vision for the angled top and MTM section.  The baffle design came from the Stiff Breeze.  That 15" hole will host the incredible Acoustic Elegance TD15H.  The mids will come in our black (Wavecor: used in our Breeze models) and white versions (Accuton 6").  Tweeter is the incredible RAAL 70-20XR.

Target specs are:

Sensitivity: ~92dB/2.83V
Impedance: 8 Ohm
Low frequency cut off -3dB: ~32Hz  /  25Hz in-room
Weight: ~250lbs
Recommended amps include everything from low powered SETs to 1000W + Solid State amps.

We'll be showing them at T.H.E. Newport Beach show at the end of the month, driven by a 40W 805 tube based SET from Arte Forma and Empirical Audio front end.

250lbs?!  How will you get them up my stairs?   :green:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: jtwrace on 1 May 2013, 03:12 pm
250lbs?!  How will you get them up my stairs?   :green:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=79671)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBS0OWGUidc
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 1 May 2013, 03:16 pm
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=79671)


What he said!
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: catastrofe on 1 May 2013, 04:49 pm
This should cover it. . .

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=79675)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: EdRo on 1 May 2013, 06:09 pm
I have to say,...Those must be the most STUNNING examples of cab fabrication anywhere!!! Double-WOW!!!
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: persisting1 on 1 May 2013, 09:00 pm
Will the Nimbus have a standard internal bracing or will there be some magic inside like the Cirrus?
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: cheap-Jack on 1 May 2013, 09:28 pm
Hi.
That's a
250lbs?! 
by the way.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=79661&size=huge)

I really wish a huge 15" woofer & its 250lbs dead weight can warrant superb sound!

What super SET amp with what O/P power can drive such huge box with 15" woofer to deliver 25Hz in-room?
 
c-J

PS: there got to be some easier & 'lighter' way to build a loudspeaker system to deliver 25Hz in-room.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 2 May 2013, 12:45 am
Will the Nimbus have a standard internal bracing or will there be some magic inside like the Cirrus?

The internal bracing is made from 1" thick plum creek, an ultra-refined MDF product.  The walls also feature the Vapor Audio Inversion Layer acoustic treatment, a mass loading application that was first used in the Cirrus.

Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 2 May 2013, 12:59 am


I really wish a huge 15" woofer & its 250lbs dead weight can warrant superb sound!

What super SET amp with what O/P power can drive such huge box with 15" woofer to deliver 25Hz in-room?
 
c-J

PS: there got to be some easier & 'lighter' way to build a loudspeaker system to deliver 25Hz in-room.

What allows an SET amp to work with a massive speaker like this is the high sensitivity that such a design offers.

If the SET has transformers capable of delivering low frequencies, the Acoustic Elegance woofer, with its massive motor, will respond with ease.   With a predicted 32Hz -3dB point, room loading will augment the system to some extent, allowing in-room response into the 20s.

There are undoubtedly different methods for building a lighter weight enclosure that can deliver lows into the 20s.  One way is to substitute sensitivity for extension, build a smaller enclosure, tune it low, and throw a lot more power at it.  Of course, that puts SETs out of the running.  But if you want both extension and sensitivity, you MUST have a large enclosure.  And for it to be truly acoustically inert (dead), the construction must be extreme, or panel resonances will be a major contributor to the sound.  Extreme construction and large size results in a heavy speaker.  (See Hoffman's Iron Law)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: EdRo on 2 May 2013, 11:34 am
wow. That back panel arching gracefully up to the top piece, which then facets back down into the teardrop styled sides...has the builder studied at the Louvre? Has Leonardo daVinci been reanimated? These have transcended the physical world and have entered the elemental! Does the master find inspiration from his Koi pond? The elements of water (teardrop shape) and the Earth stretching for the heavens (the faceted top) are strongly represented. Visually stunning...expect calls from exclusive art galleries worldwide!
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: seadogs1 on 2 May 2013, 02:33 pm
Pete, outside of the weight ,do you have the other dimensions H x W x D? It looks like the port is in the front, does that mean the speakers can be placed close to the front wall? Thanks!
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 2 May 2013, 02:42 pm
Pete, outside of the weight ,do you have the other dimensions H x W x D? It looks like the port is in the front, does that mean the speakers can be placed close to the front wall? Thanks!

Overall height, from floor to point, is right around 53".  At its widest, I think it's about 19".  The overall depth from the deepest part of the curve to the bottom of the baffle is around 24", but I'll take another measurement today to confirm that.  You should be able to put these fairly close to the front wall, but there's always a bit of a penalty for doing so.  The "Allison effect" is still in play, so there will be some amount of response modification due to the proximity of a boundary.  The further you can get the baffle from the front wall, the smoother the midbass response will be.  Usually, four to six feet is what I target myself for the baffle distance from the wall behind the speakers.  Acoustic panels definitely help in that regard.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: cheap-Jack on 2 May 2013, 02:43 pm
Hi.

(1) What allows an SET amp to work with a massive speaker like this is the high sensitivity that such a design offers.

If the SET has transformers capable of delivering low frequencies, the Acoustic Elegance woofer, with its massive motor, will respond with ease.   With a predicted 32Hz -3dB point, room loading will augment the system to some extent, allowing in-room response into the 20s.

(2) There are undoubtedly different methods for building a lighter weight enclosure that can deliver lows into the 20s.  One way is to substitute sensitivity for extension, build a smaller enclosure, tune it low, and throw a lot more power at it.  Of course, that puts SETs out of the running.

(1) It is not my intention to challenge any loudspeaker manufacturers on their design.

(2) Not many audio fans can accommodate huge loudspeakers as yours at home let alone
     the cost to own it & being challenged by the other half.
     
     Another more 'modern' way to deliver LF response down 25Hz or so, is to let an active sub to do the job. That's what I am using: a 100W 10" driven by the signal fed from my stereo  phono-preamp delivers subsonic LF without sweats while my 2-way bookshelvers handle the mainstream music easily.

The key technical issue is how to interface the stereo preamp to the active sub properly as there is no such subwoofer O/P port from any stereo preamp, brandnames or DIYs. I spent enough time to figure out how to resolve it without using any active LF X-over & I think I have done it right.

c-J
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: sharpsuxx on 2 May 2013, 05:40 pm
Dayum those are sexy, excited to see Vapor getting into floor standing speakers.  After hearing the Joule, I can only imagine what you guys are going to be able to do with more cabinet volume.  Can't wait to come over an hear it.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: jackman on 2 May 2013, 07:37 pm
Cheap jack,
If you checked their website, these guys have several monitor options that can be paired with subs.  This speaker represents a very ambitious option for people who want a big, full range speaker.  I commend Vapor for developing something as attractive and complex as this new design. 

This design is not for everyone (and I'm guessing you are not in the target market) but for the person looking for a large full range speaker, this represents a very interesting and attractive option.  Crapping on a thread and offering idiotic and unsolicited advice is rude.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 2 May 2013, 11:29 pm
Hi.
(1) It is not my intention to challenge any loudspeaker manufacturers on their design.

(2) Not many audio fans can accommodate huge loudspeakers as yours at home let alone
     the cost to own it & being challenged by the other half.
     
     Another more 'modern' way to deliver LF response down 25Hz or so, is to let an active sub to do the job. That's what I am using: a 100W 10" driven by the signal fed from my stereo  phono-preamp delivers subsonic LF without sweats while my 2-way bookshelvers handle the mainstream music easily.

The key technical issue is how to interface the stereo preamp to the active sub properly as there is no such subwoofer O/P port from any stereo preamp, brandnames or DIYs. I spent enough time to figure out how to resolve it without using any active LF X-over & I think I have done it right.

c-J

1.  Don't worry, I didn't feel you were challenging anything.  One thing to keep in mind about large speakers and small amps is to simply recall "Voice of the Theater" or "Klipschorn."  The size of both of those speakers dwarf the Nimbus, and both could be driven with as little as 1W to quite loud levels.  It's not about the weight or size of a speaker that makes it a difficult load for an amp.  It's all about the type of electrical load it presents to the amplifier and how efficient the speaker is at converting the electrical energy to sound.  At 92dB/1W, the Nimbus is still quite a bit lower sensitivity than those two speakers I cited.  But when you realize how loud 92dB actually is, and that there will be two speakers playing, yes, even 10W SETs should be able to produce satisfying levels for most people in a more typical listening room.

2.  It is a given that not everyone likes huge, heavy and full range speakers like this.  They aren't for everyone.  Those who like the styling, appreciate the dynamics that they'll be capable of, and have the room that can accommodate them, are those people that will gravitate to them.  We have the Breeze, a .38 cubic foot stand mount monitor, for those who don't want a 250 pound thunderstorm in their living room.  If WAF is truly a consideration, and the hobbyist is limited by other considerations, we've got you covered.  If you like integrating your own sub, we've got you covered.

Nimbus is a true, full-range, floor stander that does not require a sub.  It does not require the crossover and amplifier that a dedicated sub requires.  A pair of them, in your room, will be capable of floor shaking transients while simultaneously delivering effortless detail.  We know that Acoustic Elegance is a perfect name for the quality of sound the TD15H can deliver from first hand experience in the Vapor Audio Arcus.  Adding that Acoustic Elegance component to the performance of our Stiff Breeze monitor just made sense. 

Joule and Arcus, with their higher sensitivity and dynamic capacity, moved us to push in the "higher sensitivity" direction.  Our original vision for Nimbus featured dual 8" woofers and passive radiators in a smaller sculpted cabinet.  But at best, only 86dB sensitive, like our Breeze model.  To achieve the impact of Nimbus with 40W, you'd need 160W pushing the smaller cabinet.  That precluded the use of most tube amps as suitable for anything but lower volume listening. 

We didn't want tube amplification to be a limitation with Nimbus.  In more typical environments, where you're sitting less than 15' away, and the room isn't larger than maybe 600 square feet, you'd be hard pressed to push a 50W amp to its limits before chest pounding music fills the room.  25W KT88s are now in play.   In 400 square foot rooms, when you're sitting only 10' away, 300B amps might be all you need.

Low power class A amps are not a limiting factor either.

In larger rooms, when you're sitting further away, Nimbus will be right at home with any 500W amplifier.  And with 500W driving such a dynamic woofer, a solid launch platform is required, and a big "box" was not an aesthetic option; we wanted a titanic loudspeaker that didn't have to look like a mini refrigerator.  It's big, it's heavy, and in a typical living room with 500W at your disposal, you will be able to cause cranial compression and blurred vision like you've rarely experienced.    :lol:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 3 May 2013, 12:23 am
Pete, outside of the weight ,do you have the other dimensions H x W x D? It looks like the port is in the front, does that mean the speakers can be placed close to the front wall? Thanks!

I updated the earlier post with the actual dimensions, right below the approximate weight.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 3 May 2013, 01:56 am
Here's a nice shot of the internal bracing.  The walls are already thick pre-tensioned panels, and covered inside with our 'inversion layer', so the bracing is overkill ... but that's what we do.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=79727)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: SlushPuppy on 3 May 2013, 02:07 am
Here's a nice shot of the internal bracing.  The walls are already thick pre-tensioned panels, and covered inside with our 'inversion layer', so the bracing is overkill ... but that's what we do.

I frickin' love the name (I've been in the business since 1984). I wonder how many will get it?  :thumb:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 3 May 2013, 03:38 am
I frickin' love the name (I've been in the business since 1984). I wonder how many will get it?  :thumb:

"In the business" how exactly?  I doubt many will get it, or our other naming choices ... like Sundog whose cabinets come from the inside of Cirrus cabinets, or why it's Joule instead of Jewel.  But it amuses me, and that's what's most important  :lol:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: SlushPuppy on 3 May 2013, 04:06 am
"In the business" how exactly?  I doubt many will get it, or our other naming choices ... like Sundog whose cabinets come from the inside of Cirrus cabinets, or why it's Joule instead of Jewel.  But it amuses me, and that's what's most important  :lol:

I've been in the weather community since 1984. Meteorologist since 1991. All your designs are named upon some kind of weather phenomena. I know what an "inversion layer" is.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: newzooreview on 3 May 2013, 11:05 pm
"In the business" how exactly?  I doubt many will get it, or our other naming choices ... like Sundog whose cabinets come from the inside of Cirrus cabinets, or why it's Joule instead of Jewel.  But it amuses me, and that's what's most important  :lol:

Don't despair, Ryan! I have a Ph.D. in geochemistry and as a cousin in the Earth sciences I truly enjoy the speaker names. I have fond memories of cirrus clouds over the Beartooth range in Montana during geology field camp in college. And now my speakers evoke the ephemeral beauty of those days.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 4 May 2013, 12:34 am

I've been in the weather community since 1984. Meteorologist since 1991. All your designs are named upon some kind of weather phenomena. I know what an "inversion layer" is.

So I'm not the only Meteorologist-Audiophile afterall  :lol:  Hopefully you and I will meet someday at a show, we can geek out on weather.  If there were more of us I could get away with speaker names Istentropic Lift, Low Level Jet, or Theta-E Advection.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 4 May 2013, 12:36 am
Don't despair, Ryan! I have a Ph.D. in geochemistry and as a cousin in the Earth sciences I truly enjoy the speaker names. I have fond memories of cirrus clouds over the Beartooth range in Montana during geology field camp in college. And now my speakers evoke the ephemeral beauty of those days.
 

Ever see any Lenticular clouds while stationed out West?  That's one I'd love to see, along with the Morning Glory clouds in Australia.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: SlushPuppy on 4 May 2013, 01:05 am
So I'm not the only Meteorologist-Audiophile afterall  :lol:  Hopefully you and I will meet someday at a show, we can geek out on weather.  If there were more of us I could get away with speaker names Istentropic Lift, Low Level Jet, or Theta-E Advection.

  :lol:

I'd love to hear your loudspeakers someday. Meeting at a show and and telling a few weather stories would be way cool. I just hope you're a kind man and don't name any future products after the Skew-T diagram. I worked for a Navy commander back in the mid-90's who made me plot and analyze one every day during a six month deployment. I cried happy tears the day he transferred.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 4 May 2013, 02:03 am
Maybe the Breeze can blow through your town and you'd get a chance to hear one of Ryan's speakers.

Check the Breeze tour thread schedule.  Maybe it comes close by.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: jimdgoulding on 4 May 2013, 03:19 am
Oh wow.  Most impressive so far.  Look out world.  Love the name.  Plus it's 92db sensitivity.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 7 May 2013, 04:19 am
Oh wow.  Most impressive so far.  Look out world.  Love the name.  Plus it's 92db sensitivity.

Thanks Jim!  We have a feeling this is a speaker that's going to really turn some heads ... although we're not exactly looking forward to lugging them around during each build  :lol:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: sharpsuxx on 7 May 2013, 04:46 pm
wow. That back panel arching gracefully up to the top piece, which then facets back down into the teardrop styled sides...has the builder studied at the Louvre? Has Leonardo daVinci been reanimated? These have transcended the physical world and have entered the elemental! Does the master find inspiration from his Koi pond? The elements of water (teardrop shape) and the Earth stretching for the heavens (the faceted top) are strongly represented. Visually stunning...expect calls from exclusive art galleries worldwide!

Keep it in your pants man... :D. 

I can't wait to see these finished, they really are going to be that rare meshpoint of form following function with an eye for the aesthetic.  I hope the same level of attention goes into sonics, I really hope these speakers keep with the midrange and treble refinement and precise imaging within the vast soundstage that usually comes with a Vapor speaker. 

So many "statement" speakers are just that wall of sound dynamics and impact without the refinement that the smaller truly "audiophile" companies deliver, I am really excited that Vapor is having the kind of success that allows them to experiment with what is possible with audio.  I can't wait to hear them, all very capable drivers with a very capable designer and builders. 

Are these first pair going to be whites or blacks?
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 8 May 2013, 01:45 am
Details . . .

Almost ready for their paint job.

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a203/pete_schumacher/Speaker%20projects/Nimbus/Nimbusbaffletrench_zps4b374958.jpg)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Rclark on 8 May 2013, 04:48 am

The design is versatile enough to look great in any finish, IMO. You could park those anywhere. My first thought from pic1 was of a final speaker in a nice lived-in looking wood finish, like an old instrument, sitting in some human sized version of Bilbo's house. But now I can imagine it in some exotic automotive finish, or maybe regular piano black with some white stripes hugging that groove.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=80135)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 10 May 2013, 02:53 am
More progress.  The cabinets are primed and ready for paint.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=80240)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: sharpsuxx on 10 May 2013, 04:14 am
Pink and blue?  What color are you finishing them in?
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 10 May 2013, 04:46 am
Pink and blue?  What color are you finishing them in?

That's just primer.  We messed with the colors to tweak the painter.  None of that will show through once the base coat gets applied. 

Black baffles with black cherry metallic on the sides and back, something like this perhaps.

(http://www.cobracountry.com/cobra4salefolder/maxwell-CSX4273/maxwell-075hi-1b-863x864.jpg)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 10 May 2013, 04:51 am
Pink and blue?  What color are you finishing them in?

Why, what's wrong with blue and pink?  :scratch:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: sharpsuxx on 10 May 2013, 05:05 am
That black cherry color looks good.  Too many good colors to choose from with that sleek of a body shape.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: EdRo on 10 May 2013, 12:46 pm
Those things look Monolithic! The drivers in that  cab really put it over the top. When that Black Cherry Metalic gets applied, who knows what could happen. A new speaker cult could form around these things! :wink: Good job, Vapor. These things are definately not your normal "drivers in a box".
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: standub on 18 May 2013, 02:30 pm
Hmmm.... any one want to buy a pair of Cirrus, I may need to upgrade :green:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 18 May 2013, 06:53 pm
Hmmm.... any one want to buy a pair of Cirrus, I may need to upgrade :green:

Sounds to me like you need to build a 2nd system  :thumb:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Cheeseboy on 21 May 2013, 09:36 pm
Thanks for the tour.  I can't wait to hear these! 
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 23 May 2013, 05:29 pm
Some teaser shots with the phone

(http://techtalk.parts-express.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=36570&d=1369324225)
(http://techtalk.parts-express.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=36571&d=1369324226)
(http://techtalk.parts-express.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=36572&d=1369324226)
(http://techtalk.parts-express.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=36569&d=1369324224)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: sharpsuxx on 23 May 2013, 06:47 pm
 :P drools, can I have some???  What a color combo!  Way better than the easter egg colors from before.  That veneer insert is really a fine touch.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: stlrman on 23 May 2013, 07:25 pm
Can you explain the veneer insert? Thanks.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 23 May 2013, 07:51 pm
Can you explain the veneer insert? Thanks.

It's there to add a little bling to an otherwise ho-hum enclosure.   :lol:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 24 May 2013, 04:16 am
Ready for Newport Beach! 

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=80995&size=huge)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 24 May 2013, 05:20 am
Can you explain the veneer insert? Thanks.

In all seriousness Todd, the insert is simply a highlight, a visual Easter Egg of sorts, something that you'll only notice when you get up close and personal.  It's fiddleback maple, dyed black and finished in clear.  At the listening position, it simply disappears into the rest of the black baffle.  We have more ideas besides veneer to try on other builds that may offer even more bling to this otherwise uninteresting enclosure.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: EdRo on 24 May 2013, 11:48 am
Why can't I see that pic? :?
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: EdRo on 24 May 2013, 11:49 am
Thats odd! When I posted my "Why can't I see this pic?", the pic THEN appeared!!! :duh:
 
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: EdRo on 24 May 2013, 11:53 am
Ho-hum enclosure, eh?  :scratch:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: sharpsuxx on 24 May 2013, 11:55 am
Hardly an "uninteresting enclosure"  those curves are phenomenal, it sounds like a very big speaker but looks like it has much lighter feet.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 24 May 2013, 01:39 pm
Hardly an "uninteresting enclosure"  those curves are phenomenal, it sounds like a very big speaker but looks like it has much lighter feet.

They look smaller in pics than they do in real life.  They completely dominate Ryan's living room.  I'm sure they'll look "propa" downstairs in the main listening room.  And lighter feet would not be how I'd describe how they feel when we have to move them around . . . (where's the "oh my aching back" smiley?)

We got our measurements before calling it a long day yesterday and it looks like we'll wind up with another "Joule-like" simple crossover that produces a smooth 2nd order acoustic alignment.

EdRo, "ho-hum" and "uninteresting" were the definition of facetious commentary.  Ryan and I are both overwhelmed by the final look.  It's one thing to see them on paper, but to take 3 dimensional reality in the room is something else completely.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: jtwrace on 24 May 2013, 01:49 pm
Did I miss the posted measurements and cost?
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Pete Schumacher on 24 May 2013, 02:14 pm
Did I miss the posted measurements and cost?

We'll get those soon.  We should have them both up and playing today for final voicing.  Preliminary measurement look excellent with exceedingly low distortion and a smooth nominal 8 Ohm impedance.  We'll also be setting final cost very soon.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 28 May 2013, 01:02 am
Very nice shot here, taken with the 12mm lens.  They're buttoned up and ready for Newport Beach.  Tomorrow we load the car and begin the loooong 1800 mile drive  :o

Pete and I hope to meet some new people out there, Atrium Room 206 along with Empirical Audio and Arte Forma.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=81226&size=xlarge)
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Hugh on 28 May 2013, 02:21 am
Awesome.

I got to stop by your room then.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: mtruong34 on 28 May 2013, 04:46 am
Dangit Ryan.  Can I trade in my Cirrus Black?  The Nimbus looks freakin' awesome.  And that's the only way I'll get rid of my Cirrus - is for another Vapor product.

-Mike
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 28 May 2013, 04:54 am
Dangit Ryan.  Can I trade in my Cirrus Black?  The Nimbus looks freakin' awesome.  And that's the only way I'll get rid of my Cirrus - is for another Vapor product.

-Mike

Hey Mike, first off glad to hear you're happy with your Cirrus after the somewhat rocky start.  I'm sure we could work out a very amicable trade-in if you're serious. 

It does look freakin' awesome doesn't it  :lol:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Russell Dawkins on 28 May 2013, 05:13 am
Sorry, but the look doesn't quite gel for me on two counts. I think the baffle board needs to be somewhat concave in overall appearance with the mids tilted down and up, respectively, around the tweeter. I also think the plinths' corner edges should continue the edges of the cabinets they are supporting so, for example, the rear corners would travel inwards and forwards as the cabinet corners do and the front corners (with this flat and near-vertical baffle) would be tilting inward to continue the baffle shape above it.

These are intended as constructive observations, of course.  :D
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: sharpsuxx on 28 May 2013, 06:44 am
I think they look phenomenal.  I am sure there some things you guys will change in future iterations but this a far better "designed" than most speakers I have seen.  I really look forward to hearing them if they make it back from THE show.  If they sound half as good as they look they will be phenomenal.  I love the logo hardwood detail on the base.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: mtruong34 on 28 May 2013, 09:49 am
Hey Mike, first off glad to hear you're happy with your Cirrus after the somewhat rocky start.  I'm sure we could work out a very amicable trade-in if you're serious. 

It does look freakin' awesome doesn't it  :lol:

Hey Ryan, that was just a rhetorical question as I don't have the room now, but maybe in the future...
Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: TF1216 on 29 May 2013, 12:59 pm
Great work!  The Nimbus fits well with your other offerings on the website.  How would one choose between your speaker offerings?  Geesh...

The price is right on the Nimbus as well.   :thumb:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: jtwrace on 29 May 2013, 01:01 pm
Great work!  The Nimbus fits well with your other offerings on the website.  How would one choose between your speaker offerings?  Geesh...

The price is right on the Nimbus as well.   :thumb:

What do you know?  :wink:

We'll get those soon.  We should have them both up and playing today for final voicing.  Preliminary measurement look excellent with exceedingly low distortion and a smooth nominal 8 Ohm impedance.  We'll also be setting final cost very soon.

Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: TF1216 on 29 May 2013, 01:34 pm
What do you know?  :wink:

$7,895 for the Nimbus.  The Cirrus Black gets one almost the entire way to audio nirvana.  How would they then choose between the Joule and Nimbus if they wanted to take it 1/4 step further.  Wooh!  :scratch:

BTW, I don't think Vapor is done with their product line.  Folks better purchase before the decisions get even more difficult.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: roscoeiii on 31 May 2013, 10:28 pm
Know y'all are out at a show, but at some point, I am curious why you went with a single big woofer as opposed to the multiple woofer approach that seems to be more common for floor standers.

Great looking speakers. Now I have another reason to come down to St Louis...
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: catastrofe on 31 May 2013, 10:51 pm
BTW, I don't think Vapor is done with their product line.  Folks better purchase before the decisions get even more difficult.

I'd love to see a really high efficiency design with a minimum impedance of 8 ohms.   :thumb:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: roscoeiii on 31 May 2013, 11:05 pm
I'd love to see a really high efficiency design with a minimum impedance of 8 ohms.   :thumb:

Think when Von Schweikert tried that they didn't find a ton of interest
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: catastrofe on 31 May 2013, 11:07 pm
Think when Von Schweikert tried that they didn't find a ton of interest

Undoubtedly because their price points are "unrealistic". . .
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 1 Jun 2013, 12:10 am
I'd love to see a really high efficiency design with a minimum impedance of 8 ohms.   :thumb:

The Nimbus is 93db sensitive, and does have a min 8 ohm impedance
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: roscoeiii on 1 Jun 2013, 12:56 am
The Nimbus is 93db sensitive, and does have a min 8 ohm impedance

Very impressive. And a benefit of that single woofer, no?
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: EdRo on 10 Jul 2013, 02:56 pm
Has anyone seen this yet?

http://stereomojo.com/2013%20THE%20SHOW%20Newport%20Beach/2013TheShowReportBestOf.htm

or this?

http://dagogo.com/t-h-e-newport-beach-2013-audio-show-report/2

I think people like these!!!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 12 Jul 2013, 03:21 pm
Another piece of info about the Nimbus ...

I've had this conversation with a couple people now, the Nimbus is both very sensitive AND can handle a ton of power.  Some that I've spoke with didn't realize it's power handling capability, but the Nimbus can do 125db ... seriously. 

If you want a combo Home Theater/2-channel room, or have a very large listening area ... or just like peeling paint off the walls and do so without a hint of distortion, the Nimbus is perfect.  It's somewhat unique in that it's as adept in a dedicated 2-channel setup as it is in a Theater setup. 

And yes, we can build a matching center channel! 
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: roscoeiii on 12 Jul 2013, 03:33 pm
Man, I need to hear this speaker. Maybe 2 of them.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 12 Jul 2013, 03:37 pm
Man, I need to hear this speaker. Maybe 2 of them.

Yes, they are better in pairs  :wink:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Don_S on 12 Jul 2013, 04:58 pm
Any plans for baby brothers? Say 10" or 12" woofers?

The Nimbus physical specs are a bit intimidating. I can deal with big SS amps.  :thumb:

Weight: ~250lbs
Dimensions: 53" H (from floor to peak) x 17.5" W (at the woofer center) x 26" D (including rear wall curve)
Recommended amps include everything from low powered SETs to 1000W + Solid State amps.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: pawsman on 12 Jul 2013, 09:36 pm
I've been following the introduction of the Nimbus; though I've never heard it, I'd love to. It reminds me a bit
of the John Otvos Original Mach 7 Waveform, a Pyramid with an MTM configuration and a massive 15" woofer (though the Waveform
 had a dome in the middle and a ribbon on top). It was designed by Paul Barton, I believe.
With high sensitivity and very high output capability, the Nimbus looks like a problem solver.

pawsman
Title: OT re: John Otvos
Post by: Russell Dawkins on 12 Jul 2013, 11:08 pm
This is what John Otvos is doing these days: http://greenerbuilding.ca/
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: bummrush on 12 Jul 2013, 11:21 pm
Hempcrete
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 12 Jul 2013, 11:56 pm
Any plans for baby brothers? Say 10" or 12" woofers?

The Nimbus physical specs are a bit intimidating. I can deal with big SS amps.  :thumb:

Weight: ~250lbs
Dimensions: 53" H (from floor to peak) x 17.5" W (at the woofer center) x 26" D (including rear wall curve)
Recommended amps include everything from low powered SETs to 1000W + Solid State amps.

No plans as yet.  The thing is you need the 15" woofer and 6+ cu/ft of cabinet space to get bass extension and sensitivity.  If we made a smaller version we'd have to give up one of those things up, there's no free lunch.  I suppose we could just lie about our specs like most other manufacturers do  :lol:

But honestly, we're trying to create things that are somewhat unique in the sea of offerings.  The Nimbus is certainly that because it gives you everything for a reasonable price.  If we were to take away bass extension and/or sensitivity, it wouldn't be as compelling.  Size is the only down-side, not visually as in room they are quite svelte, but physical heft.  Once they're in place however, you don't need to worry about moving for a long long time!  And they're as heavy as they are because we don't mess around with construction, a more 'typical' construction and they'd be 120-140 pounds. 
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: jtwrace on 13 Jul 2013, 12:02 am
I suppose we could just lie about our specs like most other manufacturers do  :lol:
Yep.  You didn't know that's an industry standard?   :duh:

I do look forward to your full set of measurements though as discussed in another thread at some point.  It may have been this one.   :scratch:
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 13 Jul 2013, 05:04 pm
Yep.  You didn't know that's an industry standard?   :duh:

Yes, unfortunately I did.  I have that conversation with customers every day it seems, what's possible and what isn't in terms of specs.

Quote
I do look forward to your full set of measurements though as discussed in another thread at some point.  It may have been this one.   :scratch:

I have plenty of measurements obviously, there's a basic on-axis FR on the website.  The vast majority of customers don't seem to care about measurements however, and honestly it confuses some. 
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: jtwrace on 13 Jul 2013, 07:53 pm
Yes, unfortunately I did.  I have that conversation with customers every day it seems, what's possible and what isn't in terms of specs.
I can only imagine...

Quote
I have plenty of measurements obviously, there's a basic on-axis FR on the website. 
Sure.  Polar plots?

Quote
The vast majority of customers don't seem to care about measurements however, and honestly it confuses some.

I have no doubt.  These are the same people that refuse to measure in their own home for the optimum setup but read on this forum and others that binding posts, caps and other widgets yield the biggest result.  It's an absolute shame that most audiophiles or music lovers or whatever they want to call themselves rely on rubbish rather than science.
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: roscoeiii on 24 Aug 2013, 03:54 pm
Can't get the Nimbus out of my head. You mentioned their ability to fill a large room, but what about smaller spaces? What kind of listening distance is needed? How close to the rear wall can they be? What would be the smallest room size you'd recommend for these?
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: Vapor Audio on 24 Aug 2013, 04:38 pm
Can't get the Nimbus out of my head. You mentioned their ability to fill a large room, but what about smaller spaces? What kind of listening distance is needed? How close to the rear wall can they be? What would be the smallest room size you'd recommend for these?

Hey bud, the room at Newport Beach was 16'x11'.  That's pretty small, and we received numerous Best of Show mentions, including John Atkinson.  Sonically they work well in small rooms, it's more of a physical dimensions being able to work in the small room or not. 

I'd say 8' listening distance, and due to the overall depth of the speaker you can put them close to the back wall and still have the drivers 2'+ from the boundary.  Smaller rooms will have their bass nodes in the 60-80hz range, and the bass is so well controlled through that range on the Nimbus that it'll likely work better than most smaller speakers which intentionally have bumps in the 60-80hz range to give the impression of more bass. 

Hop in your car, you could be here by dinnertime :)  We'll fire up the grill and do some listening this evening. 
Title: Re: Nimbus
Post by: roscoeiii on 24 Aug 2013, 06:38 pm
Oh I scheming a visit.