Here is some info on the soon to be released A/V-4.
This three-way uses the SW-12A woofer and PR-12A radiator with the M-130 woofer and GR-T2 tweeter.
It's designed to be a slim floor standing speaker that with floor spikes barely crests the 40 inch mark. High WAF !
Sensitivity is 87db, and the -3db down point is 25Hz. It can take lots of power too.
Yea.
See ugly prototype below:
As you can see the low frequency woofer is side firing. Crossing over to the M-130 in the 125Hz this big woofer blends with the M-130 in a seamless transition.
Relieving the M-130 woofer from duty below 125hz and protecting it well with a third order (forth order acoustical) electrical network really lower the distortion and allowed the M-130 to sing like never before.
What really turned out to be one of the best things about this speaker is how well it disappears. It is as transparent as any speaker I have heard. This was due in part to the way the M-130 is loaded.
Looking at the prototypes you can see that there are two side pieces that mount onto the actually enclosure. On one side this flushes out the woofers. The other side is to mirror image the next side of the box. This also makes the boxes 1.5" think in these areas. It is well braced too.
If you look at the shape of the side pieces you will see that they slant up at an angle. This is because that on the inside of the enclosure the divider that separates the lower woofer section from the upper section also shares this same slant.
Not only does this divide the two sections but it forms an open back transmission line loaded upper section for the M-130. This slanted floor section loaded and tuned the upper cavity to 125Hz. This keeps the M-130 output tightly controlled and linear right down to its crossover point.
The real surprise came in listening. This open backed section also acts somewhat like an infinite baffle through much of its range. Like a simple open backed design loaded with dampening material.
This open back design has one of the most boxless sounds I have ever heard from a boxed speaker. Airy, clear and transparent....
Vocals are lush and just hang in the air but have great focus too. Imaging, placement, and sound staging is all excellent. I am really proud of this one and can't wait for my customers to hear them so they can share in my joy.
The rear open area will feature a nice looking grill that will finish out the look and shape of the enclosure.
The clarity and detail level of the low bass ranges are clearly a step up from the stand mounted two ways with subs. Tight and well controlled bass with a smooth extension.
No boominess, no sloppiness, no peaks, or dips...
The bummer now is that I have to dissemble them to get them veneered and painted. For this pair I am thinking of doing them in a quilted Maple (high gloss) with the side pieces painted in a glossy Black.
The frequency response was smooth as glass just like all of our designs, and the impedance is a vary consistent 8 ohms with a 6 ohm minimum.
Looks like kit cost will be $795. for a pair and include everything.
