After the test and prototypes for Stage-1, I progressed to a few more designs: Version-3, 4 and 5... each with their own unique qualities and something learned along the way. Sometimes this manifests in what to do and sometimes what not to do... or more specifically what takes too much time (or cost) in a production environment to be practical. In the case of the latter, the prototypes actually have more value in that some of the craft techniques are more involved than what will be incorporated into the final designs.
(More pictures of each coming soon...)
Version-3: "Drunk Octopus Wants To Rock You"
Experimenting with the idea that asymmetry and sound can make a nice combination -- and that rough + refined makes a nice contrast -- these are made of a rough-sawn oak case and smooth finished walnut panel. the 1in NRT drivers are small but quite powerful and can handle up to 20W.
Connection: Spring-loaded, speaker-level inputs
Size: 5in cubed
$95/pair (ships free to US48)
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Version-4: "Church Bells Are Ringing"
Experimenting with Paperstone as a case material, these are the heaviest design I'd consider and probably heavier than practically necessary (at about 5lbs each). The driver is a traditional, but refined full-range, aluminum coned woofer that can handle up to 40W. This set features a vintage walnut audio screen salvaged from a California midcentury building which is in limited supply. I'll likely incorporate as much of the screening in as possible, but likely not with the Paperstone as the material (Paperstone) is dreadfully expensive and heavy — so get a high-quality, costly material at a prototype price (in a one-of-a-kind design).
Connection: 5-way binding posts
Size: 6x6x8in
(SOLD)
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Version-5: "Truman's New Cubes"
These are made with a similar driver as Version-2 that are more treble-friendly, I also constructed these from walnut that I had been saving for nearly 10 years (salvaged from an estate sale). The front mounting is hidden behind a Paperstone panel and both the front and back baffles are made of Paperstone. I experimented with interior "shaping" of the sound using sound baffle material. I like where they ended up tone-wise and will likely continue with this idea. I also tried a different joinery idea that I will likely continue with as well — the 45deg angles are nice, but they produce very delicate edges. The solid walnut case is finished with an oil-wax finish which is a good match for both the Paperstone and the walnut as it dries to a very soft sheen... even more "natural" than a satin lacquer and can be re-applied as necessary. They're great in combination with Monoprice's 15W tube amplifier.
Connection: Terminal cup with satin nickel 5-way binding posts
Size: 5X5X7
(SOLD)
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