its not far from the theory of electrostatics really. Ive been wanting and looking beyond the 'MDF box' for quite some time. If you look at whats happening beyond standard boxes you'll notice how many open baffle 2+2 speaker systems are appearing on the market. lets face it, its about time we had a proper development in 2 channel audio the standard 2 or 3 way speaker and analogue audio is well past its prime and with todays prices looks like a total rip off. I honestly believe Class D/PWM digital amps and a genuine development in speaker design is needed. Lyngdorf is one company that has developed along the right lines; I personally hope more do, then it may make the market sit up and take note. It needs to otherwise the British hifi industry along with all its snake oilers will probably disappear in a few decades . Ive noticed quit a few hi-end companies have started developing Roomcorrection amps; so far none are UK and all are European. Wonder how log it'll be till they design some dipole/sub/sat speakers....... leaving the MDF boxes behind to bury the british hifi industry in
How much do you think a standard 2 way MDF boxed speaker cost to make but sells for say, £3K?
I'm with you all the way R-Tee. Nor do I see Robs comments as spamming.
I believe that B&W are in the throes of bringing out a new/updated 800 series range. Talk/rumour has it that the cabinets will be made of aluminium rather than MDF, to advance performance and lower cost of manufacture.
Much overlooked by subjectivist audiophiles, B&O have been making fully active speakers in aluminium 'cabinets' for some time, complete with Class D amplification (ICE power) and indeed their top models (Beolab 9's and 5's) feature cabinets made in part from high density mineral plastics - which enables them to move away from geometric box shapes with flat panels, and achieve better sonic performance coupled with very low cabinet resonance/readout.
There is no doubt that some audiophiles are wedded to particular concepts of sound and the philosophy of it's delivery. I am also equally sure there are members of this forum with undeclared allegiances/alliances with various commercial enterprises, where there is a vested interest to maintain the status quo and the business model that is putting bread on the plate - which is quite understandable, - but as you point out, it does not advance the art and science of HiFi - as in the closest approach to the original sound - one iota.
And of course, for many high end bedazzled audiophiles, it appears that science barely matters anyway. Needless to say, they will likely continue with this view until 'Y' generation starts to exercise it's financial and intellectual muscle and sweeps them all away as anachronisms of the past.
It's only likely then, that we will see the full fruition of forward thinking speaker designs and digital amplification come to pass - I hope to be around to see it. Those who think the younger generation need educating as to high quality vinyl or 20th century concepts of 'HiFi' are sadly mistaken. The future is already here; the 'old guard' just don't choose, or don't want to see it yet.
Best Regards
Jon...
