New commercial full-range speaker at amazing price

thayerg · « **on:** 10 May 2006, 03:13 am »

It looks like a Canadian manufacturer is attempting direct sales of a full-range design 'for the rest of us':

http://atelieraudio.cyrano.ca/

I particularly like the stainless steel ring loading the speaker. That can improve the sound substantially and is not easily made.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 May 2006, 06:35 am »

The guy's in the Horn Shoppe circle post about this speaker.... http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=27768 ...the title of the thread...."Ripoff?"....

Dan Driscoll · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 May 2006, 03:54 pm »

If they really are using that driver and the cabinet construction really is multi-ply birch, it would be hard to consider it a rip-off. It may not be a very good speaker, that will depend on the actual cabinet design. But the materials being used seem to be good quality, which is not what I would expect in a rip-off.

rajacat · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 May 2006, 03:37 pm »

I would be more impressed with the construction if he didn't leave the ends of the 11 ply birch plywood exposed. Makes me wonder about the quality of the interior details.

Dmason · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 May 2006, 04:05 pm »

The horn mouth is in a truly unique placement for it to be called a rip off. It appears to be well made, if not optimal geometry: the mouth placement is a turnoff in my opinion.

It would be up to Dr. Buschorn to determine whether this is a "ripoff" or not. All the others, including Ed, are followers.

If it were my money, I would head straight for the Hornshoppe. No mysteries with that design.

JLM · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 May 2006, 02:21 am »

The horn mouth on the rear doesn't match Ed's Horns, but the outrigging feet that provide stability and a slight angle is a nice touch.

thayerg · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 May 2006, 05:27 pm »

The idea that any kind of proprietary design has been violated seems far-fetched.

On the positive side it's nice to see another vendor validating the full-range model with what looks like a solid value. I applaud the company for daring to leave the plywood edges exposed--baltic birch's voidless and thin plies actually look quite handsome imho.

Dmason · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 May 2006, 06:35 pm »

Rajacat

The exposed laminations is actually a tribute to the Japanese aesthetic of horn building. Look at the Japanese Fostex-based stuff, and you will see that in all cases the lams are not only exposed, most have ripped chamfers, and are finished extraordinarily well. That aspect of the Atelier horn gives it some design gravitas, IMHO.

In my opinion, the Atelier is a statement piece. It is sophisticated as is the Quebec audiophool community. That thing is likely no joke.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 May 2006, 06:51 pm »

They are in Montreal, else I would give them a listen - at this point, a 6 hour drive is not in the cards...

JLM · « **Reply #9 on:** 12 May 2006, 10:36 pm »

Fs for the FE126E is 70 Hz, so none of these cabinets, whatever the design, seem to be adding much. But these are rather handsome and are cheaper than The Horns.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 May 2006, 11:34 pm »

It looks like they are in the process of being reviewed in 6moons:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/audioreviews.html

and American Wired:
http://www.americanwired.com/comingsoon/comingsoon.html

The 6moons reviewer, Michael Lavorgna, is quite familiar with horn speakers such as the Hornshoppe's, Cain and Cain, Lamhorns, etc.

I'm looking forward to reading about these. At $699/pair, they like a seriously good value, but how do they sound

rajacat · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 May 2006, 12:24 am »

Quote from: Dmason

Rajacat

The exposed laminations is actually a tribute to the Japanese aesthetic of horn building. Look at the Japanese Fostex-based stuff, and you will see that in all cases the lams are not only exposed, most have ripped chamfers, and are finished extraordinarily well. That aspect of the Atelier horn gives it some design gravitas, IMHO.>>>

Dmason

I guess it is just a matter of taste. This method of construction also saves some time, therefore lowering the cost to the consumer. I just don't like the looks of exposed laminates in furniture grade joinery regardless of the grade of plywood.

Raja

robertG · « **Reply #12 on:** 1 Jun 2006, 12:25 pm »

These speakers were demo'ed at a Montreal Audiophile Meeting, in their gigantic listening space (65 x 12 x 24 ft), and at the end of the 3 hour demo, the attendance applauded. Something seldomly seen.

The speakers were positioned six ft from the rear wall. When installed closer, the bass was overpowering the space!!

Michael Lavorgna will review for 6Moons. He personaly owns Hornshoppe's Horn and Cain&Cain speakers, so he's really the right guy to sort things out.

robertG · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 Jun 2006, 11:07 pm »

Actual comments from someone who bought a pair :

These speakers must have some time on them because I was not able to sit down and enjoy The Horn Shoppe Horns as I have been with the First Horns. The speakers have a big sound that is a little closer but more intimate than what I have been used to hearing. I am hearing the drums resonate like I have not heard before. The piano has great tonality and fullness. I have had but about 30 minutes and I can tell these are very accomplished speakers. I am using my Eastern Electric tube integrated M520 amplifier

ebag4 · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 Jun 2006, 11:28 pm »

Quote

Thank you for your very deep insight on the subject. Id like to comment a bit on that, as I designed the Concerti 108 you kindly refer too.

Hi Robert:
I thought you should introduce yourself so that everyone knows who they are talking to. I see from your earlier post (see quote above) that you designed the Gemme Audio Concerti 108. It is my understanding that Atelier, makers of the Firsthorn is an offshoot of Gemme Audio (Concerti 108) in some fashion. Did you design the Firsthorn as well?

Thanks,
Ed

robertG · « **Reply #15 on:** 20 Jun 2006, 12:26 am »

Ed,
I designed both the First Horn and the Concerti 108, as well as the upcoming Diablo, Concerti 208 and a few others. I've been designing speakers for the past 30 years or so, especially horns for PA purposes.
Atelier Speakers is Gemme Audio's laboratory. Product lines are aimed at two different markets. Gemme products are money-no-object in construction, engineering and finish, while Atelier Speakers products are oriented toward maximum sonic quality for a given price range. As such, I'd dare to say that Atelier products are probably more "design" intensive, meaning that everything is done to keep cost low while providing excellent construction and sound.
Soundwise, the Concerti was specifically designed around the Sigma driver and it will faithfully reproduce the sonic quality (and defaults) of every single component in the system. The First Horn is more exhuberent in character with big plumpy bass, and will be happy with almost all components and music types.
Anyway, do not take my word on that because I'm obviously partial. Upcoming reviews on 6Moons and SoundStage - and customers.