DIATONE DS-3000 (JAPAN 1984)
|
|
The DS-3000 was a 4-way acoustic air suspension bookshelf speaker introduced to the market by Diatone in 1984.
Inheriting the technology of the DS-1000 and based on the 4-way DS-505 system, this high-performance system pursued greater rigidity and delivered high-resolution sound. The DMM (Direct Magnet Circuit Mount) structure developed for the DS-1000 was adopted for the mid-bass and woofer, achieving high-resolution mid- and low-frequency sounds. The woofer was a 32cm aramid honeycomb cone unit, and the mid-bass unit was a 16cm aramid honeycomb cone unit. The mid-high and tweeter units also used the DM system developed for the DS-1000. The mid-high unit was equipped with a 5cm DUD (DIATONE Unified Diaphram) boron dome unit, and the tweeter was a 2.3cm DUD boron dome unit. Like the DS-1000, it featured a round baffle. (Diatone is a specialized audio division of Mitsubishi). Specifications: Speaker System: 4-way acoustic air suspension | Speakers: Bass: 32cm cone type - Mid-low: 16cm cone type - Mid-treble: 5cm dome type - Treble: 2.3cm dome type | Nominal Impedance: 6Ω | Frequency Range: 25-40,000Hz | Maximum Input: 180W | Sound Output: 90dB/W | Crossover Frequencies: 350Hz, 1,350Hz, 4,500Hz | Dimensions: 450 W x 750 H x 420 D mm | Weight: 52kg | Original sale price: ¥260,000 (with net grille, 1 unit)
Inheriting the technology of the DS-1000 and based on the 4-way DS-505 system, this high-performance system pursued greater rigidity and delivered high-resolution sound. The DMM (Direct Magnet Circuit Mount) structure developed for the DS-1000 was adopted for the mid-bass and woofer, achieving high-resolution mid- and low-frequency sounds. The woofer was a 32cm aramid honeycomb cone unit, and the mid-bass unit was a 16cm aramid honeycomb cone unit. The mid-high and tweeter units also used the DM system developed for the DS-1000. The mid-high unit was equipped with a 5cm DUD (DIATONE Unified Diaphram) boron dome unit, and the tweeter was a 2.3cm DUD boron dome unit. Like the DS-1000, it featured a round baffle. (Diatone is a specialized audio division of Mitsubishi). Specifications: Speaker System: 4-way acoustic air suspension | Speakers: Bass: 32cm cone type - Mid-low: 16cm cone type - Mid-treble: 5cm dome type - Treble: 2.3cm dome type | Nominal Impedance: 6Ω | Frequency Range: 25-40,000Hz | Maximum Input: 180W | Sound Output: 90dB/W | Crossover Frequencies: 350Hz, 1,350Hz, 4,500Hz | Dimensions: 450 W x 750 H x 420 D mm | Weight: 52kg | Original sale price: ¥260,000 (with net grille, 1 unit)
DIATONE DS-5000 (JAPAN 1984)
|
|
Diatone is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Electric Japan, used for audio-visual equipment and it's one of Japan's leading speaker brands. In 2016 the brand celebrated its 70th Anniversary. The Diatone trade name was used for the first time in 1946 while the Diatone DS-5000 was introduced as a flagship loudspeaker model in 1982. This bass reflex system loudspeaker is made of lauan plywood and it houses a 40cm aramid fiber honeycomb cone bass, 25cm aramid fibre honeycomb bass-mid, 6.5cm boron coated titanium dome D.U.D. diaphragm for mid-high and a 2.3cm boron coated titanium dome D.U.D. diaphragm for tweeter. (D.U.D. - Diatone Unified Diaphragm). The frequency range of this loudspeaker is 20Hz to 60 kHz while the 635x1050x460 mm enclosure weighs a whopping 87 kg. A special accessory, the DK 5000 acoustic cube made of Canadian maple was sold separately (8 pcs. 1 set) as speaker vibration block. Maximum input power of the loudspeaker is 250W, impedance 6 ohm and the crossover frequencies are at 300Hz, 1.25kHz and 4kHz. The loudspeaker is equipped with adjustment for room acoustic in the form of L-pads for mid and high frequencies. In 1987 the Diatone merged with Akai Electric (AKAI) which joined Mitsubishi Group due to a financial crisis, and established the joint brand A&D (Akai&Diatone). After the disappearance of the A&D brand in 1991 Diatone adopted the form of made-to-order manufacturing.
DIATONE DS-10000 (JAPAN 1985)
|
|
The DS-10000 was released by DIATONE in 1985 as the 40th anniversary model of the brand, a Mitsubishi brand. The DS-10000 is actually based on the DS-1000 released in 1983. This model was considered to have the highest potential in terms of overall performance. The arrangement of the drive units has been determined based on the results of the study of the acoustic radiation pattern by computer analysis in a laboratory, thus their position being considered oiptimal. The woofer unit used is a 27 cm diameter aramid honeycomb curved cone. This uses an aluminum honeycomb structure core and aramid, a high-strength, high-elasticity, low-density long fiber material, as the skin material. This is a Diatone unique diaphragm. The midrange unit and tweeter unit use a 50mm and a 23mm reinforced diffusion boronized dome diaphragm. All wiring in the system was done with extra-thick linear crystal oxygen-free conductors, and the wiring was done by crimping with gold-plated sleeves (metal fittings) without soldering. The capacitors used in the network were also specially made with high-quality parts, such as large MP capacitors. The DK-10000 was an optional loudspeaker stand. Technical Data: Type: 3-way speaker, sealed bookshelf type | Bass: 27cm aramid honeycomb curved cone type - Midrange: 50mm boron D.U.D dome type - Treble: 23mm boron D.U.D dome type | Nominal impedance: 6Ω | Frequency range: 35-60,000Hz | Output sound pressure level: 90dB/W/m | Maximum allowable input: 180W (EIAJ) | Rated input: 60W (EIAJ) | Crossover frequency: 600Hz, 5000Hz | External dimensions: Width 360 x Height 625 x Depth 290mm | Weight: 27kg
ELAC 250 4Pi (GERMANY 1985)
|
|
The ELAC 250-477 loudspeaker system was designed as a 4-way unit. Each of the loudspeaker chassis used only has to transmit the frequency range in which it works best. The playback quality is clearly audibly better because the amplitude frequency response (the evenly loud playback of all frequencies from the deepest bass to the highest treble), the phase behavior and the directional characteristics are optimal. The - compared to conventional three-way systems - smaller frequency band, which is transmitted by the speaker chassis, eliminates the otherwise frequently heard sound discoloration in the mid-range, for example, and the sound radiation is more even, less directed. The low frequencies are transmitted up to around 550 Hz by four small special low-frequency drivers. The comparatively small cones are lighter and more stable than those with a larger diameter. The lower dead weight and the powerful coating due to the four large magnets result in an optimal power/mass ratio. Great acceleration is essential for the realistic bass reproduction and therefore no problem. The unintentionally precise impulse reproduction has an overwhelming effect. A total of four loudspeaker chassis - all special developments for the 250-4Pi - work in parallel, falling through the transmission line. The bass systems and the transmission line were designed in such a way that the lowest frequencies down to 20 Hz can still be reproduced cleanly.
The midrange, which is so important for the natural sound image, is transmitted by two fabric dome speakers. Frequencies from 550 to 1450 Hz are reproduced by the 80(!) mm dome system. It can transmit this frequency range precisely and without distortion. The MT 25 high-midrange system, a special ELAC development, transmits the frequency range between 1450 and 4000 Hz. For the reproduction of the high tones from 4000 Hz, the 4Pi uses a technology newly developed by ELAC engineers and patented together with the Dutch group Bakker/van den Hul is used for the first time. Instead of the usual dome or cone diaphragms, a cylindrical aluminum strip that is only 5 thousandths of a millimeter (5 μm) thin is used. This extremely light cone has unmistakable advantages: an exceptional impulse reproduction is achieved thanks to the low surface weight. Only sound-radiating parts are moved in this innovative tweeter system. There are no longer any drive coils, which ignite the oscillating mass in conventional tweeter systems and thus round off the finest impulses during playback. Two powerful toroidal magnets arranged above and below the cylindrical ribbon holder generate the force field to move the aluminum ribbon. With the ELAC 4Pi technology, high frequencies are emitted evenly in the room, a basic requirement for homogeneous sound propagation in the listening room.
High quality crossover network. The 250-4Pi contains only selected components. The high-quality air coils are manufactured by ELAC itself - only then can the exact optimum values be maintained within the narrow tolerances specified for this high-quality speaker system. Only film capacitors are used so that the first-class sound impression is retained for years to come. They guarantee long-term stability of their physical parameters. Even the influence of the connection cables on the sound was taken into account: oxygen-free copper cables connect the chassis to the network, the network to the connection terminal. Technical data: 4-way Transmission Line | Dimensions: 1550x460x460mm | Weight:90kg | Crossover frequencies: 560/1450/4000Hz | Power: 350/250W (impulse/nominal) | Frequency range: 18-28000Hz| Sensitivity: 83 dB/1W/1m | Minimal impedance: 2.3ohm | Original sale price: 2x7498 DM, Germany.
The midrange, which is so important for the natural sound image, is transmitted by two fabric dome speakers. Frequencies from 550 to 1450 Hz are reproduced by the 80(!) mm dome system. It can transmit this frequency range precisely and without distortion. The MT 25 high-midrange system, a special ELAC development, transmits the frequency range between 1450 and 4000 Hz. For the reproduction of the high tones from 4000 Hz, the 4Pi uses a technology newly developed by ELAC engineers and patented together with the Dutch group Bakker/van den Hul is used for the first time. Instead of the usual dome or cone diaphragms, a cylindrical aluminum strip that is only 5 thousandths of a millimeter (5 μm) thin is used. This extremely light cone has unmistakable advantages: an exceptional impulse reproduction is achieved thanks to the low surface weight. Only sound-radiating parts are moved in this innovative tweeter system. There are no longer any drive coils, which ignite the oscillating mass in conventional tweeter systems and thus round off the finest impulses during playback. Two powerful toroidal magnets arranged above and below the cylindrical ribbon holder generate the force field to move the aluminum ribbon. With the ELAC 4Pi technology, high frequencies are emitted evenly in the room, a basic requirement for homogeneous sound propagation in the listening room.
High quality crossover network. The 250-4Pi contains only selected components. The high-quality air coils are manufactured by ELAC itself - only then can the exact optimum values be maintained within the narrow tolerances specified for this high-quality speaker system. Only film capacitors are used so that the first-class sound impression is retained for years to come. They guarantee long-term stability of their physical parameters. Even the influence of the connection cables on the sound was taken into account: oxygen-free copper cables connect the chassis to the network, the network to the connection terminal. Technical data: 4-way Transmission Line | Dimensions: 1550x460x460mm | Weight:90kg | Crossover frequencies: 560/1450/4000Hz | Power: 350/250W (impulse/nominal) | Frequency range: 18-28000Hz| Sensitivity: 83 dB/1W/1m | Minimal impedance: 2.3ohm | Original sale price: 2x7498 DM, Germany.
KENWOOD LS-1900 (JAPAN 1980)
|
|
The LS-1900 from Kenwood is a rare example of the art of high quality speaker design. Kenwood was not claiming another "revolutionary break-through" in speaker design but there's no doubt that the design techniques used to aid the creation of this remarkable system are state-of-the-art. To maintain linerity of the speaker cone movement at all inputs, the LS-1900 woofer features a 33cm diameter cone with an accordion shaped edge support, driven by a massive Alnica V magnetic structure encased in a pot yoke. Since the mid-range driver's area covers most of the frequencies we actually hear in music, it is one of the most important elemnts of a speaker system. For this Kenwood developped a mid-frequency driver with center support for linear cone movement. It is the high frequency driver that gives a high fidelity system its "presence" by its ability to reproduce musical overtones. Kenwood engineers designed a ring-diaphragm driver for wide dispersion and low distortion. In order to isolate vibrations produced by the woofer and its enclosure the mid-range and tweeter are mounted in a separate housing that can also be rotated for optimal sound in your listening room. The LS-1900 is designed to be placed directly on the floor. There are two ways of using the LS-1900 loudspeaker system. One way is to use the loudspeaker normally with a stereo amplifier in which case one will use the dedicated inputs marked "internal network". A more sophisticated method is to use a cross-over network inserted after the control amplifier which will feed separate low-range, mid-range and high-range power amplifiers with dedicated input at the back of the LS-1900.
ONKYO Scepter 1001 (JAPAN 1993)
|
|
With its slim cabinet and attractive, genuine wood veneer, this system blends harmoniously into any living space. There, it delivers a sound reminiscent of live concerts. This excellent sound is due in part to Onkyo's low-density fiberboard and effective measures to suppress magnetic distortion. The tweeter features a special magnesium/aluminium dome that ensures effortless brilliance. Technical Data: 3-Way Bass Reflex 50mm MDF box with real wood finish | Max. Input: 250 W | Nominal Power: 100 W | Frequency Range: 25Hz-40.000Hz | Impedance: 4ohm | Woofer: 30cm Biocross cone - Midrange: 8cm Magnesium/Aluminium | Tweeter: 2.5cm Magnesium/Aluminium | Dimensions: 390x700x411mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 49.5kg | Original sale price/pair 2400 DM Germany
ONKYO Scepter 3001 (JAPAN 1989)
|
|
The Scepter 3001 was introduced by Onkyo in 1989 and it featured a Super Labyrinth System Super Woofer for extremely deep bass. The front facing 20cm MID4 woofer reproduced a wide frequency range of 80 Hz to 1.5 kHz. This bandwidth covered the entire spectrum of the human voice for uncommonly realistic and cohesive vocal reproduction. For an extremely high frequency reproduction an ultra-lightweight aluminum tweeter in a spherical enclosure was placed on the top of the loudspeaker system. Technical Data: 4-Way Labyrinth System | Max. Input: 250 W | Frequency Range: 20Hz-50.000Hz | Impedance: 4ohm | Super Woofer: 25cm "Delta Olefin" cone - Woofer: 20cm "Cross Carbon" cone - Midrange: 5cm Ultra-Lightweight Aluminum - Tweeter: 2.5cm Ultra-Lightweight Aluminum | Dimensions: 321x1130x460mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 51kg | Original sale price/pair 4200 DM Germany
OTTO SX-P1 (JAPAN 1976)
|
|
Otto (Orthophonic Transistorized Technical Operation) was a brand name used by Sanyo for the Japanese market. The SX-P1 was introduced at the International Exhibition held in Osaka in 1976 and it received the highest award. At that time, various manufacturers were competing with each other by releasing large, powerful speaker systems priced at around 130,000 yen. There was a lineup of powerful loudspeakers such as Sony's SS-G7, Sansui's SP-G300, and Onkyo's Scepter 10. Among them, Sanyo Electric, which was working hard under the OTTO brand at the time, released the SX-P1. The biggest feature of the SX-P1 was the woofer unit. It was a 30cm diameter cone woofer that used a metal diaphragm called a "porous metal cone." This "porous metal cone" was made by foaming nickel material, then gluing 20μ aluminum foil to the inside, and molding the whole into a cone shape. It achieved high rigidity and sound speed that only metal can provide, and the foaming gave it a sufficiently low Q value comparable to that of a paper cone, achieving excellent characteristics as a diaphragm. It was driven by a large ferrite magnet with a diameter of 156 mm and a weight of 1.4 kg, with a high magnetic flux density of 11,000 gauss, which aimed for low distortion. This woofer was also sold as a standalone unit as the ASX-1 (35,000 yen). The squawker was equipped with a 67mm diameter dome-type unit that used a newly developed 50μ thick three-layer diaphragm made of pure aluminum with 80% alumina on both sides. The tweeter was equipped with a ring-type unit that used a 30μ thick ultra-lightweight 6mm wide ring-structure diaphragm made of hard aluminum. The diaphragm itself was ultra-lightweight at 0.06g, and the V-shaped ring structure had the advantage that the width from the driving point of the voice coil to the edge was narrow, making it less likely to cause split vibration. As mentioned above, from the woofer to the tweeter , it was composed of metal diaphragm units. The cabinet itself was an elaborate one with an ebony veneer finish, and the woofer baffle was as thick as 80 mm. The total weight of the system was 51 kg. The export version was sold as Fisher STE 1200. There was even a Soviet copy of this loudspeaker, the Elektronika 100AC-060. Specifications: 3-way bass reflex system | Woofer: 30cm diameter, uni-cone type (porous metal cone) - Midrange: 67mm diameter, hard-dome type (oxidized aluminum dome) - Tweeter: 38mm diameter, ring type | Rated input: 100W (200W peak) | Output level: 93db/1m | Frequency range: 25-35.000Hz | Dimensions (WxHxD): 450x910x430mm | Weight: 51kg
PHILIPS F9434 (NEDERLAND 1983)
|
|
The F9434 was introduced by Philips in 1983. Following the trends of the moment this loudspeaker uses flat membrane speakers. These are still cone-type drive units but the cone is coupled to a rigid plane mounted perpendicular to the drive coil. The membrane is coupled to the cone at its nodal radius (the point of zero displacement under any resonant condition) and this ensures that the entire surface of the membrane responds uniformly to the drive at all frequencies and amplitudes. For extended bass performance the F9434 also utilize a DRM - Dynamic Bass Processor. This passive membrane works in phase with the active woofer and covers the low frequency range between 30 and 100Hz. For brilliant transient reproduction and high power handling the tweeter is a Isophase tweeter. This is a wafer-thin Capton membrane (10x thinner than a human hair) in which the voice coil is incorporated. Power rating is 80 W Nominal/140W Music power | Frequency response: 30-40.000Hz | Impedance 8ohm | Size: 740x270x290mm | Weight: 14,8kg.
PHILIPS F9638 MFB (NEDERLAND 1983)
|
|
The MFB loudspeaker F 9638 from 1983 incorporated Philips' latest scientific findings in active loudspeaker technology. While these are "super-high-tech" loudspeakers they went fairly unnoticed in the world of high fidelity. The main problem for these loudspeakers went unnoticed is the fact that Philips brochures presented them as they were just another Philips product. These however incorporated a series of features that were unknown/revolutionary while the way they were presented created confusion in understanding what they really are. Revolutionary, that's what they were. In todays language these features are as follow:
- Active loudspeaker technology. Built-in amplifier with dedicated 75W bass amplifier and 55W mid-high range amplifier
- Active crossover network.
- Automatic power on-off when used with a pre-amplifier
- Pre-set audio level adjustment on the front
- Side selector switch to assign which speaker is left and which is right channel
- Increased acoustic reproduction power possible by connecting several MFB speakers in series.
- Flat diaphragm woofer and midrange
- Isophase ribbon tweeter
- MFB (Motional Feedback System). A built-in accelerometer detects movement of the bass loudspeaker while it's feedback results in less distortion.
- While specially designed to be used directly with a preamplifier they can also be used with a normal integrated amplifier.
- Designed for Digital Audio. These were introduced when CD was just introduced and the "for Digital Audio" badge (as used by many facturers) induced the fact that you absolutely need these loudspeaker for perfect audio from CD. This was of course just an exagerated term.
- Frequency range 27-40,000 Hz
- Total amplifier power (DIN): 105 watts nominal, 130 watts music
- Size: 31x63x24cm
And just as a final notice. Let's not forget that these loudspeakers were simply presented as a special kind of Hi-Fi speakers not some kind of Ultra High-End out-of this world Exotic creatures.
- Active loudspeaker technology. Built-in amplifier with dedicated 75W bass amplifier and 55W mid-high range amplifier
- Active crossover network.
- Automatic power on-off when used with a pre-amplifier
- Pre-set audio level adjustment on the front
- Side selector switch to assign which speaker is left and which is right channel
- Increased acoustic reproduction power possible by connecting several MFB speakers in series.
- Flat diaphragm woofer and midrange
- Isophase ribbon tweeter
- MFB (Motional Feedback System). A built-in accelerometer detects movement of the bass loudspeaker while it's feedback results in less distortion.
- While specially designed to be used directly with a preamplifier they can also be used with a normal integrated amplifier.
- Designed for Digital Audio. These were introduced when CD was just introduced and the "for Digital Audio" badge (as used by many facturers) induced the fact that you absolutely need these loudspeaker for perfect audio from CD. This was of course just an exagerated term.
- Frequency range 27-40,000 Hz
- Total amplifier power (DIN): 105 watts nominal, 130 watts music
- Size: 31x63x24cm
And just as a final notice. Let's not forget that these loudspeakers were simply presented as a special kind of Hi-Fi speakers not some kind of Ultra High-End out-of this world Exotic creatures.
PHILIPS FB1000 (NEDERLAND 1990)
|
|
A little bit out of the ordinary, appealing to those with a specialist interest, those appreciative of the finest construction and materials. The FB 1000 is the pinnacle of PHILIPS loudspeaker design. Though incorporating four drive units the FB 1000 is basically a World-Class two-way loudspeaker. The lower two drivers (a super tweeter and second woofer) are "contour definition transducers" to provide real bass below 150Hz and to extend treble out to 40kHz. The complete four-way package is a true high-performance loudspeaker with maximum 300W high-power handling. The computer designed cabinet is divided into two independent non-parallel compartments giving an ideal air load for the two bass drivers and minimizing internal standing waves further reducing coloration. All new bass drivers have been developed for this exceptional loudspeaker. A newly developed mix of polypropylene and chopped carbon fibers is injection molded to form exceptionally rigid, lightweight cones. Low coloration, Isophase ribbon tweeters and super tweeters are used for fast transient response, low coloration and zero phase shift. A computer developed high-performance crossover integrates these drivers @ 500Hz/2,2kHz/13kHz. A rebadged version of this model was the marantz LS-95, part of their Music Link series products. Both loudspeakers were manufactured at the PHILIPS factory in Belgium. Specifications: 40 Hz -40 kHz (-6dB) / 47 Hz - 32 kHz (+/- 2 dB) / Power Nominal 180W / Max. 300 W / 1360*400*340mm / 70 kg
PHILIPS DSS930 (NEDERLAND 1993)
|
|
Philips has been known as a pioneer of active loudspeakers since the early 70s with their MFB model range. The DSS930 takes the active loudspeaker concept a step further...into the Digital age. This is a 2-way 3-speaker system with built-in bi-amplifier and four built-in DAC converters for the woofer and tweeter. They will only accept as input signal Digital sources via Digital input. While they can be operated directly, with a dedicated remote controller, from a Digital source such as CD player, DCC or Laserdisc it is best to be used with the matching DSC950 system controller. This will accept both analog and digital sources but it will transmit the signal to the loudspeakers in digital form. The system is using a chain connection method meaning that you will connect the controller to one loudspeaker and then the signal goes further from this speaker to the next. This way you can build a multiroom system with up to 6 pair of speakers. Each loudspeaker has a set of switches at the back to select their operation mode, Left or Right channel and Room A, B or C. Technical Data: 2-Way 3-Speakers | Power: 80W bass + 20W tweeter | Frequency Range: 50Hz-20.000Hz | Woofer: 14cm x 2 - Tweeter: Philips Isophase ribbon tweeter | Dimensions: 220x575x325mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 16kg | Optional speaker stands: FV 105 and FV 110.
SONY APM-77W (JAPAN 1981)
|
|
The highlight of the Sony APM-77W is the use of flat drivers, the so called APM (Accurate Pistonic Motion) driver which is a Sony development. The diaphragm of the woofer uses a honeycomb sandwich structure in which an aluminum core is sandwiched by aluminum skins, and a damper is incorporated in the sandwich structure to suppress plate vibration. This diaphragm is driven at four points by four magnetic circuits and a voice coil. This solution offers a 100 times more rigid structure than a regular paper cone. This solution provides a clear, precise and even dispersion of sound. The midrange and tweeter use similar construction while the crossover is composed of 3-individual network boards.
Technical Data: 3-Way Bass Reflex | Max. Input: 200 W | Rated input: 100 W | Frequency Range: 28Hz-30.000Hz | Impedance: 6ohm | Woofer: 530 cm2 APM - Midrange: 27 cm2 APM - Tweeter: 7 cm2 APM | Dimensions: 405x745x325mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 32kg | Available also in grey color. | Optional Speaker Stand WS-500 | Original sale price: 4000 DM/pair in Germany
Technical Data: 3-Way Bass Reflex | Max. Input: 200 W | Rated input: 100 W | Frequency Range: 28Hz-30.000Hz | Impedance: 6ohm | Woofer: 530 cm2 APM - Midrange: 27 cm2 APM - Tweeter: 7 cm2 APM | Dimensions: 405x745x325mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 32kg | Available also in grey color. | Optional Speaker Stand WS-500 | Original sale price: 4000 DM/pair in Germany
SONY APM-66ES (JAPAN 1985)
|
|
The lineage of APM speakers stretches from the first model, the APM-8 of the "Esprit" series, in 1979 to the latest APM-66ES. This is the unchanging philosophy behind Sony's Hi-Fi audio - to convey music in its purest form, without any additives or loss of anything. By reproducing only the music signal, the emotion of music emerges from the APM-66ES. This APM 3-way speaker has been perfected to the next level, with an amorphous diamond tweeter, a multi-point drive woofer, and an acoustically rounded enclosure. The natural sound field and detailed depiction of instruments and vocals with their natural color and texture. The deep emotion and flavor of music is born from here. A 9cm² APM tweeter made from amorphous diamond, a new material that provides high resolution and crystal clear high frequencies. After years of research, Sony has succeeded in depositing this new material onto an aluminum skin material. The synergistic effect of its high sound speed value, high rigidity, and aluminum honeycomb structure has resulted in a diaphragm that has excellent transient characteristics and produces clear playback sound without any quirks, making it suitable for the digital audio era. In addition, the voice coil uses lightweight and highly efficient copper-clad aluminum edgewise wire. The magnetic circuit is equipped with the strongest strontium ferrite magnet in its class, and a magnetic fluid with high heat dissipation and damping effects is injected into the voice coil gap. It reproduces high frequencies with a high level of transparency that vividly depicts even the subtle details of music. A 48cm² APM type midrange speaker with double-sided drive that reproduces vocals beautifully and freely. The midrange is the band where the fundamental tones of musical sounds are concentrated. The quality of vocal reproduction in particular is greatly affected by the quality of the midrange. The APM-66ES also incorporates new technology here. It uses a three-layered reinforced aluminum skin material based on aluminum. This is a reinforced aluminum material with fine internal cavities that has been treated with vibration damping, which increases rigidity while also reducing internal loss. The sweet spots of the skin material in front and behind the diaphragm are driven on both sides. This has greatly improved the rise and smoothness of the sound. In addition, the magnetic circuit is designed to be low distortion with a T-shaped pole piece, a perforated yoke, and a copper cap, and is highly efficient with the largest strontium ferrite magnet in its class and an oxygen-free copper-coated aluminum edgewise voice coil. It beautifully depicts rich, lustrous vocals, as well as the color and warmth of music. In addition, by using a large back chamber and setting the lowest resonance frequency low, the transition from the mid-range to the low-range is extremely smooth. A 424cm² APM woofer with multi-point drive system produces rich, firm bass. The aluminum honeycomb diaphragm is driven by multiple armatures directly connected to the voice coil, effectively canceling split vibrations beyond the usable frequency band. This design concept has been expanded to a total of eight armatures, canceling split vibrations up to higher modes. This achieves a pistonic motion band approximately five times (compared to our previous model) that of a comparable cone-type woofer, achieving a wide, flat playback band up to 4kHz. At the same time, distortion has been significantly reduced. To fully utilize the benefits of this drive system, the woofers are equipped with a powerful magnetic circuit with a low distortion design that includes a T-shaped pole piece with excellent magnetic flux symmetry and a perforated yoke that reduces back pressure on the diaphragm. In addition, the woofers are equipped with a high heat-resistant, high-rigidity armature. Main specifications: Format: 3-way phase inversion type; Speakers used: 424cm² APM type for bass, 48cm² APM type for midrange, 9cm² APM type for treble; Impedance: 6ohm; Rated maximum input: 100W; Instantaneous maximum input: 200W; Output sound pressure level: 90dB/W/m; Effective frequency band: 28-45,000Hz; Crossover frequency: 600Hz, 4.5kHz; Size: 380 (width) x 660 (height) x 365 (depth) mm Weight: 27 kg
SONY SS-GR1 (JAPAN 1991)
|
|
Just like the distortion figure and signal-to-noise ratio cannot tell everything about an amplifier, it is no exaggeration to say that when it comes to speakers, there is no "measurement" to begin with. However, it is also true that speakers that produce good sound are based on solid know-how. The SS-GR1 is a speaker system that focuses on implementing the know-how that has been continuously cultivated by Sony. It was sought an overall structure that would not make even the weakest sounds generated from the enclosure harmful. That is the RC (Resonance Control) frame. A large, sturdy wooden frame is installed in the inside of the enclosure, and this serves as the framework of the enclosure where the front and back baffles are connected. A super oval enclosure that prevents directivity disturbance and achieves a natural sound localization feeling was adopted using a technology that is also used in the molding of the side plate of a grand piano. The three CD horns (Constant Directivity) are machined from the front baffle. Technical Data: 4-Way Bass Reflex | Max. Input: 300 W | Nominal Power: 100 W | Frequency Range: 25Hz-35.000Hz | Impedance: 6ohm | Woofer: 30cm polyamide fibers and pulp mixed - Midrange: 10cm polyamide mixed pulp + SiC* balanced drive - Tweeter: 3cm SiC* dome - Super Tweeter: 2cm Bio-Cellulose dome | Dimensions: 544x1026x445mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 75kg |
*SiC: Silicon Carbide | Original sale price in Japan ¥2,200,000/pair
*SiC: Silicon Carbide | Original sale price in Japan ¥2,200,000/pair
SONY SS-1ED (JAPAN 1999)
|
|
The Sony SS-1ED is a 4-way 5-unit speaker system with excellent resolution and detail reproduction, as well as a wide dynamic range and frequency band. The newly developed 100kHz super tweeter unit can faithfully reproduce even ultra-high frequency components beyond the audible range. The lightweight, high-rigidity carbon-graphite composite hard dome diaphragm and the electromagnetic induction type unit that reduces inductance (induction coefficient) and moving mass (moving part mass) enable reproduction up to 100kHz. The midrange and woofer units are made of polypropylene, a material with excellent rigidity and internal loss, and a polymer composite tweeter is used to achieve high resolution and low distortion. In order to minimize loss of music information through the network, various high quality parts such as large air-core coils made of Litz wire and polypropylene film capacitors are used. Designed by Dan Anagnos of Polk Audio it was available in the USA as SS-M9ED. Specifications: Enclosure type: 4-way 5-speaker bass reflex | Woofer: 2x20cm - Midrange: 13cm - Tweeter: 2.5cm - Super tweeter: SS-TW100ED |Nominal impedance: 4ohm | Maximum input: 400W | Sound Pressure Level: 86dB/W/m | Frequency response: 26Hz to 100kHz | Dimensions (WxHxD): 400x1125x555mm | Weight: 58kg | Original sale price: 25.000 DM/pair in Germany
TECHNICS MONITOR 2 (JAPAN 1982)
|
|
The Technics Monitor 2 (SB-M2) was introduced in 1982 as a slightly simplified version of the first Honeycomb Disc Speaker System from Technics, the Monitor 1 introduced in 1981. The Technics SB-M2 was specially developed to provide the performance required for accurate and undistorted reproduction of digital material. Specifically, this means high power handling capacity, high linearity at high input levels, and flat frequency and phase response throughout the audio spectrum and beyond. Honeycomb disc drivers are used for the woofer, midrange and tweeter in this 3-way, bass reflex system. The traditional cone shaped driver suffers from an inherent problem called the cavity effect. As a result, there is uneven frequency response as well as sound quality degradation. In contrast, the Technics Honeycomb Disc Driver is flat, so it eliminates these delays or phase irregularities. Smooth and extended low range response is a major feature of the SB-M2.
Mounted on a sturdy diecast aluminum frame, the honeycomb disc woofer is a full 38 cm in diameter to assure efficient bass reproduction. The magnet weighs 3.1 kg and is 200 mm in diameter with high flux density of 14,800 gauss. The 75 mm wide voice coil employs a glass fiber reinforced polyamide bobbin and polyamide self-adhesive coil which allow the woofer to withstand temperatures of up to 250*C. This contributes to the high-power handling and great efficiency of 92 dB/W/m. The 8 cm Honeycomb Disc Midrange is using a direct-coupled voice coil 50 mm in diameter capable of maintaining pistonic motion up to 10 khz. The unit is mounted in a diecast aluminum frame for extra stability. For high frequencies there is a 2.8 cm Honeycomb Disc Tweeter. Crossing over at 4 kHz, this remarkable tweeter extends response up to 38 kHz (-16 dB). Its unusual diaphragm is made of laminated mica, 20 microns thin. To bring out the best in individual driver performance, careful attention was paid to waveform linearity in the crossover network. Technical specifications: 3-way, 3-speaker, bass-reflex | Impedance 6 ohms | Input power: 130W (DIN), 300W (Music) | Frequency range: 27Hz-38kHz (-16dB), 35Hz-35kHz (-10dB) | Crossover frequency: 750/4000 Hz | Dimensions: 540x820x415 mm | Weight: 50 kg. | Available in grey (S version) or walnut veneer enclosure (M version). | Price in 1983: 5400 DM/pair (Germany).
Mounted on a sturdy diecast aluminum frame, the honeycomb disc woofer is a full 38 cm in diameter to assure efficient bass reproduction. The magnet weighs 3.1 kg and is 200 mm in diameter with high flux density of 14,800 gauss. The 75 mm wide voice coil employs a glass fiber reinforced polyamide bobbin and polyamide self-adhesive coil which allow the woofer to withstand temperatures of up to 250*C. This contributes to the high-power handling and great efficiency of 92 dB/W/m. The 8 cm Honeycomb Disc Midrange is using a direct-coupled voice coil 50 mm in diameter capable of maintaining pistonic motion up to 10 khz. The unit is mounted in a diecast aluminum frame for extra stability. For high frequencies there is a 2.8 cm Honeycomb Disc Tweeter. Crossing over at 4 kHz, this remarkable tweeter extends response up to 38 kHz (-16 dB). Its unusual diaphragm is made of laminated mica, 20 microns thin. To bring out the best in individual driver performance, careful attention was paid to waveform linearity in the crossover network. Technical specifications: 3-way, 3-speaker, bass-reflex | Impedance 6 ohms | Input power: 130W (DIN), 300W (Music) | Frequency range: 27Hz-38kHz (-16dB), 35Hz-35kHz (-10dB) | Crossover frequency: 750/4000 Hz | Dimensions: 540x820x415 mm | Weight: 50 kg. | Available in grey (S version) or walnut veneer enclosure (M version). | Price in 1983: 5400 DM/pair (Germany).
TECHNICS SST-1 (JAPAN 1988)
|
|
The SST-1 was a "Twin Loaded-Horn Speaker System" introduced by Technics in 1988, that achieved a high reproduction quality with higher efficiency and lower distortion. This unique form was structured from flow lines using a unique acoustic method by applying computer simulation technology. Compared with conventional back-loaded horns, the twin loaded horns of the SST-1 smoothed sound pressure frequency response in the midrange and high frequencies, thereby further improving reproduction capability with high efficiency and low distortion, which are characteristics of horn speakers. This also made possible the clear and energetic reproduction of deep bass. In addition, the speaker used a “brilliant throat” construction in which part of the horn was narrowed in order to prevent deterioration in sound quality. This also functioned as an acoustic filter blocking the emission of undesired midrange and high-frequency sound, which have extensive distortion. These synergistic effects dramatically improved the acoustic characteristics, from the high frequencies to bass. The SST-1 was equipped with a 5cm tweeter and a 14cm bass unit coupled to the twin horn Labyrint (one 3.2 m and one 2.6 m long). The SST-1 could be used as an independent loudspeaker or as part of a package speaker system, including SST-40WT 20W dedicated amplifier and SST-25HZ Exiter (subwoofer) with its own power drive, the SST-150WT. There were available three-color variations: metallic black, pearl silver, and metallic red. The SST-1 could be used independently on a dedicated stand or you could join two units and add a stand for horizontal use. This system is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Specification: 2-way Twin-Load Horn Speaker System | Woofer: 14cm cone type chitin diaphragm, Tweeter: 5cm horn type | Power 80W (DIN), 180W (Music) | Impedance: 6ohm | Output sound pressure: 92 dB/W/m | Frequency range 55 Hz-20,000 Hz | Dimensions: 570x650x190 mm | Weight: 12 kg.
Victor Zero-100 (JAPAN 1984)
|
|
The sound of the Zero-100 is energetic and delicate, wide and dynamic. The enclosure uses a super elliptical baffle made of new UG resin to prevent disturbances in frequency characteristics due to diffraction effects. This baffle has a sturdy reinforcing rib structure based on modal analysis, achieving strength that is almost impossible with wood materials. In addition, an iron reinforcing rod is embedded between the woofer and the squawker mounting part. Careful modal analysis of both the baffle and enclosure reduces box vibration. Level control is mounted on the side panel. It uses a constant impedance step switching type with copper contacts that has low distortion and little deterioration in sound quality. Technical Data: 3-Way sealed enclosure | Maximum input: 130W (EIAJ) | Frequency Range: 30Hz-32.000Hz | Impedance: 6ohm | Woofer: 32cm fine ceramic diaphragm based on an aluminum cone - Midrange: 6.5cm fine ceramic dome - Tweeter: 3.0cm fine ceramic dome | Dimensions: 420x740x365mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 35.5kg
Victor SX-700 Spirit (1994)
|
|
The SX-700 spirit is a medium size 3-way closed bookshelf loudspeaker introduced in 1994 by Victor of Japan (JVC). The SX-700 spirit was created to fully express the emotion of music, even at low volume. Victor's unique unit concept and cabinet design pursue good balance and high linearity across the entire frequency range, clearly conveying the performer's feelings that are put into each and every sound. The woofer unit is made by specialized manufacturer Kurt Mueller from germany. It reproduces bass with excellent volume, crispness, and sound contours, conveying the charm of the original sound without losing anything. Short horn squawker for high density midrange reproduction is a soft dome made of natural hemp. Alnico magnets are used in all units. In order to reproduce the glossy high tones smoothly, the tweeter uses a silk soft dome. Delicate habutae silk is formed from cloth and laminated evenly with thin-film rubber by hand. The habutae silk soft dome tweeter has improved sound speed, rigidity, and airtightness. It is light, yet has a firmness, and has excellent transient characteristics, and the high range is sharp, adding strength to the natural luster of silk. This bookshelf has been carefully crafted using carefully selected materials and construction techniques. The front baffle is made of MDF (Medium Density Fiber Board), which has the best acoustic properties, such as moderate internal loss and high rigidity. In addition, the bi-wiring compatible input terminals are gold-plated for transparent transmission, the new G-line unit layout based on Victor's original sound intensity method, the high-speed high-pressure assembly method, and 100% wool sound-absorbing material are all designed for high sound quality. The optional stand (LS-10M) was also developed as part of the system. The four-point design distributes vibration modes to ensure a tight sound. The material and shape have been acoustically reviewed. This stand is designed to deliver rich, yet firm bass, clear sound images, and other sound-improving features. Main specifications: Type: 3-way sealed type | Speaker unit: Woofer 25.0 cm Kurt Mueller cone - Midrange 5.5 cm soft dome with short horn - Tweeter 3.5cm silk soft dome | Frequency characteristic: 40~30,000Hz | Maximum input power: 180W | Rated impedance: 6ohm | Output sound pressure level: 90 dB/W/m | Crossover frequency: 560/5,000Hz | Dimensions: (W) 320×(H) 580×(D) 329mm | Weight: 20.0kg | Original sale price in Japan: 110,000 yen (per unit, excluding tax) (LR symmetric type)
Victor SX-900 Spirit (JAPAN 1994)
|
|
The cabinet of the SX-900 Spirit is made from Canadian maple. The front panel is made of 38mm thick maple plywood. The woofer uses a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) foam hybrid three-layer diaphragm based on pulp cone, with an intermediate layer of resin foam, and a polypropylene resin matrix on carbon cloth. While maintaining a moderate internal loss, it is approximately 1.5 times stronger than paper in terms of rigidity and sound speed, and 11 times stronger in bending rigidity. The tweeter is made of fine diamond ceramics, which is a ceramic base material coated with amorphous diamond that achieves a wide band and high sound velocity. An independent base is used to properly damp the vibrations of the main body and increase rigidity at the same time. Technical Data: 3-Way sealed enclosure | Maximum input: 180W (EIAJ) | Rated input: 45W (EIAJ) | Frequency Range: 30Hz-50.000Hz | Impedance: 6ohm | Woofer: 31.5cm cloth carbon, alnico magnet, diecast frame - Midrange: 8.0cm diamond ceramics dome - Tweeter: 3.0cm diamond ceramics dome | Dimensions: 440x845x369mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 50kg
YAMAHA NS-1000/1000M (JAPAN 1974)
|
|
The world’s first pure beryllium diaphragms in a Yamaha masterpiece, highly acclaimed by audiophiles and sound professionals.
The NS-1000M was the world’s first speaker system to have diaphragms made of beryllium of 99.99% purity — previously considered unobtainable — in its midrange and tweeter. The speaker offered the accuracy and clarity of audio reproduction made possible only by beryllium diaphragms that have an excellent transient response, and earned critical acclaim both at home and overseas immediately after it hit the market in 1974. It was adopted as a studio monitor speaker by the Swedish national broadcasting corporation in 1976, and by the Finland national broadcaster with 200 units ordered in 1978. Even after its successors, the NS-1000X and NS-2000, were introduced, the NS-1000M remained popular and had sold more than 200,000 units over a period of 23 years — before the production of beryllium diaphragms ended and the marketing of the legendary speaker was discontinued in 1997.
Yamaha developed the world's first hard-dome drivers with beryllium diaphragms — the JA-0801 8.8 cm midrange and the JA-0513 3.3 cm tweeter. Beryllium, considered as the ideal diaphragm material for its hardness, lightweight (low density), and stiffness, was extremely difficult to be molded into a diaphragm. Yamaha overcame the challenge of processing beryllium with its proprietary electron-beam vacuum vapor deposition method. The overwhelming sense of spaciousness and clarity made possible by the beryllium diaphragms that took advantage of the metal's sound velocity (higher than that of any other practical metal) shattered the perception people had of speakers — so much so that the NS-1000M, the first speaker system to feature beryllium diaphragms, earned wide acclaim from audiophiles and critics worldwide. Later, the NSX-10000 released in 1986 came equipped with GC beryllium diaphragms made of giant beryllium crystals, and the GF-1 introduced in 1991 featured forged beryllium diaphragms. Until the production of all beryllium diaphragms was discontinued in 1997, a hard-dome driver for Yamaha was synonymous with a beryllium-dome driver.
Positioned as a high-end unit for home use and priced at 145,000 yen at the time of its release, the NS-1000 featured an ebony luxury urethane paint finish exterior, while the NS-1000M, priced at 108,000 yen and aimed at use from the home to the studio, sported a birch semi-gloss black paint finish. With a somewhat large thick-walled cabinet and removable saran net, the NS-1000 weighed in at 39kg, 8kg heavier than the 31kg NS-1000M. As is evident from the difference in price, the cabinet finish of the NS-1000 was lavish enough to rival that of a luxury wood grain piano, but the fearless black design and overwhelming cost-performance of the NS-1000M made it the focus of popular attention. The upgraded NS-2000 released in 1982 and the NS-1000X released in 1986 reinforced the reputation of the original machine, and in the 23 years until the end of all beryllium diaphragm unit production in 1997 it was a long-lasting hit with more than 200,000 units sold.
The NS-1000M was the world’s first speaker system to have diaphragms made of beryllium of 99.99% purity — previously considered unobtainable — in its midrange and tweeter. The speaker offered the accuracy and clarity of audio reproduction made possible only by beryllium diaphragms that have an excellent transient response, and earned critical acclaim both at home and overseas immediately after it hit the market in 1974. It was adopted as a studio monitor speaker by the Swedish national broadcasting corporation in 1976, and by the Finland national broadcaster with 200 units ordered in 1978. Even after its successors, the NS-1000X and NS-2000, were introduced, the NS-1000M remained popular and had sold more than 200,000 units over a period of 23 years — before the production of beryllium diaphragms ended and the marketing of the legendary speaker was discontinued in 1997.
Yamaha developed the world's first hard-dome drivers with beryllium diaphragms — the JA-0801 8.8 cm midrange and the JA-0513 3.3 cm tweeter. Beryllium, considered as the ideal diaphragm material for its hardness, lightweight (low density), and stiffness, was extremely difficult to be molded into a diaphragm. Yamaha overcame the challenge of processing beryllium with its proprietary electron-beam vacuum vapor deposition method. The overwhelming sense of spaciousness and clarity made possible by the beryllium diaphragms that took advantage of the metal's sound velocity (higher than that of any other practical metal) shattered the perception people had of speakers — so much so that the NS-1000M, the first speaker system to feature beryllium diaphragms, earned wide acclaim from audiophiles and critics worldwide. Later, the NSX-10000 released in 1986 came equipped with GC beryllium diaphragms made of giant beryllium crystals, and the GF-1 introduced in 1991 featured forged beryllium diaphragms. Until the production of all beryllium diaphragms was discontinued in 1997, a hard-dome driver for Yamaha was synonymous with a beryllium-dome driver.
Positioned as a high-end unit for home use and priced at 145,000 yen at the time of its release, the NS-1000 featured an ebony luxury urethane paint finish exterior, while the NS-1000M, priced at 108,000 yen and aimed at use from the home to the studio, sported a birch semi-gloss black paint finish. With a somewhat large thick-walled cabinet and removable saran net, the NS-1000 weighed in at 39kg, 8kg heavier than the 31kg NS-1000M. As is evident from the difference in price, the cabinet finish of the NS-1000 was lavish enough to rival that of a luxury wood grain piano, but the fearless black design and overwhelming cost-performance of the NS-1000M made it the focus of popular attention. The upgraded NS-2000 released in 1982 and the NS-1000X released in 1986 reinforced the reputation of the original machine, and in the 23 years until the end of all beryllium diaphragm unit production in 1997 it was a long-lasting hit with more than 200,000 units sold.
