audible science
audible science
COBRA’S DESIGN HISTORY
The technology used to design the Cobra arm
is more in the domain of advanced military,
aeronautical and automotive environments but is critical to
breaking the “sound barrier” in LP performance.
Many years ago a team of designers and engineers under
the leadership of a talented Australian designer Ben Lexcen
revolutionized the America’s Cup yachting challenge by
developing a “winged keel” using advanced software design
tools. This revolutionary “shape optimised” keel allowed
superior performance to be extracted from the associated
hull technology. At the time it “broke all the rules” and
proved itself in the field of ocean racing.
In similar fashion the Cobra arm presents a revolutionary
breakthrough in arm design for another pursuit of ultimate
performance – the quest for perfect sound. The challenges
are no less daunting as the combinations and permutations
are nearly endless.
What the engineers at Continuum Audio Labs did was to
throw out the “rulebook” and question the accepted wisdom
of prior tonearm designs and choices of materials.
COBRA’S
DESIGN
HISTORY
Dr. Neil McLachlan
- Professor at RMIT University’s
School of Architecture & Design.
Neil worked closely with Mark on the reshaping and
acoustic modelling and design, and developed new and
innovative solutions to the some very old problems
associated with analogue sound reproduction.
Wally Malewicz
- Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical),
Senior Engineering Consultant.
Wally is well known for his dedication to developing
tonearm geometry. His “Wally Phono Tools” are used
worldwide by discerning audiophiles. Wally worked
closely with Mark Doehmann developing the anti-skate
mechanism and alignment geometry for the tonearm.
Michail Barabasz
- Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)
Michail develop the unique “heart-shaped” counterweight
system for the Cobra.
Warwick Freemantle
- Bachelor of Arts (Economics),
Quality Assurance & Production Process Management.
Warwick designed the wiring system for the Cobra using
a unique bend of natural and high tech materials.
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