Sympathetic panel resonance is a rarely utilized technique that I hope will further improve the omni-directionality of the speakers I’m designing. And the sound of wood, too!
Getting a whole cabinet+drivers closer to working “as a unit” without too much added or unwanted resonances is certainly a challenging task I’ve chosen.
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Great amps and pre amps, very under rated I think…I assume you are driving them with a PS Audio DAC! What are you using as a streamer?
I use a few source components of both analogue and digital. Yes, one component is the DS-2 DAC, but I do not use a streamer. I play CDs and SACDs…
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Just my .02 worth—have owned the Ohm F5’s for a few years now. Have gone through the usual audiophile journey of installing fuses, power cables, Dragon HDMI , “everything matters “ mantra applies here—but these F5’s are really singing now. Awesome soundstage depth/width and the 14 in subwoofer with the 500 W ICE class D amp adds some serious gravitas and PRAT. Ohm doesn’t get much attention due lack of effort on their part—little to no presence at the big Hifi shows—little to no exposure in the media/print world either—but I’ll submit that the F5’s would stack up favorably to any omni’s on the market…
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The only thing Ohms would really need is perhaps higher quality crossover components.
You can actually ask them to use whatever components and wiring you wish. I asked and they had no objections, just a warning that it might sound different.
I would consider omnidirectional to include MBLs and oldies like the Ohm Acoustics F. I wouldn’t equate omnidirectional with “lots of directions” like the Bose 901. Omni ≠ Lots
Getting there with a patent on the way!
Sympathetic resonance is something sought from thin spruce, these are prototypes so had to do with ply. If it works as intended, will have to do solid hand-selected spruce, a tonewood it’d be essentially.
One speaker manufacturer I was speaking with said “a speaker isn’t an instrument!” but I have to disagree, they share the essential quality of projecting sound into a space to be enjoyed. No problem with having the speaker loan qualities from actual instruments, to perhaps play back those instruments more naturally due to structural resemblance of the resonating areas.
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The shape reminds me a little of dodecahedron shaped speakers I heard about 50 years ago in Harry Maynard’s mansion in Connecticut. (I took a suburban train 45 min. from Grand Central. Harry: “When you get off, just tell any taxi driver to take you to Smoke Mountain, about a 10-minute drive.” “What’s the house number?” I asked. “There is none; my address is Smoke Mountain, Ct. It’s the only one at the top. All the taxi drivers know.” That night I slept in a turret.)
The dodecahedrons were like large, multi-sided wooden spheres with 3" or 5" drivers in every surface. Beautifully put together and finished. They could be supported by a single round support to the floor or hung from the ceiling. Really sounded “unbounded” in his lounge. Subs required, but exceptional airy mids and highs. Like listening to live orchestra. The soundboards of violins and piano were wonderous. Memories of that aural experience may be why I like Magneplanars.
If I didn’t own Magneplanars I’d probably own Ohms. Heard them again recently in a friend’s home. As I moved around his L-shaped living / dining room the center image stayed rock solid and alive. Like listening to music in 3 dimensions, as I moved around the musicians.
Arenith, I look forward to hearing how your speaker sounds when complete. I am intrigued by your focus on the wood and shape as an instrumental sounding board. Keep us updated.