There are indeed quite a few more. Harbeth, however, are unique in that with a government research grant they developed a special polymer (which they call Radial) that was optimed for this application. Others mostly used ordinary polypropylene. There is quite a bit of documentation about this on the Harbeth website.
Harbeth blog
Alan Shaw, the designer and owner of Harbeth, the high end speaker manufacturer, has started a new blog on the Harbeth User Group: http://www.harbeth.co.uk/usergroup/forum/designer-s-blog/75232-ahoy-from-the-engine-room
He discusses audio and particularly speaker design, but also the science of hearing and the methodology for testing and listening to gear. Anyone who is interested in the scientific approach to audio engineering (and sensible purchasing decisions) will enjoy his writings. Subjectivists may be annoyed, and so will be the snake oil sellers.
He discusses audio and particularly speaker design, but also the science of hearing and the methodology for testing and listening to gear. Anyone who is interested in the scientific approach to audio engineering (and sensible purchasing decisions) will enjoy his writings. Subjectivists may be annoyed, and so will be the snake oil sellers.
- ...
- 12 posts total
@shadorne I suppose it really depends on what one considers "intrinsically damped." One could argue that only plastics fall into that category, but a case can be made for some alloys and composites as well. The issue I have with Harbeth is they dominate the BBC market on somewhat false pretenses, as though they're the only ones who know how to make a stiff plastic driver or lossy cabinet. Don't get me wrong. I think they're good speakers and I'd recommend an audition to anyone shopping for a BBC inspired monitor. However, the others I listed are equally competitive and worthy of a listen. Unfortunately for them, they lack the marketing skills of AS. |
Sorry, that is what I thought. Anyway, the Harbeth material is a proprietary compound to have just the right mix of properties. See here for some of their explanation: http://www.harbeth.co.uk/usergroup/forum/the-science-of-audio/213-harbeth-radial-v-other-cone-materi... |
Here is a close up of Radial mid cone http://www.harbeth.co.uk/usergroup/forum/the-science-of-audio/1119-fast-and-slow-speakers-should-fas... Here is is a close up of ATC mid dome http://www.stereomojo.com/ATC%20SCM50ASLT%20SPEAKER%20REVIEW/images/ATC-Soft-Mid.jpg Harbeth is injection molded (entirely plastic). ATC apply the “dope material” to a woven fabric. Both have a similar look and feel. Both are hydrocarbon based plastics. Both are softer than polypropylene and cannot be used for large cones (not stiff enough). Specifically designed material just for the mid range. What ATC use is even softer (tacky to touch) but the fabric and dome shape provides the necessary rigidity. I am not aware of any others using this type of material but after so many years of use I can only assume the cat is long out of the bag and others do use it. |
- 12 posts total