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What is this term "Kabuki" really?

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Phototone

Phototone

Super Member
Whenever I see photos posted of certain Japanese speakers with lots of drivers they are referred to as Kabuki. I would really like to know what this means, and where this term came from.

You don't see Bozak Symphony or Electrovoice Patrician speakers (which both have lots of drivers) labeled Kabuki.
 
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On its own, it's a style of dramatic Japanese theater:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuki

Very elaborate makeup is used, and the style of acting is super dramatic (at least to an outsider). I don't know exactly when people starting using the term to describe speakers with lots of drivers that look a lot more special than they sound (all show, little go), but the original speakers like that were primarily Japanese brands, so you can kind of see how it caught on. I don't think there was much stuff that we'd call Kabuki produced before the mid-to-late 70s.
 
Kabuki speakers are usually Japanese brands (Sansui, Kenwood, etc.), have an abundance of drivers that serve no real purpose other than looking cool (to some) and usually have large woofers that perform poorly or in most cases, perform poorly due to being stuck in undersized cabinets. It doesn't mean they all suck, but some of them do.
Some Bozaks, EV's, Altec's, etc., may seem to fall into that realm, but they had some real engineering effort put into their designs.
 
people often refer to Sansui speakers as 'kabuki' altho I don't understand why. I have had or heard 4 different models of them and find them to be very good sounding driven by a good amp. Kabuki is a term used to denigrate speakers that arn't "audiophool" quality by the way some speakers sound today I think. I may be wrong. Some people just dont like them. Theres lots of speakers I dont like either so I think it's a judgement thing. Personally I wouldn't worry about it. People like and dislike all sorts of speakers. Let your own ears be the judge. I can't define the meaning of "kabuki" tho.
 
You know, sometimes I think nobody reads my posts.

"Kabuki", in the context cited by the OP, IS defined, and by the coiner of the phrase 'Kabuki speaker'. You don't have to guess about the meaning. Just go read the linked threads. Pay particular attention to post #3 in the linked thread, said post written by your humble servant.
 
You too huh Ernie?

To reinforce what Ernie posted... Since Don McR is historically the originator of the term as applies to speakers, then his version is THE ONLY version that matters. One need look no further than the explanation that Don has given.
 
Bozak, EV, and other serious speakers never used chrome rings, exaggerated driver frames, screens and bolts, posted specs with charts or dancing lights to increase performance.
 
Rybeam said:
Bozak, EV, and other serious speakers never used chrome rings, exaggerated driver frames, screens and bolts, posted specs with charts or dancing lights to increase performance.
Click to expand...

And nobody ever, to my knowledge, called those speakers 'Kabuki'. At least, not anyone who knows.
 
Have you guys ever seen the Jerry Lewis movie called "The Big Mouth" where, in one scene, he tries to blend in with some Kabuki dancers to get away from the bad guys?

It's hilarious and then after that, he ends up in a room with a Japanese guy and he does a fake Japanese accent saying stuff like "frank you".

Sorry off topic.

Doug
 
I did notice a "trend" towards playing speakers without the grill cloth, and the drivers being more dressed up so they would look "finished" without a grill in place. Is this the same thing as a Kabuki speaker. It seems all manufacturers now make speakers that look good without the grill cloth, IF the grill can be removed. Old Advent, KLH, etc. speakers from the 1960's really look ragged without a grill, were never intended to look finished without a grill...seems all modern speakers with removable grills are "designed" to look finished without the grill.
 
oldhifiguy said:
people often refer to Sansui speakers as 'kabuki' altho I don't understand why. I have had or heard 4 different models of them and find them to be very good sounding driven by a good amp. Kabuki is a term used to denigrate speakers that arn't "audiophool" quality by the way some speakers sound today I think. I may be wrong. Some people just dont like them. Theres lots of speakers I dont like either so I think it's a judgement thing. Personally I wouldn't worry about it. People like and dislike all sorts of speakers. Let your own ears be the judge. I can't define the meaning of "kabuki" tho.
Click to expand...

Judgement thing like your term "Audiophool"?:scratch2:
 
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