audible science
audible science
So began the first step in the long and challenging
process of developing the Caliburn.
Mark’s ultimate aim when imagining the perfect platter
was to create a silent foundation for the record to sit, to
allow the stylus to extract the maximum information from
the record’s groove.
Mark realized to create his vision would require some
very sophisticated engineering. With his background in
aeronautical engineering, Mark called upon the expertise
of some of his colleagues from this field.
A unique alloy formula to address the stiffness and
damping of the platter was developed with the help of
materials engineer John Vietz. Using the most advanced
shape optimization computer technology
Dr. Neil McLachlan developed the optimum shape for the
first prototype of the Caliburn to reduce vibration to an
absolute minimum.
After months of complex computer modelling, Mark
returned to David Payes with the Caliburn’s nested platter
design and rather nervously replaced the existing platter
and sat back with David to listen to the results.
CALIBURN’S DESIGN HISTORY
It was obvious to both of them that there
was a marked improvement in the sound
they were hearing. The nested platter design matched
the predicted computer modelling results, and was
delivering real-world results.
David then asked, if this was possible with a re-design
of the platter alone, what could be achieved if this
same rigorous design process was applied to all the
components of a turntable?
This same process of development was now applied to
every aspect of a turntable. The chassis, the bearing,
the motor were all designed with a back-to-the-drawing-
board approach.
The tonearm - the Cobra came out of left field, the
shape optimization software developing a shape and
choice of material, that at the time, was to say the least,
surprising, but when looked at now it seems oh so logical.
The Cobra delivers what tonearm technology has been
trying to achieve for years - significantly more damping
and stiffness with reduced mass and weight.
CALIBURN’S
DESIGN
HISTORY
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