4
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T Series Technologies Explained
• Cut-away CAD rendering of the new T-Series midrange driver.
• Prototype parts show the twin layered structure.
• Comparison of new T-Series driver (left) with a conventional driver of the same cone
diameter (right).
The new T Series is aimed at delivering true hi-fi performance in
ultra-shallow speaker enclosures to meet the demand for speaker
systems to physically match the new generation of OLED and
LED TVs.
PART 1 - T SERIES COMPONENTS
ULTRA SLIM BASS DRIVER
At the heart of the T101 and T301 satellites is the new Twin Layered MF
Driver. This revolutionary low profile drive unit is incredibly slim (only
27mm deep). However, it delivers the performance of a drive unit several
times its depth.
Twin Layered Radiating Diaphragm
The T-Series uses a Twin Layered MF Driver (patent pending). This is
comprised of a moulded radiating diaphragm with integral stiffening ribs
running radially and circumferentially. A thin layer of high modulus
material on the rear of the ribs provides additional stiffness. This structure
ensures the diaphragm moves pistonically within its working frequency
band, whilst occupying a depth of only 5mm. This technology has been
developed and optimised using finite element analysis.
Z-Flex Surround
The T-Series Midrange Driver features a Z-Flex Surround. This
• The T101 is the smallest satellite in the T-series range housing a 25mm (1 inch) tweeter and
a 120mm (4 inch) midrange driver
• The T301 is the largest satellite in the T-series range housing a 25mm (1 inch) tweeter
between two 120mm (4 inch) midrange drivers
revolutionary new design minimises mass-loading on the edge of the
diaphragm helping maintain pistonic motion up to a high frequency. Its
carefully designed undulations and supporting block prevent resonances
whilst allowing simple motion such as the diaphragm moving forwards
and backwards. The relatively flat and smooth form surface of the Z-Flex
Surround minimises colouration to sound from the Tweeter. Finite
element analysis was used heavily in the development of this new
surround.
Concentric Suspension
Conventional midrange drivers have a cone, voice coil in a magnetic gap,
and a suspension attached between them around the voice coil former.
There must be enough space around the suspension to prevent it
colliding with the other parts as the driver moves backwards and
forwards. This sequential arrangement of the three parts plus clearances
restricts the minimum depth of the driver. For many loudspeakers this is
unimportant, but the T-Series Slim System Design demands a slimmer
driver.
The T-Series Midrange Driver suspension has been designed for low build
height. Its inner edge has a larger diameter than the former, so it sits
concentrically around the voice coil. The main ‘rolls’ of the suspension are
aligned with its outer mounting position on the driver chassis. The inner
edge protrudes up to attach to moulded tabs on the rear of the
diaphragm ribs. This protrusion is sometimes known as a ‘cup’, in a such a
suspension the ‘cup’ allows for the difference in height of the mounting
positions and prevents the suspension hitting the rear of the diaphragm.
The cup is reinforced with a metal loop (patent pending). This prevents
excessive bending as the diaphragm moves backwards which keeps the
suspension stiffness symmetrical and high enough to limit motion. This
minimises distortion and increases the power handling of the midrange
drive unit.
