This has been a long time coming I know - thanks to all for your patience. Presently I will have some feedback from those who have first production units and once the results are all positive I will start to release these EMIM units. Some points I would like to clear up;-
1) The units are direct replacements intended for the early EMIM drivers. If well received I will move onto the EMIT.
2) They will require no xover modifications and will be a nominal "blueprint" 2.8 ohms dc resistance, with a tight tolerance
3) Whilst they are intended as a direct replacement part - they look a little different to the early inserts. Once in you would be hard pressed to pick the slight visual differences from a couple of feet. More on that later.
4) Once they achieve "finished" status they will continue to be offered. I make these here, in house and can make them in small or larger numbers to satisfy demand as/if it unfolds. Read "no panic buying required"! This is not about revenue - it's about a fair and sustainable solution to save landfill of nice vintage speakers. A panic "blip" would do nothing but frustrate people, really.
5) They will only be sold direct, and there will be no group buy advantages, this really only being applicable to mass production items that these are very unlikely to be. Think "boutique" audio, keeping classic orphans going.
6) Pricing. I have an idea of pricing but will only know for certain when I produce a sizable batch, assuming they are well received. The introduction price will be a fair one calculated on my costs plus fair wages to build and send, and I will not enter into debate over it - anywhere. One price for all people.
7) Email. I thank those who have emailed me this last year for taking the time - but please understand I cannot give detailed personal status updates for the project. This is something that has to co-exist with my "real job" - Apogee. I am focused on getting those that need it a good result, worth the wait. Admin duplication slows the process, and email is my least favorite way to communicate! All news will be posted here and on the Apogee forum as I have it, for all to see.
8) Pictures. I have requested those evaluating "try before buy" keep pictures from the public view. There is still a chance of further refinements.
9) MOST IMPORTANT!!! There is NO final product "for sale" at the time I write this. This post is to say I have not forgotten you guys on here!
When I got into this (strong armed!) I believed it was something I could do with ease. The reality was different - for several reasons. Taking on somebody elses design and meeting compatibility criteria whilst being in keeping with the work I do for Apogee this decade was/is a more complex project. The conversations I have had with owners years down the track of ownership detailing failure modes, irregularity and design weaknesses sent me a clear signal that replication of the early parts wasn't going to be enough. Add to that a complete lack of original materials data, a long cold trail and 2009/10 moq realities! Remember, these are not backed up with production sales of speakers at car prices, and this project was taken on at the start of BAD economic times - I am amazed I am making this post!
I am under no illusion all will like my solution for this and/or future drive unit projects. For some "originality" is absolute. My solution is not "original". If it were a replica it would be just that - a replica, not original. Others are more focused on technical achievement, and here is where my efforts have been directed. I am not the Infinity company that made the original speakers.
Any future developments will be posted here and at;-
http://www.audioworld.com/sw/Forum1/HTML/007441-2.html
The last word is UPDATE, not product release!
Take care - Graz
