What the "Hal" are they doing?
I was just talking to Hal Teramoto on the phone, and he told me that even though the sound of the systems they are preparing for demonstration at RMAF this year just keeps getting steadily better, today they surprised even themselves by how much of an improvement was realized just in this one day alone. They're not tweaking drivers at this point; rather, they are tweaking everything else in the sound chain as an organic system: running in the amplifiers and tweaking the NFB, tweaking power supplies for all their equipment, etc. I won't bore you with details of what they're doing but let's just say that in some areas they are scrutinizing tiny details to a degree that would be hard for anyone to surpass. The idea seems to be to systematically scrutinize everything as much as is humanly possible with the manpower and time available. Today Hal said, "You know, since we are working on and listening to these things all day long, day in and day out, we develop a bit of immunity. The sound ceases to astound us. But today we were astounded all over again by the improvement. That makes me think of two things. First, people who drop in to hear these systems out of the blue, without having been accustomed to this sound, are really going to be shocked by what they hear. Second, anyone who wants to use these drivers -- especially the top-of-the-line units -- will need to be committed to re-examining their entire system in great detail. After listening today, the analogy that comes to mind is, I wonder if perhaps there's not a nuclear fission reaction taking place in there somewhere. Of course, that's just an analogy, but it's amazing that you think you know your own creations and then they amaze you all over again. You wonder how far things can go before some sort of an ultimate, end-of-the-earth limit is reached. The sense of solidity in the sound is immense. This 811A amplifier has got a really solid foundation, deep in the earth. Nothing moves it; it moves everything. It's a real 'master of the universe' amplifier! And it doesn't matter what we play, we keep discovering new things that we have never heard before, even in our most familiar music, which is really saying a lot. Listening to Red Book CDs you'd swear you were listening to the original master tape -- it's just that kind of a sound. People are going to freak out when they hear this sound coming from a single driver. Heck, forget the single driver part -- people are going to freak out when they hear this sound, period."
Of course, it needs to be remembered that there's many a slip twixt cup and lip, and we shouldn't count our chickens before they're hatched, but taking what Hal said to me today at face value (or even discounting it as the excited babbling of someone understandably afflicted by "doting father syndrome") it would seem that barring any unforeseen accidents, the upcoming RMAF should be a very memorable one for Feastrex. I would guess that if there is going to be any weak link in their chain it will be the room acoustics -- which is of course a pretty much common handicap for all exhibitors save a few with real expertise and a systematic method for overcoming room weaknesses. I don't think Feastrex and The Lotus Group are overly worried about that aspect, and they have some countermeasures prepared, but I'm simply pointing out that if there is a weak link that will likely be it. Everything on the equipment side seems good to go and even though I'm not participating, I'm really geared up for what should prove to be a LOT of fun and a powerfully impressive experience for visitors to The Lotus Group's rooms. I hope any visitors will report back for my vicarious enjoyment!
-- Chris
I was just talking to Hal Teramoto on the phone, and he told me that even though the sound of the systems they are preparing for demonstration at RMAF this year just keeps getting steadily better, today they surprised even themselves by how much of an improvement was realized just in this one day alone. They're not tweaking drivers at this point; rather, they are tweaking everything else in the sound chain as an organic system: running in the amplifiers and tweaking the NFB, tweaking power supplies for all their equipment, etc. I won't bore you with details of what they're doing but let's just say that in some areas they are scrutinizing tiny details to a degree that would be hard for anyone to surpass. The idea seems to be to systematically scrutinize everything as much as is humanly possible with the manpower and time available. Today Hal said, "You know, since we are working on and listening to these things all day long, day in and day out, we develop a bit of immunity. The sound ceases to astound us. But today we were astounded all over again by the improvement. That makes me think of two things. First, people who drop in to hear these systems out of the blue, without having been accustomed to this sound, are really going to be shocked by what they hear. Second, anyone who wants to use these drivers -- especially the top-of-the-line units -- will need to be committed to re-examining their entire system in great detail. After listening today, the analogy that comes to mind is, I wonder if perhaps there's not a nuclear fission reaction taking place in there somewhere. Of course, that's just an analogy, but it's amazing that you think you know your own creations and then they amaze you all over again. You wonder how far things can go before some sort of an ultimate, end-of-the-earth limit is reached. The sense of solidity in the sound is immense. This 811A amplifier has got a really solid foundation, deep in the earth. Nothing moves it; it moves everything. It's a real 'master of the universe' amplifier! And it doesn't matter what we play, we keep discovering new things that we have never heard before, even in our most familiar music, which is really saying a lot. Listening to Red Book CDs you'd swear you were listening to the original master tape -- it's just that kind of a sound. People are going to freak out when they hear this sound coming from a single driver. Heck, forget the single driver part -- people are going to freak out when they hear this sound, period."
Of course, it needs to be remembered that there's many a slip twixt cup and lip, and we shouldn't count our chickens before they're hatched, but taking what Hal said to me today at face value (or even discounting it as the excited babbling of someone understandably afflicted by "doting father syndrome") it would seem that barring any unforeseen accidents, the upcoming RMAF should be a very memorable one for Feastrex. I would guess that if there is going to be any weak link in their chain it will be the room acoustics -- which is of course a pretty much common handicap for all exhibitors save a few with real expertise and a systematic method for overcoming room weaknesses. I don't think Feastrex and The Lotus Group are overly worried about that aspect, and they have some countermeasures prepared, but I'm simply pointing out that if there is a weak link that will likely be it. Everything on the equipment side seems good to go and even though I'm not participating, I'm really geared up for what should prove to be a LOT of fun and a powerfully impressive experience for visitors to The Lotus Group's rooms. I hope any visitors will report back for my vicarious enjoyment!
-- Chris
Hi, Chris!
I found this Exhibitor page.
http://audiofest.net/2008/exhibitors_profile.php?gbID=836&Sid=8ac6659769e2ae36b0a903e7dc6aa18c
It tells no listing of products entried.
Can you release any definite advance publicity in an informal way?
Bunpei
I found this Exhibitor page.
http://audiofest.net/2008/exhibitors_profile.php?gbID=836&Sid=8ac6659769e2ae36b0a903e7dc6aa18c
It tells no listing of products entried.
Can you release any definite advance publicity in an informal way?
Bunpei
Bunpei said:
No, but I can informally cite rumors from anonymous sources . . .
😉
Seriously --
First, let me say I have no direct knowledge of what other parties besides Feastrex/The Lotus Group, such as Maxxhorn for example, might be showing, but I would expect anything in that department to be VERY interesting in its own right, and I would recommend checking out both The Lotus Group's rooms as well as the rooms of any other parties that might be using Feastrex products.
I would expect this year to be very big on field coil drivers, each more "exciting" (pardon the pun) than the others. I would expect to encounter all-permendur (Type III) motors in both 9-inch and 5-inch sizes, as well as the new NF5ex entry-level field coil drivers, and we already know for certain that the beautiful urushi-finished enclosures will be there, presumably housing some sort of 5-inch field coil driver (I would say it's almost certain to be the D5e-III as a driver of that level of quality would be the most appropriate match for these enclosures, at least in a demonstration setting.)
I would want to check out both of the new power amplifier prototypes, one using the large and dramatic 811A in a SE amplifier (with inverted interstage transformer) and the other using smaller tubes in PP configuration. It is my understanding that the former outputs about 15WPC and the latter about 12WPC.
I would also expect there to be some sort of a somewhat more mundane transistor or digital amplifier on hand for purposes of comparison.
If I was going, I personally would be interested in hearing the NF5ex, as that is the driver I might be able to afford (with some effort) and the size is appropriate for my needs.
Does this demonstration's emphasis on field coils mean the permanent magnet drivers are to be neglected? I doubt it, although I suppose it is possible. The permanent magnet drivers are in their own way no less interesting than the field coil drivers, and I would expect some of the permanent magnet drivers to be there too, but I have not confirmed that.
In conclusion of this post, let me reiterate that I have not heard from anyone exactly what is to be exhibited at this year's RMAF (and I expect that since the various partners in this extravaganza are converging from points distant, some of the final decisions will be made only after setting things up in the room and listening), but I have deduced the above from my own observations of the "buzz" surrounding Feastrex . . .
I hope this helps to whet your appetite!
-- Chris
For our feline friends: Moustrex
For our feline friends: introducing . . . Moustrex!
-- Chris
For our feline friends: introducing . . . Moustrex!
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
-- Chris
New prototype Feastrex field coil PSU
This is just a prototype, but apparently it has a VERY SERIOUS R-core transformer in it, in addition to the ever-excellent Degawa rectification modules, etc. And yes, you can definitely hear a difference, according to what I am told.
Here it is beneath the 811A amplifier for comparison:
Don't ask me how, but apparently this trafo is not like other R-core trannies:
I'm told that this maker also has a line of more mundane R-core transformers that cost only 1/5 what this one costs. The folks at Feastrex think the difference in price is well worth it. If you go to RMAF, be sure to let us know what you think. (I'm not sure but they may have their earlier PSU there also, in which case perhaps a direct comparison could be done (?)
-- Chris
This is just a prototype, but apparently it has a VERY SERIOUS R-core transformer in it, in addition to the ever-excellent Degawa rectification modules, etc. And yes, you can definitely hear a difference, according to what I am told.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Here it is beneath the 811A amplifier for comparison:
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Don't ask me how, but apparently this trafo is not like other R-core trannies:
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
I'm told that this maker also has a line of more mundane R-core transformers that cost only 1/5 what this one costs. The folks at Feastrex think the difference in price is well worth it. If you go to RMAF, be sure to let us know what you think. (I'm not sure but they may have their earlier PSU there also, in which case perhaps a direct comparison could be done (?)
-- Chris
The Urushi Universe
Remember the Urushi-finished enclosures shown above, by Mr. Tanaka? Well, here is something quite different:
That is an Urushi-finished saucer, done by the brother of the fellow who made the above enclosures. The things that can be done with Urushi are, frankly, astounding.
-- Chris
Remember the Urushi-finished enclosures shown above, by Mr. Tanaka? Well, here is something quite different:
That is an Urushi-finished saucer, done by the brother of the fellow who made the above enclosures. The things that can be done with Urushi are, frankly, astounding.
-- Chris
Hey Mr. Tally Man, Tally Me Bubinga
These enclosures will not, apparently, be at RMAF, but someone in Japan just came up with some very nice enclosures made of solid Bubinga wood. They are shown next to the original Feastrex 3-port enclosure for comparison:
I'm told that these enclosures have a VERY nice sound indeed . . . the consensus is that the characteristic sound character of the Bubinga wood is coming through very clearly. Sorry, I expect that the details of this enclosure will not be forthcoming, but apparently it is a "double bass reflex" design. That means there is much more going on inside the enclosure than meets the eye.
By the way, I'm told that when this enclosure was brought in for testing, initially the sound was not very good at all. They made some VERY MINOR adjustments on the spot and BINGO! The sound was instantly transformed into something WONDERFUL.
The lesson should be clear (in case it wasn't already): sometimes the apparently smallest changes can make a world of difference. This has to be kept in mind when DIYing enclosures. You build an enclosure design that others raved about, and somehow it doesn't sound nearly as good as expected. Something's not right . . . perhaps it's just a seemingly insignificant difference that accounts for why one enclosure sounds great and another "just like it" doesn't.
Of course, there are also times when seemingly insignificant differences are just that -- insignificant . . .
-- Chris
These enclosures will not, apparently, be at RMAF, but someone in Japan just came up with some very nice enclosures made of solid Bubinga wood. They are shown next to the original Feastrex 3-port enclosure for comparison:
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
I'm told that these enclosures have a VERY nice sound indeed . . . the consensus is that the characteristic sound character of the Bubinga wood is coming through very clearly. Sorry, I expect that the details of this enclosure will not be forthcoming, but apparently it is a "double bass reflex" design. That means there is much more going on inside the enclosure than meets the eye.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
By the way, I'm told that when this enclosure was brought in for testing, initially the sound was not very good at all. They made some VERY MINOR adjustments on the spot and BINGO! The sound was instantly transformed into something WONDERFUL.
The lesson should be clear (in case it wasn't already): sometimes the apparently smallest changes can make a world of difference. This has to be kept in mind when DIYing enclosures. You build an enclosure design that others raved about, and somehow it doesn't sound nearly as good as expected. Something's not right . . . perhaps it's just a seemingly insignificant difference that accounts for why one enclosure sounds great and another "just like it" doesn't.
Of course, there are also times when seemingly insignificant differences are just that -- insignificant . . .
-- Chris
Here they come! RMAF all-Permendur field coil drivers
Here they come! RMAF all-Permendur field coil drivers.
Let's start with the 9-incher . . . this one has a bronze frame that is finished with black Urushi lacquer:
Here both sizes are shown together:
Here is one 5-inch driver from yet another all-Permendur pair . . . this one has a gold-plated bronze frame:
Another view of one of the 9-inch drivers:
Visitors to RMAF can look forward to hearing these AWESOME drivers.
-- Chris
Here they come! RMAF all-Permendur field coil drivers.
Let's start with the 9-incher . . . this one has a bronze frame that is finished with black Urushi lacquer:
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Here both sizes are shown together:
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Here is one 5-inch driver from yet another all-Permendur pair . . . this one has a gold-plated bronze frame:
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Another view of one of the 9-inch drivers:
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Visitors to RMAF can look forward to hearing these AWESOME drivers.
-- Chris
Ah, but what would they sound like with Iron Maiden's Rock in Rio? 😀
Nice. Personally, I'd favour the all-bronze look for the frames, but then, I've always had a thing about bronze (as the scattering of reproduction bronze-age swords in the house that I've made testify to). Lovely material.
Nice. Personally, I'd favour the all-bronze look for the frames, but then, I've always had a thing about bronze (as the scattering of reproduction bronze-age swords in the house that I've made testify to). Lovely material.
Why Feastrex enclosure owners-builders prefer non-flash mounting the driver on the baffle?
Based on fullrange drivers,probabily these can go up to 18-20khz 😎
More of 70% of tweeters measurements indicate some irregularities from upper 2,5khz and these can be up to 3-4db diferences between flush and non flush mounting on the baffle.
What do you think?
Based on fullrange drivers,probabily these can go up to 18-20khz 😎
More of 70% of tweeters measurements indicate some irregularities from upper 2,5khz and these can be up to 3-4db diferences between flush and non flush mounting on the baffle.
What do you think?
Directionality of the HF in FR drivers can often render it less significant an issue. Besides, with respect to FR drivers, there aren't many that can match an adequate tweeter in basic flatness of FR terms, so any potential issues in this respect will likely be swamped. YMMV of course.
Some people do flush-mount the drivers. However, the side of the front flange is not at a 90-degree angle to the baffle; rather, it tilts inward slightly. As a result, if the drivers are flush-mounted there will be a nearly 1mm gap between the driver and the baffle (at the widest point).
Probably the protrusion of the flange from the surface of the baffle does result in some anomalies but in actual use it does not seem to be an issue.
And many people report they like the appearance of the flange protuding from the baffle that way. (Obviously it is entirely a matter of personal taste.) I like the appearance the way it is but I personally would prefer drivers that are suitable for flush mounting. I'm not even sure I would be able to hear a difference between the two, but psychologically I would feel a little better, I guess. Even so, I think I speak for most listeners when I say I'm too busy enjoying the sound to worry about it . . .
-- Chris
Probably the protrusion of the flange from the surface of the baffle does result in some anomalies but in actual use it does not seem to be an issue.
And many people report they like the appearance of the flange protuding from the baffle that way. (Obviously it is entirely a matter of personal taste.) I like the appearance the way it is but I personally would prefer drivers that are suitable for flush mounting. I'm not even sure I would be able to hear a difference between the two, but psychologically I would feel a little better, I guess. Even so, I think I speak for most listeners when I say I'm too busy enjoying the sound to worry about it . . .
-- Chris
Diffraction in a rather ragged bicone response may just seem mixing or swamped and not cause raised eyebrows. Alas, diffraction isn't only irregularities on frequency response. That is its manifestation on the amplitude domain. The root is in the time domain, showing on impulse response tail. Getting the ''full range'' speaker cleaner there, pays tribute to its sole purpose in life as a point source approximation, i.e. time coherence.
As for the super exciting revelatory sonic manifestations and transformations by some new tweaks and changes in amps or field coil psu or wood types etc. better let the dust settle first, and listen again. Because its easy to get happy after feeling used and indifferent to a known -even excellent- sonic signature, by introducing...just coloration.
But I wish its all positive and people at RMAF are going to experience almost live sound.
...And a simple tip for the room acoustics experiments when there. Just get an acoustic guitar or another mobile stringed instrument, stand where about the speakers are possibly going to be, and play in the room. Nobody has to be a guitarist, just strum and pluck the thing. Do your experimental room treatment ideas and speaker positioning along with listening to the guitar, not the Hi-Fi.
Best of luck in the RMAF!
As for the super exciting revelatory sonic manifestations and transformations by some new tweaks and changes in amps or field coil psu or wood types etc. better let the dust settle first, and listen again. Because its easy to get happy after feeling used and indifferent to a known -even excellent- sonic signature, by introducing...just coloration.
But I wish its all positive and people at RMAF are going to experience almost live sound.
...And a simple tip for the room acoustics experiments when there. Just get an acoustic guitar or another mobile stringed instrument, stand where about the speakers are possibly going to be, and play in the room. Nobody has to be a guitarist, just strum and pluck the thing. Do your experimental room treatment ideas and speaker positioning along with listening to the guitar, not the Hi-Fi.
Best of luck in the RMAF!
Mr. Tanaka has received more than 30 nickname offers as listed below. He has not selected one. He will announce his final selection at RMAF 2008 Exhibition and present a Urushi finished wooden bowl to the winner.
TANAKA
Python
Serpent
Boomslang
Zakuro (*)
satori (*)
samuraii (*)
Kiseru (*)
buffalo
Plesiosaurus
Japanosaurus
Kurassic Park
Nessie Japonica
Nessie Tanaca
Nessie by Rice Field
Nessie of Field
Nessie with Field
Nessie Susshie
Tanakasaurus
Tanakanodon
Tanakazilla
Trogdor
Triton
The Grand Encounter
Tuba
Chamber Horns
Silo Horns
Double Deuce
Long Tall J
Wall Clock
Chimney
Skyline
Bunpei
TANAKA
Python
Serpent
Boomslang
Zakuro (*)
satori (*)
samuraii (*)
Kiseru (*)
buffalo
Plesiosaurus
Japanosaurus
Kurassic Park
Nessie Japonica
Nessie Tanaca
Nessie by Rice Field
Nessie of Field
Nessie with Field
Nessie Susshie
Tanakasaurus
Tanakanodon
Tanakazilla
Trogdor
Triton
The Grand Encounter
Tuba
Chamber Horns
Silo Horns
Double Deuce
Long Tall J
Wall Clock
Chimney
Skyline
Bunpei
cdwitmer said:
Chris
What sort of price are the NF5ex going to be?
Scott,
I'm with you on the bronze surrounds, gorgeous.
Cheers
Ian
Re: Here they come! RMAF all-Permendur field coil drivers
I was so impressed again by their excellent resolutions and representations in treble parts attributed to Fe-Co-V alloy material used in a magnetic circuit.
We recognize that a voltage applied to a field coil can influence sound characteristic of the system. In other words, we can control a sound feature of our speaker by adjusting the voltage parameter.
I am not sure those who are interested in Feastrex drivers use a D-class amplifier. However, I can say at least, Feastrex drivers play well with both an orthodox vacuum tube amp and a modern D-class amp correctly expressing the different nature of each apmplifier.
Bunpei
I could listen to the two types this afternoon. Both were surely well-finished. I think people at RMAF can expect good performances definitely.cdwitmer said:
I was so impressed again by their excellent resolutions and representations in treble parts attributed to Fe-Co-V alloy material used in a magnetic circuit.
We recognize that a voltage applied to a field coil can influence sound characteristic of the system. In other words, we can control a sound feature of our speaker by adjusting the voltage parameter.
I am not sure those who are interested in Feastrex drivers use a D-class amplifier. However, I can say at least, Feastrex drivers play well with both an orthodox vacuum tube amp and a modern D-class amp correctly expressing the different nature of each apmplifier.
Bunpei
Studley said:
Ian,
I don't know what the NF5ex runs, but I'm pretty sure the representative for the U.K. has (had?) a pair:
http://www.selectaudio.co.uk/00000098520d9fd4b/index.html
They could give you pricing information, I'm sure.
-- Chris
!2WPC push-pull amp prototypes for RMAF
Sorry for the lousy pic -- here are the 12W per channel push-pull amplifier monobloc prototypes that will be demonstrated at RMAF along with the 15W per channel 811A SE stereo amplifier prototype that I posted previously. Mr. Teramoto is busy packing stuff up for RMAF but he finally gave in to my pestering and snapped a quick photo. As you can see from the caption in the pic, there not much to see in the way of tubes here but the iron is especially nice, and the other components are also all excellent. The sound, I am told, and as you can probably well imagine, is quite a bit different from the 811A SE, but both are extremely good and it will be a lot of fun to compare and contrast them. I think they will probably be used in different rooms next to each other; if that's the case then A-B switching back and forth will not be possible, but anyway.
-- Chris
Sorry for the lousy pic -- here are the 12W per channel push-pull amplifier monobloc prototypes that will be demonstrated at RMAF along with the 15W per channel 811A SE stereo amplifier prototype that I posted previously. Mr. Teramoto is busy packing stuff up for RMAF but he finally gave in to my pestering and snapped a quick photo. As you can see from the caption in the pic, there not much to see in the way of tubes here but the iron is especially nice, and the other components are also all excellent. The sound, I am told, and as you can probably well imagine, is quite a bit different from the 811A SE, but both are extremely good and it will be a lot of fun to compare and contrast them. I think they will probably be used in different rooms next to each other; if that's the case then A-B switching back and forth will not be possible, but anyway.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
-- Chris
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