The Drivers

For most of my designs, I use a single mid-woofer and a single tweeter. One can find an almost infinite variety of combinations. Better quality drivers have wider ranges, more predictable behavior, more power handling. Some combinations work better than others. Part of the design process is measuring the response of the actual drivers used, mounted in the cabinet. Measuring determines how each reacts to signals and the acoustic interaction with the cabinet (and with each other.)

Drivers for the Topaz

Cabinet Sizing

The woofer determines the size of the box needed. Generally bigger boxes (or more power) are required for lower bass. Most designs are sealed (acoustic suspension) or vented (bass reflex). Vented designs typically go a bit lower, have bigger boxes, but drop like a rock. Vented designs are often easier to "blow up" by overdriving. Sealed designs roll off more gradually and are easier to blend with a subwoofer. The figure at the right shows the woofer from my Topaz design used in both the sealed monitor and the vented tower.

Cabinet Construction

I use Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) exclusively. Cabinet shape, internal bracing, and acoustic "deadening" all contribute to a good design. Boxes use biscuit or rabbeted joints for maximum rigidity and tight seals.

Cabinets are supposed to be inert. Hardwoods would seem to be a better choice, but they're not. Natural woods resonate (like the sound board on a piano) and they tend crack over time. Well built cabinets are heavy and dead. That makes for expensive shipping. Not something the typical manufacturer wants.

Crossover Design

The crossover is an electronic filter designed to use each driver's capabilities and smoothly cover the range of audibility. The crossover can be used to fix response problems with individual drivers and change the "voice" of the speaker. This is part science and part art. Some designers spend months trying to get things just right. CAD packages allow the designer to try various components (capacitors, coils and resistors) but much of the final work still must be done by ear.

Finishing

Aesthetic considerations are a big part of your long term satisfaction.

I select only A grade wood veneers and do my best to blend the character of the wood, grill fabrics, stains and final finish into a unique piece of functional furniture.

I use only highest quality acrylic lacquers and urethane varnishes for durability and worry free maintenance. All cabinets are hand rubbed to final finish.