A new studio monitor quality large
dome mid-range drive unit is used
over the crucial midband frequencies,
700 Hz – 4 kHz. A key feature of this
driver is exceptionally low distortion
over its entire working range –
typically less than 1% at a Sound
Pressure Level of 100 db at 1 metre.
The driver is mounted in a custom
matched fascia plate which provides
partial horn loading,
giving a broad angle
of dispersion at its
upper crossover
point. The fascia
plate is die
cast aluminium,
designed to place
the units as close as
possible for optimum
integration and to create a point
source effect.
The dome is driven by a large 75 mm
voice coil based on a hard aluminium
former to provide maximum rigidity
and to maintain a cool coil operating
temperature by maximising thermal
radiation. The diaphragm supporting
ring is die cast aluminium to maintain
perfect concentricity of the moving
parts during assembly. The dome
is pressure equalised by a closely
coupled underside perforated dome
baffle and a rear chamber within an
extended die cast aluminium finned
rear cover which serves as a heat sink
and breaks up internal resonances. A
powerful high flux shielded magnet
provides ample reserves of motor
force to the dome.
The
highest
frequencies are
handled by a
soft dome driver.
Extensive
research
at
Wharfedale
has
established that properly
engineered soft domes are
a better choice than metallic
based domes, which add their
own typical character to the treble
response. The new Opus² tweeter
has been re-engineered with a fine
gauge aluminium coil to reduce the
moving mass and extend response to
beyond 45 kHz -far above audible
frequencies.
Careful attention to detail has resulted
in wide dispersion with very low
distortion again typically below 1%
at an SPL of 100 db at 1 metre. The
unit uses a fully shielded high flux
neodymium magnet, and produces a
typical SPL of 93 dB at 1 metre at an
input of one Watt. Die cast aluminium
structural parts are used throughout
and a rear cover isolates the tweeter
dome from the pressure of other
speaker components.
I N T E G R AT E D D R I V E R D E S I G N
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