What's with all the ultrasonics? Maybe when I was a kid I could be into the charming ringing of high frequencies, but now? I top out around 15K and I'm not old. Why spend the money and energy for producing "sound" that a human can't hear.
After scanning Google images I am convinced they use the same cabinets I have in my office at the moment. Anyway, they are clearly using the back wall to boost bass response; a SS Discovery starts rolling off over 100hz and the cab isn't very large. I don't want to knock them without hearing them but that placement concerns me.
Looks like someone's DIY project gone commercial. Cabs look a lot like the ones sold by Parts Express.
Hello Everyone,
I developed the clue loudspeaker for Sjöfn HiFi and thought I would jump in to clarify a few things and answer any questions you might have.
First, if you read the review, I would encourage you to also read our manufactures comment on the review, on page 157. Obviously, the review was not very positive, but it appears that the reason has more to do with misunderstandings on how to set up the speakers and how to measure them, as they involve a different use-model than what the reviewers were familiar with. Multiple Stereophile reviewers had heard them at the audio shows (set up in very poor listening rooms) and gave glowing reports. So, we were disappointed that they weren't curious enough to call us when they didn't get the same performance in their listening room that they had heard from the clue numerous times before. We offer user support to all of our customers (and reviewers) to support them reaching the full potential of the clue in their listening room.
I can explain further if there is an interest.
In terms of addressing some of the comments on this thread;
First; in terms of stevantr's comment, I agree that for most listeners over the age of 5 years old there may not be much need for extension out to beyond 20kHz, the reason we have a system with such extended response is actually to achieve a much more important capability, and that is to maintain constant (and wide) dispersion / power response above 10kHz instead of having the off-axis response collapse as it does in many loudspeakers. To best achieve that attribute, it was easiest to accomplish with a small diameter ring-dome that just happens to extend beyond audibility.
Secondly, to address prighello's comments, the woofer is sourced from Scan Speak, but is not from their Discovery line. Only the frame is lifted from the Discovery series, while all the other components are unique to the clue woofer. It is a custom unit we designed with Scan Speak engineers to meet a special set of criteria required for the clue, relative to both low frequency response and midrange transition to the tweeter.
Additionally, to address the bass comment, the system is tuned to 35Hz and when properly coupled to the room boundaries, maintains reference level down to at least 35Hz, and lower in many rooms, which, as most of you know, is quite rare in a 11-liter enclosure.
Lastly, there were some questions as to the enclosure we are using. It is a Dayton enclosure from Parts Express that we modify to meet our requirements. It allowed us to meet our performance requirements while keeping costs down as we started the initial production. As we are getting to higher unit volumes we plan to duplicate our customized version of the current enclosure but change the sourcing to a higher volume supplier. In all aspects of the clue development, we spent money where it made a sonic difference and saved money where it was merely window dressing, to create the best possible value for serious listeners.
I hope that clears up a few of the issues raised.
If anyone has any additional questions, I would be glad to provide any answers I can.
All the best,
- Jim Croft
Croft Acoustical -- Sjöfn HiFi