looking to build ACI (audio concepts inc) Sapphires-Need info

Tony Montana · « **on:** 9 Dec 2013, 01:49 pm »

Hi everyone,

First timer here. I'm an old-timey type. Built my first speakers back in mid 80's. They were Audio Concepts Saturn sub-woofers. I'm a furniture maker by trade and I must say the cabinets are top notch! Then I got married and had 5 kids and the sub-woofers sat in the corner of my shop for 25 years. Where does the time go? I had always planned on building the Sapphires to go with it. Then I woke up in 2013 and ACI was long gone. I still have the plans and cut-list for the Saturns.

Was wondering if anyone could offer any info on building the Sapphires. I'm interested in the original Sapphires. I found an old article from the Audio Critic who praises the Sapphire and Sapphire II saying, "The original Sapphire was an awkwardly packaged, somewhat impractical but marvelous speaker that gave the Quad ESL-63 a hard time in a side by side comparison."

ACI describes their specs thus:

Frequency response: 42-20kHz +3db anechoic, 60-18Khz +1.8db (usable in-room bass response extends
cleanly to 36-40Hz)
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms, minimum impedance 5.8 ohms, low reactance
Sensitivity: 86db 1 watt/1 meter
Bass-loading: 4
th order, low Q, front ported system
Recommended RMS Power: 20 to 200 watts per channel

Tweeter: 1” hand-damped silk dome with aperiodic rear chamber, cast faceplate and ferro-fluid

Bass-mid: 7” cast-frame with wood fiber cone, rubber surround; long throw, low distortion motor system
with vented pole piece

Cabinet: MDF Construction: 1” Front Panel, 3/4” Top, Bottom and Rear. Multiple density sides include 3/4”
MDF with added 3/4” solid hardwood sides. Internally damped with Dacron and acoustic foam.
Finishes: Hardwood sides available in clear lacquer on oak, black oak, cherry, maple, walnut and rose
walnut finishes
Inputs: Gold plated binding posts
Dimensions: 17" tall, 9 1/2" wide, 14 1/2" deep
Weight: 35 lbs each
Recommended accessories: Atlantis or Sanus Systems stands, Force, Titan or Maestro Powered
Subwoofers, DH Labs Cables.

jparkhur · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Dec 2013, 02:12 pm »

Had a pair of Sapphire III's, and Titan subs-three of them, loved them. With that said, not sure you can get parts to build the older ones. Also, you may want to contact Mike Dzurko here on the site to see if he has any left over products left in the boat/garage. He shut down ACI a few years ago, but still dabbles here and there.

JP

Tony Montana · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Dec 2013, 03:49 pm »

Hi and thanks for the reply. Tried a site search on Mike Dzurko and it returned me to your post. Any further info on how I can contact him?

jparkhur · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Dec 2013, 03:53 pm »

He is here, you just have to search the right link.. see below. you will have to pm him..

Last post was in OCT

davek · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Dec 2013, 04:59 pm »

I still use the Titan sub kit and love it. Bought a few other kits (before I was married and had other chores).
You might check the old website for more info, it says to contact Meniscus Audio
for any repair question. Hope that helps.

http://www.audioc.com/aboutaci1/support.htm