Alpair 6M Gen. 2 (metal) introduction

[markaudio]

Hi guys,
Here's the introduction to the direct metal cone replacement to the original 6. This new driver is the Alpair 6M. I'll stick to essential points as there's allot of info in the proto thread.

What's new:
1 - Cone is all-new and follows the same Multiform production technology used in the latest larger Alpairs. This cone is down to 900 microns thickness over a large portion of its surface making it some 20% lighter than the original mode. The MMS is lower at 2.57g compared to 2.8g on the old model. Like the 6P, its profile is more shallow to increase dispersion and widen central imaging

2 - The power-train is all-new. The coil body is 600 micron alu with a copper winding. 8 vents are included in this body sited within 1.5-mm of the top winding section assisting cooling and to remove weight. The 6M shares the same super-thin spider with the 6P. The front suspension has also been "tweaked" for extend the working excursion load.

3 - The 6M shares the same new connector and frame arrangement with the 6P.

Outcomes:
The brief for this driver is to extend the performance envelope from the original model while keeping the acoustic character of the Alp6 metal series.

At 63Hz, its Fo is some 11Hz lower than the old model while pushing 4.7 litres with a QTS 0.38. In the right box, the 6M can sound bass-rich in the lower frequencies while still extending throughout the human hearing range.

The 6M's imaging is wide and clear (especially in the mid range) while the sweetness remains. Its a smooth detailed driver, ideal for smaller cab designs, desk-top and near-field work. Once you've built a nice box for these babies, connected and nice amp and good source; Take a beer from the fridge, or pour yourself a glass of wine (I recommend a nice Merlot), sit down and enjoy!

Cheers

Mark

[markaudio]

Alpair 6M details:

Alpair 6M parameters:
Driver 4.0 Ohm
Revc 3.60 Ohm
Fo 63 Hz
Sd 36.3 Cm²
Vas 4.8 Ltr
Cms 2.58 m M/N
Mmd 2.48 g
Mms 2.57 g
BL 2.81 T·M
Qms 2.76
Qes 0.45
Qts 0.38
Levc 128.7 uH
No 0.243 %
SPLo 85.4 dB
Xmax 5.2 mm (1 way)
Power 15 watts nom. 30 Max
Coil 18-mm dia. Alu-copper

Running in procedure:
This driver is designed to deliver optimum emittance from 150 hours onwards
1 - DON’T USE ANY ARTIFICIALLY GENERATED SOUND!
2 - First 30 hours, use very low volumes. Hours 30 to 150, gradually increase volume but remaining gentle, adding some bass to carefully extend the suspensions.
3 - Remain gentle, sensible use of this driver will yield pleasing acoustic results.

Peak excursion:
The power-train of this driver is capable of shunting +4 litres of air close to its mechanical limit. The power-train of the Alpair 6M has a mechanical X Max (1 way) of 5.2-mm (in flux). This feature is only designed to handle non-linear “peak-shock” loads, for example the brief roll of a drum beat. For optimum travel of this power-train, linear loads NOT exceeding 3.1-mm is within its capability for a single load period not exceeding 1 hour. The normal driven load should remain with 2.7-mm. For a driver of this size, this normal load X-max is generous; Together with a well matched cabinet, a pleasing bass response can be generated.

General care:
Cleaning can be done by using a soft moist cloth. Take care not to press down on the cone, gently guide the cloth across its surface. NEVER press down on the cone with your fingers. You risk serious distortion of the power-train if you engage in this practice.

Cheers

Mark.

[_henry_]

Hi Mark,

ill be in hongkong end of this month, any chance i can buy ?

im looking for desktop speaker to go with lm3886, although its 4ohm, im pretty sure will be suffice.

cheers
henry

[_henry_]

i did quick modeling for 4.7litres,

the box dimension can be W 130 x H 240 x D 260mm if using 15mm plywood.

or W 150 x H 220 x D 230mm.

absolutely attractive.

cheers
henry

[markaudio]

Originally Posted by _henry_

i did quick modeling for 4.7litres, the box dimension can be W 130 x H 240 x D 260mm if using 15mm plywood.
or W 150 x H 220 x D 230mm. absolutely attractive.
cheers
henry

Hi Henry,
6M pre-sold more than I expected. I've only got 10 pairs of 6M left in stock so email me very soon.
Thanks
Mark.

[_henry_]

hi mark,

how much the introductory pricing for 6m and 6p? can i reserve 2?

cheers
henry

[markaudio]

Originally Posted by _henry_

hi mark,
How much the introductory pricing for 6m and 6p? can i reserve 2?
cheers
henry

Hi Henry,
Local stock Hong Kong price for 6P and 6M is US$140.00 USD per pair. They come packed in pairs complete with 2-mm EVA seals, screws and connector extension sets (see pic)
Thanks
Mark.

[_henry_]

hi mark,

ok, noted. can we use dave's milisize me for the old alpair 6?
http://homepage.mac.com/tlinespeaker...map-231009.pdf
milliSize me...

cheers
henry

[planet10]

Originally Posted by _henry_

ok, noted. can we use dave's milisize me for the old alpair 6?

The early protos of the paper i have work well in that enclosure. There may be need for adjust the vent spacer.

The metal will likely not work without agjustment. I may get a chance to look tonight.

dave

[EUVL]

Mark (F),

1. Can we use our original AP6 BR enclosure without major changes (pipe length is not a problem) ?

Alpair 6 Bass Reflex Bookshelf

2. Would you let us (Mark L) do an A-B-C test against Gen1 & AP6 paper which we already tested and reported ?

Alpair 6 - Gen 2. - Prototype 1


PS Have not managed to talk to Jan yet, but have not forgotten.


Cheers,
Patrick