Alpair 7 Gen.3 Coming soon

[markaudio]

Hi Bob, Guys,
I've started this new thread to keep most of the up-coming information close to its early pages.

So, let me start by saying that this Gen. 3 Alp7 is a significant departure from conventional driver design and production.

The important pic to look is the images showing the internals of the driver. Please take a look at the following:

The spider is now retained in the frame with a ring clamping system. Traditionally, rear suspensions (spiders) are glued into place. But this traditional method often affects the outer sections of the spider leading to variations in operational resistivity. Given that I like making smaller drivers with relatively large excursions, my efforts to develop a clamping system is a natural practical step forward.

However, the new system required a radical change in the spider design as its outer surfaces now become de-resicted. So Matsuabara san set to work making a spider with a longer line movement while reducing its overall operational surface area by 5%. A nice piece of design on his part although he says I'm always pushing his component knowledge with my mechanical developments. The result is a significant improvement in the linear excursive characteristics of the power-train.

The rear section of the frame had to be radically re-designed to take the clamping system and a dedicated press on the assembly line does the job of sealing the clamp ring on to the spider. The outer hooks are pre-tensioned and integral to the frame so when the ring is installed, a retaining interference pressure fit is permanently applied between the clamping ring, frame and spider.

The next pic shows the driver in a de-constrcuted form. This chaps, is how these drivers will arrive on your door step. Yes, the rear cover is removable. Retained by its magnetic attraction, you now the choice to use this driver in its single magnet/motor or duel magnet/motor form - Aren't you going fun playing with these Gen.3s! I'm not expecting a big change in the performance between single and duel. I will publish the differences. The main thing is you get the option to make shallower cabinets or keep internal used cab space to a minimum. (Or just have fun pulling something off a driver knowing you won't stop it working!!).

By popular request, we've not fixed the front covers so for those wanting narrow front baffles, this option will help you out a little more. Do remember that the front cover adds some 10% additional frame damping so ideally, you ought to use the front covers but that's me being a typical older timer picky engineer.

The last pic shows you the driver in its fully assembled form. Note the cap fixing arrangement is now internal, thus further reducing the glue volumes on the front of the power-train.

There's allot more to say about this driver. I'm going to spread the info over the next 2 weeks allowing guys to digest all the news. I'm teaming up with my former graphic guy to make a short video on this driver. I hope to get in ready in the 3 weeks.

So keep a look out for more info. I'll delete the earlier "update" thread in favour of this one.

Cheers

Mark.

[skeeter99]

That's awesome Mark! I have not heard the previous gen ALP7's but it seems like these are taking some pretty significant leaps forward! I just got my SuperPensil12's up and running and am EXTREMELY impressed and have only heard great things about the 7's. Maybe a FH3 with the new 7's will be up next

Scott

[chrisb]

simply fabulous, no doubt Matsuabara san is finding the challenges refreshing

has it escaped my memory if you've talked before about any potential (or actually measured) differences in performance between the single and dual magnets?

one more word:

paper?

[Lerg]

It looks very interesting, especially given that you have added customization options. Was that curve in the previous bezels of your speakers?
I am talking about the roundover on the inner portion of the bezel if you have the additional ring installed.

[doorman]

Nope, not me, nohow. My Alpair 10.2's are by far the most satisfying as SD's, I've had, period. not happening,well, er, how much a pair are those anyway??
don

[zman01]

Mark, you have got us in a spin...

Scott, FH3 or Mar-Ken7s? - take your pick. Like you I've only read how good the prev gen Alp 7s were, and Mark is promising something more with this gen??

-Zia

[markaudio]

Hi Fellas,
I'm stuck here at home suffering from a dose "Montezuma's revenge". My stomach's more like a washing machine on high-spin. Had a sleepless night with frequent visits to the washroom. So all the mass production LMS testing (Alp7, CHR/P/BW) that I'd planned for today is on hold. Hoping I'll be well enough to travel to the anchoic chamber tomorrow. Journey takes nearly 3 hours and only 2 toilets along the rout......arrrrrrrgh. Also hoping there's a time slot available at the chamber tomorrow.

In the meantime, I'll try to clear my head and post a bit more later today.

Really sorry for this delay.

Cheers
Mark.

[zman01]

Mark,

As much as you love your work and pushing the envelope, pls take care of your health too!

Hope you feel better soon.

-Zia

[Musik007]

Hi Mark,

Have you seen a doctor? Hope you will recover soon.

I like the Alpair 7 Gen.3 driver including the red sticker.

Thanks for your information.

Cherrs.
Tony.

[planet10]

Originally Posted by Lerg

Was that curve in the previous bezels of your speakers?

Yes.

dave